Jake attended Stanford Senior Forum prior to his final year of high school. The impact was so great that he became a counselor the following summer. He describes his experience as life changing. Jake believes that what he learned made college life more fulfilling. And though his time spent as a counselor was exhausting, he admits it’s “the hardest work you’ll ever love.” His love hasn’t died. He went on to be a counselor for five more years and currently works for SuperCamp’s parent company, Quantum Learning Network, as partnerships director.

The post Making the leap from camper to counselor. appeared first on SuperCamp.

After experiencing difficulty academically and socially in eighth grade, Matt enrolled in SuperCamp’s Senior Forum. From there he went on to Leadership Forum and then Quantum U the following year. Being extremely grateful that the mentor team was able to help him break through his insecurity, he suddenly realized that he wanted to return the favor and become a team leader. No longer nervous, he now speaks with authority, is approachable, and goes out of his way to connect with campers. The exact same way one special team leader connected with him, just four years ago.

The post When what you learn motivates you to teach. appeared first on SuperCamp.

Day one was sheer culture shock for Lucy, but on day two the “This Is It” Key of Excellence was presented and she was hooked. Lucy returned for the next two years. She claims the SuperCamp experience is “transformational.” Lucy had low self-esteem on entering, but left with greater self-awareness and direction—she wanted to become a team leader. Seven seasons later, Lucy has changed lives, inspired teens, and pushed students to believe in themselves. She’s made lifelong friends, seen incredible transformations, and firmly believes that SuperCamp can have the same powerful impact on anyone.

The post Lucy learned firsthand and leaped forward. appeared first on SuperCamp.

I always get the gardening bug in February. It hits like clockwork every year. We enjoy a week or two of spring-like weather here in Southern California, and I find myself irresistibly drawn to the local nursery.

This year went down like every other—at the nursery, I piled a wheelbarrow full of bulbs, mint, bell peppers, bok choy, and lettuce into my car. Once home, I carefully transplanted each seedling into our raised bed, watered the soil, and waited for the magic to happen.

Prep Classes Aren’t Enough, Even for Students Who Know Their Stuff

If you’re familiar with gardening, you know that even the strongest specimens won’t take root if the soil doesn’t have the right mix of nutrients. What starts out healthy will either wither or fail to thrive. The promised harvest won’t arrive without adequate support.

The same is true when it comes to SAT and ACT prep classes. You can purchase the very best package, but if the “soil” of your child’s mind isn’t properly cultivated, the information isn’t going to take root. Day-to-day concerns will crowd out vocabulary definitions and math formulas. Worse still, your child may panic in a critical moment and forget well-learned material.

SuperCamp—Like Fertilizer for Your Child’s SAT and ACT Study Plan

At SuperCamp, our SAT and ACT preview session gives students an idea of what to expect from the two tests, including the new SAT. But the entire SuperCamp experience is actually invaluable preparation for the standardized exams. Over the 10-day program, students develop critical skills such as time management and how to read faster and with greater comprehension. They also learn how to easily recall information and manage test-taking anxiety.

As a result, when SuperCamp grads take an SAT and ACT prep class, the information actually takes permanent root in their brains. And when they find themselves taking the real test, they have the benefit of not only the standard prep material, but also of all the knowledge and mental tools that they developed at SuperCamp.

The SAT and ACT Will Be Here Soon—Is Your Child Ready?

Now we’re well into March, and my garden is more robust than ever. I’m starting to harvest the herbs—which are threatening to overgrow the box—and the bell peppers are in full bloom. Fertilizing the soil early and often made all the difference.

March also means your junior in high school only has six months left to prepare for the SAT or ACT. If you have a freshman or a sophomore, it’s equally important that they are exposed to an experience like SuperCamp; everything they learn over the next year or two will determine their success on the exams.  What are you doing between now and this fall to cultivate your child’s mind?

It doesn’t make sense to invest in expensive SAT or ACT prep classes if the material doesn’t stick. Give your child the rich mental soil he or she needs with SuperCamp.  You can find out more by downloading a free copy of our special report, Why Most Students Aren’t Prepared for College, or by calling us at 800.228.5327.

The post Why Your Child Needs More than Prep Classes for Good SAT and ACT Test Scores appeared first on SuperCamp.

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.

We hate to break it to you, but summer is only four months away! Spring break is actually just around the corner, and Christmas is now nearly two months in the past. Here are just a few reasons to start thinking about your child’s summer plans sooner rather than later

1.       Reserve your spot

According to the American Camp Association (ACA), more than 11 million children attend 12,000 camps in the United States every year. That’s a lot of kids going to a lot of camps, but don’t be fooled by the big numbers. Registration for many camps begins at the beginning of the school year—yes, we’re talking waaaay back in September—and you don’t want to be stuck on a waiting list with your summer plans up in the air. While some camps don’t fill up until late spring, many will have specific programs, dates or locations that sell out early. In the case of SuperCamp, for instance, our Stanford location is typically the first to fill, with less than half of the seats remaining at the time of this writing. Specialized summer programs (such as Quantum U for us) also tend to fill up before other sessions.

2.       Save money

This is a big one—so big, in fact, that it can be broken down in three different ways:

a.       Early bird savings: many summer programs encourage early enrollment with discounts, and these discounts can vary throughout the fall from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. In the case of SuperCamp, we are currently offering a $100 discount for all of those that enroll before April 15, 2014 and an additional $100 discount for returning SuperCamp graduates. Many camps offer these sorts of early bird discounts, from 5-10% off tuition to free merchandise if you enroll or apply earlier.

b.      Airline discounts: For those summer programs that are held not-so-close to home, enrolling early can make a HUGE difference in airfare costs. Quite simply, the sooner you reserve your spot at camp, the sooner you can book that flight—and we all know that booking early can save you hundreds of dollars.

c.       Monthly payments: Many summer programs (such as SuperCamp) offer a monthly payment option, so that you can pay for camp in installments instead of writing one big check. The sooner you sign up, the smaller these installments will be!

 3.       Hit up camp fairs

If you’re new to the camp scene, consider going to camp fairs to learn more about summer programs that take place both in your area and around the world. They usually start around February (wait—that’s NOW!) and run until April or May. If you’re not new to the summer camp scene, you know that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of choices out there. Camp fairs can help! You and your children can speak with representatives from different camps to learn more about their programs. Often held in schools, camp fairs are usually open to the public and are generally free to attend. For SuperCamp, we explore camp fairs out west, in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and the Bay area. The ACA posts a list of camp fairs across the country on their website.

4.       Ease of mind

The number of day camps has increased by 69% and resident camps have increased by 21% since 2002. In other words, you have OPTIONS. The longer you wait, the more options you’re going to stumble across, so do your research now! Make a list of what you’re looking for in a summer camp experience for your child, and find out which camps can fulfill your needs. As the school year progresses, you’re only going to get busier, planning for spring break and end-of-year activities such as banquets, graduations, sports tournaments and the like. Most camps require paperwork, including a health history form signed by a doctor. For SuperCamp, we also require academic recommendations from teachers. Planning ahead allows you to schedule any required appointments, complete the necessary forms and give teachers plenty of time to write up a stellar recommendation for your child. Finally, by making your summer plans now, you’ll be able to truly prepare for your child’s camp experience—explore the camp website and youtube channel, engage with them on social media, learn more about staff and print off a packing list so that you have everything you need well ahead of time.

Well….what are you waiting for?! Get planning.

The final early enrollment discount for SuperCamp ends on April 15, 2014. For this and the reasons listed above, don’t wait any longer! Register now or call an enrollment counselor on 800-285-3276, extension 200. 

The post 4 Reasons to Think About Summer Camp NOW appeared first on SuperCamp.

CHICAGO, – Only 46% of high school students are prepared to face the rigorous demands of college, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Summer enrichment programs are one way that parents are helping their teens prepare better, focusing on academics, social and communication skills.  

SuperCamp, an academic, life and career skills camp, is holding programs this summer to help teens improve grades, confidence and motivation. “It’s about helping students discover that learning can be fun, which leads to intrinsic motivation,” says President Bobbi DePorter. “More students are applying to top colleges than ever before. They need to know how they learn best and gain powerful strategies that help them excel. ”

Even top-performing students may find themselves unprepared. Many students with academic talent coast through middle and high school, earning A’s with little to no effort, says DePorter. When they go to college and find work that challenges them, their work ethic and study habits often aren’t sufficient to succeed.

Researchers from the CRIS initiative argue that college readiness extends far beyond academic success. Determining success rates among students, they insist, requires new and different ways to measure college readiness that extend beyond test scores and grades. 40% of high school students are chronically disengaged from school, and confidence and motivation are often overlooked.  

Craig McKenna, a SuperCamp graduate from Hinsdale, says that he left the program feeling better about his relationships and better about himself. “I met some incredible people who pushed me to a level I never thought existed in me,” he says. “If you want to learn how to succeed in life, this is the place to be.”

About SuperCamp:
SuperCamp is the world’s leading academic and life skills summer camp. For more than 35 years, SuperCamp has helped students increase their grades, confidence and motivation. During these intensive summer camps, students acquire the academic and life skills necessary to compete in the 21st century. SuperCamp has made a difference in the lives of over 75,000 graduates worldwide. For more information, please visit www.SuperCamp.com or call 800.228.5327.

The post [Press Relesase] More Than Half of Illinois Students Are Not Prepared For College – Summer Programs May Offer Help 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.

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