Nobody quite gets why the world needs Girls Rock SB like our campers do. So, we're giving you the deets straight from the horses' mouths with this Camper Q&A series. And, like so many of our campers, Gracie lays it out with beautiful vulnerability and enthusiasm.
I’d keep describing the inspiring accomplishments and breakthroughs that have burst out of Gracie since she first became a Girls Rock SB camper six summers ago, but… she does it way better than I can. Please enjoy soaking in what Gracie has to say.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT CREATING MUSIC/ART, ARTICLES, PODCASTS, ETC.?
My favorite part about making music, art, and articles is the freedom and creativity. Sure, there might be a specific prompt or sound or tone you need, but with that you can make it into something of your own.
With art specifically, you can use different mediums or canvases to portray the emotion or vibe you’re trying to get across. With music, there’s really endless possibilities and millions of sounds you could create.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO? DID THIS CHANGE AT ALL AFTER YOU CAME TO CAMP?
I really like listening to a mix of indie/alternative/rock music. Some of my favorite bands/artists are Girl in Red, The 1975, Billie Eilish, King Princess, Harry Styles, Soccer Mommy, Conan Gray, Bikini Kill, Isaac Dunbar, MGMT, and many more!
Camp has DEFINITELY changed my music taste in the best way possible. After going to camp in 2019, I was really opened up to a whole new world of music and I’m honestly really glad I was.
HOW DOES IT FEEL FOR YOU TO PERFORM YOUR MUSIC ON STAGE?
Performing my music, or presenting my work, is one of my favorite feelings. It’s an amazing moment filled with joy, excitement, adrenaline… and definitely some nervousness in there, too!
When I’m performing, nothing really matters to me or even crosses my mind besides the performance. At Girls Rock, since you’re in such a supportive environment, you can really be yourself and rock out during your performance!
WHAT MADE YOU LAUGH THE HARDEST AT CAMP?
Something that made me laugh the hardest at camp has to do with my good friend, Tallulah. It’s usually very hot at camp, so we had our water bottles, and we were getting ready for a workshop. Tallulah had opened their water bottle, but our attention kind of drifted away from that. Later on during the workshop, Tallulah thought it would be funny to pretend to pour the water all over themselves… forgetting that the cap was off. Next thing you know, there’s water… everywhere.
Now to us, this was the funniest thing ever. This was a more serious workshop we were in, so we knew we shouldn’t be laughing, so we had to step outside. We were both uncontrollably laughing and I still remember the feeling to this day. Tallulah eventually got the water off and we went back in acting as if nothing had happened.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D TELL PARENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING THIS CAMP FOR THEIR KIDS?
One thing I’d tell parents who are considering Girls Rock for their kids… DO IT! I promise you, this will not only be the best decision of your life… but for [your kid’s], too. For Amplify, I know how scary it might be sending your kid(s) away for a week or more… but it is so worth it.
Although the camp is only however many weeks long, the friendships/memories/skills last forever. Same with Day Camp! You’re giving your child a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on something as special as Girls Rock.
WHAT WAS THE SCARIEST PART ABOUT COMING TO CAMP? WAS IT STILL THE SCARIEST PART ON YOUR LAST DAY?
For me, the scariest part about coming to camp was definitely the showcase! Now, I did start going to Girls Rock when I was eight (I’m now 15), but I still definitely get a little nervous before each showcase! It’s a very normal thing to be nervous about this; I’d say most campers were/are. But… there is really nothing to worry about!
Girls Rock is such a supportive, safe, and welcoming environment with some rad humans that are all there to show and see each other’s music/photography/videography/writing talents!! With Amplify, you’ve got so much to do throughout your days and weeks… you really don't have time to stress about the showcase! You create close bonds with all the campers and the showcase will definitely be your favorite part!
WHICH INSTRUCTOR OR STAFF MEMBER PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOU? WHY?
Thinking about this past year I was at Girls Rock Amplify, I was really inspired by Liliana, Elwyn, Marley, and Laura! All of these instructors/counselors were some of the most amazing humans ever and played a huge part of my camp experience.
Elwyn was in charge of my dorm group my first and second weeks, and she was so kind, talented, and all around such a wonderful human. I remember one night, we were sitting outside the dorms and she was talking about her life back home all the way in Australia. Liliana was a camp counselor last summer, and they were the best. They made me feel so supported and welcomed, they were so rad, and they were also all around the coolest human ever (outstanding fashion sense, too).
Marley helped me with my track for the first week of camp last summer (DJ!). Marley is also superrrr rad, and they also helped my band! Super helpful, caring, and their music is amazingggg. And Laura! Laura was another counselor, and she was so sweet! She’s so smart and talented… and truly everyone at Girls Rock SB is super talented. I miss them all so much!
WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME ARTIST?
My favorite lunchtime artists (who actually performed at camp two years ago!) are definitely April Rose and Mae Krell!! They both sang all original songs, and I fell in loooove with both of their music. Both of their voices were amazing, and I specifically remember a song April sang (called “Luna”!)—her voice gave me chills.
They both really inspired me to be myself and express myself through my music and songwriting. If y’all want to check them out, these are their Instagrams!!
@aprilrosegabrielli (band account: @therosemonarch)
@maekrell
HOW DO YOU THINK CAMP HAS BETTER PREPARED YOU FOR, WELL, LIFE? GOING TO SCHOOL, COLLEGE, EVEN YOUR FIRST JOB OR FIRST DATE?
One of the main things camp has truly taught me is just to unapologetically be myself. Going to school, hanging out with friends, and especially playing music… just being me! I know it sounds cliché or basic but camp really gave me a deeper meaning of that.
I came out of camp as an entirely different, better version of myself. I no longer worry about little things people might think of me or if I look bad like this or like that.
IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE MOMENT FROM CAMP AND COPY/PASTE IT INTO EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE, WHICH MOMENT WOULD YOU PICK?
If I could take any moment from camp, and copy and paste it into my everyday life… it would definitely be the “Night Hike.” The Night Hike is a walk down to the field, to lay, talk, and look at the stars. It’s a magical moment for returning campers, and it’s so beautiful. You’re not supposed to say too much, to keep the magic…
But I would do anything to go back to this night.
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