Create original music. Rock out together.

Girls Rock! DC’s Summer programs provide fun, exciting music experiences for youth ages 8-16 in the DC area.

A SUMMER OF FUN

Girls Rock! DC is hosting an eight-week songwriting workshop series plus other fun activities this Summer!

First off, the bad news: Why no full summer camp this year?

We contacted nearly 200 schools and community sites but were unable to find a partner venue that could host our full summer camp program. We’re deeply sad that we can’t hold a week-long summer camp this year, and we’ve created some fun, new alternate programming (including eight weeks of FREE songwriting workshops) that will still provide young folks with enriching, fun experiences this summer.

Summer Songwriting Workshops @ DCPL

Mondays 5:30-7pm from June 26-August 14

Girls Rock! DC is hosting eight weeks of FREE songwriting workshops at the Mt Pleasant Library, Mondays 5:30-7pm from June 26-August 14. Young folks ages 8-16 will be able to tap into their creativity, explore music, and have fun together every Monday night this summer! Each workshop will have a different theme and activities, all focused around learning to create original music. 

Summer Songwriting Workshops are FREE! Drop in on one workshop or join us all Summer! Register here!

When are the Songwriting Workshops?

Songwriting Workshops are Mondays 5:30-7pm from June 26-August 14. Participants can drop in on one workshop or join us all Summer!

Where are the Songwriting Workshops? How physically accessible is the space?

The Songwriting Workshops are held at the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th St NW) in Mount Pleasant, accessible by car, bus, and the Columbia Heights metro. The building is ADA accessible and has ramps and elevators. All programming is on the first floor. 

Participants are expected to provide their own transportation to and from workshops.

Who can attend the Songwriting Workshops?

Girls Rock! DC programs are open to all young folks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ages 8-16. We center girls, non-binary, and gender expansive youth, especially Black and brown young people in DC.

How much do the Songwriting Workshops cost?

Songwriting Workshops are FREE!

ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR OTHER QUESTIONS

Is Girls Rock! DC just for girls?

Nope! Girls Rock! DC programs are open to all young folks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia ages 8-16. 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.

Do participants only learn about rock music?

‘Rock’ may be in our name, but we welcome participants interested in all musical genres! Girls Rock! DC participants are encouraged to explore different styles and genres and express themselves through music.

Do participants 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!

What language are programs held in?

Girls Rock! DC programs are held in English. If you would like to request support such as a live Spanish or ASL translator, please contact us at info@girlsrockdc.org by June 30, 2023.

Are Girls Rock! DC programs COVID-compliant?

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

  • All participants and counselors must be fully vaccinated before a program begins.
  • Masks are optional at programs, and we will foster an environment where all participants and counselors, whether they choose to wear a mask or not, feel respected.
  • 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 can 17-, 18- and 19-year-olds do with Girls Rock! DC this summer?

17-19 year olds have a special role at Girls Rock! DC: Youth Leaders! Our Youth Leaders assist with summer and year-round programming, setting themes, choosing priorities, and receiving intentional mentorship and support to build their teaching, leadership, and youth development skills.

How can adults get involved?

Volunteer! Our programs are driven by local instructors, musicians, and other rad folks. Adults 20 and older can be volunteers. 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!

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!”

WATCH OUR ROCK STARS IN ACTION

Check out the SEVENTEEN bands from our 2022 Summer Camps perform their original music live on stage:

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.