ABOUT THE CAMP

Rock Camp SLC is a summer day camp where girls, transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth ages 8-17 explore the joys and challenges of collaborative music-making while guided by inspirational mentors from marginalized genders.

In one week, campers form bands, write an original song and perform live at a music venue in Salt Lake City. Each day kicks off with punk rock aerobics to get our bodies moving, an inspired rendition of the camp theme song, and hilarious skits. Campers attend instrument lessons taught by our amazing adult mentors where they learn how to play their instruments and gain confidence by working with local female, transgender, non-binary and gender-expansive musicians and mentors. Workshops at camp include designing and screen-printing camper band t-shirts, songwriting, zine-making, image and identity, community building, and more! At lunch, a guest artist will take the  stage to perform at our Tiny Lunch Concert, talk about their music, and take questions from campers. After lunch, campers have plenty of time to jam, write, and rehearse their band’s original song with help from band managers and coaches. Prior music experience is not required and all instruments are provided! Our tuition is sliding scale and we do our best to provide an accessible experience for all youth and volunteers.

Summer Camp Dates

Session 1: TBD Summer 2025

Session 2: TBD Summer 2025

Summer Camp Location

East Hollywood High School, 2185 3600 W, West Valley City, UT 84119

Showcase Dates

Session 1: TBD

Session 2: TBD

Showcase Location

TBD

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition is $350 per camper or whatever your family can afford to pay for the week of camp. Financial aid is available to those in need, including 100% free tuition. Tuition is not considered a donation and is not tax deductible.

Enrollment Process

Enrollment is only confirmed after each camper has been accepted into the session and tuition has been paid. Do not send tuition until you receive an acceptance email from us with payment instructions. If tuition is not paid by the due date, the unpaid spot will be offered to the next eligible applicant. Again, all tuition is sliding-scale and nobody will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Applications are reviewed with several factors influencing final decisions regarding camper placement. Those factors include: age, instrument, level of experience, diversity and interest. When we assign instruments we’re making sure there is an even distribution of ages and instruments so that bands can be formed. Some ages and instrument choices are in greater demand than others. The most common reason we turn an applicant away is that there were too many applications from youth of the same age.

This camp is not a talent contest. Prior musical experience is not required. Preference is given to local applicants because one of the goals of our program is to build community in our own backyard.

Instrument Assignment

Campers will be assigned one instrument to focus on for the week. Every day they will have a group lesson in that instrument, and play that instrument in their band. Applicants are asked to share their instrument preferences in the application. Their choices are: vocals, guitar, bass, keys or drums. Not all campers will be assigned their first choice. Campers typically cannot change instruments once their instrument has been assigned.

All instruments are provided. If a camper has their own guitar or bass, they may bring it. Rock Camp SLC does not accept liability for personal instruments.

Arrival and Pickup Times + Extended Hours

Camp starts promptly at 9:00am, Monday – Friday. Campers should arrive at camp between 8:30am – 8:55am each day. Camp ends at 4:00pm each day and that’s when they should be picked up. Staff and volunteers will remain in the space until all campers have been through the check-out process.

Anyone requiring an early drop-off or late pick-up MUST contact us in advance so we know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Extended hours child supervision is free. Early drop-off begins at 8:00am. Late pickup is available until 4:30pm. Please contact us and let us know what your needs are.

Lunch

Campers must bring their own lunch each day. We do not provide lunch for campers. We will provide a small snack each afternoon. Re-usable water bottles are recommended to help stay hydrated throughout the day. If you or your family are experiencing food insecurity, please let us know and we will provide lunch for your camper.

Transportation

We do not provide transportation. However, we would like to help facilitate carpooling and use of public transportation if we can by doing our best to connect you with others in your area. If the camper will be using public transportation and you would like our assistance, please email us to discuss options. You can also join our private Facebook group with other campers in your session to connect and arrange rides.

Child Care

We do not provide on-site child care at this time. We encourage you to network with other parents in our social media channels to find support. We hope to be able to provide this type of service in the future.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteer mentors are thoughtfully selected and screened through an online application, in-person or phone interview, and background checks. They are an incredible bunch and we hope you get to know some of them this summer. Leadership and teaching roles are reserved for women, transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive adults. We have a lot of support positions available for cisgender men - please sign up and we will find a role for you.

Refund Policy

We understand that things come up and you may need to cancel. Please email us as soon you know you need to cancel. If you need to cancel after sending in your registration, please notify us right away. If you choose to donate your tuition fee, you will be given a tax receipt. Specific cancellation policies are outlined in your application and acceptance packet. Please note that absolutely no refunds will be issued after the start of the program.

COVID-19 Safety

Rock Camp SLC will require all participants to adhere to COVID-19 safety policies that are based in science and protect the most vulnerable people. These policies are subject to change and will include:

• All participants will be required to take a COVID-19 rapid test on the Sunday before camp. If you cannot provide your own test, we will have tests available on the Monday morning of camp. All participants must test negative to attend camp.

• Mask wearing encouraged and possibly required when social distancing is not possible (we encourage the use of high-quality respirator, N95, or kn-95 masks as they are far more protective)

• Increased hand hygiene, including hand sanitizer available throughout camp

• Drive-up camper check-in and check-out to limit exposure inside the school

• Volunteers dedicated to sanitizing instruments and surfaces throughout the day

Non-Discrimination Policy

Rock Camp SLC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or gender identity/expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, and other camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer and employment-related policies and activities.