Empower Girls and Trans Youth at Rock Camp in July!

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Girls Rock! Chicago is a nonprofit that relies almost entirely on volunteers to make our summer camps a success. We need band coaches, counselors, instrument instructors, and gear/teaching assistants. We need part time workshop leaders, roadies, foodies, a nurse/doctor (on call), and volunteers for before and after camp care. Make a difference in the lives of girls and trans youth!

Read more about volunteer roles below, and fill out our volunteer application here: http://girlsrockchicago.force.com/grcapp__volunteer_application

Girls Rock! Chicago welcomes all volunteers who are women, transgender (of any identity), and/or gender expansive to apply for camp-week positions. We are committed to providing a safe space for everyone, as well as educating staff, volunteers, and community members in order to create an inclusive environment for all. Positions outside of camp week are open to everyone.

Being a Counselor at GR!C is similar to being a counselor at any other day-camp - but it ROCKS! Your role entails looking after a single band and its members throughout the week. Counselors will be called upon to help with everything from escorting wee rockers to the bathroom during practice, to helping campers get to their workshops efficiently, to making sure everyone has a lunch. You and a Band Coach will work together to mentor a band through the process of writing and practicing their song. Counselors should be good at multi-tasking, managing the tween set, and taking charge when necessary. Musical experience is appreciated, but not required.

JUNIOR COUNSELOR (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday showcase; optional Saturday recording)

The job is the same as the above, but this position is for 17 and 18 year olds with a rock camp past or musical experience. Each junior counselor will be paired with a senior band coach for the week, where they’ll mold and mentor a single band together. Junior counselors are also expected to work as roadies and foodies as needed.

BAND COACH (Monday - Friday, 1pm - 4:30pm; Sunday showcase; optional Saturday recording)

The Band Coach’s primary role is to help a band of campers write a song, which will be performed at the End-of-Camp Extravaganza. Band Coaches help the campers out with everything from plugging in to singing in tune, from the early songwriting stages to their final dress rehearsal. Band Coaches should have some experience playing a traditional rock instrument (guitar, bass or drums) in a band and, ideally, some songwriting experience. You will be paired with a Counselor to mentor your band through the songwriting and practicing process.

INSTRUMENT TEACHERS (Monday - Friday, 11am - 12:30pm)

There are 5 instruments taught at camp: guitar, bass, drums, keyboards & turntables. Instrument Teachers should know how to play one of these instruments and have a broad enough knowledge base to be able to break down fundamentals in a language relevant to youth ages 8-16. Instrument teachers work with groups of 3 to 4 campers at a time, and are encouraged to lesson-plan and touch base with same-instrument teachers to ensure that all the campers are learning at about the same pace.

ROADIES (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm and/or 1:00pm - 5:00pm; Camp load-in & load-out)

Just like in the real world, our Roadies help keep things running smoothly behind-the-scenes during rehearsals, as well as at the final show. Gear transportation (like moving amps and drum kits between lessons and practice) is just as crucial as teaching the campers how to play. Minor heavy lifting is involved, but we will make sure everyone has a load they can handle. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

WORKSHOP LEADERS (Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 10:30am; 1:30pm - 2:30pm; 3pm-4:30pm)

Teach an interactive class to about 25 campers on a special topic such as zine-making, t-shirt design, songwriting, or any kind of social justice topic. Be creative: We are interested in new workshop ideas. Contact our Program Coordinator, Giulia Chiappetta, for more information about leading workshops: giulia@girlsrockchicago.org.

ROADIES (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm and/or 1:00pm - 5:00pm; Camp load-in & load-out)

Just like in the real world, our Roadies help keep things running smoothly behind-the-scenes during rehearsals, as well as at the final show. Gear transportation (like moving amps and drum kits between lessons and practice) is just as crucial as teaching the campers how to play. Minor heavy lifting is involved, but we will make sure everyone has a load they can handle. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

FOODIES (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm; Camp load-in & load-out)

Another ideal part-time job for volunteers who want to help at camp, but can’t commit to the full week. Assembling healthy lunches and snacks so our rockers can stay focused is just as crucial as teaching the campers where to apply said focus. Minor heavy lifting is involved, but not required. Minor food prep is part of the job; cooking is not.

MORNING CARE (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 9:15am)

Welcome campers to camp each morning, lead them in independent or group crafty activities, and usher them as a group to morning assembly.

EVENING CARE (Monday - Friday, 4:45pm - 6:15pm)

Lead campers in independent or group crafty activities after the camp day is over, bid adieu to the rockers when they are picked up, and help clean up the cafeteria after everyone has left.

NURSE / DOCTOR (Monday - Friday, ON CALL)

Camp regulations require that one certified Nurse or registered Doctor be on call throughout camp week. It is not necessary that you are physically present at camp; however, it is helpful if you live or work within a short drive or walk from camp.