Lehigh Valley Girls Rock this summer!

Like many activities and nonprofits, the popular musical summer camp for young women had bided its time through the virtual world for two years, but returns next week at full volume.

The weeklong adventure in rock includes an introduction to instruments, lessons, songwriting, and making new friends (and bandmates!)

“But that’s not all we do at GRC,” Executive Director Felicia Lockett said. “Campers attend a total of nine educational workshops throughout the week on topics such as social justice, self care, and screen printing, where the campers get to make their very own band merch. On Saturday night, the campers take the stage. Each band performs their song at a real concert for their family, friends, and future fans.

“We aim to build self confidence and foster a sense of belonging through an inclusive, supportive, encouraging environment. If our campers can learn how to play an instrument on Monday, write a song with complete strangers in five days, and then perform on stage in front of hundreds of people on day six - they can do anything!

“We teach our campers that it’s okay to make mistakes; that there is strength in softness; and that their voice is powerful.”

Instruments and musical gear have been donated by generous community members. Some items were gifted by music stores and some have been purchased thanks to a grant from Reverb.com.

Lockett saw the power of GRC firsthand in 2013 and brought the idea back to the valley. “My band played a show with a band whose members were involved with Girls Rock Philly. While chatting with them at the end of the night, my bandmate, Kelsi Page, mentioned that she had previously volunteered with other Girls Rock organizations in Pittsburgh and Austin and wished that there was one in the Lehigh Valley. The other band’s drummer said, ‘You should start one.’ So, we did!”

Lehigh Valley Girls Rock is a member of the Girls Rock Camp Alliance: A global movement with over 100 sibling organizations worldwide using music as a tool to work toward feminist empowerment.

Find information on this year’s program at lvgirlsrock.org/grc2022.

The showcase concert will be at 7 p.m. July 23 at the Ice House, and is open to the public.