What is TEMPO?

TEMPO is a summer camp where girls, trans, nonbinary, and intersex youth ages 12-18 build self-esteem and empowerment through musical and creative expression. In just one week, campers learn an instrument, create a band, a write a song to perform at the final performance.

We believe that every teen has the right to find their own voice, identify their needs, and be given the opportunity to express them. We value every role in the creative process and support the exploration of all genres of music. We seek to strike a balance between experimentation and technique. There is no wrong way to create music! We foster this belief through lessons, live performance, and the shared experiences of the staff and volunteers.

What can you do at camp?

  • Take instrument lessons! We offer guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocal lessons.

  • Collaborate with bandmates to write a song from scratch.

  • Find comfort and affirmation in a safe space for marginalized identities!

  • Go to daily workshops about social justice, creative writing, media literacy, screen printing, visual art, building safer spaces, and more!

  • Participate in team building activities and build friendships!

  • Watch local artists perform at lunchtime concerts!

  • Show off what you’ve created at the final performance!

 FAQ

  • We accept campers ages 12-18.

  • No! Your camper will decide on their application which of the five instruments we offer that they would like to try. They do not have to have experience with that instrument before coming to camp. If your camper does have experience with the instrument they apply for, that is great, too! We offer multiple levels of instrument instruction at camp to accommodate all skill and comfort levels. Additionally, we provide instruments for campers to use at camp, so your camper does not have to bring their own instrument unless they want to.

  • Just themselves and a packed lunch! We provide all equipment, supplies, and snacks they will need for the camp day. They are welcome to bring their own instruments and any personal belongings they may need as long as it does not distract from camp activities. Note: We do hold onto campers’ phones during the camp day, and devices will be securely locked up. Campers will be able to access devices upon request for parent/guardian contact, medication reminders, etc.

  • Please see the Location & Schedule page for a detailed breakdown of what each camp day looks like.

  • $50 - $300 sliding scale per camper. This means that each family chooses the tuition amount that works best for their family financially. No communication is required to establish your tuition amount. Full financial support is available in the form of scholarships, and absolutely no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

    In an effort to provide access to marginalized campers, we reserve three [3] spots at camp for trans femme campers. These spots guarantee a FULL scholarship to TEMPO 2025 for the entire week, which includes instrument instruction, band practice, workshop activities and materials, and the final performance event. If your camper identifies as a trans girl/femme, they are eligible to receive this scholarship to camp.

    In addition, campers of color will be considered first in the lottery for camp admittance.

  • In the past, camp volunteers and organizers have been able to provide transportation for campers to and from camp, but at Camp 2023 and moving forward, we will not be able to do so. We strive to make camp accessible, and we aim to connect campers that need rides with other campers to provide carpools.

  • You can access the application on this website. Click here to Become a Camper!

    We are able to accept 35 campers this year. To provide maximum support and opportunities for prospective campers, the first 27 applicants will be accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis; three [3] spots will be reserved for trans girls/femmes scholarships; and five [5] spots will be filled via a lottery with campers of color being selected first. If we receive over 35 applications by the application deadline on May 11th, 2025, these campers will be notified they are on the waitlist and we will inform them if a spot opens up.

Have a question not answered here?

Feel free to email us at tempomusicandartscamp@gmail.com.