A typical day includes morning assembly, creative classes or activity choices, meals, free time, swimming or rest, more creative programming, and an evening activity with their group. There are usually 2 blocks of free time each day. After lunch, campers can swim, attend private lessons, or join residential counselors for special activities such as capture the flag, jam sessions, board games in the camper lounge, art room activities, a hike, or enjoying some down time listening to records on our record player in the Bjork Chamber of Quiet. There is always an hour rest period each day before dinner.
At the beginning, I was worried because I only knew one person at first. I have always been social, but at camp I really belonged. Before I even knew who my roommates were, a girl helped me carry my luggage. I was really able to be myself because no one judged me for my interest or hobbies. I became fast friends with everyone. It was a break from the world where people judge and make fun of you. Everyone just accepted each other with open arms. — B, age 12 (Sara Pendleton's daughter)
My daughter Lulu has gone to Amplify two summers in a row now. She says 'My favorite part about Amplify is making so many new friends and never feeling excluded.' As a parent, I was very impressed with the diversity and inclusivity of the campers and counselors. — Blake Lindsley, parent
Program breadth — creative immersives and electives overview
Campers choose a creative immersive like rock band, songwriting, musical theatre, film, photography, fashion or art, while still getting everything they love about summer camp. Pool days. Campfires. Theme nights. Adventures. New friends. Campchella. And a real break from phones. The fully elective program was designed over 10 years ago and has served nearly 15,000 campers. We are masters of elective and creative programming — we can work with any camper no matter what their interest or skill level is, and we pride ourselves on offering each camper a unique individual camping experience.
Natural setting — Ojai environment and nature activities
We love to make music and art, but our natural world is full of inspiration, challenges, fun, excitement and what we like to call 'brave space'. Campers can enjoy activities around the beautiful campus, such as basking in the 'Pink Moment' on a hike through the rolling hills surrounding camp, or head off campus to play at the beach, zip lining on an island, or white water rafting a pristine mountain river. Heading outdoors for an activity in nature is a healthy way to build resilience, bond with friends, and develop connection with our world.
Off-campus adventures look different at each age. Lights campers walk about a mile from campus to Topa Institute for a special evening rite of passage and also enjoy a water park outing. Legends and LITs share an overnight camping trip. Four-week campers take a special trip to Universal Studios on the Saturday between sessions. Blowout trips for 4+ week campers include kayaking Catalina Island or whitewater rafting the Kern River. All trips are age-appropriate, fully supervised, and led by trained staff.
Campfire and community traditions — camper quote on belonging
i've been coming for 3 years and have learned how to express myself through music, write songs, and talk about how i feel inside… I've learned so much. — Jade, 12 years old
Lennox is that type of kid who doesn't want to do anything unless it's her idea. She's an (too) independent thinker who is not the one going to join the group in a chant or a dance or anything like that… so you can imagine our delightful surprise to see every picture of her that the camp sent she had a massive broad smile on her face… the videos had her dancing and laughing and joining in her peer's fun. The transformation was remarkable. Amplify let her find her tribe. — Daryl Berg, parent
Confidence and lasting impact — Rock Band and middle school transition
We chose Amplify very intentionally. After a challenging year socially and just before beginning middle school, she needed an experience that would rebuild her confidence, help her form positive relationships, and allow her to feel accepted for who she was. Amplify promised those things, and it delivered. She chose the rock band program, where she learned to work with a group, listen to other people's ideas, contribute her own, and find the confidence to perform onstage. In a letter home, she wrote, 'There is not a second I am not smiling and/or laughing.' She came home happy, more independent, and much more confident. — Juli Schneiderman, parent
Session theme: Campchella + Live Production. Signature event: Campchella music festival. Price not stated on site for sleepaway; see Rates + Dates page.
We are on a mission to make our programs as accessible as possible to all youth. We encourage you to ask for assistance if you need it, even if you think you might not qualify. Applying for full or partial tuition assistance does not affect chances of being enrolled in summer camp. Since launching in 2012, Girls Rock has provided over $1,000,000 in scholarships to low-income youth, youth of color, and refugee youth. Amplify accepts tuition assistance applications and considers each family's circumstances. Apply as early as possible.
Our mission is to empower girls through music education, the creative arts, positive mentorship and community. At Amplify, we believe in the transformative power of summer camp experiences. In a world that often pits girls against each other, we're dedicated to creating a different kind of environment, one where competition takes a backseat to collaboration, and where everyone is encouraged to shine. Our goal is to shift the culture from gossip and cliques to one of inclusivity and solidarity.
Cost and value — parent acknowledgment of cost being a barrier, then worth it
We had known about the camp for some time but the cost was a prohibitive factor. Honestly, the things I have seen the kids do while at camp are amazing. Both my wife and I were so jealous of our daughter, which is, I guess, what every parent wants for their kid, to have more opportunities than they had. 10/10 experience and definitely would do again. — Araceli Arzate, parent
Security cameras in all hallways (none point into dorm rooms or bathrooms). Security personnel patrol the campus at night. Amplify and Besant staff have all cleared background checks. Staff are roomed no more than 3 doors away from any camper dorm room. Camper doors can be locked at night and when changing. There is a locked gate around the pool. The main campus gates are locked between 7pm and 7am. Amplify is proudly accredited by the American Camp Association, having passed over 250 safety standards.
Our food is healthy and kid-friendly, and most is even made from scratch right here in our kitchen. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other alternative choices are always available and labeled. A full salad bar is always available. We are also a nut and shellfish free camp. We are happy to accommodate special dietary requests. Please be as thorough as possible when informing us of your/your camper's needs. Our goal is to have everyone in the Amplify community raving about how much they loved the food!
Health and safety — on-site Health Center and nurses
Amplify's Health Center is fully equipped and staffed to ensure your camper's well-being throughout their stay. We have three nurses living on-site 24/7, with an infirmary stocked with essential medications, first-aid supplies, and everything needed to treat common camp ailments. In the event of an emergency, we follow strict protocols and are located just minutes from Ojai Valley Community Hospital. For campers who take daily medication, we have a secure and reliable system in place for administration, overseen by our medical staff.
