Help Me Raise Funds for Miami Girls Rock Camp!

Hi there! My name is Yumi, and if you've ever met me in person, you've probably heard me talk about Miami Girls Rock Camp and seen how my face lights up as I talk about it. I started volunteering for MGRC in the summer of 2024. This opportunity came to me at a really difficult point in my life. Amongst other personal issues I was dealing with, I was also grieving the loss of my dear friend's 6-year-old daughter, Harlow, who passed away before the summer of 2024 started.  I was blessed to have known Harlow since she was born and to have watched her grow up over the years. Seeing how my friend raised Harlow —guiding her through her emotions and accepting her for the beautiful little soul she is —inspired me to take action in cultivating a loving, accepting environment for the next generation of little rock stars. I was grasping for a supportive community where I felt a sense of belonging and to serve a bigger purpose. I especially wanted to be more connected with the local music scene here in Miami because music has always been my biggest coping mechanism. And wow, did MGRC really change my life. For the first time in a long time, I finally felt understood, seen, and appreciated. I finally found my people, and we get to work together to make an important impact on our community here in Miami.

Miami Girls Rock Camp is a non-profit organization completely run by volunteers. We teach girls and gender-expansive youth from ages 8 - 17 how to play an instrument, write an original song, form a band, and perform at a finale showcase, all in the span of 1 week in the summer before school starts. If you have ever attended our finale showcase, you know it's the most wholesome show in town. Beyond the music side of MGRC, we have workshops involving group games, yoga, dancing, arts & crafts, positive self-esteem building, and other life skills. We receive support from local farm donations for organic foods offered to campers and volunteers, and we also have local artists/musicians perform during our lunch breaks every day. This is something I wish I had access to as a kid!  In every aspect of our programming, we create an environment that shines the light on our campers to show them their intrinsic value, as well as honoring and uplifting themselves and others. Freedom of self-expression is such a virtue to have when we live with the societal pressures of not taking up too much space, or not being too loud or too bold. At rock camp, we see kids come in shy, reserved, and quiet, and towards the end of camp...they've completely blossomed into the brightest version of themselves. We all know the power music holds and how it brings us all together in joyous moments. As you can imagine, it takes a lot to get this whole operation going, and with every passing year, the state gives less and less funding to the arts. Please consider donating and sharing to help us raise funds for another great year at Miami Girls Rock Camp!