My sister and I went to a summer rock camp when we were 12 and 14, and my most vivid memory from our time there is of being the only girl in a classroom full of teenage boys who couldn’t – seriously, could not – stop playing their guitars.
Besides the intimidation factor, boys and girls tend to avoid each other at that age, so my sister and I spent much of the two weeks alone, huddled in the basement eating sandwiches during the lunch hour.
Ten years ago Rock ‘N’ Roll Camp For Girls started up in Portland, Oregon, as a way to offer young female musicians a more welcoming entry into the world of rock. And this year for the first time, Toronto is getting its own version, thanks to two members of the all-female Weezer cover band, Sheezer.
Alysha Haugen and Magali Meagher are behind Rock Camp For Girls, a five-day summer camp where girls aged eight to 16 receive instruction from female musicians on playing an instrument, forming a band, songwriting and performing live. Instrument choices include guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals, and the camp culminates in a showcase concert.
“We were inspired to start a rock camp in Toronto after hearing about the other ones around the continent,” Haughen explains, from a Sheezer tour stop in Hamilton. “Being lady musicians who started playing at a young age, we know first-hand the benefits that playing in a band has in those formative years.
“It builds musical skill and character but also self-confidence, conflict resolution and a community of mentors and peers. We’re excited to give a generation of girls a safe space to rock out, meet new people and have fun.”
Rock Camp For Girls takes place at the Tranzac (292 Brunswick) from July 18 to 22, with the concert on July 23. Camper and volunteer registration opens Friday (March 4) at girlsrocktoronto.org. As well, the first in a series of fundraising events takes place March 17 at the Gladstone (1214 Queen West) with Blocks Recording Club, including a performance by Patti Cake. The camp is also accepting money and gear donations through their website.
