It is more than just a summer camp, it's a movement to teach young girls they can be anything they want to be. Omaha Girls Rock is all about smashing stereotypes, while rocking out.
"I feel like camp is such a beautiful place for girls to find their voice," said Keyboard instructor Tessa Sherwood.
"I like it because we aren't being judged because we are all girls," said fifth grader Jayda Lee.
Recently 50 girls ages 10 to 12 from all different backgrounds gathered at the Holland Center. The goal of this five-day camp is simple.
"It is about using music to empower young women to go out and do whatever they want to do," said executive director Melissa Wurth.
Omaha Girls Rock camp started back in 2011 with 35 girls. Executive Director Melissa Wurth says it has now grown to two weeks, split into different age groups.
"Not only are they learning their instrument for the first time, they are writing a song with people they have never met before," said Darcy Covert.
All of the instructors are volunteers like Darcy Covert, she teaches bass.
"My favorite part of camp is watching their confidence grow," said Covert.
Before camp a lot of the girls hadn't picked up an instrument.
"Once I started playing the guitar it was actually really fun and I was like why was I ever scared," Dagny, a fourth grade camper.
Besides rocking out, making new friends and forming a band are some camp favorites.
"You get to know them and then you get to write a song with them," said Lee.
Keyboard instructor Tessa Sherwood says it is amazing watching the girls blossom in just five days.
"You can do anything if you believe in it. You don't have to follow along and just play behind someone, you can make your own voice heard," said Sherwood.
On Saturday, at the Slowdown the girls have a showcase. The public is invited to check out the bands they formed this week at camp. It starts at 5 p.m.
