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spending a month at amplify this summer was the best thing i’ve done all year. i’ve been going to sleepaway camps forever, but amplify is absolutely the most fun. everyone is super awesome and i’ve made amazing friends here. the counselors go out of their ways to help and are all so great. can’t wait for next summer! ps) PLS stop with the chatgpt responses to reviews 😭 nobody’s fooled

[My 12yo daughter B's review]: This summer I went to Amplify third session and had the time of my life. I loved it there. Some of my favorite experiences were Campchella, the hike to Topa Topa research institution, and performing at showcase, along with meeting all the amazing people there! I especially loved Campchella because there were so many inspiring bands. They all were SO good and were incredibly friendly. I got to rock out to Emi Grace, Gracie Bowers, and Sister Sister! There were MORE but these were my favorites. As a light (this is the 11-13yo group), I hiked to the Topa Topa Research institute with the other lights. Not only was there an amazing view, but the workers who showed us around and helped us were awesome too! The pink moment was beautiful and the campfire dome thingy was pretty cool. 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, and everyone was SOOO nice to me! I felt good about it all because it was a break from the world where people judge and make fun of you. Everyone just accepted each other with open arms. The counselors were incredibly supportive too! I had Mary and Rita and they were the best! I only really play the piano, but Mary taught me to sing! They were all SUPER helpful and were ready to help all of the campers. Another one of my favorite camp memories was field day. I was on "Team Rockstars" versus "Team Pop Stars." In the end my team won and I was crowned team captain! I love sports so the field day of friendly competition was exciting, especially because everyone was cheering each other on! On the last day was showcase. It was when everyone got to show off their hard work and creations. They ranged from art to original music and everything was unique. At first, when I had to sing I was nervous, but on the stage , looking at the crowd, I only saw smiles and support. It really helped me feel better and gain confidence. I loved this camp so much. It was supportive, inclusive, fun and engaging. I'm so excited to come back next year! Camp Amplify ROCKS! – B

When I first found Amplify Sleep Away Camp, I knew that this place was special! I knew that we could send our daughter to any other camp that would offer activities and educational opportunities but we wanted her to go to a supportive, welcoming, empowering environment where she could truly flourish into her most authentic self! It also helps that camp is located in such a beautiful, idyllic setting! Jen Baron, Executive Director of Amplify, is such a warm person with such vision and heart! This is all exemplified in Amplify! This camp is all about kindness, being, and creative expression. Prior to even attending camp, there were so many community building activities for the kids to be a part of like the LA Songwriters Camp and Thriftopia! Creating these safe spaces for kids to gather, have fun, and be creative is so important and is often lacking in today’s world! Our daughter attended camp during Session 1 of 2026 and was a bit nervous since it was her first time being away for 2 weeks. We were worried that she would be homesick but once we saw the photos and videos of her posted on the camp’s app, our worries subsided. She was living her best life! She loved the Fine Art immersive and honed her art skills in the lovely, light filled studio space! She also learned new techniques like paper making and screen printing. The experience of presenting her artwork in the Final Showcase was so empowering and built up her confidence so much! She was also inspired to see or hear what her friends worked on when they showcased their work. Our daughter really enjoyed the performances at camp by the various artists! The kids were able to let loose in a safe environment and even had a mosh pit! She especially loved seeing the band, Kim Theory, and has seen them perform since attending camp. The day we picked up our daughter from camp, she was so filled with emotion and tears. She was crying and said, “I don’t want to leave.” She has made some beautiful memories with wonderful friends that are lifelong! She’s already met up with many of them afterwards and they’re all planning to meet up again at camp next year! We are truly grateful that our daughter got to attend Amplify Sleep Away Camp! Our daughter’s already looking forward to all of the fantastic experiences at next year's camp!

My daughter had never been to camp and was so nervous to be away… but now builds her whole summer around going to Amplify! Camp gave her so much confidence and I believe there is a culture of deep acceptance that was unlike anything she had experienced before. She made so many great friends. In all the camp pictures, my daughter was beaming – so full of joy! I found Amplify in an internet search and was a bit nervous to send her the first year without knowing someone who had gone… but now feel so lucky we took a chance.

My child has attended Amplify for three summers, and it is the absolute highlight of their year! Amplify's highly inclusive environment, amazing instructors, and fantastic activities have allowed my child to blossom not just as a musician, but as a person. The growth in confidence, maturity, and leadership skills is remarkable. I can't recommend it enough!

This was my daughter's second year at Amplify as a day camper from Ventura County. In her own words she came back from camp transformed and sobbing with tears of joy and heartfelt emotion over her experiences. She made lifelong friends (they keep a text thread going year round), developed musical skills in an immersive and supportive environment (she came to camp with 2 weeks of guitar lessons and now she's rocking bar chords and all kinds of fun tunes), and felt like she could be and express her authentic self in a way that middle school climate often discourages. I am excited for her to transition to a Sleep Away camper now that we've moved out of the area. One thing to note (no stars deducted because, well, it's camp) is that she and the other kids complained ad nauseam about the food. I think it's always worth looking at that, but at the same time it's yet another thing for our daughters to bond over, so I'm not too worried about it.

My daughter Lulu has gone to Amplify two summers in a row now. She had the best time doing an original musical her first summer and singing and playing guitar and drums in a band the second summer. 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.

Our daughter had an amazing experience at Amplify! She came back with lasting friendships and more confidence. We will be registering for next summer!

My 12 year old had such a wonderful time at Amplify this summer, and asked to come back for a double session next year 🙂 She really loved the supportive and progressive vibes (specifically, inclusion of gender-queer kids who vibe with girls' spaces). The small dorm style room set up was really nice, and she said the food was "pretty good"! Looking forward to next year!

My daughter, Josie, found Amplify late last summer and made it a goal to attend this year. She had THE BEST 2 weeks fueling her talent and creativity! She made amazing friends, learned some great music and writing techniques and even found some new hobbies. She is bound and determined to attend 2 sessions next year. Communication from the staff through the whole process was fantastic! They were kind and supportive and explained everything so well. We can’t wait to see them all again next summer!!

We chose Amplify very intentionally and sent our daughter with high expectations. 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. The combination of collaboration and performance was especially meaningful for her. In a letter home, she wrote, “There is not a second I am not smiling and/or laughing.” That sums up her experience. She made friends, joined in, and became more comfortable handling things on her own. She even brought face masks to share with the other campers, showing that she felt comfortable reaching out and connecting. Being named Camper of the Day was especially meaningful because it showed that she was not only included but genuinely seen and appreciated. The counselors were wonderful. As her mom, I could tell her all day long that she was likable, capable, and worthy of good friendships, but experiencing that for herself did something my reassurance alone couldn’t do. She came home happy, more independent, and much more confident. Amplify was exactly the bridge she needed between elementary and middle school, and I’m truly grateful we found it at exactly the right time!

When my daughter returned home from Amplify camp, I asked her how it went and her immediate response was, “ Mom, it was a 10 out of 10, I want to go back.” No hesitation, just yes. Over the course of the the weeks to follow, the stories keep percolating of memories and moments she enjoyed while there, music she watched and engaged in that inspired her, encouraged to try new things, and overall confidence to do so. Roommates as new friends, councilors as supportive advocates, an overall inclusive experience that lifted her in such a beautiful way. So much yes to this camp.

This was my child's second year at Amplify, but first year doing the sleepover camp. My child hadn't been away from home without me for more than 2 nights in their entire 13 years of life, so this felt like a big jump for them! There was a lot of nervousness building up to going and I even had peers express disbelief that my child would "make it through 2 weeks". I say this only to impart the pure magic of the Amplify community and staff, as not only did my child "make it", but they absolutely THRIVED. Prior to the start of camp, the wonderful camp nurse Sarah connected with me to discuss specific concerns around food/sound sensitivities and other concerns. Sarah was so encouraging, a great listener, and so helpful in coming up with success plans that I felt very confident by drop-off time. The kid we dropped off was very different than the one we picked up two weeks later. Tears of joy and excitement were shed all the way home telling us stories of connection, resilience, new experiences, and inspiration. I wept silently with pride as I hung on every word. They even came home and immediately cleaned out their closet and began re-decorating their room as the inspiration from camp flowed through them. Now even three weeks later, I can see there has been a deep shift in self confidence, inspiration, gratitude and joy. One of the comments that sticks out for me was when my child said "I felt so accepted and supported to be myself, it was the most accepting community of kids and adults I have ever been a part of". We can't wait to sign up for next year and see all the growth that will continue to sprout from time spent at the endlessly amazing Amplify.

In 2024, I sent my kid to the last session of Amplify with a friend of hers, and it was the first time she’s been to a sleepaway camp. Every day, I would check the Instagram to see photos of her, and I was so worried since she’s never been away from home for that long. She was only 12 years old at the time. When I went to pick her up, I wasn’t sure what to expect as she was a first-time camper, but the first thing I noticed was a full group of people hugging her, all sobbing. For months after she got home, she would constantly talk about how much she loved camp, and how she met such a wonderful community. She has made many lasting friendships from this camp and she says the counselors there are some of the most supportive and kind people she’s ever met. Since then, we’ve gone every year, and every time she returns, she talks for hours every day for months about how much she loves the place. This year was her third year at Amplify, and she is 14 now. She wants to be a counselor there once she’s old enough, and I don’t think she’ll ever stop working there once she gets the chance 🤣 I’m so grateful for this camp for making my kid have such amazing and fun experiences. We will be returning every year we can!

My 11 year old attended Amplify this last summer. I was nervous about her being away for that long, but seeing pictures of her singing and dancing and head banging I knew she was having the time of her life. We can't wait for her to go back.

Lennox is that type of kid who doesn't want to do anything unless it's her idea. She's an (too) independant 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 (even ones where she's just chatting in the background) 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.

My daughter absolutely loved camp! She enjoyed every aspect of her experience at Amplify. She loved performing for the other campers. She can be a bit shy but everyone was so supportive and kind, bringing out all of her confidence! She made new friends, listened to new to her music, and left with a new sense of self. She can't wait to go back next year, and I'm so happy that she enjoyed her first go at overnight camp. Thank you Amplify, for helping my girl shine!

We were so impressed with Amplify from our very first call with the director to pick-up and beyond. When we heard Jen talk about the origins of the camp, how intentional they are in what they seek to accomplish in terms of building confidence and creativity, and how they support the kids in being themselves and fostering inclusivity and belonging, we knew it would be the perfect spot for our daughter to go spread her wings. She had always been reluctant to go to sleep away camp, and she had a very rough case of homesickness. Thankfully, the directors, Emma and Marley, did an incredible job of supporting her (and keeping us in the loop all the while) until she was ready to begin really participating. Once she did, she started to have an amazing time. She really liked the kids and all the staff and counselors, she thought the activities were all super fun, and she said the food was spectacular. She also loved the camp dog, Fizzgig. All in all, it was an incredibly positive experience. Now that she’s home, she’s missing camp and can’t wait to go back next summer.

“Absolute, best camp ever,” is a direct quote from my 15-year old daughter. She described it as a life-changing camp. She had been to several sleep-away camps in years prior and this was her first summer at amplify and had the best time. In her eyes, it was the best run camp, the perfect balance of class time to down time. Everyone was nice and overall it was a positive experience. She can’t wait to return next year! Thank you, Amplify for a fun and memorable summer experience.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the team at Amplify. My daughter had a tough transition to middle school in 6th grade, and she wasn’t sure she would be able to spend a whole two weeks away from me during summer break. The kind, caring team of counselors and administrators went out of their way to facilitate a soft landing for her during the two day spring preview, and they answered every possible question she had about camp during the informational zoom session. We even baby stepped our way there by signing up for day camp before she was ready to fully commit to sleep away camp. Fast forward to the end of session 3, when she said, “I don’t want to leave,” and “My bunk mates and I already have a plan for next summer!” If you have ever wondered if your child could benefit from the individuation that occurs at camp but worried they might not be fully accepted by neurodivergent affirming adults who actually care for your child, look no further than Amplify. One teen counselor even hugged me with tears in her eyes as we departed, proud of how far my daughter had come. It was everything I hoped for and much more.

My daughter really appreciate and loves this camp.She was there for two weeks. She talks about it every day. She made some good friends and great bonds. From the Cammpers to the Staff. I love how the camp is inclusive of "ALL" GIRLS . Parker has learned a lot. I would recommend this Camp to anyone who's Child is interested in Music, Drama, Singing whatever or who loves to make life long friends.

My 15 year old daughter just had the most amazing 2 weeks at Amplify Sleep Away camp during the third session. She went to camp without knowing a single girl and came home with a group of best friends from around the globe. She also went to camp struggling to identify her interests, hobbies, or talents and came home with a handbag she’d sewn (and many other projects) and a newfound love for girls who rock. “I want to be in a band next summer!” In her opinion, two weeks was not enough time to soak up all of the magic of live music (Campchella, mind blown!) and art and creativity, shared and experienced, at this camp. Thank you to the staff and everyone at Amplify for inspiring my daughter and taking great care of her during Session 3!

Our daughter spent two weeks at Amplify Sleep Away Camp this summer, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the experience was positive, enriching, and truly memorable. What sets Amplify apart is the staff. Emma, Marley, and Jen went above and beyond in every way. Their care, attention to detail, and genuine consideration for each camper is second to none. That level of dedication is incredibly rare to find, and it made all the difference in our daughter's experience. We've attended other well-known programs, including Interlochen, and Amplify stands out as the best. The program itself is thoughtfully designed, and combined with a staff that truly cares, it creates something special. We cannot recommend Amplify highly enough. Our daughter came home happy, confident, and already asking to go back next summer. Thank you, Amplify!

I’m elated that my daughter went to Amplify Sleepaway Camp this year. 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. But I really enjoyed watching the videos and pictures and was super excited to hear all the adventures that my daughter had. The counselors were really sweet but also firm with the kids. The campers also get to go to on a retreat in the middle of their two weeks there and have a concert at the end of camp called Campchella. Our daughter was excited to go back and maybe perform, but it’s not like that, it’s like a festival just for the campers. It’s really a great experience and some of the bands from other sessions came back to play for the girls. My daughter really connected with the artists and enjoyed working on the magazine as well. One thing I will say is it gets super dark up there, might be a good idea to pack a headlamp. While being creative, the girls oftentimes are just hanging out so pack lots of light lounge wear. Lastly, be prepared for wildlife, my daughter was like, “Oh yeah, that’s a bald eagle” ( points unenthusiastically skyward). There’s also a camp dog, he’s adorbs! 10/10 experience and definitely would do again. We are encouraging our daughter to try playing an instrument in preparation for camp. I think it adds another layer when you can play an instrument and get some feedback in that respect.

We sent our fifteen year old daughter to Amplify for the first time this Summer, and she had an amazing time! We would highly recommend Amplify for any girl that is passionate about music or art- especially middle and high schoolers trying to find themselves in the world while being pulled every which way by social media. For a bit of context, our daughter has had a passion for singing since she was able to sing. From singing in the car as a toddler, to completely filling both her iPad and the family iCloud account with videos of herself singing along to her favorite artists during COVID lockdowns, she was always singing. But the insecurity and bullying that came with middle school and high school stifled that for her, and singing became something that she did in secret. She insisted she wanted to pursue a career as a singer, but she was afraid to let anyone hear her voice. When we read up a little more on Amplify and the positive environment and opportunities that they provide for girls to explore various aspects of the music industry, we decided it would be just the confidence boost that she needed to come out of her shell and let her voice be heard. While the girls are at camp, parents are kept informed through the camp’s social media groups for parents of campers, and through the bunk1 app, both of which feature pictures and videos that are uploaded every day or two. We loved seeing pictures and videos of the girls having fun and interacting with the various visiting artists. If any issues or questions came up, camp staff would text us to keep us in the loop, such as when our daughter wanted to change her intensive on the second day of camp. She also sent us an amazing video of our daughter practicing with her band. That’s right, the girl that was afraid to sing in front of anyone was singing confidently and beautifully with her band on the second day of camp! She also performed in the camp talent show, and (after a little bit of jitters) the camp showcase! I haven’t seen our daughter’s performance video yet (I heard that they send out the full performance videos later in the year), but the pure joy I saw in the videos that were posted from the talent show was absolutely infectious! The girls are so supportive of the other bands, dancing and singing along to the lyrics as they cover songs from artists ranging from Bikini Kill to Billie Eilish! Besides practicing and performing with her band, the biggest highlights of the camp for our daughter were the performances from visiting artists. Each two week session features visits from well-known and emerging female artists. During our daughter’s session, Lisa Loeb and Emi Grace both visited the camp, performing for the girls, answering questions about their experiences as musicians, and signing autographs. During session three, the camp also invites campers from all sessions back for Campchella, an all day music festival featuring some of the artists from each session and over fifteen artists in total. Emi Grace quickly became one of my daughter’s favorite artists during her visit to camp, so she was super excited to see Emi perform a second time at camp before she headed off to Chicago for her Lollapalooza gig! Overall, I’m really impressed with Amplify and the positive impact it had on my daughter. My daughter loved the music aspect the most, but I feel like Amplify is so much more than just a music camp. It’s a totally accepting and inclusive community of creative girls coming together to grow, learn, and have fun, without a cell phone in sight! From starting bands and songwriting, to photography, album design, and fashion design, to working on Cuqui magazine, to musical theatre, there’s something for every interest. I love how Amplify brings the community and diy spirit that I grew up with in the 90s riot grrl scene to a new generation! Girls to the front!