OUR STORY
Amplify Camps and Conferences started as a road-tripping brainstorm. Driving through the Texas Hill Country inspired longings for camp ministry and all it encompasses. After a few minutes of silence, a Holy Spirit-prompted idea started to build in our head:
What if we could use all the skills we’ve acquired over years of ministry, the gifts God’s Spirit equipped us with, and our love of camp ministry to support the Church and other non-profits and ministries? What if we focused on sharing the burden with church leaders and gave them the support and tools to provide high-quality and custom-tailored camps, retreats, and conferences?
With experience in administration, speaking, worship, organization, planning, budget management, programming, and curriculum development, our team is perfectly suited to design ministry events from start to finish.
Together with longtime friends and partners in ministry, we prayed, dreamed, and crafted each aspect of our vision. Over our crayon-marked kitchen table, Amplify Camps and Conferences was born.
WHO WE ARE
Meagan Ruff
Director of VisionMeagan is a passionate leader in youth education and programming, with 14 years of experience in the education and non-profit sectors. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she has always been inspired by the beauty of nature and the power of community. Meagan has dedicated her career to building camps, retreats, and various ministry events that nurture the growth and development of young people.
An established writer, Meagan has been published in The Salvation Army’s Peer Magazine, where she shares her insights and experiences in youth leadership and ministry. As a mom to three wild girls, she brings a vibrant, hands-on approach to her work, balancing the joys of parenting with her professional passions.
As an Enneagram Type 4, Meagan is deeply empathetic and creative, qualities that fuel her commitment to casting vision for Amplify and for every church and client she collaborates with. She believes in the potential of every individual and is dedicated to empowering communities through innovative programming and meaningful experiences.
In her free time, Meagan enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, writing, and dreaming up the next big project, renovation, or vacation.
Aaron Ruff
Director of PurposeAaron is a dedicated educator and logistics expert with a passion for youth development, community engagement, and all things camp. Growing up in Spokane, Washington, he has lived all over the U.S., bringing a diverse perspective to his work.
Aaron holds a master’s degree in secondary education from Whitworth University, where he honed his skills in teaching and leadership. With over 15 years of direct summer camp experience, Aaron has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of working with young people. His journey in the non-profit sector spans seven years as an executive, where he focused on fostering impactful programs before shifting his attention toward family and personal growth.
As an Enneagram Type 5, Aaron is naturally curious and values knowledge, which fuels his pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. He is deeply committed to the purpose and mission of Amplify, dedicating his efforts to alleviating stress for church leaders and creating dynamic events.
In his free time, Aaron enjoys exploring new places with his family, reading sci-fi novels, and engaging in outdoor activities that connect him to nature. He is also a diehard Sounders fan and collects and repairs retro video game systems.
Josh Tallent
Director of PassionJosh is a dedicated advocate for creating inclusive spaces for youth, with over 30 years of experience working with young people. Believing that every child deserves to experience unconditional love and acceptance, regardless of their background, Josh has committed his life to nurturing the potential of youth.
For more than a decade, he has served as a youth pastor, guiding and mentoring countless young individuals. His passion extends to organizing and leading summer camps for middle and high school students, fostering environments where they can thrive and connect. Additionally, Josh has worked within a school district, supporting both high school and middle school students, further reinforcing his commitment to their growth and well-being.
At the heart of everything he does is a steadfast dedication to nurturing youth, ensuring that each child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, and working on cars.
Michelle Tallent
Director of CreativityWith over 20 years of experience in working with youth, Michelle is dedicated to empowering, guiding, and nurturing young people in various roles, including youth pastor, coach, house parent, camp counselor, and assistant camp director.
Her diverse background has provided her with a wealth of experience in leadership, mentorship, and community-building.
Michelle’s journey includes completing a two-year Bible school certificate and earning youth pastor credentials, laying a foundation rooted in service and connection. Her passion for creating places that inspire and nurture others is deeply influenced by her belief in leaving things better than she found them, whether in the lives of young people or the environments she designs.
Michelle combines her creativity with her dedication to making impactful, thoughtful spaces. Whether she’s working on a DIY project at home or crafting a custom experience for a client, Michelle brings a personalized touch and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does.
When she’s not designing or working with clients, Michelle enjoys walking and caring for her dog, traveling to new destinations with her husband, and indulging in DIY projects that fuel her creativity and passion for hands-on work. Michelle’s goal is to leave a positive mark in every area of her life and work, always striving to create better, more beautiful spaces for those she serves.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Our Mission
To come alongside churches, ministries, and non-profit organizations to build intentional, custom-tailored events with excellence while creating space for genuine ministry.
Our Vision
To serve the Church and alleviate burnout by making dynamic events accessible to all with the hopes of serving worldwide from camps of our own.
“Let your light shine before others.”
– Matthew 5:16 (NIV)