Although Nuçi’s Space uses the universal appeal of music to attract young musicians to participate in the Youth Programs, the focus of the program is deeper than musical development. At a time when many children feel misunderstood or ignored, music is the bond which brings Camp Amped participants together, and lets them know they are not alone. The band is treated as a family, and this model is used to teach effective communication and conflict-resolution techniques that can be used in the band setting and, more importantly, in everyday life. The band also provides understanding, mutual support, and positive reinforcement to its members. The encouragement participants receive from each other is an essential part of how Camp Amped improves the children’s self-esteem. During a time, that is the most important developmental stage of a young

person’s life; our goal is to have a positive impact on the next generation of musicians. During the summer, there is an hour-long session each day called Survival Skills for Creative Minds, developed to generate dialogue about important issues in the lives of young musicians which are often overlooked. The following are examples of the Survival Skills taught: Inspiration in Music and Lyrics, Song Structure, Song-Writing, Perfecting your Practicing Skills, Shameless Self-Promotion, Mastering Stage Presence, Creative Careers, Multi-Instrumentalist, What’s the Financial Arrangement, Home Recording, and Understanding Depression. Many campers say this is their favorite part of the program, because for the first time they realize their peers are going through the same experiences they are and that someone is willing to listen.

Hear it from the parents in our community!

“Last year because of Camp Amped I watched my kid blossom into a new, surprisingly focused musical creature. Over the winter she's devoted much of her life energy to growing as a musician. She practices (constantly!) without any prompting and her enthusiasm for music has led to us discovering new ways to connect after years of struggling to find a common ground. Thank you thank you thank you for that.”

“Camp Amped has been a wonderful, positive influence in my daughter's life. The experience has helped her socially and emotionally, as well as musically. She was once very insecure and nervous. Camp Amped has given her the confidence to reach out to other people her own age and develop new friendships. She is becoming less inclined to try to ‘blend in’ or retreat to the background, and instead she is learning to be herself, to risk (in a positive sense), and develop her personality. She is also learning to stand up for herself. All of this has developed in the last year, and mainly as a result of Camp Amped. It is important for young people, and especially artistic, sensitive people, to be able to accept themselves and to know that they can always pick themselves up and move forward. As a teen, she is looking for validation and a sense of self outside of home and family now. Things at home have been tough lately, and my daughter benefits greatly from connections and support systems she has made at Nuçi’s Space.” - Anonymous parent