I want to say a big huge THANK YOU to all of you who participated in the “Get Paid to Rave About SuperCamp” contest we ran this past summer. Every single person who walks through those main room doors has their own special and unique version of this little experience we call SuperCamp, and it was such a treat to read a few of those stories this summer.
So I bet you’re wondering who won, huh?
Can I get a drum roll please?
1st Place
2010 Stanford Senior Forum grad Olivia Ross
Prize: $100 Visa gift card
Olivia (left) with her team, ICandy, during a pre-breakfast cheer.
Runners-Up
Two-time SuperCamp grad Kaela Palmer
Prize: $50 Visa gift card
Kaela, middle, with her team.
-and-
Three-time SuperCamp grad Philip “King Phil” Stone
Prize: $50 Visa gift card
Phil, 2nd in from the right.
Here is Olivia’s “rave”:
Before SuperCamp, part of me was other people’s opinions and actions. Through SuperCamp, I learned how to make the most out of every moment and be myself, not what I thought others wanted me to be. The summer of 2010, I attended Senior Forum at Stanford University, and it changed my life in more ways than I could have ever hoped for. Lifelong friendships were created, and academic skills were learned that will forever stick with me. I learned life skills that will forever change the way I live. SuperCamp was truly a life-changing event, and it has impacted and will continue to impact my life in a variety of ways.
The best part about SuperCamp was sharing the experience with so many other people. I realized I could be myself and still have people behind me to support me in anything I would choose to do. The support and love created in each camp is… indescribable. To walk into a room and know 100 people have got your back and understand you more than anyone else is one of the best feelings in the world. The trust I built with my team is one of the strongest bonds I’ve ever felt, and it was easy sharing my feelings with my team members. I knew they were there for me and would support me in whatever I wanted to do. Throughout the course of the camp, I realized I had known these people for less than ten days and I was closer to some than people I had known for years back home. I really carried this feeling of trust home with me, and my relationships with my friends and family have never been stronger. I realized how important the people in my life are and have grown closer to them ever since.
Another part of SuperCamp I took home with me is the 8 Keys of Excellence. I’m on a swim team, and before SuperCamp, in school and swimming, I tried to reach my goals but sometimes they fell through. I kept blaming this on other people or things I couldn’t control. But at camp, I realized that it wasn’t other people, but me all along. The choices I make directly impact my life, and if I follow through with those choices I can do anything I set my mind to. I used the “This Is It” key for the drive to pursue my goals, and the “Ownership” key to own up to what mistakes I have made in the past. I’m striving hard and committing to my choices at home, and living the 8 Keys everyday in every possible situation. Since camp, my grades have skyrocketed and I have seen success in and out of the pool. Through SuperCamp, I realized I can make life changing decisions. Everything I do, speaks. Everything is a choice.
SuperCamp skills will continue to be something I apply in my daily life. SuperCamp has given me the motivation, determination, and self-will to power through everything and create strong healthy relationships. My self-confidence has increased, and I am living life based on my choices to succeed. The skills I learned this summer will forever stay with me, as will my camp friends, and my SuperCamp Memories. THIS IS IT.
Congrats to our contest winners and thanks to all who participated – you are all winners in our book!
Just because the contest is over doesn’t mean you can’t still share your awesome SuperCamp stories with us! Feel free to comment below or send to cpollock@qln.com.
