Unplug from your devices and plug in to one of the best sleep away camps around

Some people can’t wait to get to camp and hand over their phones, tablets and smart watches. All that buzzing! All that waiting around for the dancing ellipsis to turn into a text bubble! So. Many. Spotify. Ads. For these folks, a break from technology, socials and the scroll of doom cannot come soon enough.

There’s another crew of folks that might need some more information on this dropping-the-phone for two, four or even six weeks situation. If this sounds a little like you, you might feel a bit overwhelmed at the idea of going technology free for the entire time you’re at camp. Living tech free seems like it could be a nerve-wracking, daunting, and boring experience. The stress that comes with a new routine is real! We all know that the world is basically built around being connected through a device, using our devices for music, falling asleep, entertainment, taking and sharing photos… Plus, changes in habits, even good change, causes stress.

If leaving all connected devices behind is a hard no for you, and you can’t see any good in coming to camp without a connected device, we respect that boundary, and we will welcome you with open arms should you change your mind. But keep in mind one thing: there are massive and multiple benefits to turning off devices for long periods of time. The stress you feel when you don’t have your go-to device PASSES, especially if you come prepared. There are other ways to feel the comfort of connection, fall asleep, manage boredom, mindlessly relax, listen to music, share photos, and have fun. Trying these things builds life skills and resilience. All it takes is some preparation, a few old school supplies, and the knowledge that you can do this. Not only is it good for you, but in order to hang out at Amplify, you gotta leave anything with wifi, sim card, or screen-based game behind.

Don’t worry! We got you covered

and created the following list with links to samples of items we DO allow at camp. Most of these items can be found used online or at a thrift store, borrowed, or homemade. Think of this supply list as a kit for life-beyond-the-screen.

To start, may we recommend acquiring a device that plays music? Our rules: no screen, no sim, no wifi (except pre-loaded eReaders). There’s so many options we allow and encourage! In no particular order, here’s our recs (don’t forget the headphones!):

The Campfire Player: We love this player! Even though it has a screen, this device is approved by Amplify and works with Spotify and Audible.
Mighty Vibe: No screen or connection needed to play all your Spotify playlists, podcasts, asmr and audio books!
MP3 player by AGPTEK: Drag and drop music files from a computer onto this device, just like a harddrive
a clock/radio: bonus alarm clock if you like to wake up early, or at least on time, and jump in the shower before anyone else is up
a portable radio with an antenna: pick up all kinds of stations in the 805 area code…and maybe beyond. It’s kinda silly but weirdly fun. Don’t forget the batteries!
a CD player: I know, cute right? Did you know you can check CDs out at the library?! And that you definitely know someone who has a binder of CDs just waiting for you to ask to borrow?
a boom box: sooooo super cute I can’t stand it. Comes with all of the above and probably bluetooth as well. Have you ever made an actual mix tape before? It’s truly a lost art.

Next on our list is reading material. Bring along a reading lamp for bed time relaxation and tote bag to ferry books along on off campus trips

A stack of books
Magazines
Basic eReader such as the Kobo Nia that preloaded with material so there is no need to turn on wifi

Activities and games for one, two or many people is a great way to enjoy down time anywhere around camp any time there’s free time! Consider bringing one or two of the following:

a deck of cards and a book of card games
perhaps an elder has taught you chess, backgammon, cribbage board, or mahjong and you are ready to share your skills with the world?
activity books such as Sudoku, crosswords, Finish this Book and Wreck this Journal
board games. party games. card games. questing games. silly games. Be it Catan, Pandemic, or Quelf, bring a game!
you can find coloring books for all ages and interests. From zoning out on cool designs to studying up on interesting issues, there’s a coloring book out there just for you. Don’t forget a pack of super cool markers!
paint-by-number kits
knitting or similar craft supplies
scrapbook

Other fun things to reduce anxiety, relieve boredom and relax (LEVEL 1)

fidget toys/hand puzzles
journal
sketchbook and art supplies
comfort item like a stuffed animal or cozy blanket
disposable, digital, and/or Instax camera
small instrument such as a ukulele, acoustic guitar, or cajon
noise machine
origami paper

“My daughter has attended both Berklee Summer Immersion and Idyllwild Arts Summer Program, and Amplify blew both of them out of the water. She came home with more technical skills than either program while being more inspired and happy than I have ever seen her. 1,000% worth it.” Margie, parent of Journey, 13 years old

“I wanted to say thank you. My daughter loved camp. She had gone to a well-known big sleepaway camp 2 summers in a row, and we both came away feeling like something was missing. She didn’t feel connected or herself there. She told me that at Amplify she felt accepted for who she is and fully appreciated and not self-conscious at all. Can’t imagine anything more we could want for her.” —Tanya, parent of Sydney, 9 years old

“I can tell by Lemi’s response to camp that the investment is exemplary. The first thing she said to me about Amplify was: ‘Thank you so much for sending me there. I have never been so loved by so many people at one time who were not my family.’” Millie, Parent to Lemi, 10 years old

“THANK YOU! Especially with being able to teach bass this session, I almost cried this afternoon seeing how talented all these youth are, plus the experience of coming full circle around since I WAS them at one point 🙂 I’m so lucky to be on this team after all it’s given and shown me my whole life.” — Gracie, 18-year-old staff, former camper (for nearly 10 years!)

“This camp changed my life last year. So many people and staff made me feel welcome during my 2-week stay that this summer I’m coming for 4 weeks to live my dreams here at this camp. No matter what you do, everyone supports you…I’ve never experienced this. I wish everyone could come to this camp for classes and fun, right? But really this camp gives me much, much more…” —Nora, 11 years old

“My daughter has been attending Amplify since she was in 4th grade and is now joining the team as staff at 19. Her three siblings are following in her footsteps and I honestly don’t think our family would be the same without this special community. Whether you are into music or photography / film making – your kid will flourish here. No experience necessary either! The amazing staff meet your kiddo right where they are at. Raising four girls, Amplify is always the first thing I recommend!” Kellie, Parent of Esme, 22, Zadie, 21, Winnie, 15, and Olive, 11

“This is a life changing summer camp!! The camp shows girls how to really support each other and removes the element of competition. The result: campers creating beyond incredible creative projects while making life long friendships and feeling genuinely proud of both their own accomplishments and their peers” Sophie, 22 years old (past camper, now staff)

“My daughter had an amazing week at Amplify Sleep Away Camp these past four weeks in Ojai. Wrote a song with 4 other girls and performed for the parents this morning. She had a blast! We’ll be back next year.” Susan, parent of Rachel, 16 years old

“My daughter attended last year. It was her first time ever being away from home. She was so scared, but excited. I could not ask for a better camp for my daughter to attend.“ Ret, father of Zoey, 10 years old

“My daughter just played me the song she wrote last week at Amplify. It made me cry it was so beautiful. This camp and these counselors opened a door to her creativity that was closed. What a wonderful gift. I highly recommend this camp for girls who need a moment in a nurturing environment to unleash their creative potential. I’m feeling filled with gratitude right now!” Norah, parent

“Amplify has been one of the best experiences of my life… Camp has taught me how to create art that makes me happy and creates an impact. I can’t wait to be part of the staff.” Ciel, 16 years old

“What an incredible two weeks for my daughter! She came home more confident than I have ever seen her. The staff is awesome, they totally rock. We’re so in.” Shannon, parent of Sabrina, 15 years old

“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

More things to reduce anxiety, relieve boredom and relax (LEVEL 2)

Take in your surroundings. Try listing

5 things you can see
4 things you can hear
3 things you can feel
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste

explore one of the hiking trails during an activity or with friends (and permission) during free time.
grab a friend and stargaze outside your dorm at night before lights out. Binoculars work like a mini telescope!
join a game other people are playing
challenge yourself to a day of making only neutral and positive comments and observations
try out one of the yoga, stretching or meditation activities
write on the shout out wall about someone you saw that was kind, clever, or helpful
work on your self care habits: eat nutritious meals, drink 2 bottles of water a day, get your heart rate up, take some deep breaths, and remember to laugh.

Decorate your room

with familiar images and decor that makes you feel at home. (Please only use painter’s tape, washi tape, or command strips)

⚡️fairy lights
⚡️magazine cut outs
⚡️photos
⚡️posters
⚡️crafty garlands

Don’t forget to bring letter writing materials. Practice gratuity and send whoever helped you get to camp a thank you note with some positive anecdotes about your experience. If you are worried about falling out of touch with someone, make a plan to stay connected by writing to each other.

Make a list of people who you think you might miss and get their mailing addresses.
Totally cool if you need to vent to your people back home, but keep in mind that writing about positive things too will give a more balanced message about your experience.
Bring more stamps, envelopes and postcards than you think you will need.
Bring cool paper and a pen you like writing with.
Stick something small in the envelope like a band sticker from a visiting artist, a pressed flower, friendship bracelet, song lyrics from class, some tiny art, or a poem.

The list of ways to prepare yourself for life without a phone appears to be endless. What would you add? We would love to hear what you like to bring to camp, what helps you feel connected with the people you care about, and how you like to spend your free time!