Form a band. Write an original song. Rock out together.

Girls Rock! DC’s Summer Camp is a week-long in-person music education program for young folks ages 8 to 18 in the DC area.

A SUMMER OF FUN

Girls Rock! DC’s Summer Camp is a week-long music camp for DC young folks. Campers learn to play an instrument, form a band, write an original song, and perform it at a big, live concert!

Summer Camp is open to all young folks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ages 8-18. We center girls, non-binary, and gender expansive youth, especially Black and brown young people in DC.

Applications for Summer Camp 2023 will open in the Spring. Have questions? Email us at info@girlsrockdc.org.

WATCH OUR ROCK STARS IN ACTION

Check out the SEVENTEEN new bands perform their original music at our 2022 Summer Camp Showcases:

WHAT HAPPENS AT CAMP?

At camp you’ll receive an electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drum kit, or microphone to learn and practice. Monday through Friday, you’ll join us in-person from 9am to 4pm for fun activities:

  • Morning Assembly: Assembly brings all campers together to get psyched for the day! 
  • Morning Workshop: Morning workshops focus on music and movement to get our creativity flowing!
  • Instrument Lesson: Campers receive tailored small group instruction from a local DC musician on electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, vocals, or drums. Instrument lessons focus on building technical skills, confidence, and music appreciation.
  • Lunchtime Concert: Private concerts give campers a unique performance and allow them to chat one-on-one with musicians about their art. 
  • Band Practice: Campers meet with four of their peers to form a band and write original music together, supported by their personal Band Coach. Band practices emphasize collaboration, leadership, and creative expression.
  • Afternoon Workshop: Afternoon workshops focus on connecting our music to issues of justice and community.
  • Afternoon Assembly: At the end of the day, we check in on what we’ve learned and celebrate our achievements!

Then, on Saturday, we have our big show! We livestream all of the bands’ original songs at a DC concert venue for family, friends, and music lovers everywhere. Ask anyone who has witnessed this event and they will tell you they’ve never been the same since.

Campers leave with more confidence:

100% of 2022 Summer Campers would recommend camp to their friends. More than 90% said they learned something new and are stronger musicians and more confident performers after camp!

Camp makes an impact:

From a 2022 Summer Camper’s guardian: “[Camper] had such a wonderful time last week at Girls Rock DC! camp. She learned so much from the counselors and campers. I love how this program allowed her to be herself and creative. [Everyone] did such a phenomenal job!”

ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

When is camp?

Summer Camp 2023 dates will be announced in the Spring.

Where is Summer Camp?

Summer Camp 2023 details will be announced in the Spring.

How physically accessible is the space?

Summer Camp 2023 details will be announced in the Spring.

Who can attend Summer Camp?

Summer Camp is open to all young folks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ages 8-18. We center girls, non-binary, and gender expansive youth, especially Black and brown young people in DC.

How much does Summer Camp cost?

Summer Camp tuition is $0-540 per session, available on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale.

What is the registration process?

Applications are now closed. Have questions? Email us at info@girlsrockdc.org.

What is the Showcase?

The Showcase is the culmination of camp, where campers perform their original songs on stage at a real live concert. Friends and family are encouraged to attend and cheer on their campers. All the proceeds from this event go to supporting Girls Rock! DC’s youth programs, so we can encourage the next generation of rock stars.

I‘m concerned about my camper’s age, will they have fun at camp?

We’ve designed our Summer Camp program to be easy to navigate and engage in for even young campers. 

Camp activities are tailored to our three camper age groups: Verse (8-10 years), Bridge (11-12 years), and Chorus (13-18 years). Camper bands are divided by these three groups, so that campers receive the support and guidance they need.

Is Girls Rock! DC Summer Camp just for girls?

Nope! Summer Camp is open to all young folks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ages 8-18. We center girls, non-binary, and gender expansive youth, especially Black and brown young people in DC. This means that our programming is explicitly feminist and anti-racist and we focus on uplifting Black and brown young folks and people of non-dominant genders.

Will campers learn how to play an instrument?

Yes! Girls Rock! DC will provide campers with an electric guitar, electric bass, keyboard, drum practice kit, or microphone to use during camp. 

Each day of camp, campers receive tailored small group instruction from a local DC musician. Instrument lessons focus on building technical skills, confidence, and music appreciation.

Do campers only learn about rock music?

We are called “rock camp”, but we welcome campers interested in all musical genres! Campers are encouraged to explore different styles and genres and express themselves through music.

Do campers need to have musical experience?

Nope! We welcome campers of all experience levels, from “not musically inclined” to “sings in the shower” to “plays in the school band” to “composes original rock operas”. The only requirement is a love of music!

Will there be food at Summer Camp?

Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided to campers each day. Campers are expected to bring their own bagged lunch each day. We’re happy to connect camper families with free and low-cost produce and meal services if the cost of providing lunches is a barrier.

What language is Summer Camp held in?

Camp will be held in English. If you would like to request support such as a live translator, please contact us at info@girlsrockdc.org by April 30, 2022.

How do I get to Summer Camp?

Campers are expected to provide their own transportation to and from Summer Camp. You’ll receive public transportation information in your welcome packet. If the cost of transportation is a barrier, we’re happy to connect camper families with free and low-cost resources.

Is Summer Camp COVID-compliant?

Yes! We’re taking every precaution to make this a safe and healthy camp. The following protocols must be followed by all participants and volunteers. Anyone found not following these rules may be removed from the program.

  • All adult volunteers must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before Summer Camp begins. All youth participants over 12 are strongly recommended to be vaccinated, but are not required. 
  • All participants and volunteers will wear masks at all times while indoors, except when they are actively eating or drinking, or if they are a vocalist who is performing.
  • Rooms are sanitized and cleaned by the venue before and after each session. Campers are responsible for keeping their own equipment and selves safe and clean.
  • If you feel sick, do not come. If you have new symptoms that aren’t related to an existing medical condition (including any of the following: fever over 100.4, intense shivering or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, muscle or body aches, unusual headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea), email us at info@girlsrockdc.org to let us know that you will be absent and do not come to the session. 

These guidelines are subject to change. Girls Rock! DC takes into consideration prevailing District and Federal public health guidance.

What happens to Summer Camp if COVID gets worse in DC?

Your safety is our top concern, and Summer Camp will be canceled if any of the following occur:

  • The District of Columbia institutes new quarantine or stay at home orders;
  • District of Columbia Public School close and cease in-person learning; 
  • The host site further restricts the number of people per room or closes entirely; or
  • Other federal or local guidance is issued that restricts in-person indoor activities. 

In the event that Summer Camp is canceled, we will let you know what happens next. We will attempt, but cannot guarantee, a shift to online instruction and activities.

If Summer Camp is canceled before your session begins, you will be issued a full refund. If Summer Camp is canceled after the session begins, no refunds will be issued.

How can adults get involved?

Volunteer! Summer Camp is driven by local instructors, musicians, and other rad folks. Visit girlsrockdc.org/volunteer to learn about the available volunteer roles!

I have another question!

Email us at info@girlsrockdc.org and we’ll be happy to find you an answer!

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Girls Rock! DC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, body type, physical ability, gender expression, or other individual identities in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, scholarships, and other Camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer policies and activities. All Camp activities will promote and maintain the personal and emotional safety of all campers and staff. We do not tolerate racism, homophobia, sexism, or other discriminatory behavior or expression.