Lights
6th–8th grade
Lights are right in the middle of their Amplify journey — growing in confidence, independence, and creativity while still embracing the pure joy of camp life. This program is designed especially for campers navigating early adolescence, when friendships deepen, creativity blossoms, and self-expression takes center stage.
At this age, everything is about discovery — who they are, what they love, and where they shine. Our Lights choose their own electives and immersives, explore new creative passions, and enjoy a balance of structure, independence, and fun.
💫 A SAFE SPACE TO GROW AND SHINE
Lights learn to take responsibility for their schedules and belongings, balance free time and focus, and navigate relationships with empathy and courage.
Our counselors help them find their voices — whether that means leading a group activity, performing on stage, or expressing themselves through art, music, or film.
“For Lights, Amplify is where middle school becomes magical — a place to explore, connect, and start defining who you are.”
💜 WHAT MAKES LIGHTS SPECIAL
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Creative Choice: Each day, Lights take part in one immersive plus two electives of their choice, building a schedule that fits their unique interests — from music and theatre to visual arts, fashion, filmmaking, and outdoor adventures.
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Balanced Freedom: Lights enjoy more independence than younger campers but still have gentle guidance from staff throughout the day. Counselors escort them between key transitions while encouraging self-responsibility and confidence.
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Dorm Life: Campers live in dorms grouped by grade level, and we use their Camper Get-to-Know-You forms to place them with peers who share similar interests or personalities. Special roommate requests are always guaranteed.
Meet Sara, Health & Wellness
Hi, I’m Sara and I’ll be part of the Health and Wellness team this summer at Amplify! I’ve been an EMT for about two years and just completed my first year of nursing school at Rutgers. In my free time, I like going to the gym, hanging out with friends, taking cute pictures, and baking. Can’t wait to meet you all and help make this summer fun and safe!
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Leadership Council: Campers can join the Camp Leadership Council to share ideas, plan events, and shape the Amplify experience for everyone.
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Rite of Passage Ceremony: A beloved Amplify tradition that celebrates teamwork and growth through creative challenges and reflection, ending with a symbolic ceremony marking their journey into young adulthood.
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CAMPER MAIL Crew: Lights help deliver one of camp’s favorite traditions — handwritten letters!
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Off-Campus Adventure: A day at the Ojai Water Park just for Lights — the perfect way to cool off, laugh hard, and bond as a group.
🔮 THE NEXT STEP
Lights are the bridge between Electric Youth and Legends — learning new independence while staying connected to camp’s heart and community. After 8th grade, Lights automatically move into our Legends (9th–10th grade) program, where they gain even more privileges, freedom, and creative opportunities.
💬 LIGHTS Q&A
Lights are Amplify’s 6th–8th graders — creative, curious, and ready for a little more independence. They’re at that exciting stage between childhood and high school, and our program gives them the freedom to make choices while still providing guidance and community support.
Lights get to create their own daily schedule, choosing two electives and one immersive each day. They also join the Camp Leadership Council, where they share ideas, help plan events, and make Amplify an even better place.
It’s a perfect mix of freedom, leadership, and fun — just for middle schoolers.
Lights start their day with breakfast and morning assembly, then dive into immersive learning and electives.
Afternoons include pool time, recreation, or free choice activities.
Evenings are packed with fun — like movie nights, campfires, talent shows, and age-group events.
Bedtime is 10:30 p.m., later than younger campers but still with plenty of rest built in.
Lights are learning how to balance freedom with responsibility. They move independently between many activities but are still checked in with regularly by staff.
Our counselors teach them how to manage their time, navigate friendships, and take ownership of their experience — with lots of encouragement and support.
Campers are housed by grade level in supervised dorms.
We use their Get-to-Know-You forms to pair them with compatible peers, and friend requests are always guaranteed.
Counselors live in rooms next door and are trained to support campers through everything from homesickness to late-night giggles.
No phones at camp — and most Lights say that’s one of their favorite parts.
Campers unplug, make real friendships, and stay present in the moment.
(If they fly in, phones are safely stored in the Health Center until departure.)
Meals are nut and shell fish free, allergy-aware, and designed with variety and fun in mind. Vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options are available at every meal, and staff make sure everyone eats well and feels comfortable.
It’s a powerful, fun, and meaningful Lights-only event that celebrates teamwork, reflection, and growing up. Through creative challenges and a closing ceremony, campers recognize how far they’ve come — and get excited for what’s next.
This is a tender age, and our staff are specially trained to help. They gently guide social interactions, promote kindness, and help campers navigate any tough moments with empathy and care.
Our goal is for every camper to feel included, supported, and proud of who they are.
Lights campers are right in the middle — they’re learning independence while still surrounded by structure and care.
After 8th grade, they automatically move into Legends (9th–10th grade), where they’ll gain even more privileges, creative freedom, and leadership opportunities.
