FAQs

Amplify Sleep Away Camp provides staff and mentor supervision, safety equipment, and training to ensure EVERYONE at camp—especially campers—stay safe while also challenging themselves and having a blast.

Staff are always on campus 24 hours a day. Our programming is designed to encourage campers to gain confidence, learn and develop life skills, and explore independence while maintaining the structure and supervision necessary for a SAFE and overall enjoyable camp experience.

COVID-19

We are carefully monitoring local, state, and federal recommendations and mandates regarding the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also giving our youth the chance to come home to camp this summer.

We also always honor INSURANCE POLICIES. You deserve the security of knowing you can change your plans for any reason. Learn more about optional camp insurance.

Currently, we are taking the following measures to make camp as safe as possible. This is subject to change as more data and public health recommendations become available the closer we get to summer.

Health

Amplify program directors and staff are all trained in First Aid and CPR, as well as Mental Health First Aid. We also have 2 full-time medical staff and a health center on campus. Health + wellness coordinators are responsible for disbursing medications and general care as needed. All medications are stored in a locked area accessible only to staff.

For illnesses and medical emergencies requiring additional assistance, we follow appropriate EMS procedures, including contacting the camper’s guardian and/or person(s) listed on the emergency contact form.

The closest hospital is Ojai Valley Community Hospital, 1306 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023. It is literally around the corner from campus. The local fire station is also located at the base of our campus.

A health history and medication card is completed for each camper by the parent or guardian prior to arriving at camp. All medications and health/behavioral histories are confidential. Tampons and pads are provided in case of an emergency.

Campers are responsible for their own hygiene and healthy eating habits, but staff may need to remind campers. Amplify always has sunscreen, water bottles, soap, hand sanitizer, and more on hand. Our air-conditioned health center is staffed 24/7 with an experienced health + wellness coordinator. Most health-related issues can be handled by our health center staff.

Last but not least, if you think bedwetting could come up for your camper, please send them prepared. You have the option to tell a camp director ahead of time so we can put a plastic covering on your camper’s mattress and arrange time for a quick morning shower and extra laundry time. At dropoff, point out the designated staff your camper can go to for help. If the thought of anyone knowing their secret is mortifying to your camper, there are tried-and-true discreet solutions:

• Send a twin-sized plastic mattress cover with your camper that they can put on the bed the first day of camp.

• Pack a sleeping bag with single use Good Nites underwear, inserts, and/or mats tucked inside. Your camper can use these after they get in their sleeping bag and throw them away each morning.

• Loose sweats or PJ pants and an oversized shirt will help hide bulky absorbent underwear.

• Pack lots of extra PJs and an extra sleeping bag or set of bedding.

• Pack plastic bags to store wet clothing.

• Discuss and try out these solutions beforehand.

• Reassure your camper they are by far not the only one with this condition. Bedwetting is common and camp staff are prepared to handle your camper’s needs discreetly and without shaming.

Safety 

Amplify provides a well-organized and structured program to ensure every camper engages in fun-filled days and nights surrounded by supportive friends, mentors, and staff, as well as a safe environment.

Safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and ear plugs/earmuffs are required for some of our activities.

Everyone is required to follow safety guidelines in order to participate in each activity, including wearing hearing protection in loud environments like band practice.

Emergency communication is available via any staff member since all staff members carry a cell phone with them at all times.

Rooms are checked for cleanliness every day, multiple times a day. Rooms and facilities are cleaned once per day by campus housekeeping staff. Amplify staff and volunteers help campers learn how to compassionately encourage their peers to look out for one another, and that includes making sure health and safety protocols are met in all activities and environments.

Are campers grouped by age?

Campers are grouped by GRADE. Bands, electives, music/creative track instruction, dorm rooms, etc. are sorted by grade.

How do you assign campers to dorm rooms?

Campers bunk 2–3 to a room. Everyone goes through a lengthy, inclusive, and fun ice breaker process. We strive to create opportunities for campers to find things in common with everyone they meet during the first assembly.

Our programs are about opening our hearts and minds to the differences, quirks, and brilliant ideas of every participant. In order to create a welcoming environment for all, we encourage campers who are attending with friends and family to seek out new friendships, especially with brand-new campers who may not know anyone at camp yet. Please discuss this idea with your camper; we encourage everyone to be open to making new friends and being sorted away from current friends and family in their dorm rooms, bands, and instruction.

Some campers have their heart set on rooming with their best camp friend—who they maybe only get to see once a year at camp. That’s just fine with us, and you can request a specific roommate as part of the registration process.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what’s best for our youth, and all of us thrive at different comfort levels 💕.

What are dorm rooms like?

Campers sleep 2–3 per dorm, with staff rooms placed between each camper room. For additional safety, our Night Shift Supervisors stay up through the night to make sure everyone’s safe and happy. Rooms are equipped with beds, desks, dressers, and closets. Campers are housed by grade.

There are 3 communal multi-stall bathrooms/showers per building, each with private stall doors and shower curtains. Coin-operated laundry machines are available to all campers and staff. Everyone at camp does need to bring their own bedding/linens, and we recommend bringing a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are required for any camper going on an overnight trip (e.g., 4-week campers, high schoolers going on our overnight camping trips). Bathrooms and dorms are serviced daily by our amazing housekeeping team, and they also undergo a deep cleaning weekly. All facilities are air conditioned.

Are campers supervised at all times?

Yes. Campers are left to the peer mentor/honor system during lights out and while in their dorm rooms. Staff are always in earshot and are housed every 2 camper dorm rooms. Staff are available 24/7 to tend to campers’ needs. For additional safety, our Night Shift Supervisors stay up through the night to make sure everyone’s safe and happy.

Where do campers come from?

Amplify campers come from all across the country and around the world. We are working closely with local public health authorities to ensure we’re following the best safety guidelines and procedures available. Therefore, our protocols may change as more information becomes available the closer we get to this summer. Please scroll to the top of this page for further details regarding our COVID-19 safety measures.

Do campers choose daily activities?

Can campers sign up for private lessons in an instrument or track that they’re not currently signed up for?

Absolutely! For example, campers can take private guitar lessons even if they’re in the Photography track, or they can take private music video making lessons even if they’re signed up for keys/piano in the Rock Band track. We offer private lessons to ANY AND ALL CAMPERS in: guitar, bass, keys, vocals, drums, photography, music video making, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, music production/engineering, DJ, journalism/writing/English, podcasting, and skateboarding.

How do I include private lessons for my camper?

If you’re interested in securing any private lesson time for your camper, we highly recommend securing these spots when you’re completing your initial application. You can also book private lessons through our camper portal after your initial application.

How long is camp?

Depends on your camper’s age and camp stamina! Our full season runs June 18–August 12. Each session is unique, with new electives offered daily, different off-campus trips, different special guest artists/performers, and more. We recommend all campers stay as long as they can; many youth sign up for our 4-week sessions because they know the first session flies by faster than you can say “boom-shaka-laka” 😱.

How much does camp cost? When is payment due?

Depends how long you’re coming for! Check out our Rates + Dates page. The longer campers stay at Amplify, the more unforgettable experiences they get to have, the stronger and more confident they become, and the more they grow to understand, respect, and love their fellow campers and mentors.

A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration/enrollment. Full payment is due by June 15th.

What is and isn’t included in tuition?

Everything campers NEED is included in tuition: all meals, housing, special guest performances, programming (including all materials for unique daily track lessons and electives), off-campus trips, and mid-session overnight trips for 4-week campers. There are no extra costs or hidden fees beyond payment for the session.

We do offer a variety of optional add-ons, such as private lessons, transportation to/from LAX, riding the Amplify Express to and from camp, and even our camp store where campers can buy fun snacks, stickers, hoodies, sweatpants, and other Girls Rock/Amplify merch to cherish for the rest of their lives.

While these optional add-ons can enrich the camp experience, they are by no means required.

What do campers do on the off-campus day trips?

Imagine you’ve just spent several days memorizing basic guitar chords or finding your true point of view behind the camera lens. Your brain is buzzing with new skills and inspiration, but holy cow, that’s a lot of concentrating in a few short days! That’s why it’s the perfect time to whisk campers away to destinations like Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria, where they can lie on the warm sand, take surf lessons, look for sea lions and dolphins, and more. There’s always something for everyone: every single year, campers rave about how these day trips are the highlight of the session.

How many campers attend Amplify each session?

Approximately 100 campers attend each session of Amplify.

How is laundry handled?

For campers staying 4 weeks, our counselors can supervise all older campers in doing laundry when needed. Laundry is unavailable for campers staying only 2 weeks (except for emergencies).

What should my camper bring?

First and foremost, a curious and open heart. Also, here’s our 2022 packing list! 2023 packing list coming soon.

What SHOULDN’T my camper bring?

To keep our campus as safe as possible, we ask guardians to double-check campers’ bags before arrival. Bringing these items to camp may result in immediate dismissal. The following items are NOT ALLOWED at camp:

• Electronic gaming consoles, e.g., Nintendo Switch

• Hair dye

• Piercing/tattoo kits of ANY KIND

• Weapons, e.g., knives, airsoft guns, BB guns, slingshots

• Illegal substances of any kind

• Cell phones, tablets, pagers, radios, computers, etc.

We provide all equipment, but campers are welcome to bring their own bass, guitar, ukulele, camera, etc. if preferred. Please label ANYTHING you don’t want to accidentally donate to Amplify!

What’s the best way to prepare my camper for summer camp?

Especially if this is your camper’s first time at sleep away camp, there are MANY things you can do now to help make the transition as smooth as possible:

1. Get them used to cohabitation by allowing them to sleep over at a friend’s house or visit relatives for a few days. It’s helpful to simulate a situation in which they’re sharing a room (be sure to explain the importance of keeping their space tidy).

2. Encourage independence by having them: partake in grocery shopping; make their own bed every day; organize their game room/desk; or even practice packing their camp bags.

3. Explain how you’ll be communicating with them while they’re here at Amplify. We encourage you to write them letters, and you’re welcome to leave care packages for our staff to distribute throughout the session (keep reading for more details). Everyone loves getting mail! If you have an extra anxious kiddo, we can set up a call schedule (via staff/camp phones, as campers still aren’t permitted to use their mobile phones at camp) to make camp as successful as possible. We generally start these calls (including with parents, therapists, etc.) at least a few days into the session to allow campers to adjust.

We expect parents to evaluate their campers prior to registering for Amplify. Mild homesickness is natural and our staff will be ready with love and advice.

What if my camper gets homesick? Can I communicate with them or send care packages?

Dealing with mild homesickness is a normal part of going away to camp. Our counselors ensure that campers are well taken care of and help to put them at ease.

If you have an extra anxious kiddo, we can set up a call schedule (via staff/camp phones, as campers still aren’t permitted to use their mobile phones at camp) to make camp as successful as possible. We generally start these calls (including with parents, therapists, etc.) at least a few days into the session to allow campers to adjust.

Written letters and care packages are very welcome! Since Amplify is in a remote area and mail often takes a little longer to get to us, we recommend that you leave letters and packages with our staff when you drop off your camper, and we’ll take care of distributing them throughout the session. And, while we’re sure your camper would love a big batch of your famous chocolate chip cookies, we ask that everyone refrain from sending any food items to comply with our food allergy policy. All care packages are inspected prior to being distributed.

What is your dismissal policy?

Our #1 goal is to create a positive camp experience for everyone at Amplify, especially our brave campers. While the following problems are rare, it is understood that campers may be dismissed from camp, without refund, for reasons including:

• Use or possession of chemical substances, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs

• Use or possession of hair dye and/or piercing/tattoo kits

• Unauthorized use or possession of cell phones, computers, etc.

• Unauthorized use or possession of weapons

• Persistent inappropriate language, teasing, stealing, or conduct that is dangerous (e.g., sneaking out of the dorms at night unsupervised), illegal, or, in the opinion of the camp directors, detrimental to the camp and/or other campers.

  • Campers sneaking out after curfew unsupervised will be expelled from camp without refund.

Do you offer cancellation insurance?

To further help ease the feeling of risk in signing up for camp this summer, all families can purchase optional insurance policies upon registering. You deserve the security of knowing you can change your plans for any reason. Click here to learn more about cancellation insurance options.

When space is available, campers are also welcome to switch to another session should summer plans change.

Visitors

How old are Amplify staff?

Most staff are 25–35 years old. The minimum age for staff is 18 years old.

How do I know Amplify staff have what it takes to keep my camper safe & happy?

Our staff are an integral part of providing an excellent camp experience for our campers. The grand majority of our staff have been with us for several years. In addition, most of our staff are teachers, instructors, and tutors when they’re not joining us at summer camp.

Our staff-to-camper ratio is only 1:2, ensuring a level of instruction, engagement, and mentoring that makes the experience unlike most summer camps out there. Swimming includes 2 certified lifeguards and no less than 2 additional staff members.

How do you train staff, mentors, etc.?

Our staff begin their training months before camp begins by studying pre-orientation manuals and completing online training courses and certifications. They arrive at Amplify before the season starts for a comprehensive 10-day training period, learning to safely operate all activities around camp.

Training includes CPR/First Aid Certification, Mental Health First Aid, child psychology, conflict resolution, and much more. In order to even be considered as hired staff, they must first excel at our multi-step interview process (including 3+ professional references) and pass a sophisticated background check.

Our program directors and executive director spend the year going to conferences and trainings outside of the summer session. Amplify staff typically return year after year, and many work year-round in our non-summer camp programs. Program directors hold daily staff meetings to openly discuss and resolve incidents as they arise.

Who exactly are your staff?

Amplify staff are extraordinary people from all over the world. They are diverse, vibrant, fun, and relatable. They are unique because they must not only meet the needs of our campers and make sure everyone is having an amazing time, but also possess advanced skills and professional experience in one of our specialty track areas (e.g., Photography, Rock Band).

In addition, most of our staff are teachers, instructors, and tutors out there in the “real world” (when they’re not joining us at summer camp). Many of them are also working artists, musicians, roadies, etc. year-round. Our campers truly learn from and grow with the best female-identifying and gender-expansive experts this world has to offer.

They are the people your camper will come home and talk about for the rest of the year—perhaps while mimicking our staff’s Italian or Australian accents. They are your camper’s new role models, heroes, confidants, and friends.

What does accreditation mean?

Girls Rock is a member of the American Camp Association. We meet over 250 standards in health, safety, staffing, training, and transportation. We meet strict standards set for site and food service, transportation, healthcare, operational management, human resources, and program standards.

In addition, Amplify Sleep Away Camp is responsible for meeting all state and local laws governing the operation of pools, dining facilities, living accommodations, and the Organized Camp Regulations. We are also accredited by the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.

In addition, we always partner with local Public Health agencies/departments to ensure our operations are as safe as possible.

Do you have parent/camper references we can contact?

Yes. Please contact us to request references for the program and/or track you are interested in. Also, we’re happy to match new campers up with an alumni buddy that they get to chat with before camp via phone, Zoom, Facetime, or whatever works best. That way, when new campers arrive on their first day, they already have a friend and a familiar face to look for.

Please contact us if you’re interested in this option.

Is the camp affiliated with any religious or political organization?

No.

Do you have a non-discrimination policy?

We sure do! Girls Rock SB does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or gender identity/expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions policies, tuition assistance, and other camp-related policies and programs, as well as volunteer- and employment-related policies and activities.