WHAT IS GIRLS ROCK CAMP?
SESSION 1 CAMP DATES:
July 13-17, 2026
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Showcase
Sunday, July 19
12:00-1:30 p.m.
(10:30 a.m. camper arrival)
SESSION 2 CAMP DATES:
August 3-7, 2026
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Showcase
Sunday, August 9
12:00-1:30 p.m.
(10:30 a.m. camper arrival)
CAMP LOCATION:
Helene Zelazo Center
at UW-Milwaukee
2419 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
SHOWCASE LOCATION:
The Cooperage
822 S. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
*Campers must be able to attend all days of the camp, as well as the Sunday Showcase.
Girls Rock camp is a week-long music day camp in Milwaukee for girls and gender-expansive youth (ages 8-17). Campers of all skill levels learn an instrument (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, or vocals), form a band, write a song, and perform their song at an end-of-week showcase for friends, family, and fans.
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2026 CAMP REGISTRATION
2026 Camp Dates
SESSION 1: July 13-17 / July 19 showcase
SESSION 2: August 3-7 / August 9 showcase
DIRECT REGISTRATION LINKS
The 6th+ grade section of Session 2 is SOLD OUT. You can join the waitlist using the link below.
Camp Sessions & Age Tracks
Girls Rock Camp is offered in two separate week-long sessions. Each session offers the same high-quality camp experience, so families can choose the dates that work best for their schedule. Within each session, campers are placed into one of two age-based tracks. While all campers participate in the same camp model, the structure and depth of workshops differ by age to ensure an engaging and developmentally appropriate experience.
Choosing a Session & Track
When registering, families will:
Select Session 1 or Session 2
Select the appropriate age track based on the camper’s grade in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year
Both camp sessions culminate in a combined live public showcase, where campers perform original music they’ve created together during the week.
Rising 3rd–5th Grade Track
This track is designed with younger campers in mind, especially those who benefit from variety, movement, and shorter learning blocks.
Campers in this track:
Learn the basics of their chosen instrument
Attend shorter, rotating workshops that keep energy high and attention engaged
Build confidence through an emphasis on creativity and play
Work in bands with peers close to their age
6th Grade & Older Track
This track is designed for older youth and teens, including both beginners and campers with some musical experience.
Campers in this track:
Dive deeper into songwriting and band collaboration
Develop musical and performance skills at a more advanced pace
Explore creative identity, leadership, and self-expression
Work in bands with peers in a similar age range
This track allows older campers more independence while still providing plenty of guidance and support.
Across both tracks, Girls Rock Camp offers a holistic curriculum that integrates:
Music education
Arts & crafts and visual creativity
Leadership development
Teamwork and collaboration skills
WHAT HAPPENS AT GIRLS ROCK CAMP?
During camp, campers receive small-group instruction on instruments, attend workshops, and practice with their bands under mentorship of a band coach. Workshops focus on topics such as songwriting, conflict resolution, history of women in rock, band crafts, and others emphasizing leadership and the skills women need to take over the world! Instrument instruction and workshops are taught by a volunteer staff of Milwaukee-area musicians, teachers, artists, crafters, business owners, and community organizers.
Workshops offered during past camps have included songwriting, finding your voice, dare to fail, conflict resolution, poster- and flyer-making, history of women in music, stage design, how to be brave on stage, and many others! Campers are also treated to private performances from some of our favorite local women, non-binary, and trans rockers, with past performers including REYNA, Aya, Tigernite, and others. Specific workshops to be offered each year are TBA.
INSTRUMENTS
No musical experience is required! Campers do not have to bring their own instrument, although they are welcome to do so. We will provide instruments and equipment during camp. In their registration, campers will be asked to pick two different instruments they would be interested in playing in their band. The choices are bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, or vocals.
We do our best to accommodate all participants with the instrument they would like to play at camp while making sure we have a balance of vocals and instruments in each band.
TIMES & LOCATIONS
Camp is held from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and ends with a showcase that runs from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Sunday (campers may need to arrive as early as 10:30 a.m.). Campers must be able to attend all days of the camp, as well as the showcase performance.
The 2025 camp sessions will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts’ Helene Zelazo Center, with showcase performance at The Cooperage.
EXAMPLE CAMP DAY SCHEDULE:
9:00-9:30: Morning Assembly and Camper Check-In
9:30-10:30: Workshop 1
10:30-12:00: Instrument Instruction
12:00-1:00: Lunch Break
1:00-2:00: Workshop 2
2:30-4:00: Band Practice
4:00-5:00: Band Performance and Q&A Session
COST TO ATTEND
Camp tuition is $450. This covers five days of programming, as well as the showcase. A nonrefundable $50 deposit is due at time of registration (this goes towards the $450 tuition).
If you are unable to pay the total amount of tuition, there is limited financial assistance available thanks to generous community partners.
Additional Camp FAQs
What time is drop-off and pick-up?
Girls Rock Camp runs as a full-day program from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and does not currently offer before or after care.
Families should plan for drop-off between 8:45–9:00 a.m. and pick-up between 5:00–5:15 p.m. each day.
What is the goal of Girls Rock Camp?
The goal of Girls Rock Camp is for campers to learn an instrument, collaboratively write an original song with their band, and perform that song live onstage at a public Showcase.
Along the way, campers build confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Is Girls Rock Camp just a music camp?
No! Girls Rock Camp is an interdisciplinary arts camp. While music is at the core of the experience, campers also engage in a variety of creative activities and workshops throughout the week.
Our curriculum incorporates multiple art forms alongside music, and includes hands-on opportunities for self-expression, creativity, leadership development, and teamwork.
Are both sessions the same?
Yes. Session 1 and Session 2 offer the same curriculum and experience. Families should choose the session that best fits their summer schedule.
What instruments can my camper learn at Girls Rock Camp?
Campers can choose from: Bass, Drums, Guitar, Vocals, or Keys. No prior musical experience is required, and all instruments are provided.
How are instruments and bands assigned?
During registration, campers select their first and second choice instruments. Families can also share special requests, such as being placed in the same band as a friend.
Instrument and band assignments are made by the Camp Director, based on camper preferences while balancing age groups, staffing, and available resources. We do our best to honor requests whenever possible.
Can my camper switch instruments?
We generally encourage campers to stay with their assigned instrument so bands can grow together throughout the week. In rare or unique circumstances, an instrument change may be possible.
What kinds of staff will my camper be engaging with at Girls Rock Camp?
Girls Rock Camp is supported by a diverse, trained team of adults and youth leaders, all working together to create a safe, supportive, and creative environment.
During camp, campers will engage with:
A Lead Band Coach, who works closely with their band throughout the week
Assistant Band Coaches or Youth Ambassadors, who provide additional support and mentorship
Instrument Instructors, who teach daily instrument workshops
Local community partners and volunteers, who facilitate our holistic workshop curriculum focused on creativity, leadership, and teamwork
Camp support staff, who help ensure camp runs smoothly and campers are well supported throughout the day
All volunteers undergo a caregiver background check prior to participating in camp.
Does Girls Rock Camp include snacks and lunch?
Yes! Camp provides two snacks each day through our beloved Snack Train.
Campers should bring their own peanut-free lunch Monday–Thursday.
Friday is Pizza Party Day, and lunch is provided (with dietary accommodations as needed).
Is Showcase attendance required?
Yes. All campers must be able to attend the Sunday Showcase as part of their camp experience. The Showcase is a core component of the program and reflects the collaborative work campers complete throughout the week.
Do families get into the Showcase for free?
Each camper receives two complimentary Showcase tickets to share with family or friends. Additional tickets are available with a suggested sliding-scale donation of $10–20. Children under 10 are free, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Questions? Contact us!