What we're all about...
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...
*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.
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
Girls 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 2019, 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.
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, Equity and INclusion
Girls Rock Denver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or gender identity or expression 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 girls, trans, gender expansive, or as gender minorities. Girls Rock Denver also welcomes individuals who self-identify as women/girls and gender minorities to apply for leadership volunteer positions at camp. Non-leadership volunteer roles are open to individuals who self-identify as male. For more information, see the job descriptions for volunteer positions.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion do not mean equitable, and working to create equity among our campers and volunteers, at organizational and individual levels. Just as we aim to dismantle (and outright smash the patriarchy), we recognize we have other systemic structures to address. We know we are not, and will not be, perfect, AND we are investing efforts to achieve equity. We strive to face issues of race, gender, queerness and economic oppression with care, respect and a solution-oriented approach. These beliefs are core to what we embody at Girls Rock Denver, and the safe space we provide to our campers and volunteers. We fully expect our privileged volunteers to be doing the hard work of educating themselves and one another, and listen to, amplify and support BIPOC leadership and voices.
We recognize our volunteer base actively participates in intersectional social justice, and at this time you may be prioritizing your attention on the present. We urge you to do so.
Girls Rock Denver welcomes campers who self-identify as girls, trans, gender expansive, or as gender minorities. Girls Rock Denver also welcomes individuals who self-identify as women/girls and gender minorities to apply for leadership volunteer positions at camp. Non-leadership volunteer roles are open to individuals who self-identify as male. For more information, see the job descriptions for volunteer positions.
We recognize that diversity and inclusion do not mean equitable, and working to create equity among our campers and volunteers, at organizational and individual levels. Just as we aim to dismantle (and outright smash the patriarchy), we recognize we have other systemic structures to address. We know we are not, and will not be, perfect, AND we are investing efforts to achieve equity. We strive to face issues of race, gender, queerness and economic oppression with care, respect and a solution-oriented approach. These beliefs are core to what we embody at Girls Rock Denver, and the safe space we provide to our campers and volunteers. We fully expect our privileged volunteers to be doing the hard work of educating themselves and one another, and listen to, amplify and support BIPOC leadership and voices.
We recognize our volunteer base actively participates in intersectional social justice, and at this time you may be prioritizing your attention on the present. We urge you to do so.
Black Lives Matter.
Our country was built through centuries of slavery and oppression, and rather than coming to an end, they have just taken new forms within the systems that we recognize as foundational to our society. It is the work of all humans to collaborate to dismantle all systems of oppression, internally and externally, and to seek intersectionality within our activism.
Although it may seem like our focus is on gender, sexuality, and identity, we are committed to the fight against racism in all its forms.
The opposite of being racist is not abstinence; it instead is active anti-racist action. Girls Rock Denver is a place for conversations about racism, ableism, sexism, ageism, classism, homophobia, and colonialism because we are actively working towards dismantling those systems that bring violence to anyone.
All volunteers can expect to participate in training and conversations on Inclusivity and Anti-Racism. Furthermore, we recognize our privilege and openly acknowledge a need for greater numbers of BIPOC voices and hands on our leadership and volunteer teams.
At Girls Rock Denver, we work to cultivate our campers’ ability to express themselves, to support and shape their communities; we merely amplify them.
We are committed to anti-racist work, to acknowledging where it intersects with our work empowering girls and gender-expansive youth. We are here to acknowledge inequity in all its forms, and to respond with hope, solidarity, and action.
All volunteers can expect to participate in training and conversations on Inclusivity and Anti-Racism. Furthermore, we recognize our privilege and openly acknowledge a need for greater numbers of BIPOC voices and hands on our leadership and volunteer teams.
At Girls Rock Denver, we work to cultivate our campers’ ability to express themselves, to support and shape their communities; we merely amplify them.
We are committed to anti-racist work, to acknowledging where it intersects with our work empowering girls and gender-expansive youth. We are here to acknowledge inequity in all its forms, and to respond with hope, solidarity, and action.
A special note to male allies: Girls Rock Denver is primarily led by and for women, girls, femme-identified, and gender expansive individuals. We value diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity towards all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. The organization welcomes the support of male allies, and expects male allies who would like to volunteer to respect the importance of leadership by those whose experiences we are committed to centering in our work.
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% donation-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. In 2019, 43% of our campers requested aid, 100% of which we fulfilled.
How are applicants accepted to your program?
Our application window is open for a limited time (typically February through March). 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 for each age group. We do occasionally end up with a wait list, so application does not ensure automatic acceptance. Campers are usually notified of their acceptance status in Mid-April. In 2024, we expect to have the camper application go live in April and decisions made in May.
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. In 2024, camp will be held July 29th through August 3rd.
Where are you located?
We often hold camp at a Denver-area school. in 2023 and 2024, camp will be held at Girls, Inc. of Metro Denver. 2019'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, and at the Summit Music Hall in the Ballpark neighborhood. Camp coordination and leadership does not operate in a physical office space. You can always contact us at [email protected].
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% donation-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. In 2019, 43% of our campers requested aid, 100% of which we fulfilled.
How are applicants accepted to your program?
Our application window is open for a limited time (typically February through March). 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 for each age group. We do occasionally end up with a wait list, so application does not ensure automatic acceptance. Campers are usually notified of their acceptance status in Mid-April. In 2024, we expect to have the camper application go live in April and decisions made in May.
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. In 2024, camp will be held July 29th through August 3rd.
Where are you located?
We often hold camp at a Denver-area school. in 2023 and 2024, camp will be held at Girls, Inc. of Metro Denver. 2019'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, and at the Summit Music Hall in the Ballpark neighborhood. Camp coordination and leadership does not operate in a physical office space. You can always contact us at [email protected].