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Summer Camp. The
words alone evoke a feeling of freedom, exhilaration, happiness and excitement.
When I was young, (Jeeze, did I just say that?) the thought of going to camp
each summer meant meeting new friends, sharing adventures together and finding
new activities that I enjoyed, without the worry of my over-protective parents
showing up at any moment. The summer camps I used to enjoy were mostly sort of
a wilderness thing, with a few fun activities in between, with my favorite part
being the evening campfire sing-along.
In hindsight, I think that is the only thing I really remember and it
reiterated how much music and song made my heart happy.
If someone would have told me there was a summer camp for
girls that was based on music… learning and instrument, creating a band,
writing songs, making buttons and band T-shirts, performance training, music
history, along with activities like swimming, climbing, exploring, movie nights
and self defense classes; all set in the majestic mountains of Ojai at a
private campus just outside of town- I would have said- sign me up! Sadly back
then, a camp like this did not exist for myself, but thankfully today it does, for
my daughter.
Girls Rock is one
of Santa Barbara’s newest treasures for our community of blossoming girls and
for the last few years, has become one of fastest growing non-profits with not
only a huge gamete of year long after school music, photography and journalism programs
for girls of all ages, but now for it’s second year- the Amplify Sleep-Away Summer Camp program, that was so wildly popular
and successful last year for just two weeks, has now been extended to four
weeks from July 4th to July 30th and registration is NOW
OPEN!
I met Executive Director Jen Baron two years
ago, just after Girls Rock Santa Barbara was created, fell in love with the
inspiring program and in awe of all that Jen does for her cause. Based after
the original Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls out of Portland, Oregon, Jen was
inspired to bring her love of music to the girls of SB and in the past few
years GRSB has exploded in it’s programs and popularity. With their motto to empower girls*
through music, promoting an environment that fosters self-confidence,
creativity, and teamwork, it’s an amazing program that I can feel the
electricity and positive energy radiate from Jen’s warm heart, when she talks
candidly about it.
For
those about to rock, We salute you
“We challenge gender stereotypes,
encourage collaboration and tolerance among peers, and provide a comfortable space for girls of all
backgrounds to express themselves. Through music lessons, workshops, group
activities, and performance, girls learn skills that help guide them throughout
their lives.” Jen explains the program as a whole but goes on to say that the
Amplify Sleep Away Camp is all that and more. “It’s life changing… for the
girls and our amazing group of teachers. This safe environment we created gave
the girls so much more than learning an instrument- it was a blossoming of self
confidence that could be visibly seen in each girl at the end of the week and
the one comment that we got over and over as feedback last year was that it
only lasted a week and they wanted more! So this year instead of girls only
being able to attend one week, they can sign up for all four weeks if they like.”
Jen continued, “I was amazed by the interest we had last year, with girls not
just from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles but girls who flew in from all over the
country. I realize that we have created something that no one has and it makes
me so excited for this year’s camp to begin. I’ve been forever changed by this
powerful experience- the girls are truly amazing.” If Jen’s enthusiasm doesn’t
get you, then one look at the girl’s faces will. With a whole new spin this year,
Jen has added a Photography and Journalism Sleep Away Camp that will coexist
and overlap into the Amplify program, offering a first hand view to all the
future media masters of America, getting their articles and photos published in
publications like the Independent and the Sentinel.
Last year, with the help of giving sponsors
like the Santa Barbara Bowl, Nashville’s C.M.A. and Lynda.com, the Girls rock
program was able to raise over 14 financial aid scholarships for girls from all
walks of life, creating lasting memories to those that normally, could not afford
to attend. “This was the game changer.
To watch some of the girls that came from foster care, be able to bond in a
very safe environment, creating a family experience- they may never had felt
before. The girls form an undeniable bond when they form a band. Creating music
together, writing a song, making t-shirts. It’s a full journey for them.”
Dream
until your dream comes true
Girls
Rock Amplify Camp is held in the mountains of Ojai, California, at the gorgeous
campus for Ojai Valley High School, which boasts one of the best views in Santa
Barbara County. The girls have access to all instruments their little
hearts desire, have private, air-conditioned residence halls, a private pool, a
movie theater for evening films, and delicious meals provided (vegan,
vegetarian, lactose free, they offer it all). Dormitories are supervised
by dorm "parents” and campers will typically share a dorm room with one
other girl. Each day they will have music lessons (as they typically have chosen
their instrument before they begin camp,) band practice- where they will work
at playing as an ensemble and writing a song, daily workshops- on fun topics like
screen printing and Beatboxing, along with lunchtime performances by female
fronted bands with a personal Q and A after each show- it is a wonder the girls
can sleep at night for all the excitement of the day to follow. Their final day
is Showcase time, where each band performs their original song live at the
amphitheater for family, friends and fans.
I
have to tell you that when I learned about this camp, it made me yearn for my
youth (just a bit) and made me wish I could have attended a camp like this. It
was about then, when I pondered this aloud to Jen Baron, she smiled wickedly
and said that I could attend too. This year for the first time, GRSB is
offering a Ladies Rock Sleepaway Weekend,
to kick off the Amplify Summer Series. From July 1-3rd, for any gal
ages 18+ with no musical experience necessary- you too can enjoy a mini version
of the weeklong activities, crammed into one wild rock n’ roll weekend.
Ding,
Ding, Ding! Am I playing your tune? If so, I could not urge you more to explore
Girls Rock Santa Barbara, as this article only scratches the surface to such an
all around inspiring, year round program. For more information check out the website
at: www.girlsrocksb.org or
call them directly at: 805-861-8128
