As we all know, reading is a valuable skill that your child will use throughout life. In middle school and high school, students are expected to complete reading assignments both in and outside of school. College-bound students should prepare themselves for two hours of studying for every one hour of class time. It is imperative that your student can absorb large amounts of content with increased speed and comprehension. Last summer at SuperCamp, your child learned Quantum Reading, which uses a combination of enhanced interest, highly focused concentration and specific reading strategies to increase speed and comprehension.

There are 5 steps to becoming a successful Quantum Reader:

1. Prepare: Prepare your Attitudes, Beliefs and Commitment (ABCs). It’s also important to create a positive learning environment for yourself. Claim a study space of your own—a quiet one, if possible. Use furniture that fits your style, and ensure that you have proper lighting. Your space should be well lit without hurting the eyes.
2. Get Into State: …alpha state, that is. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and imagine a peaceful place. Look up, look down, open your eyes, and wa-la! You’re in alpha state. Alpha state is a state of relaxed concentration. You’re calm and alert, absorbing material and making connections. Baroque music can help put your brain into alpha state—try Bach, Handel or Vivaldi.
3. SuperScan: Spend 2-3 seconds per page skimming content. Quickly expose your eyes and brain to every page. Move fast!
4. Read: Return to the beginning and read the content. A visual guide, such as running your finger along the words on the page, keeps your eyes from skipping around. In fact, using a visual guide can double your reading speed! Our brains are able to take in entire sentences at a time (not just one word at a time), so allow your eyes to flow quickly over them and your brain will actually register it all.
5. Review: Within 5 minutes, review what you’ve just read so that it sticks. You can do this by mind-mapping, writing out notes or telling yourself or someone else what you’ve read.

Review the Quantum Reading procedure with your student, and ensure that they are using these strategies in school.

The post Quantum Reading: Tips for Becoming a Better Reader appeared first on SuperCamp.

The Key of the month is Flexibility: Be willing to do things differently.

Recognize what’s not working and be willing to change what you’re doing to achieve your goal!

You’re working on a science project, and the cotton ball cloud parts simply will not stick to the cardboard. You glue, let it dry, it falls out. You glue, let it dry, it falls out. After a while, it would seem a bit crazy to just keep using the same glue when you’re getting the same results, right? This is where flexibility comes in.

The key of flexibility is about maintaining the ability to change what you’re doing in order to get the outcome you desire. If your current strategy isn’t working, try something different! Keep trying  until you find what works.

In our everyday situations, we need to look at our actions to see whether we are being rigid or flexible. If a set of actions repeatedly fails to help us reach our goal, then it’s time to change our strategy.

It’s not always easy to recognize or admit that we’re doing something that just isn’t working. The first step to being flexible is admitting that something needs to change. Remove your ego from your actions and take an objective look at what you’re doing. See your failure as feedback, use that valuable information to make adjustments, and move on! By exploring numerous potential solutions, you’ll discover avenues for success that you never would have previously considered.

How have you used the key of flexibility? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section. Click “leave a reply” at the top of this page!

Without flexibility, we’re all bound to go a little insane!

The post March Key of the Month: Flexibility appeared first on SuperCamp.

This month’s Key, Integrity, is closely related to how we communicate with each other and how we show up in relationships. Communication skills are essential in fostering healthy relationships, and having the right tools at our disposal leads to better relationships and more success in life.

Mistakes are inevitable. We ALL know that Failure Leads to Success! But even when we do our absolute best to live a life of integrity and honor, emotions can sometimes take over. We may sometimes find ourselves saying things we don’t mean or doing things we know we shouldn’t do. When an apology is needed, the 4-Part Apology is a communication tool that allows us to resolve conflict in a thoughtful and supportive manner instead of in anger or defense. It’s an effective strategy to use with friends, family, students and even teachers. Here’s how it works:

Acknowledge: Take responsibility, or ownership, for what you’ve done. There’s no such thing as a sincere apology without an acknowledgment! Use “I” statements to show that you’re the one behind the actions.

Example: “I acknowledge that I hurt your feelings when I said those things about you.”

Apologize: The words “I apologize” are much more powerful than just “sorry.” Apologize using these words outright! Acknowledge the cost to anyone involved. If you’re unaware of the cost, then just ask.

Example: “I apologize for hurting you and I realize that I may have upset our friendship.”

Make it Right: Ask the person or people affected by your actions, “Is there anything I can do to make it right?” If they don’t have anything specific in mind, offer something.

Example: “What can I do to make it right?”

Recommit: Make a recommitment to appropriate behavior in the future! Express that you plan on doing your best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “I agree to try and speak with good purpose from now on.”

Clearing the air with the 4-Part Apology relieves tension and helps us to genuinely resolve conflicts. It releases positive energy, creates synergy between all those involved (especially if it’s been building up for a long time) and allows everyone to just move on! The power of the 4-Part Apology lies in its ability to demonstrate that we’re taking responsibility for our actions (ownership). When the people in our lives realize that we’re willing and able to do that, they’ll be more open and trusting with us and our relationships will be better. And as Bobbi DePorter once said, “Communication is the universal relationship fuel. Communication grows relationships and relationships grow success.”

 Want more? Here’s a video from Steve on the 4-Part Apology.

The post Communication Tools Foster Healthy Relationships: The 4-Part Apology appeared first on SuperCamp.

Demonstrate your positive personal values in all you do and say. Be sincere and real. 

Have you ever made a promise and not followed through? What would you do if you caught someone glancing at your test answers? Ever heard of the “boy who cried wolf”? Breaking promises, cheating and lying are all examples of living without integrity. Many people act the way they feel like acting and find some justification for what they did (“But it wasn’t me that was cheating!”). Highly successful people, in contrast, reflect and then act, because they choose to have their actions harmonize with their values.

Integrity activity: trace your hands on two pieces of paper. Draw a big “V” for values on the left hand and a big “A” for actions on the right hand. Write a value on each finger of the left hand and the corresponding action steps required to demonstrate each value on the right hand. Flip them face-to-face to see how they match up. Do your values match your actions?

Ensure that your behavior reflects your values and you’ll move through life with authenticity, sincerity, and wholeness. When you live with integrity, it’ll show! People will trust you almost instinctively, and they’ll think of you as a person of your word. You’ll be known for your strong character. When you live with integrity, you’ll enjoy a clear conscience and feel good about yourself. Those positive feelings from others and within ourselves reinforce our values and build our reputation and self-esteem, which leads us to greater success in all areas of our lives. And who doesn’t want that?!

Align your actions with your values:

• Live what you value.
• If you value honesty, be truthful.
• If you value keeping your word, follow through.
• If you value being fair, do what you expect others to do.
• Your identity is who you are. Your integrity is an expression of who you are.
• Importantly, always do the right thing. 

For your consideration:

• What do you value?
• How do these values show up in your life?
• Do your current actions support your values?
• First define your values. Then, align your actions with your values.

Affirmations for INTEGRITY:

• I have stated beliefs and values.
• I know and understand them.
• My behavior reflects them.

“SuperCamp taught me that integrity isn’t just an SAT word for honesty, but a way of living so that your personal values match up with your behaviors. For this reason, integrity is a little bit different for everyone. In my life, I value friends, family, and my education above all else. SuperCamp helped me to realize that to live in integrity, I had to make my values a priority. For example, I now make a conscious effort to set aside time to spend with friends and family and to continue my education, no matter how busy I may be. I have found that focusing on living my life with integrity helps me to avoid regrets and be the best version of myself!”  

Hannah Heppner attended SuperCamp in the summers of 2009, 2010, and 2011. She was a team leader in the summers of 2012 and 2013 and is currently a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The post February Key of the Month: Integrity appeared first on SuperCamp.

1. Reinforce the tools & strategies that you learned at camp last summer

Remember last summer, when you doubled your reading speed? Why stop now? Steve Snyder, creator of our speed reading method, casually reads at 5000 WPM and sprints at 10,000 WPM with complete comprehension. Imagine the impact it could have on your life with reading speeds at half that pace! With increased reading speeds, NotesTM and POWER PEGS, you will study smarter, retain more information, and get better grades. Imagine all the time you’ll save, allowing YOU do to MORE of what YOU want. SO MANY ACTIVITIES!

2. Try a new program.

Quantum Academy

We know the secret to having all 3!

Quantum Academy: Let’s face it…college is going to be different. In 6 days, learn how to manage your time, energy, and finances. Explore Greek life and dorm living while mastering academic strategies that will help you to take brilliant notes and ACE those final exams. Go on…set the curve!

3. Continue adding to your academic portfolio.

You are aware that Senior Forum gets one high school credit, right? Colleges appreciate students that demonstrate commitment to their education. Not only is repetition the secret to sustained success, but we are always making updates and improvements to provide the most up-to-date and highly impactful Quantum Learning strategies!

4. College readiness

Not only will you fine-tune your study skills, boost your confidence and complete a rigorous ropes course, but you’ll be doing it all in a university setting. Live the life of a college student! Sleep in the dorms, eat fantastic cafeteria food (did someone say unlimited dessert?!) and familiarize yourself with what it’s like to roam a college campus.

5. Get on L-Track (leadership track)

We’re talking to you, Senior Forum. The world needs someone to step up, model excellence, and lead others to do the same. If you have ever felt the desire to lead, make this summer it! The world needs someone to step up, model excellence, and lead others to do the same. If you have ever felt the desire to lead, make this summer it! Leadership skills are a great addition to that college application (it’s never too early to start thinking about this) and after next summer, you’ll be eligible for LeFo!

6. Reunite with friends & make new ones

Eleanor Roosevelt once wisely stated that “many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Coordinate with friends from SuperCamps past and pick a new location! Or go back to your old stomping ground and you’ll feel right at home.

7. Travel the United States

East coasters, go west! West coasters, go east! Step outside of your comfort zone and into your learning zone – experience a different part of the country, and for some, a different part of the world! All of our SuperCamp locations offer the same great experience and staff, but each part of the country has its own unique sights, sounds, and look. It’s a great way to check out new college campuses and see what life is like in a new part of the country.

8. Have a deeper, more meaningful SuperCamp experience

Remember the moment when all of those strangers in the main room became some of your closest friends? Take advantage of a place where great people are all working harder on becoming even greater. Where else can you be around people encouraging each other to live their best life?! Now that you’ve been through the program, YOU GET IT. Imagine what new strategies and deeper connections you can focus on now that you are comfortable calling SuperCamp your home turf. This is it!

9. Fulfill the SuperCamp journey

Where are YOU on the SuperCamp journey?

10. Reflect on past goals and set new ones

Remember breaking those barriers last summer? How is your progression towards achieving that goal? Have you been working on it? Success is addicting. Once you realize that making a plan and committing your time and resources to achieving your goals is a duplicable process, anything becomes possible. Set NEW goals and break MORE barriers!

11. Step out for what you believe in

“I am…One thing I value is…I will show this by…Tonight I take a stand for my greatness!” One can never step out too many times. How have your values changed in one year? Have you been standing out for what you proclaimed last year? Reaffirm your values and recommit yourself to upholding them.

12. Use Your Voice

….for rapping, singing or writing. Now that you know what Poetry Night is, you’ll be able to prepare for your moment of greatness!

13. Celebrate YOU

We think that you’re pretty darn great, and we would love to hear all about your success this school year and how you are making a difference back at school and home. We can’t wait to see you back at SuperCamp in 2014. Shed that Fimage, get your dance on, and see you next summer!

So go on….text your SuperCamp friends, pick a campus, and go bug Mom and Dad to invest in you again this summer! POWER WOOSH TO YOU!

As a thank-you for coming back, enjoy $200 off (return grads only) until April 15. Spots are limited—your first choice may not be available if you wait. 

Register online for SuperCamp 2014 or call your enrollment counselor: 1-800-285-3276 ext. 200

The post 13 Reasons To Come Back To SuperCamp appeared first on SuperCamp.

High schools are not preparing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel after graduation. In fact, only 26% of high school students graduate college-ready in the four core subjects of English, reading, math, and science.

SuperCamp teaches study strategies to help students retain information taught in the classroom. Students will learn a wide range of specialized strategies applicable in any learning situation. Knowing how to apply each one in the appropriate setting is just as important as learning the strategies themselves. Quantum Strategies include Notes:TM, Theta Scan, Quantum Reading and Mind-Mapping. Students learn simple ways to make learning and studying more effective and, importantly, more enjoyable.

73% of SuperCamp grads experience an increase in grades and 81% enjoy a boost in confidence along with improved motivation, communication and social skills.

Every person is smart. People learn differently, and when students find out how they learn, they feel smart. Determining your personal learning style means knowing how everything you experience enters your brain and naturally makes sense to you. When you know that your learning-style preference is visual (seeing), auditory (hearing) or kinesthetic (movement/touching), you set yourself up for more success. Being aware of your focus gives you valuable insight into your own reactions and to those of others–having this knowledge will help you to be a better learner.

As parents, you know how crucial this concept is. You understand the value in working smarter, not just harder. The most successful students are inspired to take responsibility for their own learning, and SuperCamp helps students to do just that.

Help your child achieve a brighter future in academics and in life! Spots are filling quickly for 2014–enroll now!

The post Report Cards Are In: Are You Happy With What You See? appeared first on SuperCamp.

“There is so much to say and express about Zeke’s SuperCamp experience that I don’t think it will show on paper as well as it is intended. Zeke had a wonderful time at camp. He could not stop talking about the new friends he made and the life-changing moments he experienced while at camp. The first thing he showed us was a raw emotion when we met him at the airport. After letting him hug and cry for a little, I knew he had experienced something that he had lost along the way. He found his compassion and love for his family and gratefulness for what he has. My son had not hugged or shown me his emotional side since elementary school—we were all crying with him.”

“The next day, Zeke and I sat down to talk about his days at camp. He had such emotion and joy in his voice, it was wonderful to see him so excited, positive and passionate about something. He spoke of the ropes course, the new learning techniques, the board he broke in half and how he prepared for the SAT and ACT. I can’t wait for school to start so he can start using some of his new-found skills. I think this year he will experience the best school year he has ever had.” —Maribel Garcia

What a story! We are so grateful to all of our campers and parents that share their SuperCamp experiences with us. If you have a story to share, we would love to hear it! 

Create stories and memories of your own! Spots are filling up quickly – enroll now!

The post Camper Spotlight: Zeke Garcia appeared first on SuperCamp.

Conscious gifts stand the test of time.

Imagine . . . Giving your child a truly meaningful holiday gift that will benefit them for a lifetime!

As we approach another holiday season and gift-buying goes into hyperdrive, many parents picture their rosy-cheeked progeny opening gifts with glee and cherishing them for years to come. Sadly, many a wistful parent has their fairy-tale dream dampened by post-holiday debt and gifts that are abandoned before the next is even opened. Many will be in the donation bin before parents have even finished paying off the credit cards used to buy them.

Between this reality and that of a weak economy, wasted money does not sit well with anyone. As a result, many parents are becoming more conscious and are wisely considering both short-term and long-term benefits before splurging on their children. After careful thought they are choosing to create lasting value by giving them meaningful experiences rather than meaningless toys or the latest gadgets.

Studies show that experiential gifts often last a lifetime in the memories made as well as the skills and wisdom gained.  *In a national survey, 57% of respondents said their experiential purchases made them happier compared to only 34% who said they were happier with material purchases.

Plus there’s the anticipation your child will enjoy until their big experience takes place. Click here to Enroll Your Child in SuperCamp

It is also proven that people are happiest when they are growing and learning.  As a top choice of conscious parents, SuperCamp leads the way in providing a powerful growth experience with immediate and lasting benefits for both students and their families.

Teens learn crucial life skills including accelerated learning methods and effective communication strategies, as well as increasing their self-confidence and motivation. These skills will position them to excel not only in school but also in life. Just as importantly, teens make new friends and build strong bonds that endure for years to come.

More than one million PlayStation 4s were sold in the first 24 hours after their release. In all the frenzy, one must wonder how many of those will end up rejected for the next best thing. This season, show your kids you care with the gift of a brighter future.

SuperCamp—the leading academic summer camp for teens—is in high demand and sells out fast so parents are encouraged to register soon to reserve space for their children.

“SuperCamp was an excellent experience for my son. The confidence he gained has helped him excel in all areas of his life and become a more well-rounded person.” —K. Thomas, SuperCamp grad parent.

Click here to Enroll Your Child in SuperCamp

The post SuperCamp — The Gift of a Brighter Future appeared first on SuperCamp.

For many years at SuperCamp, parents would ask us if we could start a program for them, to help them learn what their child is learning at SuperCamp. So we designed an intensive SuperCamp ‘crash course’ Parent Workshop for our SuperCamp parents to continue the positive SuperCamp experience and skills upon returning home with their grads.

We enjoy teaching parents many of the learning and life skills their students discover at SuperCamp. Here are nine great tips/reminders for parents to support their children at home and help motivate teens throughout the school year:

1. Really listen. Don’t try to listen while doing something else. Put your chores aside so your teen knows you are paying attention.

2. Take the long view. Remember, minor mishaps aren’t major catastrophes. All incidents provide opportunities to practice good communication. Often, categorizing incidents according to their importance will help keep responses and consequences appropriate. Choose only the most important issues to evoke the strongest consequences.

3. Make time for being together. Find activities you enjoy doing together and pursue them. If your invitation gets turned down, keep trying.

4. Tolerate differences. View your teenager as an individual distinct from you. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t state your opinion if you disagree.

5. Respect your teen’s privacy. Just because he/she wants to keep their door locked, doesn’t mean he/she is doing anything you wouldn’t approve of. But if a behavior is worrying you, speak up.

6. State facts instead of opinions when you praise or discuss problems. Ask your teen to demonstrate “OTFD” – a communication tool we use at SuperCamp.

O – is an objective observation about the situation.
T – is a thought or opinion about what you observed.
F – is a feeling you had about what you observed.
D – is what you want, your desire or outcome of the situation.

Practicing this together is great for keeping the doors open!

7. Ask your teen about his/her learning style. Knowing there are differences goes a long way toward explaining why we have problems understanding and communicating with some people and not with others. When you know what cues he/she picks up on most easily (visual, auditory or kinesthetic), you can take steps to help him/her learn faster and more easily.

8. Support a positive attitude about learning. Create a positive study environment that includes appropriate reference materials, music and reminders that he/she is intelligent (like old report cards, awards, notes from teachers). It is also helpful to demonstrate your own positive feelings about learning.

9. Celebrate success! Positive feedback goes a long way to encourage repeat behavior. Each accomplishment by a family member deserves acknowledgement, whether verbal or by means of a special treat, like a trip to the movies, a special dessert, or posting on the bulletin board.

——————————————————————————————————

Bobbi DePorter, teen motivation and accelerated learning expert, has changed the lives of over four million kids through her SuperCamp and Quantum Learning school programs. SuperCamp is a learning and life skills summer program with more than 53,000 graduates in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. Quantum Learning is an accelerated learning-based teaching and learning methodology that has helped improve thousands of schools and districts across the nation. Bobbi is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Seven Biggest Teen Problems and how to turn them into Strengths (An Insider’s Look at What Works with Teens). 

The post 9 Ways SuperCamp Parents Can Help Support and Motivate Teens appeared first on SuperCamp.

Campers celebrate Independence Day SuperCamp-style while gaining essential interpersonal skills

SuperCamp campers celebrated Independence Day in true SuperCamp style, with afternoon activities on the lawn including three-legged races, wheel-barrow races and more.

Throughout these summer enrichment programs, students engage in a variety of personal development activities, in addition to learning accelerated learning strategies. These personal enrichment activities for teens include many individual and team-building scenarios where teens build confidence, leadership and communication skills in a fun, natural way.

The 8 Keys of Excellence is the character-building foundation on which SuperCamp is based. It’s truly what sets SuperCamp, and our graduates, apart.

The 8 Keys of Excellence are:
1. INTEGRITY – Match behavior with values
Demonstrate your positive personal values in all you do and say. Be sincere and real.
2. FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS – Learn from mistakes
View failures as feedback that provides you with the information you need to learn, grow, and succeed.
3. SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE – Speak honestly and kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.
4. THIS IS IT! – Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment. Keep a positive attitude.
5. COMMITMENT – Make your dreams happen
Take positive action. Follow your vision without wavering.
6. OWNERSHIP – Take responsibility for actions
Be responsible for your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. “Own” the choices you make and the results that follow.
7. FLEXIBILITY – Be willing to do things differently
Recognize what’s not working and be willing to change what you’re doing to achieve your goal.
8. BALANCE – Live your best life
Be mindful of self and others while focusing on what’s meaningful and important in your life. Inner happiness and fulfillment come when your mind, body, and emotions are nurtured by the choices you make.

Students apply these 8 Keys of Excellence throughout SuperCamp and learn to truly live these character principles. This repetition and positive reinforcement makes learning and implementing these core values natural and long-lasting.

SuperCamp’s 2013 season is off to a great start! SuperCamp sessions are getting under way throughout the U.S. and many sessions still have seats available.

For more information or register your student, call 1 (800) 285-3276 or visit https://www.supercamp.com/where-and-when to choose the best SuperCamp dates and locations for your student.

The post SuperCamp’s 2013 Season Summer Enrichment Programs are off to a Great Start! appeared first on SuperCamp.