ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A Bay Area summer camp is filled with a whole lot of rock and even more girl power.
- Girls learn about music, self-care, at Rock Camp
- Camp dedicated to educating, inspiring young girls
- Girls Rock Camp led by all female volunteers
Girls Rock Camp St. Pete was founded by Rachael Sibilia who has a mission to educate and inspire the young generation of females.
"Any woman can play any instrument they want, they can play any type of music they want, they can feel heard and feel proud of what they have to say," Sibilia said.
Zey Simon, 12, picked up her first set of drumsticks at camp and hasn't been able to put them down. She said the camp has also helped her self-confidence.
"Women can take up space they can be loud and make their mark," Simon said.
The all-girls camp is led by all female volunteers who spend the day teaching music, women's history, self-care, and self-defense.
"Going through middle school, going through that whole time period where there's a lot changing, can be so hard," volunteer Annalise Mabe said.
Camp volunteers said those difficult preteen and teenage years can be a lot easier with a strong support system standing behind you.
"It's just so refreshing to be able to be in an environment that's so safe and understanding," Camper Zaryn Kluytman said.
Campers said they'll carry the lessons and friendships wherever life takes them.
"I have no idea how my life is going to change, but I'm certain now with this camp and the new found strength I have with these girls that if I don't like something, I can change it, and if I don't like something about myself, then I can change it," Kluytman said.
The campers have spent the week forming bands and creating their own original songs that will be performed at a concert this Saturday, July 21, at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, click here.
