Our Mission

The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, builds girls’ self-esteem through music creation and performance. Providing workshops and technical training, we create leadership opportunities, cultivate a supportive community of peers and mentors, and encourage social change and the development of life skills.

We Believe…

Girls can play any kind of music they want.
Creative voices of girls and women need to be amplified to create social change.
Girls need positive role models and support for their creative endeavors.
…in creating a community where girls support each other rather than tear each other down.
…in empowering girls to recognize, understand,
 and respond to discrimination.
“Girls Rock” is more than just a slogan.

Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls values diversity of age, race, economic status, gender expression, size, physical ability, developmental ability, musical interests, learning styles, nationality, religion, thought, citizenship status, and sexual orientation. We promote respect and do not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, or other discriminatory behavior or expression.

Our History

Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls was founded in 2001 by a Portland State University student as a summer day camp. In 2003, the organization moved into its own space in Northeast Portland and, in an effort to further fulfill the mission of the organization, launched the Girls Rock Institute, an after-school program that provides more opportunities for girls to get involved throughout the year.

“Girls Rock! The Movie,” a feature documentary following four girls through their experiences at the 2005 Summer Camp, was released nationally in 2008. Chronicle Books published “Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls: How to Start a Band, Write Songs, Record an Album, and Rock Out!” based on early versions of the Rockin’ Road Map, our Summer Camp program guide, also in 2008.

Our programming has grown over the years to include Ladies Rock Camp, Hip-Hop Elements, and Rock Camp Studio. We are very proud of our ever-expanding student base and we are honored by the abundant positive press, community pride, and the individual, local business, foundational, and corporate support we have received over the years.

In the fall of 2012, RnRC4G moved into the historical Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, in partnership with like-minded music education nonprofit Ethos. We are excited to continue Girls Rock Institute and other programs at this North Portland location!