Rock camps for girls are just so 2005.

The latest step in the empowering-youth-through-rock movement is Queer Rock Camp, happening this week in Olympia. It's the first ever do-it-yourself music camp for queer youth.

"It really is not a music camp," says organizer Molly Fischer of Olympia. "The goal of the camp is empowerment and providing this vessel for people to express themselves and take up space.

"As a young queer person, you're pushed to the sidelines or not heard."

Monday, 31 campers ages 12-21, some from as far away as the East Coast, were divided into eight bands.

They took music lessons, wrote songs, practiced and picked names. Saturday, Aug. 13, they'll make their stage debut, sharing the bill with singer-songwriter/indie inspiration Kimya Dawson.

To read Molly Gilmore's full story, click here.

Queer Rock Camp Showcase

Saturday, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.
$10-$15, free for youth 21 and younger
Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia
www.olympiafilmsociety.org
www.stonewallyouth.org/queerrockcamp
www.brownpapertickets.com