Ladies Rock Camp: Why You Should Go

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

It's been one week since I returned from my first solo vacation. Ever. I've been a working professional for more than 12 years. A working mom for five years. And I've never gone away by myself. It's about time, right?

Some would hardly call it a vacation; I spent about twelve hours a day, over the course of three days, trying to learn to play the electric guitar. But it was my weekend. And I'm already counting the months until I can do it again.

What's all the fuss?

Ladies Rock Camp. A spin-off of Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls*, Ladies Rock Camp is a three-day weekend day camp in Portland, OR where you learn how to play an instrument, form a band, write music and perform an original song at a club. Sort of a Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp for women. How cool is that?

I first learned about Ladies Rock Camp in the February issue of O Magazine and I knew I had to attend. I had an electric guitar sitting in my closet. I purchased it several months ago after the rock star and actor, Rick Springfield, crushed it on stage. I had it restored, it was in perfect working order, and now I had an opportunity to use it (I won't bore you with the details, but if you're interested you can read about the guitar at my personal blog). A dream come true. My husband agreed wholeheartedly. Since he would be the one taking care of our two sons while I was away for a long weekend, his support was crucial.

I arrived in Portland with my gear in tow early on a Friday morning. And I'll admit it: I was nervous. I knew how to strum a few chords on the guitar, but playing in a band? Performing at a club? In front of an audience? Shivers.

I'll also admit that I was nervous about my peers. Something about being a mom and always feeling judged by other women tends to do that to a gal.  But I had nothing to worry about. The amazing instructors set the tone for the weekend: Have fun. You will make music. You will perform. And if you can do this, you can do just about anything.

Through workshops about writing music, instrument lessons, band practice and practice performances, to our late-night karaoke party, every element of Ladies Rock Camp is built around making sure all the students feel comfortable around each other and letting their hair down, even if it's just for a weekend. The students were equally amazing. From all walks of life and all ages (19 and up), every single attendee was your number one fan. Our goals were mutual...to show support and encouragement.

The phrase "I'm sorry" was one that we all started out repeating often during band practice...when we'd miss a beat, screw up a riff, hit the wrong chord...and then we realized we didn't need to apologize anymore. We were all sharing the same experience. Learning as we went. And so I'm sorry became, "Let's try it again."

By the last day of camp, my band, The Dirty Courtneys, had practiced our song more than 50 times. My fingertips were blistered. I had cuts around my cuticles and bruises along my fingers from playing without a guitar pick. And my hands were beginning to cramp, making me miss easy chord changes. But I was having so much fun that I couldn't complain. I wanted more. My band was one of twelve that performed on the stage of Satyricon. And the only thing I can say is that it was surreal.

Since returning from Ladies Rock Camp, I feel like I have a different attitude and perspective. I call it the "freak flag 'tude" after a quote I'd read from Drew Barrymore: "Let your freak-flag fly, and if someone doesn't get you, move on."

When you're a mom, it's easy to let your freak flag come down from its pole. It takes a little hiatus while you try to sort out who you are in this new world of yours. And as you encounter other moms, sometimes you hide your freak flag because you're worried about what other people may think of the real you. You want people to "get you." But you want to fit in.  

Ladies Rock Camp is 100 percent about empowerment. You don't worry about anyone having to "get you."  You're just you.

And I can't think of a a better message for all moms to hear.

For more details about my weekend at Ladies Rock Camp, you can check out my series, Rockstar Supermama, at my blog, crazedparent.

*Funds raised through Ladies Rock Camp are used to support the Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls.

Comments

[NTS]

I loved the Dirty Courtneys. You guys were great at the showcase and your song stuck in my mind.

I was at LRC as well and it was the most amazing experience of my life. I am an overcommitted working mom and LRC was completely liberating.

I am impressed at how organized the camp was and how the fun, talented and dedicated staff helped us all transform in +/- 50 hours. Friday, I had to ask someone what a measure was and on Sunday I was rocking out in front of an audience. WOOH!

I want to go back every year and learn a new instrument each time.

I love having a son, but for the first time in my life, I also wish I had a daughter so I can shape her life by sending her to Rock n Roll camp for Girls.

LRC empowered me!
Every Mom needs to Rock!

Your fellow camper, the Keyboardist (and tambourene player) of High Heel Malfunction…yaaaah!