A big fan of the ’80s female band, The Indigo Girls, Alison Law jumped at the chance to meet band member Emily Saliers at a songwriting workshop in 2010. “The band had left such a watermark on my high school experience that I just had to go and participate,” recalls Law.
The songwriting workshop was a part of Ladies Rock Camp, a three-day rock and roll experience where women learn to play an instrument, form a band, write a song together and play a big rock concert finale. The final showcase raises money for an even bigger initiative, Girls Rock Camp ATL. Last year 88 percent of campers attended at a free or reduced rate.
The experience conviced Law to become a regular volunteer because the music camp does not only help young girls. “It infused me with so much excitement and a sense of possibility to accomplish other things in my life,” says Law, who will be volunteering as a band coach and instrument instructor at this year Ladies Rock Camp.
This kind of enthusiasm is what inspired Stacey Singer and others to come up with the organization four years ago.
Having worked in the music industry, Singer had the connections and the passion to find a way to give back through music. “It felt like I had a social responsibility to make a difference through something I already loved to do,” said Singer. “This became a way for young women to participate and express themselves through music, while we also help them develop leadership skills, healthy self-esteem, and more.”
Girls Rock Camp ATL is a nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering girls and women of all backgrounds and abilities through music education, creative expression, and performance. Additionally, the week-long summer camp provides leadership opportunities, encourages self-esteem, and creates a culture of collaboration between mentors, peers, and the broader community.
This year’s Ladies Rock Camp will be Feb. 15- 17 at the Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School Middle Campus in Grant Park. The showcase will be held at Kavarna Coffee Shop in Decatur.
“We are looking for more women to get involved to come out and have some fun!” said Singer. “Beginners are welcome and you don’t have to have any musical background to get involved. It’s a fun outlet and helps raise money for a good cause.”
The community can get involved by donating instruments, volunteering at the camps, etc.
“Through music, we are aiming to create a model of team work and teach the girls and the ladies that they can do anything they set their mind to,” Singer adds.
To get involved with Ladies Rock Camp and Girls Rock Camp ATL, visit girlsrockcampatl.org
In other news: Mt. Bethel Christian Academy launched a new program on Feb. 1 engaging all 491 students, 80 faculty and staff, and many parent and grandparent volunteers to pack 100,000 life-saving meals to stave off hunger around the world. “You Fed Me” is under the direction of Stop Hunger Now, an international hunger relief agency.
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