El Paso, Texas, July 15, 2025 — With amplifiers warming up and guitars being tuned, the energy is built up for this summer’s You Rock Music Camp, which began at El Paso Community College’s (EPCC) Rio Grande Campus on July 14 and ends July 25 with an all-out performance on July 26. Created to empower girls through music, collaboration, and creativity, the weeklong camp has grown into a beloved tradition that’s inspiring a new generation of musicians and building a supportive community in the process.
The idea for You Rock Music Camp began with a tragic loss that turned into a movement. Founders Jim and Kristine Ward were introduced to the concept of Girls Rock Camps through their friend Esme Barrera, a passionate volunteer at the Austin chapter. After her untimely passing, the couple raised money in her memory at a concert in Austin, where someone suggested they bring a similar camp to El Paso. They did exactly that.
“We wanted to create a space for young girls to find their voice in an industry that has traditionally been a boys’ club,” said Jim Ward, a musician in the band Sparta and At the Drive-In. “Our goal has always been to build a community that gains strength each year and eventually takes on a life of its own.”
Now several years strong, the camp provides girls ages 9–17 with hands-on music education, band coaching, and performance opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment. Each day begins with instrument training in the morning and band practice in the afternoon, giving campers the tools to write original songs and perform by the end of the week.
“The growth we see in just a few days is incredible,” Ward said. “They bond, they learn, and they build confidence faster than you’d believe. You really have to see it to understand how transformative it is.”
This summer marks the third year of You Rock Music Camp and its second year being hosted at El Paso Community College’s (EPCC) Rio Grande Campus.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to host the camp again,” EPCC Dean of Art, Communication, CTE and Social Science Brian Kirby said. “Young students not only learn music, but they learn to create and collaborate. Their levels of confidence grow exponentially, and the impact this camp has is astounding.”
Mike Hernandez, one of the music directors at the camp, emphasized the importance of representation and hands on learning. “This is our third year doing the camp and it just keeps growing,” said Hernandez. “We’re giving girls a real chance to experience what it’s like to be in a band, write music, and perform. It’s about building confidence and showing them that their voices belong in music.
You Rock has consistently drawn repeat campers and even a waiting list this year, a clear sign the program is hitting the right note.
“This is my favorite time of year,” Ward said. “Watching these kids form friendships, collaborate through music, and discover their creative voice, it’s powerful. We’re trying to plant something lasting, and these girls are running with it.”
The 2025 You Rock Music Camp Showcase will be held at the end of the camp on Friday, July 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Club 101, located at 4151 N. Mesa Street. Tickets will be available at the door for $5.
For more information, please visit https://yourockep.org/
Photos courtesy: EPCC
27 young girls ages 9 to 17 are enrolled in the You Rock summer camp at EPCC’s Rio Grande campus
Catalina Rosa Morelos sits on a drum set for the first time during the first day of the You Rock summer camp being held at the EPCC Rio Grande campus.
Jim Ward, a musician with the bands At The Drive-In and Sparta, meets campers in the You Rock camp at EPCC’s Rio Grande campus Monday.
You Rock camp director Mike Hernandez explains how to hold the electric guitar to campers Monday at EPCC’s Rio Grande campus.
