Summer Camp Reviews and Testimonials
SuperCamp Grads and Parent Reviews on Radio
Click here to listen to radio interviews with SuperCamp graduates and grad parents who provide their summer camp reviews and to SuperCamp co-founder and president, Bobbi DePorter, who talks about the mission of SuperCamp and the results achieved.
A High School Counselor Gives Her Summer Camp Review of SuperCamp
Kathy Shoemaker, Ed. S., LAC, CPS
"I am a huge fan of SuperCamp. My son Mark went for 4 years. It had a huge impact on his life. He struggled through middle school even though he is quite bright. SuperCamp helped him understand himself as a learner. It also helped him see himself as successful and a leader. He just finished his 1st year of college and had his best grades ever. This kid, who struggled with organization, now effectively juggles school, work and several extracurricular activities. Indirectly, SuperCamp also played a part in me going back to school to become a counselor."
A SuperCamp Grad Parent's Personal Testimonial
"Just wanted to say thanks again for all the support you extended to us. Or, should I say me. I have enclosed David's report cards from his 10th and 11th grade years. There it is in black and white. Really don't know where we would have been without SuperCamp. Watching a child close all life's doors because of grades and now watching him choose colleges because of grades. It was all SuperCamp. Please feel free to share our story. Love and gratitude, Donna Bruce"
| 2006/07 Academic Year |
2007/08 Academic Year |
| Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
C
C
B
B
C
D
B |
D
B
C
C
A
C
D |
B
B
B
B
A
B |
B
B
A
B
B
A |
Footnote: David attended SuperCamp in summer 2007 and summer 2008.
More Summer Camp Testimonials and Reviews from Parents and Grads
Please take a few minutes to read these actual testimonials, comments and reviews from SuperCamp grads and parents.You'll quickly see that a full range of students attend and benefit from SuperCamp, each in their own way. Some gain learning skills that help them raise their grades. Others find their inner motivation that inspires them to achieve more at school. And still others who may already be straight-A students gain insights into new life skills, from leadership to team-building, that propel them to even more success in school and life. These parent and grad summer camp testimonials mean a lot to us because it's evidence that what we're doing and what we believe in is working.
Connie (parent)
"This is the first time in history that my son ever got straight A's! He is using memory techniques, Quantum Reading and note-taking skills. I am proud! He is proud!"
Tina Shubat (graduate)
"The things you learn here benefit you for the rest of your life, and the experiences you go through are like nothing else. Even though the Senior Forum only lasts for ten days, the emotional bonds and trust you build with those around you are comparable to those you have with your best friends.
This camp has changed my life in so many ways, and I can guarantee you that the people who leave the camp are different than the people who came into this camp." (Read the rest of Tina's letter to SuperCamp)
Dear SuperCamp Staff,
SuperCamp is the best camp I have ever been to, and the worst to leave. The name SuperCamp really defines this camp to the greatest extent. The things you learn here benefit you for the rest of your life, and the experiences you go through are like nothing else. Even though the Senior Forum only lasts for ten days (ten days!), the emotional bonds and trust you build with those around you are comparable to those you have with your best friends.
You learn to push yourself both physically and mentally, and with all of the skills you pick up at SuperCamp, you return home well-prepared to continue the pattern in school, at home, around your friends, wherever you go. The tears, the sweat, the hunger for learning—this is all created by the bonds you create with those around you, and the team leaders and facilitators help and support you in every way. This camp has changed my life in so many ways, and I can guarantee you that the people who leave the camp are different than the people who came into this camp.
This camp is not what changed my life though; it is what I did at this camp that has helped me. While I struggled to accomplish certain tasks, questioned whether I was able to complete an activity, my team had my back the whole time. They were the ones to help me see what I can accomplish with a strong group of friends who'll be there, whenever I need them. The people here give you all their support and trust, and you give back all that you can—not because you're forced to, but because you want to help your friends out when they need a hand too. Your teammates are always there for you, and the team leaders give up so much just so they can make your time at SuperCamp… super, really.
You might only be at this camp for ten days, but the people you meet are so comfortable around you that it feels like you've known them for years. What you build and learn at camp never leaves you if you keep working at it, and you're certainly given enough tools and options for implementing the techniques when you leave. Remember to remember, focus on the important, focus on your life, but most importantly, don't give up hope. If you are given a great opportunity, don't turn it down; I mean, what's the worst that can happen? Anything is possible if you just believe. No matter how corny it sounds, it's true.
The experiences at camp are honestly one-in-a-lifetime. One decision can change your life completely. Going to this camp will change your life forever. It's not just the activities you participate in, the study tips you learn, the life-long lessons you are taught, but also the people you get to know. Although you've only known them for barely ten days, it seems like you're known them since childhood. To be honest, I am a very outgoing person, so it's easy for me to make friends and start a conversation, but the bonds you create at SuperCamp are so much more fulfilling than many I have with friends from home that I've known for much longer. The teams are groups of about eleven to thirteen campers, as well as two team leaders. They soon become your best friends, and they're your comfort/safety zone whenever you're out of your comfort zone.
SuperCamp helps you with your physical needs, your mental capabilities, and your emotional cries. I got more out of ten days at camp than months of my life back at home, the experiences were so unique. When you achieve your goals at camp, it isn't only a statement saying that “I did this,” it's a statement that says “I can do this for the rest of my life if I keep my mind set on this, focus, and believe in myself.” At camp, you learn how to believe in yourself and give support to others, returning the physical and verbal support—by lifting them up, making sure that they don't hurt themselves, and complimenting them on something that they're proud of accomplishing. It's appreciated in many ways, and the more you give, the more you get back.
For me, SuperCamp was a very personal experience. I learned so many things about myself that I never knew, and they can be useful when I'm older. The school tips and strategies I learned will significantly increase my grades and my attitude towards school. I'll never forget the physical accomplishments I achieved, like climbing 30 feet in the air and walking across a little piece of wood, or jumping into the sky, or even walking across a string with a partner saying, “look at me, we are not going to fall, just keep going.” And of course, the emotional skills like the four-part apology, the affinity process, OTFD, even goal-setting skills will help me so much in my social life and who I want to become.
It's my choice in who I want to be in life, and what I want to do. But there's only one life, and it is worth living with no regrets. So take a stand in what you believe in. If this does not excite you, then ignore it, but if this has given you a better taste of what camp is like from the viewpoint of a camper, and you want to learn more-explore. If you don't feel like going, that's a waste of time because I can promise you that almost all of the campers didn't want to be there on Day One, and didn't want to leave on Day Ten. It's your choice, not live life how you want to—no regrets. What you put into the camp is what you get out of it, so give it your all. Maybe by the end of SuperCamp you'll think it really lives up to its name.
Sincerely,
Tina Shubat
Ann (parent)
"Thank you for providing a wonderful camp for my daughter. My daughter is starting High School next week and we'd hoped that SuperCamp would give her the jump start she needed for this transition. We went to register for High School today and my daughter made a big change in her classes to enroll in AVID, to help her succeed. Instead of seeing the support as punitive, she is now eager to accept the help and support offered to her. She describes her experience at SuperCamp as transforming and as the best thing she has ever done in her life. Thank you so much for providing the ultimate setting for a teen to learn in, to see her own strengths and to begin to work to meet her own potential.SuperCamp is a very powerful tool, that I feel very fortunate to have in our lives."
Mark and Donna (parents)
"A decision well worth making. We have seen remarkable improvements in our son's confidence, social skills and study skills as well as motivation."
Dave (graduate)
"I just wanted to let you know how big of an impact SuperCamp has had on me. I am getting A's and B's in all of my classes. I am really enjoying school. I hope that I get a chance to come back next year."
Denise (parent)
"I have to tell you that Anthony had the most amazing time at SuperCamp! From the moment we picked him up at the airport through our 2 hour drive home - he was excited, confident, motivated and wanting to share his amazing experience! He is so excited to start school and apply what he has learned! We will be telling everyone we know about SuperCamp. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help transform our son!"
Stryker (graduate)
"I came home ready to tell everyone about all the things I learned. At our annual family retreat I told my cousins about Supercamp. I was ready to teach them everything I had learned! I hope some of them will go to Supercamp next year."
Andrea Glenn (parent)
"My daughter attended SuperCamp at Stanford this summer and to say she enjoyed it would be the understatement of the year. She's always been a great student and daughter, but this was a life-changing event for her. She has just written her first English essay as a freshman and, of course, it is about SuperCamp. Keep up the good work! It is much appreciated by parents and students! Her siblings will soon be SuperCampers, too."
Perin (graduate)
"Since my last visit to SuperCamp, my life has become better in several ways. I have better relationships with the people in my life such as friends and family, because my communications skills have improved. My academic performance has improved as well. Instead of leaving important things for the last minute, I've found it to be easier to break down whatever the task may be and get it done while doing a good job."
Nate (parent)
"In my English class we had to read a story. I finished the 10-page story in about 10 minutes. My teacher was in disbelief. She then asked me to give a brief summary and so I did. Shocked, she said I was excused from the next assignment."
Linda (parent)
"This is an investment in your child's future. You will ask yourself, 'Why didn't I do this sooner?'."
Katie (graduate)
"Going to SuperCamp has been one of the best things I’ve done with my life. So far, that is. I can’t wait to go back, and with the first day of my junior year starting tomorrow, I’m anxiously anticipating all of the ways I’ll implement all of the techniques and skills I learned this past summer. I’ll never forget the way the facilitators taught us how to learn and how it will help me for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget the communication skills I practiced daily with some of the closest friends I now have, people who were complete strangers to me just a few short weeks ago. I’ll never forget the barriers I broke through with the rest of my team, what we accomplished together, as well as what I achieved as an individual."
Joseph Zdenek (graduate)
"One of the best things that ever happened to me. Helped my creative side."
Ed and Jody Morrissey (parents)
"This was the best money I have ever spent on a camp. My daughter was exposed to life skills that some adults take years to acquire. She matured and her perception of the world around her expanded to new depths - Excellent exposure to new topics."
Heather Davidson (graduate)
"It's a great experience. It's a lot of fun, plus you learn some important life skills. I made some of the best friends I've ever had at camp."
Dan and Erin Thiele (parents)
"The experience allows teens to get in touch with their humanity in ways that school and other programs can't and don't."
John (parent)
"I was anxious to see what exactly was going to be done. (Being somewhat skeptical.) SuperCamp gave my daughter the tools to improve not only her grades but also her attitude. She emerged a motivated "can't wait to learn more" teenager. Better attitude, better self-motivation, more self-esteem and the bonus... better grades."
Carmen (parent)
"Leah loved her experience at Leadership Forum this summer! It has given her a lot of confidence and helped her to navigate through her teenage years. We also appreciate the continuing support with your program. Leah always feels like she is part of SuperCamp. Thank you from a very happy parent!"
Anita (parent)
"My son never seemed interested in getting good grades. When he did homework he did not bother to turn it in. He had high A's in tests but zeros in homework. After SuperCamp he has not missed a single assignment. SuperCamp was worth every penny we spent."
Kevin (graduate)
"SuperCamp was a wonderful experience. The skills will last a lifetime and my relationship with my parents has already improved. Although, I am on the other side of the globe, I maintain a close relationship with my team members through e-mail. I praise your efforts in helping me and I wish SuperCamp nothing but absolute success in the future."
Alice (parent)
"SuperCamp was probably the single best investment we made in Lisa's future. She feels so good about herself! Every time she remarks (in amazement) how her grades have improved... We remind her that this is a gift she gave to herself."
Robert (graduate)
"I have been a SuperCamper for two years. One in the junior forum and one in the senior, and what I got from both of those years was this: anyone and everyone can learn no matter who you are, where you come from, and what your grades say, you are a talented and smart individual quite capable of learning. All it takes is belief in yourself and your abilities to make you a better and more able person. Combine this uplifting message with practical learning techniques and interpersonal skills for a fun filled and educational experience."
Nicole (parent)
"It is worth every cent - and more. SuperCamp is part of the village it takes to raise a child."
Katie (graduate)
"Last year before I went to SuperCamp, I thought of it as a punishment, like summer school, and I really didn't want to be working over my break, but when I arrived people were really energetic and really welcoming. And I soon realized it was not only about academics; it was also about how to communicate and relate to other people. I made really great friendships and I still talk to those people all the time. And I learned effective learning and study skills that help me in high school. I got the best grades that I have ever gotten and I really look forward to coming back this year."
Rory (parent)
"My daughter went to SuperCamp last summer. She was twelve. We enrolled her almost immediately for this summer's SuperCamp. She will be thirteen. She probably had the best time of her life. She learned so much, it was unbelievable. I attended the parent weekend. I learned an amazing amount and learned what was being taught to the children, so that I could identify with what she had learned. I enjoyed every moment of it."
Iris (parent)
"My husband and I are proud parents of a 13-year old son. Our son has attended SuperCamp for four years and SuperCamp has helped him to become a polished and well-rounded young man. He loves school, and is an honor roll student. He is also able to balance his academics with his after school sports activities such as cross-country, racing, basketball and golf, along with playing in the jazz band. SuperCamp has been a wonderful experience for him each year. And because of his love, enjoyment, and growth he will be attending next year and the next few years. So, thank you SuperCamp."
Transformations That Began At SuperCamp
Because SuperCamp provides students with benefits ranging from improved study skills and better reading comprehension to greater confidence and more self-esteem, many SuperCamp graduates experience both a higher level of academic success and positive transformations in their lives. Here are a few examples:
Sasha (age 17)
Sasha was an under-achiever. She tested high on IQ assessments but continued to have low grades. She also had problems with other children her age, often fighting and causing problems. After SuperCamp, Sasha's grades improved to a 3.9 GPA and she gained more self-esteem, which contributed to healthier relationships with her peers. She says that SuperCamp has changed her life forever.
Brian (age 32)
Brian attended one of the first SuperCamps. He is now a doctor and credits his academic success and personal success to SuperCamp. Brian says that the 8 Keys became the model by which to live.
Jeannie (age 12)
Jeannie was shy and afraid to raise her hand or speak out in class. After attending Junior Forum, Jeannie began to participate in class. She says that Junior Forum helped her gain the confidence she needed to do well in school.
Jonathan (age 19)
Jonathan attended two SuperCamp youth programs and one College Forum. Jonathan had low grades and low motivation before attending SuperCamp. Now Jonathan is attending university with a 4.0 GPA and credits his academic success and happiness to Quantum Learning's reading, critical thinking and study skills. He says that he never felt more fulfilled in his life.
|
|
|