Overview

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.

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 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.

Additional Information

Program Structure

• 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.
• 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.

Daily Schedule

• 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.
• Sample Daily Schedule (for 3rd-8th grade, including Lights):
  • MORNING ELECTIVE: LIT Camp Out, Meditation, Crochet, History of Punk
  • MORNING IMMERSIVE: Guitar, Photo, Rock Band Intensive
  • LUNCH
  • POST LUNCH: Free time, Private Lesson (Drums)
  • AFTERNOON IMMERSIVE: Band Practice, Fine Art, Journalism
  • AFTERNOON ELECTIVE: Screen printing, Capstone, Beach
  • DINNER
  • EVENING ACTIVITY: Dance Party, Showcase, Talent Show

Independence & Support

• 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.
• 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.

Dorm Life

• 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.
• 6th-8th graders (Lights) live in the top floor of EOS.
• Campers bunk 2,3 or 4 to a room depending on what the room layout is. We use camper applications to match roommates. You can request a specific roommate as part of the registration process.
• Staff rooms are dispersed throughout all dorm buildings, with staff available directly to campers 24/7. Their rooms are marked with their names so campers always know where to find 'em! Each staff is accountable to the same ~7 campers throughout their session (their "cabin group" or "night group"), who all bond and make camp home together (e.g., bedtime/wind-down routines).
• Campers bring their own pillows and sleeping bag, and linens for a regular twin-sized bed.

Meals

• 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.

Phone Policy

• 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.)

Special Traditions & Activities

• Rite of Passage Ceremony: 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. 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.
• CAMPER MAIL Crew: Lights help deliver one of camp's favorite traditions — handwritten letters!
• 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.

Progression

• 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.

Optional Add-ons

• 1-Week Pack of Private Lessons (3 lessons per session): Cost:$200
• 2-Week Pack of Private Lessons (6 lessons per session): Cost:$480
• 4-Week Pack of Private Lessons (12 lessons per session): Cost:$960
• Bunk Glow-Up Kit: Cost:$100. Notes:Battery-operated fairy lights Name sign or garland Photo clips or poster Mini camp-themed throw pillow or plus
• Comfort Queen Package: Cost:$150. Notes:Memory foam mattress topper Eye mask + satin pillowcase Earplugs Personal fan (USB or battery-powered)
• Unaccompanied Minor Fee: Cost:$150
• Comfort and Care Kit: Cost:$250. Notes: Bunk Glow Up + Laundry + Care Package
• Sleepover After the Final Showcase: Cost:Free! For Camper Grades (entering):3rd-12th

Discounts

• YES, tons! (Discounts are offered)

Organization

• Amplify Arts Project (formerly Girls Rock SB) is a registered non-profit organization. Tax ID: 46-0687975. All donations are tax deductible.