Rain City Rock Camp for Girls hosted 22 campers for its inaugural South Sound Rocks! last month.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to building positive self-esteem in girls and gender non-conforming youth, while encouraging creative expression through music, and fostering leadership, encouraging social change and cultivating a supportive community of female peers and mentors.

The organization started in 2009 with it’s first summer camp of 39 campers at The Fremont Abbey in Seattle. The following year, the camp moved to Billings Middle School near Greenlake, and in 2011, expanded to serve more campers with an additional week of programming.

This year, Rain City Rock offered a third week of camp in South King County, at Totem Middle School, a Federal Way public school in Kent, from Aug. 8-13.

“South Sound Rocks! was a way for us to continue to bring our mission, vision and programs to the south end,” Dani Chang, Rain City Rock volunteer and camp director said in an email. “We wanted to make sure to continue to reach out to diverse communities and ensure our programs are accessible. We are excited and look forward to this expansion and what the years ahead have in store for us.”

The week long camp gave participants a crash course in playing an instrument, song writing, social justice and empowerment workshops and featured performances from live local bands including Vicci Martinez, Ever So Android, Kim Archer and Pink Parts. Campers wrapped up the week with a by performing their perform their own original songs with their band.

Campers and parents alike appreciated what the camp provided.

Nikita, the mother of a camper, said it was great for her introverted daughter, Morgan.

“She loves music, so when I found out about Rain City Rock Camp for Girls, their mission of empowerment, inclusion, and creative expression through music, I thought it would be perfect for her,” Nikita said. “She was open, a bit hesitant, yet willing to attend. … Rock Camp pretty much had her at hello. She loved it. In fact, she started doing a mournful countdown on Wednesday. ‘Man, there are only two more days left of camp.’… ‘There’s only one day left.’… ‘I wish camp was two weeks. Can I come back next year?'”

Morgan said she enjoyed camp.

“I was nervous at first,” Morgan said. “It was better than I thought it would be. I would definitely do it again, and I recommend rock camp for all girls.”

To learn more, visit raincityrockcamp.org.