OLL’s summer program is about way more than just rocking out!

Our mission is to empower girls, trans (regardless of identity), and gender non-conforming youth to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through music education and performance. In a weeklong summer session run by adult community volunteers, girls, trans, and GNC youth gain meaningful life skills of collaboration, problem-solving, and positive self-expression in a creative, supportive environment.

During our summer program, campers meet and form bands, learn how to play an instrument (guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, or vocals), compose original songs and perform live to hundreds of family, friends, and community members at a local rock venue – all in one week’s time. Throughout each session, GRL also provides daily workshops geared towards building self-esteem and encouraging self-expression and opportunities to participate in social justice.

FAQ:

When will this year’s camp happen?

There will be no camp held in 2023 but we anticipate it returning in the summer of 2024! Check back for more specifics at the beginning of 2024.

How do I apply for OLL Summer Camp?

Join our mailing list for more information on future camps and programs.

Important Dates:

TBA

Where and when is OLL Summer Camp?

TBA

Camp Schedule:

Sample Schedule: The Monday-Friday portion of summer camp runs from 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM. The showcase takes place on Friday evening and runs approximately two and a half hours. A special Saturday recording session for each band will be held at the conclusion of camp. Details on this session will be provided in the camper welcome packet. Campers are required to be at OLL all hours, all days, including Saturday.

Sample Day at OLL summer camp:

8:30-8:45 Campers Dropped Off

9:00-9:20 Morning Assembly

9:25-11:25 Instrument Instruction/Morning Workshop

11:30-12:30 Lunch & Visiting Band Performance

12:35-2:00 Workshop

2:05-2:45 Band Practice & Songwriting

2:50-3:40 Band Practice

3:45-4:00 Afternoon Assembly

Who can attend OLL Summer Camp?

OLL is for girls, trans (regardless of identity), non-binary, gender-expansive, and/or gender non-conforming youth ages 10-18. There is no musical experience necessary and we will provide all instruments for campers who attend.

Do you only teach Rock Music?

NO! We support all the ways campers want to “rock” — whatever that means to them! We teach, listen to, and love all sorts of music from rock to hip-hop, jazz to folk, pop to punk! Campers are encouraged to explore and create any kind of music that they feel passionate about!

Why does camp specifically cater to girls, trans, and gender non-conforming youth?

Girls, femmes, trans people of all gender identities, and gender non-conforming folks are not always given equal access to quality instrument instructions and encouragement in gender-affirming spaces.  We would like to encourage them to challenge this norm. The best way to do that is through a week of fun where girls, trans, and GNC youth can interact with each other in a safe and comfortable atmosphere

How much is tuition for a OLL Summer Camp?

Full tuition for the week of camp will be determined over the next several months, but we aim to make the camp affordable for all who wish to attend (see below for sliding scale information). The cost includes instruments, materials for workshops, art supplies, camp t-shirts, band t-shirts, lunch and snacks for all campers, as well as the opportunity to record in a professional recording studio and perform at a real music venue. Out Loud Louisville receives most of our funding through program tuition and grassroots fundraising. We rely on support from our community to run and grow our programming.

Out Loud Louisville uses sliding scale tuition to allow families to pay what they can for tuition. Factors to consider when determining the amount you can contribute include: total household income, number of dependents in the household (children or extended family members to care for), or extenuating circumstances such as medical costs or loss of employment. Our sliding scale system is based on trust. We use this system to ensure economic diversity among our campers and to make camp financially accessible. Please be honest when selecting the tuition that is most appropriate for your family based on your economic resources. We encourage you to contribute what you can. Any amount contributed over the cost of camp is considered a donation and is tax-deductible. Additional donations will help us cover the costs of another camper!

Do you offer Financial Aid?

Yes! As mentioned above, OLL uses sliding scale tuition to allow families to pay what they can.

How do you determine who gets in?

Our process prioritizes the date the application was received and the spaces available per age group and instrument choice. The camp’s mandate is also to include a diverse group of campers, so a wide variety of factors are taken into consideration. We offer five different instrument choices: Guitar, Bass, Keys, Vocals, and Drums. Our capacity is currently being determined for the 2024 session. We typically receive more applications than we have spots, so we may not be able to accept everyone who applies.

The OLL Summer Camp application process will have TWO STEPS. Both MUST be completed before your application will be considered.

Step 1: Completed Application

Step 2: Express Yourself Piece (EYP)

Campers, please tell us why you want to attend the Out Loud Louisville summer camp. Be creative! Some ideas: Write a letter, draw a picture, make a collage, record or write a song or a poem. You will not be judged in any way by your EYP, we just want to know more about you and why you want to participate. This piece can be submitted digitally through the application form or emailed separately to general@outloudlouisville.com. We are also able to accept EYPs  through snail mail (please email for mailing address.)

What happens if my camper is placed on the waiting list this year?

If our spaces are full, you will be placed on a waiting list. While we cannot guarantee that spaces will become available, we will alert you to any developments in your camper’s application status.

Will lunch be provided for campers?

Yes! We are proud to partner with local businesses in providing lunch each day, however, campers are welcome to bring their own lunches if they have specific needs.

Further questions about attending OLL Summer Camp?

Contact Kelly at general@outloudlouisville.com with any further questions! Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on events, applications, and future sessions.