I truly don't even know if words can explain what Amplify Summer Camp has done for my daughter and our family.
It started before camp even began. During the Zoom meeting where the staff introduced themselves, answered questions, and talked about the Amplify experience, I had tears in my eyes. I remember thinking, "Maybe this is where Hazel will finally find her people."
Then Emma, the Assistant Camp Director, emailed me with questions because she genuinely wanted to get to know Hazel before she arrived. She asked for a picture, and of course I sent one of Hazel with her beloved taxidermy fox, Mr. Foxy. Emma immediately sent me a picture back of her own fox. It was such a small interaction, but as a mom, it meant everything. I explained that Hazel is autistic and had experienced an incredibly difficult year with her mental health, school, and friendships. Emma promised me they would do everything they could to make camp an amazing experience for her.
And they absolutely did.
From the second we arrived, every counselor at check-in was excited, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. They even acted excited to meet Mr. Foxy! I was also incredibly impressed by the attention to detail from the camp nurse regarding medications and the health checks they performed on every new camper.
Two weeks with no electronics and almost no communication with my daughter—who had never spent even ONE night away from me—was terrifying for me. But then I started seeing little videos of Hazel absolutely KILLING IT at karaoke. I saw pictures of her helping other campers during her songwriting immersive. When staff noticed she might be having a rough day, they called me and asked for tips on how to best support her. They didn't wait for things to become a problem. They paid attention. They cared.
Hazel camped, played games, took group classes, created music, and experienced so many new things. Every single picture Amplify posted that included Hazel showed the happiest, most genuine smile I have ever seen on my daughter.
At the final showcase, they sent me a little clip of her performing, and the confidence I saw in her was beautiful.
When we arrived to pick her up, every counselor I met who realized I was Hazel's mom immediately started telling me about her growth, her talent, and how amazing she was. And then I finally saw her.
I have never seen my daughter that happy.
Her number one takeaway from camp was that she learned not to be afraid to talk to people. She learned that there are people in this world who will accept her and love her exactly as she is.
Amplify's mission of girl power, acceptance, confidence, and friendship isn't just something written on a website or a piece of paper. It is real. They live it every single day, and the campers feel it.
My girl, who had never spent one night away from me, completed two weeks at camp with no electronics and no communication with home flawlessly—and she cannot wait to return for FOUR weeks at Amplify next summer.
The confidence and growth I have seen in Hazel is nothing short of amazing. I will forever be grateful to Emma, the counselors, and every single person at Amplify who gave my daughter a place to find her people. ❤️