Hockey mom here: question

I have a U14AA player. The parents around me are VERY competitive, and I feel like I am lagging as a parent. Their kids are doing camps, extra competitions, CCM weekends etc., flying across country. I know NOTHING about any of this stuff, and to boot, they're being very hush hush. I was told by a parent that they get invites to all of these things, but someone else told me you just sign up. Do these things make a huge difference or is regular seasonal play enough (my player does do some privates, a few extra things here and there) ?

Update: I SO appreciate all of your answers. Very helpful. My kid wants to go as far as he is able, college level, etc. He's coachable, easy-going, not the best but not the worst!

Also to add, I am asking this NOT because I am trying to keep up with the Joneses. I truly feel like I don't know how to navigate this next level of hockey, so I don't want to miss opportunities but also don't want to overdo it!!! I guess my wish is that families shared their information as we all navigated the maze of this!