Make It Rain for Young Musicians in Miami

For the past two years I have been a counselor with Miami Girls Rock Camp, a weeklong summer program where girls and non-binary youth (ages 8-18) form a band, write a song and then perform that song on a BIG stage in front of an audience at the finale. It's one of the most fun and freeing experiences of my year--and I'm not even in the band!

A lot of things happen in that single week. Some of the campers have never played their instrument before, so instrument instruction is key. So is lunch. MGRC partners with local farms to provide healthy snacks for campers and vegan meals for all volunteers. During lunch a visiting band/artist performs. (Last year Cat Power came through AND a band that originally started at camp named Skull Collection 💀 💥 ) 

Loud band practice is usually everyone's favorite time of the day. That's when campers get to freely play their instruments while collaborating on their song. Each band meets in their own room, where a band coach and counselor are present, but the campers are the ones defining their band norms and writing their music&lyrics.

Workshops are another rich part of the week. Many are geared toward building better communication and self-esteem. I'm always blown away by the level of authenticity and vulnerability that campers and volunteers are willing to share. This open and non-judgmental environment means that everyone is encouraged to comfortably be themselves and take up space. Especially during the Friday dance party. No wonder it feels like we've been together for wayyy longer than five days by the end. 

So much effort, energy and trust goes into planning and pulling off a successful camp each year. It works (often against great odds) because everyone who's involved really, really cares. It's something I would've loved to have experienced as a young person with shaky self-confidence. Even as an adult I can still feel connected to that version of myself, which is partly why being at camp matters to me. By helping young people strengthen their voices through creative self-expression and watching them put their whole selves out their for all to see, I'm left feeling transformed and inspired to make some noise. (Don't be surprised if I start a band by the time I'm 40. Do be surprised if we end up calling ourselves a name other than The Brochures.)

If you are able to donate, this is an organization that will make the most of ANY contribution. And if you're curious about getting involved in a rock camp, there are chapters all over the world, so there could likely be one in your city! 

Ok, thanks for reading, you rock :)

💚, 

Becky/Gator 🐊