At age 12, Sophie had always been shy—especially around boys. The idea of sleeping away from home was a huge leap. Yet after just one session at our Overnight Summer Camp, Sophie discovered strengths she never knew she had.

Setting Personalized Goals

Campers begin with an intake meeting to set three “Camp Goals.” Sophie chose: (1) Make at least one friend outside her immediate cabin, (2) try a new adventure activity, and (3) lead a group game. These goals guided her counselors when planning daily check-ins and “challenge invitations.”

Embracing Adventure

On Day 2, Sophie’s counselor, Alex, invited her to accompany the “High-Ropes Intro”—an optional, small-group activity. Heart pounding, Sophie agreed. With gentle coaching and supportive peers, she navigated the course, completing each element and earning a badge of courage. That evening, she wore her badge to dinner with pride.

Leadership in Action

Mid-week brought “Camp Olympics,” where cabins compete in relay races and trivia contests. Sophie volunteered to create trivia questions for her team, then led the huddle with enthusiasm. Her cabin’s performance soared, and she became the first to cross the finish line in the final relay, high-fiving teammates as she ran.

The Ripple Effect

By the final campfire, Sophie stood with confidence as she addressed 80 campers. Parents later shared that Sophie’s newfound assertiveness translated to school: she ran for student council, started a book club, and even presented at a district education forum on inclusive activities.

Lessons Learned

• Goal-Setting personalizes the camp experience and drives motivation.
• Optional Challenges paired with encouragement build real courage.
• Peer-Led Activities give shy campers a leadership platform.