Girls Rock Denver 2018
From Carrie McCloud: I got to spend the day with some fierce feminists… both men and women. My youngest was in Girls Rock Band camp this week and they did their performances at The Oriental [July 14th], which was packed with parents and many local musicians supporting these empowered girls. Almost every band wrote songs with themes of girl empowerment. The girls are ages 8 to 18. This is a group run entirely by volunteers. Entirely, and it’s growing stronger every year. Do you know how amazing it was to see dads and male musicians wearing “Smash the Patriarchy” t-shirts??? Incredible! Such a fantastic day!!!
Here you go:
https://www.facebook.com/GirlsRockDenver/
Kinzie’s band this year was called The Belladonnas. I think I’m going to find volunteer opportunities with them because they run various workshops for girls year round.
Girls Rock Denver empowers girls and gender-expansive youth through music education, creation, performance and community, working to put instruments in their hands to unveil what they already possess in their feet, fingertips, vocal cords, hearts and minds.
GIRLS SHOULD BE SEEN & HEARD
We empower girls and gender expansive youth through music education, creation, performance and community, working to put instruments in their hands to unveil what they already possess in their feet, fingertips, vocal cords, hearts and minds.
We believe…
● Girls* should be seen and heard.
● Potential is not dictated by gender.
● In providing girls* with a nonjudgmental space where they can be themselves.
● In a girl’s right to confidence, self-reliance, and courage.
● Girls* should be encouraged to express themselves with creativity and enthusiasm.
● In the power of women and girls* learning from each other.
that “rock” is a verb rather than a genre and we support all types of musical interests.
*Girl is a complicated term and can mean many things. “Girl” doesn’t automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum and that is welcome within our organization. We acknowledge that we do not live in a post-gender world, and maintain the value in creating safe spaces of expression and growth for girls, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals.
HERStory
8irls Rock Denver formed in 2007 and held our first summer camp in 2008 with 25 rockers and a handful of dedicated volunteers. We’ve grown each year and in the summer of 2018, were able to support 78 rockers with the help of over 100 volunteers.
We are completely funded by our community, and as a donations-based organization, hold many fundraiser events and work with various community partners to support our organization. As a 100% volunteer-operated project, we are always looking for dedicated supporters to help us sustain and grow our efforts.
Diversity and Inclusion
Girls Rock Denver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion and/or ethic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or gender identity or expression, nor in the administration of any of our educational programs, admissions policies, scholarships, or other Camp-related policies and programs, including volunteer policies and activities.
Girls Rock Denver welcomes campers who self-identify as female, trans, and gender non-conforming. Girls Rock Denver also welcomes individuals who self-identify as female, trans, and gender non-conforming to apply for leadership volunteer positions at camp. Non-leadership volunteer roles are open to individuals who self-identify as female, male, trans, and gender nonconforming. For more information, see the job descriptions for volunteer positions.
A special note to male allies: Girls Rock Denver is primarily led by and for women and girls. We also value diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity towards all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The organization welcomes the support of male-identified allies, and expects male-identified allies who would like to volunteer to respect the importance of leadership by women.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to come to Girls Rock Denver camp?
We accept campers ages 8-17. We offer an intern program for 14+ for those who have attended our camp in the past to transition from camper to volunteer. Our volunteers are 18+.
Is Girls Rock Denver affiliated with School of Rock?
No, Girls Rock Denver is not affiliated with School of Rock. Unlike School of Rock, our organization is a nonprofit; tuition is a sliding scale based on your financial needs; our summer rock camp is one week out of the year; we primary serve girls, trans, and gender nonconforming youth; our curriculum is not based on technique — we believe there is no one right way to play an instrument and we encourage experimentation; our campers write and perform an original song with their band (no cover song performances here) — special attention is given to the collaborative band songwriting process; and we provide educational workshops that may incorporate elements of social justice and activism, performance, self-care, science and tech, music gear, self-expression, etc.. Girls Rock Denver uses music as a vehicle to promote a feminist/riot grrrl/DIY ethos. Learn more about our world-wide affiliation with the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.
What is your tuition?
Tuition is based on your needs and what we can realistically afford to cover based on our fundraising outcomes. 2016-2018 camper tuition was $315 per rocker, but applicants paid what they could. We were able to award full-ride and partial “camperships” to help anyone requesting financial assistance. Acceptance to our camp is not tied your financial situation. We are 100% donations funded through our community, so our campership budget varies. In 2018 44% of our campers requested financial aid, and we were able to fulfill 100% of those requests thanks to community and individual donors and sponsors.
How are applicants accepted to your program?
Our application window is open for a limited time (January through February). We wait until all applications are submitted, then they are reviewed. Campers are admitted based on limited positions for each age group and instrument track through a lottery. We do occasionally end up with a wait list, so application does not ensure automatic acceptance. Campers are notified of their acceptance status in Mid-March.
Do you separate campers by age?
Yes and no! We have several opportunities throughout the day where all our campers are engaged in all-ages activities (workshops, instrument instruction), but form band with peers in their age groups — 8-10 (stix group), 11-12 (pix group), and 13-17 (mix group). Some workshops are also only available to particular age groups based on the appropriateness of the content.
When is camp?
Camp is typically held the week after Independence day, Monday through Saturday.
Where are you located?
We often hold camp at a Denver-area school. 2018’s camp was at Ricardo Flores Magnon Academy on 53rd and Lowell in Denver. The Camper showcase has been held at the Oriental Theater at 40th and Tennyson in Denver. Camp coordination and leadership does not operate in a physical office space. You can always contact us at girlsrockdenver@gmail.com.