CAMP 2023
We are currently planning the 2023 Girls Rock! Pittsburgh Summer Camp!
Our 2023 camp will be held Monday, July 23rd through Friday, July 28th with the final showcase on the afternoon of Saturday, July 29th. Participation is open to self-identified girls and nonbinary youth aged ten through eighteen (5th through 12th grade). No musical experience necessary!
Camp week will run Monday through Friday (9 AM - 3 PM daily, with drop-off beginning at 8:45 AM and pick-up ending at 3:30 PM) at The Neighborhood Academy (709 North Aiken Ave, 15206).
The camper application will be available on March 8, 2023 (International Women's Day!)
Our gear rental program is still available this summer -- you can e-mail gear@girlsrockpittsburgh.org for more information about that!
THE BEST WEEK EVER
Girls Rock! Pittsburgh is open to self-identified girls ages 10-18 (5th-12th grade). No musical experience is necessary!
Over the course of one week, campers learn an instrument, form a band, write an original song, attend skill- and confidence-building workshops, and perform before a live audience of friends, families, and fans! Each camper receives a camp t-shirt, totebag, name badge, and earplugs.
BAND PRACTICE
Each morning campers attend band practice where they work together to collaboratively write an original song, write original lyrics, pick a band name, design a band logo, and screen-print band merchandise.
Each band works with a mentor (their “band manager”) who provides guidance, encouragement, and technical support throughout the songwriting process.
WORKSHOPS
Campers attend two workshops each day that are geared toward self-expression and confidence building while challenging gender stereotypes and addressing discrimination.
Previous workshops have included songwriting, creative movement, ‘zine making, screen-printing, healthy relationships, self-defense,
film-making and story-telling, beat-making, meditation, image and identity, women in music, and more!
RECORDING
On Friday, each band records their original song in our Girls Rock! Pittsburgh pop-up studio!
The mastered songs are made publicly available on our bandcamp site and each camper receives a CD with all of that year’s camp band songs. An album release party is held in the fall!
LUNCHTIME PERFORMANCES
Each day during lunch, a band, solo artist, or spoken word artist performs for the campers and answers any questions that the campers may have. This year's lunchtime performances will take place virtually.
Previous lunchtime performers have included Derider (pictured), DREAMPHONE, Moor Mother Goddess, Muggle Snuggle, Mani Pedi, The Lopez, Joy KMT, Fern Mayo, Jenn Gooch, Reign Check, late., Brazilian Wax, Blak Rapp Madusa, Swampwalk, Slowdanger, Tilley Hawk, and more!
ASSEMBLIES
Whole camp assemblies are held each morning and afternoon that include ice-breaking and team-building activities, sessions on gear care and recording info, and a showcase rehearsal!
Assemblies will take place this year both virtually and in person.
SHOWCASE CONCERT
This year in response to COVID-19 our showcase will look different. Please check back with us for more information later.
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Each fall, after the songs recorded at camp are mastered and the CDs are pressed, we hold an album release party to celebrate! Each camper received a free CD and CDs are mailed to those unable to attend. The songs are also made available for purchase on our bandcamp site.
Past album release parties have been held at Romp’N'Roll with rollerskating, and the Ace Hotel with face painting and karaoke!
APPLICATION
Our online camper application will be available on March 8th!
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis and completing an application does not guarantee your child’s acceptance. Once camp is full, we will begin placing applicants on a wait list.
Please make sure that emails from @girlsrockpittsburgh.org addresses are not getting stuck in your spam folder!
FINANCIAL AID
Summer camp tuition is $350, but we do offer need-based sliding scale tuition in order to make camp accessible to all regardless of their families’ financial situation.
No one is turned away for lack of funds.
To apply for sliding-scale financial aid, please indicate a need on your child’s camp application. This process is honor-based and confidential. Please consider your family income, resources, and dependents in the household when determining your financial aid request amount.
THE REST OF THE YEAR
In addition to our annual summer camp, Girls Rock! Pittsburgh hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These could be a special one-time workshop in partnership with local organizations, or longer-term ongoing classes. Check our Facebook and Instagram to see what we're up to!
RADIO PERFORMANCES
From time to time, we are invited to have camp bands perform at community events or on local radio stations. You may be contacted by Girls Rock! Pittsburgh volunteers throughout the year asking if your child is available to participate in these extra opportunities, so please let us know if your contact information changes even after camp ends!
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Previous post-camp additional opportunities have including performing at the VIA Music Festival, being interviewed on the Saturday Morning Light Brigade, performing live on-air on WRCT In-Studio Creatures, and more!
OPEN MICS
Girls Rock! Pittsburgh occasionally hosts open mics for girls and non-binary youth to perform in a supportive, fun, low-stress environment. Participation can include performing a song (original or a cover), sing karaoke, read a poem, or share in other creative ways. These events are typically free and open to everyone - come cheer these kids on!
