Girls Rock Camp and Music Showcase

In a town famous for a vibrant music scene, involving both women and men, it's not surprising that Athens has a girls-only summer music camp, Girls Rock Camp Athens (GRCA). The mission of this non-profit is to empower young women through music education and song writing. 

Founder Calley Payne knew she to had to start GRCA after volunteering with Girls Rock Camp in Atlanta. She's a full-time women's studies major with a longtime interest in the business side of music. Calley has served as the executive director of GRCA since she organized it three years ago.

The camp has grown every year. There were 12 participants the first year. This year, Calley has 35 girls for the camp that's running this week at the new Boys and Girls Club on 4th Street.

Calley is passionate about the programming that is specific to girls. "Girls Rock Camp gives girls a chance to use their voices," she said. "In a school classroom, girls don't answer questions and speak out as much as they could. But put them in a room with other bandmates? You won't believe how much confidence they build in a week."

Every camp day is busy. Curriculum includes topics such as Band Branding, Stage Presence, Songwriting, and The History of Women who Rock. There's also plenty of time for band practice.

A huge part of Girls Rock Camp are the Camp Performers. Calley is grateful to the many female musicians who donated their time last year, including Allison Weiss, Sea of Dogs, Hope for Agoldensummer, Dead Dog, Incendiaries, and Los Meesfits. Next week's Camp Performers include Nerdkween, Violence Gang, and Kyshona Armstrong.

The $300 tuition would price the camp out of the reach of many girls if it were not for full and partial scholarships. They have allowed a wide cross-section of children to participate. GRCA could not exist without the generous support of sponsors such as Team Clermont and Jittery Joe's Roaster. This year's sponsors include the Civitan Club, Rachel Allen Media Services, , Musicians Warehouse and many others.

Girls Rock Camp is not only a summer activity. Monthly mentorship programs throughout the school year help develop strong, confident girls. GRCA uses this time to involve women mentors in activities other than just music. They've had events in the past with the and trappeze at .

This Saturday, the campers will all perform original songs they wrote during camp week in a Showcase at . There will also be a silent auction for a Gretsch Electromatic Double Cut Jet signed by Carrie Brownstein, Mary Timony, Rebecca Cole, and Janet Weiss of Wild Flag. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for those age 10 and under. The Showcase is the largest fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Athens and promises to be an exciting show.

What: Girls Rock Camper Music Showcase

Where: The 40 Watt, 285 West Washington Street, Athens, Georgia  (706) 549-7871

When: Saturday, July 30, 2011; Doors open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm.