ROCK ON, CAMP LOUISE!

Back by popular demand – Jewish Chicks Rock spent the week with us for their 7th summer here at Camp Louise.

I had the great opportunity to spend some time with Naomi Less, founder of Jewish Chicks Rock and bandleader of The Naomi Less Band, and her husband and fellow musician Glenn Grossman as they were working with our camper rock bands. This year, Naomi focused on contemporary Jewish women songwriters in an effort to amplify these musicians’ voices and to teach the campers about powerful women and the amazing work they do.

Each camper band had a chance to listen to songs from different artists and then talk about the meaning behind the lyrics. They each chose a song that moved them and then learned the words and music. One band told me that they picked a song that was upbeat, had a lot of rhythm, a good vibe and a really great positive message – to speak up for yourself and for others. They went on to tell me how the song made them feel confident that you can always rise up! What an incredible message!

Some of these campers have never picked up an instrument before and here they are on stage playing electric guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, and drums. Some of the girls have participated in this rock camp year after year.

When I spoke to our camper musicians about why they auditioned to be in a band, our veteran rockers told me that it is “super fun” singing together, they love music, and they get to meet lots of new people. Our first time rockers told me that after seeing last year’s concert, they knew they had to try out this year. One of the girls said that she is in chorus at school and she didn’t want to have to wait until next school year to sing again. A few of the girls simply wanted to try something new.

Not only did the rock bands choose a song and practice all week, they also had the amazing opportunity to talk to the female artist who wrote the song that their band chose to perform – a real live famous musician! Ah, the beauty of technology. I was with them when two of the bands Face Timed with their songwriters. These women were so proud of the work our rock bands did. They praised the campers for their dedication and they felt inspired by the work the girls had done to prepare.

One of the women said that she has hundreds of snippets on her phone. Whenever she has an idea, she records it. Some of the ideas are good and some are just terrible. She shared a valuable lesson with the campers – Don’t judge yourself. Be open to even the smallest idea. You never know when that small idea will turn into something big and powerful and inspiring to others.

Rock on!

Alicia

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Today’s Birthdays

No birthdays today.
Happy UN-Birthday, everyone!!!

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Today’s Menu
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Today’s Weather

High: 72°F | Low: 66°F – Lots of fashionable rainboots and umbrellas but lots of smiles and fun too!

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