Our September 2026 Rock Camp is is back 28 September - 2 October - camper applications are open NOW!
About
Rock Camp is a music mentorship program for girls, trans boys, gender diverse and intersex young people ages 10–17. Over five days, participants form their own bands, learn an instrument, watch live music performances, and participate in creative workshops (such as making zines and screen-printing band t-shirts). At the end of the week camper bands perform the songs they have written to an audience of family and friends.
Rock Camp encourages creativity, self-expression and self-determination through music, providing young people with a safe and affirming environment where they can express their identity and creativity. Our programming is underpinned by our values of respect, care, kindness, collaboration, community, and freedom of creative expression.
Rock Camp 2026 is back 28 September - 2 October.
Camper applications
Apply to our 2026 Rock Camp program!
Rock Camp is back, and camper applications are officially open!
This year we've got a bunch of new workshops, a stacked lineup of lunchtime performers, and five days of making music, trying new things, making friends, and having a whole lot of fun.
When is camp?
Dates: Monday 28 September - Friday 3 October | Showcase October 4
Time: 9am–4pm each day
Location: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon ACT
NOTE: Camper participation in the Saturday showcase is a mandatory part of attendance. As campers will depend on their bandmates to be there at rehearsals, please make sure the camper will also be able to attend the whole week of camp.
Rock Camp is for girls (trans and cis), trans-boys, gender diverse young people and intersex young people aged 10-17. We recognise that gender is self-identified, and that there is a variety of language people may use to best express their experience of gender.
No prior music experience is needed - we welcome all musical abilities and genres!
There will be a photographer present at Rock Camp throughout the week, as well as at the showcase. A consent form for media will be sent out when placements are confirmed.
Cost: $600 for the week, including morning and afternoon tea. Financial aid (including full and partial scholarships) is available on a needs basis - we try to meet all requests!
What to bring: We will provide all musical instruments and workshop materials, as well as a daily morning and afternoon tea.
We do not provide lunch for campers, unless requested. Campers need to bring lunch each day. We cannot provide refrigeration or re-heating for lunches.
CAMPER APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 30 AUGUST - OPEN NOW
Our 2026 Mentor applications are closed for this year, if you have applied we will be in touch soon.
Intern Applications
Mentor Applications
Our 2026 camper applications are open NOW!
Learn more
Our Intern program
Noisy Futures Intern Program will be back at this years Rock Camp!
Interning is very much about being a helper, learning how camp operates behind the scenes and requires a strong desire to learn how all of our gear works and needs to be set-up. Interning is a lot of work and responsibility, but it is also really rewarding.
We expect Interns to model leadership behaviour by assisting adults in varying capacities, helping campers stay focused on the varying activities and helping move, troubleshoot and set-up gear each day.
All Rock Camp Interns must have attended one of our camps before, and be 16-18 years old at the time of camp. Interns will receive daily lunch, morning and afternoon tea, as well as a Rock Camp t-shirt.
This is a volunteer position, however Interns will be paid an honorarium of $200 for their time and energy.
While we welcome applications from interstate, we prioritise applications from Canberra and surrounding regions (ie. Braidwood, Yass, Goulburn).
Applications for our 2026 Intern program are open now!
Rock Camp frequently asked questions
Q: Who can attend?
A: The camp is open to girls, trans, and non-binary young people aged 10 -17 of all musical levels—including complete beginners!
Q: Are meals provided?
A: Noisy Futures will supply all vegan morning tea, afternoon tea and snacks throughout the day, however campers are expected to bring their own lunch to the program.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The fee for Rock Camp 2025 is $500, however Scholarships and payment plans are available for those who need it - no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Q: What instruments are taught?
A: Campers can choose from vocals, guitar, bass, drums.
Q: Who runs the camp?
A: Noisy Futures is run by experienced local musicians, artists and passionate people from the Canberra community who volunteer their time. All staff undergo working with children checks and training.
Q: Do we need to bring our own instruments?
A: No. All instruments and gear are provided. However, campers can bring their own if they prefer.
Q: My child has access needs. Can you accommodate them?
A: Absolutely. Please let us know about any access, medical, or support needs in advance and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate.
Q: What is the showcase?
A: The camp ends with a public showcase where all bands perform their original songs live on stage. Family and friends are invited!
Q: Do campers need to know how to play an instrument?
A: Not at all! Campers of all skill levels are welcome - from total beginners to seasoned players.
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous?
A: That’s totally okay! Camp is a supportive, inclusive environment with lots of encouragement from mentors and peers. Everyone’s voice matters.
Previous Rock Camps
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2025
We can’t believe our 2025 Rock Camp is over! 7 incredible bands formed over the week, with genres spanning from indie to metal to funk! Our workshops ranged from songwriting to our very first drag performance workshop. To top it off we had killer lunchtime performers including camp alumni Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Sydney punk royalty Xiao Xiao. We can’t wait to see what next year brings.
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2023
Our 2023 Rock Camp was a roaring success! Campers took part in a variety of hands-on workshops, including songwriting, screen-printing, and more. We also had some incredible lunchtime performances, which featured the cyber pop-punk stylings of June Jones and a high-intensity set from hardcore band Cherish. It was a week of creativity, community and music!
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2022
Our 2022 Rock Camp was one of our favourite years yet. We had some great workshops including zine making, t- shirt design and of course everyone got to learn how to play an instrument! With incredible bands formed like ‘Path to Cowboy’ and ‘Eletric Obelisk’, it was hard not to have a good time.
Photos
