Rock Camp Adelaide Written by Max Olman

Hi everyone!!

Ari has kindly invited me to write and share about my favourite aspect of the Adelaide Scene, Rock Camp!

For those who don’t know, rock camp is an annual camp run by the organisation Girls Rock! Adelaide. Rock Camp is a week-long camp centered around allowing young (10-17 year old) girls and gender diverse folk to explore and develop music skills. Within the camp you get to learn from industry professionals in interactive workshops, see popular Adelaide bands live, learn an instrument, form a band and perform an original song.

I attended my first rock camp in January of 2021, I didn’t know a single person but within minutes I was embraced fully into a community of queer, neurodivergent and trans affirming people, making me feel so at home. This was the first week I felt confident enough to experiment with my gender and pronouns, something I will forever be thankful for. I had always been intrigued by the idea of playing drums, so I chose that as my instrument at rock camp.

I was taught by the incredible Kyrie Anderson (she/her) who was so incredibly encouraging and helpful seeing as most of us in the class had never touched a drum kit before in our lives. Kyrie ignited a real passion within me, and I went on to do private lessons with her for over a year.

There was never a time at rock camp where I didn’t feel fully supported and loved by everyone around me. I have attended 3 camps, and hopefully attending my 4th and final this year. My best friends, my true family have all come from rock camp. I met my bandmates through rock camp, I learnt how to be a musician in this city, and I feel so fulfilled and grateful for this program. Rock camp changed, and saved my life, it is my home!

Keep your eye out on Adelaide Scene socials for info about upcoming camps and events. Get involved, it will change your life.

Max (they/them) !!