Handbook z in Camper + Family - (your best guide to thriving @ camp... DON'T LOSE THIS!) - Girls Rock Santa Barbara
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Camper + Family
Handbook i ne!
z
(y ou r be st gu ide
to th ri vi ng @ ca
m p. .. D O N ’T L O SE
T H IS !)
Photo Lab
table of contents
Page 1...... Important Dates
Page 2...... Camp Directors
Page 3...... Progressive Programming Chart
Page 4...... Packing (& Leave Behind!) Lists
Page 5...... Flying Solo
Don’t Forget Your Forms
Page 6...... The First Day
Page 7...... A Typical Day at Camp
Page 8...... Camp Culture
Camper Health
Page 9...... Smartphone Withdrawal
Extra Help
Page 10.... Staying Connected
Page 11..... Dropoff & Pickup
Spending Money
Private Lessons
Off-Campus Day Trips &
Catalina Island Blowout
Page 12.... FAQs
Page 15.... Pre-camp Checklist
important dates
Session 1 June 19 - July 2
Catalina Island Intersession Trip* July 2 - 3
Session 2 July 3 - 16
Catalina Island Intersession Trip* July 16 - 17
Session 3 July 17 - 30
Catalina Island Intersession Trip* July 30 - 31
Session 4 July 31 - August 13
*For multi-session campers only
1
camp director, executive director & founder
Jen Baron | jen@girlsrocksb.org | 805-861-8128
It’s been said that I came into this world singing. Having grown up in the
California foothills—miles from the nearest town—it isn't surprising that I
filled my days with make believe, attentiveness to my surroundings, and a
deep desire to connect artistically. My childhood home was rife with music,
and storytelling was central to our everyday interactions as a family. I began
writing music when I was 8 years old and haven’t stopped since. I feel so
grateful to be able to support our incredible youth while they explore their
passions, build leadership skills, and come into their brilliant selves.
assistant camp director
Marley King | marleykayeking@gmail.com | 616-647-7575
I’m a multi-instrumentalist and producer, and I graduated from Berklee
College of Music with a bachelor's degree in music production by taking
online classes while I toured the country as an electronic indie artist. I’ve
worked with 2 different record labels so far in my career as a musician and
am currently signed to Luminelle Recordings under the artist name marsfade.
My music is fueled by synths and drum machines, balancing dancy pop vibes
with emotional and reflective lyrics. I hope to one day get the opportunity to
tour the world. When I’m not on tour, I teach music production, guitar, bass,
and piano, and this will be my 5th year working at Amplify!
transportation updates & questions
transportation@girlsrocksb.org
2progressive programming chart
All of our programming is age appropriate and designed to not only help
campers feel comfortable in their activities and classes, but also provide
opportunities for taking positive risks, exploring something brand new, and
working together with other campers to share experiences of bravery, trust, and
friendship. Below is a chart showing how campers are grouped by grade and
how camp opportunities and experiences change as campers return year after
year.
GRADE GROUP PROGRESSIVE PROGRAMMING POCKET CASH
(OPTIONAL)
•light beam day: an on-campus field day
just for lights! •camp store
•exposure to all tracks during separate (snacks, merch,
lights lights activities disposable cameras,
3-5 Instax film, journals,
•beach day
•no camper choice electives water bottles, etc.)
•staff keep track of their schedules and •beach day snacks
accompany them throughout their day
•beach day
•above, plus snacks
•amusement park
and souvenirs at
•choice of electives
electric amusement park
6-8 •staff keep track of their schedules and
youth and other special
accompany them throughout their day
off-campus trips
•golf cart express mail delivery
•night swim
•guest DJ dance party
•beach day with surf lessons
•amusement park
•overnight camping trip at local state beach
9-10 legends •community service project for host campus
(OVS)
•keep track of their own schedule
•later bedtime
•plan pool party
•amusement park
•extra off-campus trip
leaders in •capstone project: Amplify short
11-12 training documentary!
(LITs) •co-lead assemblies
•plan and teach an elective
•earn 40 hours community service
3packing list
14 days’ worth of face masks (if CDC reinstates this protocol)
hand sanitizer (for nightstand, walking around with)
small backpack/tote
sun/outdoor protection: hat, bandana, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, bug repellent
swim gear: swimsuit, goggles, water shoes if desired
14 days’ worth of clothes: shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, jeans, sweatshirt, light jacket, sweatpants, etc.
extra funky clothes for the FINAL SHOWCASE!
sneakers
flip flops
shower, pool, and hand towels
shower caddy/bag/container with toiletries (e.g., shampoo, conditioner), personal products
menstrual products if needed
personal medication(s) - must be in clear, resealable zipper storage bag with pertinent
camper info written in sharpie (name, age, phone, guardian contact info), to be handed to
camp staff upon arrival
laundry bag
pre-addressed, stamped envelopes
reusable water bottle labeled with camper’s name
headlamp
sleeping bag
LEGENDS ONLY (9th + 10th grade) LITs ONLY (11th + 12th grade)
sleeping pad or sleeping mat sleeping pad or sleeping mat
overnight backpack overnight backpack
snorkel and mask or goggles
OPTIONAL:
cash (mandatory for multi-session campers - consult chart on previous page for examples of
spending cash uses)
non-wifi music and/or podcast player and headphones, loaded with enough music and
content to help your camper adjust, especially when going to sleep at night
disposable, digital, and/or Instax camera
traditional wrist watch
alarm clock
am/fm radio
sleep sound machine and/or twinkle lights to create a calm sleeping environment
journal, pen, and tape for writing, drawing, and saving ephemera
clip-on fan or fan/water bottle combo
book with reading light
decor to make camp feel like home: art, photos, magazine pages, band posters, etc.
Amplify provides all equipment, but campers can bring their own bass, guitar, etc. if
desired - please clearly label anything you don’t want to accidentally donate to us!
Leave these behind
If these items are found at camp, it’s grounds for IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL without a refund:
cell phones, computers, tablets, ipods, wifi-enabled devices
electronic gaming consoles: Nintendo Switch, etc.
weapons: knives, guns, slingshots, etc.
non-prescribed substances: drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.
age-inappropriate activities such as piercing and/or tattoo kits
4flying solo
Especially for campers flying to camp by themselves, we understand the desire
to travel with a cell phone. Please note that, once they arrive at camp, all
campers are expected to turn their phones in to staff. All phones must be labeled
with camper’s full name.
If you’re using our shuttle service, you must arrange this in advance by
completing the travel/transportation form through our online registration system
and also emailing transportation@girlsrocksb.com. We can only accommodate
those arriving/departing within our shuttle windows.
SHUTTLE WINDOWS:
Flight must arrive
no later than 12:00 PM the first day of camp (6/19, 7/3, 7/17, 7/31).
Flight must depart
after 2:00 PM on the last day of camp (7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13).
If flights fall outside these windows, please contact us to discuss alternate
options to help your camper arrive safely to Amplify.
don’t forget your forms!
And please fill them out ASAP! You can access the forms by logging into the
registration system (girlsrocksb.campintouch.com/v2/login.aspx) and clicking on
Forms & Documents. If all required forms are not filled out before camp begins,
CAMPERS CANNOT ATTEND CAMP.
5the first day!
1:00 PM AMPLIFY DROPOFF
Location is 10820 Reeves Rd., Ojai, CA. An amplify staffer will take
guardians through the check-in process, help with luggage, and introduce
campers to their counselors.
2:30 PM ORIENTATION
4:30 PM DORM ASSIGNMENTS & UNPACK
6:00 PM DINNER
7:00 PM EVENING ACTIVITY & ASSEMBLY
9:00 PM BACK TO DORMS
10:00 PM LIGHTS OUT FOR LIGHTS & ELECTRIC YOUTH (3RD 8TH GRADERS)
11:00 PM LIGHTS OUT FOR LEGENDS & LITS (9TH 12TH GRADERS)
6a typical day at camp
7camp culture
At Amplify, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to create the safest and most
enjoyable and inclusive environment around. Amplify is a beautiful, judgment-free place
where campers not only pursue their full potential but also find the confidence to be
themselves and work collaboratively with others. We encourage campers to focus on
what they CAN do (which is a whole heck of a lot) to help them realize that absolutely
anything is within reach if they just TRY…and try again.
Our mission is to empower girls, women, and gender-expansive humans through music
education, the creative arts, community, and positive mentorship. We use the term
“gender expansive” to include and support campers who don’t strictly identify as
cisgender girls. Amplify is trans-inclusive and is dedicated to changing girl culture to one
where we lift each other up instead of tear each other down. There’s enough space on
this rock for every voice to be valued, lovelies. (And eliminate sexism while we’re at it.)
Consent is really important here, as we believe it should be part of everyday life! This
applies to anything from taking someone’s picture to giving an encouraging elbow
bump. Just ask, it takes 2 seconds! We encourage and foster healthy, open
communication among staff and campers alike, and consent is a SUPER important part
of that!
It’s also super important to remember that campers and staff come from all over, not just
our lovely SoCal ‘hoods. Everyone here has had different stories and experiences, so
let’s be respectful of others’ lived narratives. Show compassion, have patience, be kind.
We want Amplify to be a safe place for ALL, not just some.
camper health
The best way for campers to maintain healthy habits at camp is to set intentions and
expectations ahead of time. Campers are expected to:
• eat enough food to provide energy for an active day;
• stay hydrated with at least 2 liters of water through food and drink;
• keep up personal hygiene with regular showers, clean clothes every day,
handwashing, and feeling prepared for their period, perhaps even their first;
• keep dorm rooms clean; and
• communicate with a counselor if they are having any problems they need help
addressing.
8smartphone withdrawal
Amplify requires all campers to leave their phones at home or with us until the end of
their session(s). If your camper is accustomed to having their phone with them most of
the time, they may experience very real withdrawal symptoms at camp. Such symptoms
can include:
• anger or irritability;
• restlessness;
• difficulty concentrating;
• sleep problems; and
• craving access to phone or other device.
Feelings of attachment to phone use start to subside after 3 days. There are ways to help
your camper adjust to the fun and friendships in real time at Amplify…
GET CAMPER BUY-IN
Talk to your camper in advance about how they feel about not being able to have their
phone with them at Amplify. Help them make a pros and cons list, and talk about if they
think a digital detox can be good for people. Ask them how they feel about being
without their phone, and troubleshoot anticipated problems with some of these
suggestions…
REPLACE WITH NON-SCREEN OPTIONS
• Non-WiFi music and/or podcast player and headphones loaded with enough
music and content to help your camper adjust, especially when going to sleep
• Disposable, digital, and/or Instax camera
• Traditional wrist watch/alarm clock
• AM/FM radio
• Alternatives for campers to idle away time, decompress, and entertain themselves.
Extra time after lunch? Pull out a book or magazine you always carry with you!
Chillin’ in your dorm room? Play solitaire, do a puzzle, or play card and board
games with your dorm mate(s)!
• Sleep sound machine and/or twinkle lights to create a calm sleeping environment
• Rechargeable book light for reading in bed after lights out
• Journal, pen, and tape for writing, drawing, and saving ephemera
• Crafts like knitting or paint by number
extra help
Guardians are asked to be open with an Amplify director if their campers need a little
extra help, for example with regard to disordered eating, bedwetting, neurodiversity,
particularly intense periods, and similar side effects of being human. Knowing about
things like these ahead of time will prepare us to take care of everyone as well as
possible.
9staying connected With exceptions, we do not recommend phone calls home while campers are at Amplify as it tends to promote homesickness. Our staff work hard to ensure all campers are socializing, feel at home, and are having a blast. If you need to contact your camper, please call or text a director. Amplify provides a private space to accommodate virtual therapy and doctor visits as needed. To request this, please contact a director and we will make arrangements. Send along pre-addressed postcards, envelopes, blank paper, and pens addressed not only to you, but to your camper’s friends and loved ones. Make sure those same people have the correct mailing address for your camper: Amplify Sleep Away Camp Camper First and Last Name 723 El Paseo Rd Ojai, CA 93023 CARE PACKAGES! Campers love them! We love when guardians send items that can be shared with friends, provide comfort, and are encouraging. Please do send items such as cards, games, temporary tattoos, glow sticks, pool floaties, favorite stuffy, clean t-shirt, silly hat, books, magazines, disposable cameras/Instax film, money, photographs, stamped and pre-addressed envelopes and postcards, a letter from the family pet, colored zinc, toiletries, color hair spray, new flip flops or swim goggles, etc. Please do not send caffeinated beverages or energy drinks, and please help us avoid an emergency situation by leaving out allergens that tend to cause anaphylaxis, namely peanuts and tree nuts. Some of our favorite care package treats are cup o' noodles, jerky, fruit/granola/protein bars, dried fruit, and similarly nourishing bites! 10
dropoff & pickup
Dropoff is the first Sunday of camp between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Pickup happens the last
Saturday of camp between 11:00 AM and noon. Guardians are charged $1/minute
beyond 12:00 PM.
spending money
You can choose to send your camper to Amplify with cash for treats and souvenirs at the
camp store and/or off-campus trips. During camp, all meals are provided EXCEPT on
intersession trips, where campers will pay for 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
Therefore, all multi-session campers must bring cash for these special meals, at a minimum.
private lessons
Every session, Amplify offers OPTIONAL one-on-one private lessons at $80/45 minutes.
Instructors teach lessons in multiple disciplines such as drums, guitar, vocals, music
production/engineering, photo/film, journalism/podcasting, creative writing, violin,
piano, and several other instruments. Campers can sign up for any lesson regardless of
their track at Amplify, allowing them to explore something new or get some extra support,
especially if they really want to take their skills to the next level.
Campers must be signed up for their lessons by June 1 via our online registration system
(log in at girlsrocksb.campintouch.com/v2/login.aspx, click on Forms & Documents, then click
on Additional Options).
Staff will help campers keep track of their private lessons and will either remind them or
deliver them to their scheduled lesson if needed.
off-campus day trips & catalina island blowout
Every single Amplify session includes at least one incredible off-campus day trip where the
entire camp spends one day at Santa Claus Lane, a beautiful beach in Carpinteria, CA.
While Lights stay on campus for a special field day, older campers spend one day at an
amusement park such as Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor, and Universal Studios.
Legends have a special overnight campout at Emma Wood State Beach. LITs get to go on a
3rd off-campus adventure just for them.
Finally, for campers signed up for multiple sessions in a row… we’re whisking you away on
our OVERNIGHT CATALINA ISLAND BLOWOUT! We’re taking the ferry over for an
unforgettable campout, complete with zip lining, sea kayaking, or an aerial adventure
(depending on which sessions you’re signed up for)! You can learn more about these
activities at www.catalinatours.com
11frequently asked questions
What are you doing about COVID-19?
We are carefully monitoring local, state, and federal recommendations and
mandates regarding the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also
giving our community the chance to come home to camp this summer. We will
continue to follow up-to-date CDC and American Camp Association protocols
and are prepared to adjust our plans as needed. All campers must present a
negative PCR test upon arrival to Amplify. Each camper should either show us
proof of vaccination or allow our medical staff to administer a rapid test on site.
RN Wellness will be visiting each Tuesday of camp to administer PCR tests for all
Amplify staff and campers. We’re partnering with Guardian Testing and RN
Wellness to provide weekly PCR testing services, rapid tests, and on-call
telehealth ER services all season. We’re also partnering with Santa Barbara and
Ventura County Public Health to ensure we’re following the best safety
guidelines and procedures available. We have rapid tests onsite for emergency
use.
The following are just a few of the many measures we’re taking (our plans are
subject to change as more data and public health recommendations become
available the closer we get to summer 2022):
• Guardians to be extra aware of campers’ health in the week prior to camp
• Look for further details and follow all CDC reinstatement of protocols
• Required PCR test 3 days before the first day of camp
• Must bring proof of a negative test with date and name
• Drive-thru check-in
• For unvaccinated youth, medical staff-administered rapid test upon arrival
• Grade/age-based cohorting
• Increased hand hygiene (handwashing and sanitizing stations posted
throughout camp) and outdoor time
• Regular sanitizing of all high-touch surfaces, e.g., gear, doorknobs, tables
• Following all new guidelines, including masks if CDC and ACA guidelines
recommend
12What if my camper gets homesick?
Dealing with homesickness is a normal part of going away to camp. Our
counselors ensure that campers are well taken care of and help to put them at
ease. Our first course of action is to hear them out and connect them with a
friend, camp buddy, or mentor. When the camper feels ready, we then redirect
them to the scheduled activity.
Some guardians may experience anxiety, especially if it's their camper's first
time at a sleep away program.While it may be tempting to call campers, this can
actually promote homesickness and may make it more difficult for them to
transition back into camp life. Try to remember that an immersive summer camp
experience is good for your child, and our staff is hired based on compassion,
communication, and love of working with youth. If homesickness is a worry for
you and your camper, the American Camp Association (ACA) suggests the
following tips to help guardians prepare for camp:
• Encourage your child's independence throughout the year. Practicing
separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp
environment.
• Involve your child in the process of choosing a camp. The more that the
child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at
camp.
• Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves. Consider
role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the
bathroom.
• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other. If your child's
camp has a no-phone-calls policy, honor it.
• Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.
Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For
example, you can say "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will
have a good time at camp."
• Don't bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends
the wrong message. The reward should be your child's new found
confidence and independence.
• Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.
• When a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put
the time frame into perspective. Avoid the temptation to take the child
home early.
• Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain their perspective on your
child's adjustment.
• Don't feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many
children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important
role in their growth and development.
• Trust your instincts. While most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day
or 2, research shows that approximately 7% of cases are severe. If your
child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, it is time
to go home. However, don’t make your child feel like a failure if their stay
at camp is cut short. Focus on the positive and encourage your child to try
camp again next year.
13Are campers grouped by grade? Yes! The chart towards the beginning of this zine explains our progressive programming. Campers are placed in groups where they are most likely to feel comfortable with pedagogy style, peers, and activities. Bands, electives, track-specific lessons, and dorm rooms are sorted by group, with maturity and instrument skill level taken into consideration. How do you assign campers to dorm rooms? Before camp begins, campers are matched up 2–3 to a room and 4–5 to a suite within their grade/age group. Some campers have their heart set on rooming with their best camp friend, which is totally fine. In that case, you can request a specific roommate as part of the online registration process. Are campers supervised at all times? Yes! Staff are always in eyesight (or earshot) and available 24/7 to tend to campers’ needs. Do campers choose daily activities? Yes! Every day (and sometimes 3x a day!) campers get to spend several hours trying out one of several different electives, like hiking, screen printing, karaoke, and more. Campers also have multiple periods of free time every day where they can swim, write letters home, start a round of hacky sack, practice their instrument/photography/etc. How many campers attend each Amplify session? About 60–75 campers attend each Amplify session (and many come for the whole 8-week season!). Is there any way I can see my camper’s final showcase? We are working on live streaming all 4 of our final showcases so families and loved ones can see the incredible original work their kiddos accomplished, from home! Please be sure to check your email for updates from us as we get closer to each session. How can I prepare my camper for Amplify? There are MANY things you can do now to help make the transition as smooth as possible. First, you can get them used to cohabitation by letting them sleep at a friend’s house or visit relatives for a few days. It’s helpful to simulate a situation in which they’re sharing a room. Second, encourage independence by having them partake in grocery shopping, make their own bed every day, even practice packing their camp bags. Feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like more suggestions. 14
......................................................................................................
pre-camp checklist
TEAR THIS OFF AND PUT IT ON YOUR FRIDGE/MIRROR/WHEREVER!
COVID-19 requirements fulfilled (e.g., proof of negative PCR test)
Health/transportation forms completely filled out via CampMinder
(log in at girlsrocksb.campintouch.com/v2/login.aspx)
Camper bags packed and include everything needed
(based on our PACKING LIST on page 4)
Camper bags THOROUGHLY checked for no-no items: phones,
tablets,wifi enabled iPods, Nintendo Switch, illegal or
age-inappropriate substances…
(We know anxieties are running high, especially after the last few years
we’ve had. We understand your wanting to “sneak in” a phone to stay
in touch with your kid. However…we ask that you instead contact one of
our highly experienced camp directors prior to camp so we can design
a mutually agreed-upon communication plan together.)
15You can also read
