Scranton Girls Rock: Empowering the Next Generation of Artists and Musicians in NEPA
For young people trying to find their footing in the world, having a space to express themselves without judgment can change everything. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, Scranton Girls Rock is stepping up to provide that exact sanctuary. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this incredible organization brings girls and gender-expansive youth ages 8–17 together to explore music, art, and community.
At the core of Scranton Girls Rock are foundational goals focused on empowerment, creative freedom, and lasting community change.
Scranton Girls Rock Mission and Vision
We spoke with founder Natalie Jurosky to learn more about the heart, soul, and vision behind this growing local movement.
Mission: Scranton Girls Rock Camp gives girls and gender-expansive youth ages 8–17 a place to make music and art, learn from mentors, and find their people. Through bands, workshops, and a live showcase, campers practice using their voices and supporting one another.
Vision: The organization aims to grow a creative ecosystem across NEPA that connects young people with artists, venues, mentors, and other community organizations. By working together and teaching the next generation to make room for every voice, they hope to create change that lasts well beyond camp.
Finding Your Voice Through Music and Art
Scranton Girls Rock is more than just a summer camp—it’s an ecosystem of support, creativity, and self-discovery. During their flagship summer program, campers form bands, learn instruments, write original songs, rehearse, and ultimately perform at a live showcase. Alongside band practice, participants dive into creative workshops like audio production, DJing, photography, and podcasting, all with hands-on guidance from local musicians, artists, and mentors.
When asked about the inspiration behind starting the organization, Natalie shared a deeply personal perspective:
“I grew up as a girl in the music scene. I loved being part of it, but I also learned how much it matters to have people who see you, make room for you, and stand beside you. There are more women in music now, thank God, and I want the next generation to grow up knowing they can make music on their own terms.”
Building a Community Rooted in Collaboration
What sets Scranton Girls Rock apart in the local arts community is its collaborative spirit.
Predominantly women-identifying, the team behind the organization is intentional about creating a space where youth can discover what music and art look like when led by their own ideas.
Rather than viewing other local arts groups as competitors, Natalie and her team see them as allies. They want young people to realize there isn’t just one right way to make art, run a show, or belong in a music scene.
That community-first mindset is deeply intertwined with Natalie’s love for the region. “NEPA raised me, and I want to give back by creating the kind of music community I wish I’d had growing up,” she explains. “What I love most is feeling that support while we build something for the next generation.”
Moments That Matter
The true impact of Scranton Girls Rock is best seen in the transformations that happen over the course of a single camp session.
Natalie recalls campers who walked in on day one feeling nervous and reluctant to speak up, only to end the week screaming proudly onstage with their band or mastering a brand-new instrument. The growth extends to the camp’s mentors and counselors, too, who often find kindred spirits and heal parts of their own younger selves along the way.
“By the showcase, we can see it in the campers, the counselors, and the community cheering them on: we help each other heal, and then we help each other thrive. That’s the heart of every story here.”
Future Impact on the NEPA Community
Girls Rock communities have already brought people together in powerful ways in other regions, and Natalie’s team is thrilled to bring that spirit to Scranton. Looking ahead, they envision Scranton Girls Rock expanding into a year-round home for artists and youth, fostering deeper connections with other Pennsylvania Girls Rock chapters, and ensuring local women and gender-expansive artists are fairly compensated for their talent, teaching, and mentorship.
Ultimately, the future impact will be shaped by the community itself—helping more young people find friends, mentors, and the confidence to make their voices heard, while giving artists, volunteers, and families new avenues for connection.
Get Involved With Scranton Girls Rock
Whether you are an artist, a musician, or a parent looking to get involved, there are plenty of ways to support Scranton Girls Rock:
Camp Registration & Merch:
Families can register for camps and purchase merch directly through their website.
Coming soon watch for their new store on NEPA Marketplace.
They also offer camper sponsorship opportunities with updates provided at the end of the camp session.
Live Events: Experience their work in person by catching the campers’ live showcase or spotting them at community events across NEPA.
Connect with Scranton Girls Rock Online:
Website: scrantongirlsrock.org
Facebook: Scranton Girls Rock
Instagram: @scrantongirlsrock
Email: [email protected]
Are you an inspiring local nonprofit, creator, or small business owner in Northeastern Pennsylvania? Let us know your story to be featured in an upcoming NEPA Small Business Spotlight!
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