Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Gebhardt.
Hi Becky, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls and gender-expansive youth through music. Our flagship program is a one-week day camp for youth ages 8-17.
In 2010 I co-founded Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls Los Angeles along with my band mates from Raining Jane and several other musicians and activists. We were inspired by the global “girls rock camp” movement which first started in Portland, Oregon. Cities like Oakland, New York, and Chicago had camps but there wasn’t one in Los Angeles yet and we knew it needed to happen.
We had our first camp session at Immaculate Conception School with 40 campers. We now can take up to 140 campers each summer. And we’ve added a Music Video Program, Ladies Rock Camp (3-day camp for adults), and a Volunteer-In-Training program.
We’re a volunteer-driven organization and financial assistance is available to campers. No camper is turned away for lack of funds. Select scholarships are available to our partner organizations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication from a lot of people to keep this camp going for over a decade and for it to be as impactful and potent as it is. The organizers and volunteers are super committed. We love doing it. There are always challenges and problems to solve. And we’re interested in evolving things, we are not looking to be complacent.
The biggest challenge has been inventing a virtual program from the ground up in 2020.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We’re getting ready to announce our summer camp dates for 2023! Follow us on social media and join our email list to be notified when dates are announced and applications are open.
And we’re looking for volunteers! Not all volunteer positions require musical experience so if you’re not a musician don’t worry. When volunteer applications open there will be a list of positions along with more details about what we’re looking for. Our volunteers are amazing, it’s a wonderful community to be a part of.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The community of volunteers, campers, and our supporters that shows up year after year to make camp happen! The love and dedication to our mission is very strong.
Contact Info:
- Website: werock.la
- Instagram: @rockcampla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockcampforgirlsla
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RockCampLA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rockcampforgirlsla
Image Credits
Stephanie Houten, Miche Thompson, April Trestick, Faye Orlove, Chris Simental, Abby Linne
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