Volunteer at Girls Rock! Chicago Summer Camp (Session One-June)

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Girls Rock! Chicago is a non-profit committed to building socially just community with girls, transgender youth, and gender non-conforming youth by developing leadership, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging creative expression through music.

We're looking for volunteers at our Youth Rock Camp this summer! Apply here!

GR!C is for girls, trans (of any identity), and gender-expansive youth ages 8-16. Camp week consists of instrument lessons (drums, electric bass or guitar, keyboard, or DJ/Turntables), forming bands, writing original songs, and attending workshops. We welcome all skill levels and musical backgrounds and campers can enroll in both sessions!

We will be hosting 2 sessions of camp this year:

Session 1: June 23, 2025 - June 29, 2025 @ Josephinum Academy

Session 2: July 14, 2025 - July 20, 2025 @ Suder Montessori

We are especially looking for people available full time (9-5) during one or both of our camp weeks, however we are also open to volunteers with more limited availability.

Qualifications

GR!C is looking for people with experience working with kids 8-16, musical experience, experience with gear (instruments, cables, speakers etc), and/or a passion for social justice. The main week-long positions we're looking for during camp week: counselors, band coaches, and instrument teachers (guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard).

No previous teaching experience is required (although it is appreciated)! There are also roles that are open to folks with no musical experience. We welcome all volunteers who are women, transgender (of any identity), and/or gender non-conforming.

Role Descriptions

Band Coach:

Your primary role is to help a band of campers write a song that will be performed at the End-of-Camp Extravaganza. Band Coaches help the campers with everything from plugging in to singing in tune, and from the early songwriting stages to their recording session. Band Coaches should have experience playing a traditional rock instrument (guitar, bass or drums) in a band and, ideally, some songwriting experience. Must be available Monday-Friday in the afternoon and over the weekend for our recording session and showcase.

Counselor:

Basic camp counselor role, no musical experience required! This role involves managing campers, multitasking, taking charge when necessary and being flexible. Ideally counselors would be available Monday-Friday 9-5 but morning/afternoon only is also alright. We would also love to have counselors at our recording session and showcase over the weekend.

Instrument Instructor:

Instrument teachers work with ca. 4 to 6 campers at a time based on age/level and will meet every day of the camp week to practice their instrument of choice (guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard). Instrument instructors will plan short lessons and teach skills and learn songs based on the campers level of experience. Must be available Monday-Friday in the morning.

Roadies:

Roadies help keep things running smoothly behind-the-scenes during the entire day at camp, as well as at the final show. Gear transportation (i.e. drum kits between lessons and practice) is just as crucial as lessons, band practice, workshops, and other camp activities. For roadies, minor heavy lifting is involved, but not required. Knowledge of gear is helpful, but our Gear Coordinators will quickly teach you all you need to know about troubleshooting with gear.

Workshop Leader:

Workshops are one of the key pieces of curriculum that we offer, and they are a special opportunity to explore a wide variety of topics such as: Songwriting, Sound & Recording, Improvisation, Drag, Music Video, Power/Privilege/Oppression, Youth Organizing, and more! As a workshop leader you only need to come in on the day of your workshop. No need to fill out an application for this just submit this workshop proposal form or reach out to volunteer@girlsrockchicago.org

For any questions please reach out to volunteer@girlsrockchicago.org or sign up for an info session to learn more by submitting this form!