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Misty, 17, describes herself as "lost little puppy" trying to find her way back after a meth addiction. She's never played the bass before, but enters rock camp determined to find a place to belong—and not to fall prey to old habits of giving up and running away.

Amelia, 8, lives inside her own imagination to escape the reality of being different and feeling hated by everyone. She says that if she could only live in the body of a classmate who hates her, everyone would start liking her.

Laura, 15, is an adopted Korean extrovert who loves death metal and skips into camp happily. But over the camp's five days, Laura reveals her self-hatred and need for validation. In the end, she finally admits, "I've been waiting so long to admit I'm amazing."

Misty, age 17

In my role as managing editor for Christian teen magazine Ignite Your Faith and as a volunteer youth group counselor, I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of girls with the same pains, pressures and temptations as the stars of Girls Rock! No, not all teen girls are meth addicts or completely self-loathing. But, as I watched Girls Rock!, I thought of so many girls I've met who need a place like The Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls. A place where they belong. A place where they can be themselves. A place to release. A place where adults will listen and love on them. This is why church youth groups are so important. And this is why Girls Rock! will touch a nerve with a lot of viewers.

It's not a perfect documentary. A lot is left out. It goes more for the heartstrings than analysis. And the eventual concert isn't quite as emotive as I'd hoped—despite many mentions of how most live audiences bawl their eyes out every year. But still, Girls Rock! is inspiring and a very worthy see for parents, youth workers or teen girls.

Early in the movie, a counselor notes any particular might never again touch the instrument she learned at camp. But if she leaves thinking just a little better about herself, "that girl will still be a camp success story." The same goes with this documentary. No matter what, Girls Rock! is a success story because of the earnest heart with which it introduces us to some girls who don't realize how much they really do rock.

This film is in limited release. To find a of theaters, go to the official website.

Talk About It

1. Which of the girls in the movie do you most relate to—either now or when you were young? Why? What themes, quotes or ideas most stick with you? Which girls change in the course of the camp and how?
2. What friends or young girls do you know who most need to hear and see the movie's messages about self-esteem? How can you affirm or encourage them?
3. What was your impression of the camp? Would you send your daughter? Why or why not? What do these women do exceptionally well? What didn't seem so strong to you? How should church youth groups/Christian education be like this for young girls? How different?
4. Laura says, "I've been waiting so long to admit I'm amazing." Why is it hard to say that? Do you think you're amazing? Why or why not? Read 1 Peter 3:3-4, Ephesians 2:10 and Psalm 139:1-18. What do these verses say about you?

The Family Corner

Girls Rock! is rated PG for thematic elements and language. Other than less than five swear words (some of which sound like maybe they were censored out), the film is clean. There are uncomfortable moments as young girls fight or talk frankly about drug use and self-hatred.

Photos © Copyright Girls Rock Productions

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