The Final Days of Challenge and Champions

It's our second to last day of Challenge and Champions and all the classes are finalizing their projects for the last Celebration of Learning. We are playing competitive and non-competitive sports in the Olympic Games and at the end of the day, are practicing for the Celebration of Learning graduation. The campers practice their graduation entrance until they have it properly and then go swimming to conclude the day. The campers are excited to show all of their parents what they have been working on in their classes and to introduce to them all the new friends they have befriended throughout camp. As a reminder to all the parents, the Challenge and Champions graduation is this Friday in the gymnasium from 1pm - 4pm on the Clairmont Campus.

Champion Week

During the last week of Challenge and Champions, the students are preparing to present all that they learned for the final celebration. In each academic class, the campers are beginning to put their finishing touches on the projects that they have been working on. We also just began field week where the campers compete in a series of games with four teams each. The champion will be announced on Friday at the Celebration of Learning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Challenger Week Comes to A Close

“Challenger Week” is coming to an end sadly, but the Champions have an exciting day ahead. Every Friday we have our Celebration of Learning. At this time, the Champions get to share with their parents and peers what they did and learned in class this week. It is also a time where the Champions can relax and enjoy each other’s company. We close the Celebration of Learning by announcing the campers of the week. These students are chosen by the teachers, counselors, MAT’s and CIT’s. The campers chosen as “Explorers of the Week” last week include Jasmine Valenciano, Gabby Wilson, Kayla Adams, Bianca Cole, Summer Hurst, and Darrel Edwards. Once again, Congratulations! While these 6 students were individually recognized, all of the campers are Champions and we foresee only great things in their future! Friendly reminder – There is no class on Monday! We hope everyone in the Challenge and Champions family has a wonderful and safe 4^th of July!

I Can't Be A Leader If I'm Not A Learner

Yesterday’s challenge was to think about the qualities one would want in a leader; this morning we discussed those qualities. In today’s society, being a leader is very important. Every student in Challenge and Champions has leadership qualities. Being a leader is synonymous with being a role model. A leader is a person that not only rises above the occasion but helps those around them reach their potential. The Champions also thought that being respectful, trustworthy, loyal, enthusiastic, and a good listener are important qualities a leader should have. Today’s challenge is to learn about another Champion’s culture. Because our society is so diverse, it is essential that we respect our peers despite any differences. When we learn about another culture, we gain new insight and perspective. The Champions continue to work hard in their academic and Physical Education classes as “Challenger Week” comes to a close.

Challenge & Champions Check-Up

Just a small recap of what's been going on so far.

Challenger Week: Day 2

On Monday, we kicked off our "Challenger Week" with team building. The Champions played "Hot Chocolate",  a team building exercise. They had to execute proper communication skills by using paper plates, the" marshmallows", to travel to the other side of the "hot chocolate river". Everyone participated and worked well together. The Champions are also learning about sportsmanship and teamwork in physical education to tie in with their team building exercise.This is vital as they begin to intensely compete in different activities as they prepare for the "Olympic Games" throughout next week. During  Morning Assembly, Dr. Karen challenged the campers to learn everyone's name and something interesting about them. Dr.Karen gave the campers a week and two days to complete the 'Director's Challenge'.Good Luck to the participants!

Another Day At Challenge and Chamopions

It is a another wonderful day at Challenge and Champions and this morning we would like to welcome back our 5 year participant, Langston Daniels. We would also like to thank the campers and staff for making this morning go by so swiftly. Classes are going well so far as it's been said, and the snack was very interesting, a new trail mix with craisins instead of raisin, but the Camper's seemed enjoyed it. As the day goes on we should expect more progress in preparing for a better tomorrow. Enjoying activities, such as the Team Build Exercise this Afternoon, like our last one which was learning each other's names without talking.... A little difficult but fun!!!  Thank you for reading, Now go and Challenge yourself to be a Champion.

End of Explorer Week. . .

Congratulations to all the Challenge and Champions campers for completing Explorer Week of C&C and getting one step closer to becoming a leader. This morning, we have a new addition to our motto: "You are not a leader if you are not a learner. You are someone special." Campers, remember that you are all "Leaders in Training" and that you have accomplished great things this week. This afternoon, we will announce the top six "Explorers of the Week". They will receive a $15 gift card to Barnes and Nobles, as a reminder that reading is a part of knowledge, which is the ultimate power. Campers, make it your goal to do the best you can everyday, that also applies to when you have graduated from the Challenge and Champions program. Again, excellent job this week; Campers, MATs, Counselors, Photography coordinators, Administration, and CITs for making this week an ultimate success!

Day 4 Challenge and Champions/Activities

Hello all! I hope your experience at Challenge and Champions has been enjoyable so far this week. During the course of this week, we have had three daily challenge winners: Keianni Graham, Dazanay Jones, and Kailah Simpson. For the campers who didn't win during those days, there is a chance of winning each day. This morning, we learned the motto: "You are not a leader if you're not a learner. I am someone special."  This will be the basis of our daily activities and the campers will continue to learn more of the motto each day.Today, we are adding new activities to the schedule: SPECIALS! They include Cooking, Yoga, Art, Magic, Explosions, and African Drumming. In Cooking on Wednesday the students made a refreshing cesar salad. On Friday, they will make Pull Pork Ribs. YUM! After a day of getting accustomed to their daily schedule, the campers relieve their stress by the practice of Yoga. After lunch,the campers disperse into Camp and Beach Games, Basketball,The Majors, Badmintion, and Soccer.This week in the Majors the campers have had Intense games of Football and Baseball.The Badminton students have been learning rules of the game,and have been participating in competitive mini matches. Soccer Students have been working on their dribbling skills and have progressed to passing the ball to one another. In Beach games, the campers learned to play paddle ball. Sounds EXCITING! After a vigorous workout outside, students go to the pool to cool off before their time to go home.

Daily Challenge

Everyday at C&C there is a daily challenge question. The daily challenge question allows the kids to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas about multiple subjects. The winners each receive a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble bookstore. On the first day, the challenge was to write as many things about your teachers as possible. The winner of this challenge was Keianni Graham. Congratulations on a job well done! Tuesday's daily challenge was to learn three new friends' names and something about them. The winner of this challenge was Dazanay Jones. Great job Dazanay! Today's challenge is to find out the couselors' majors and why it is important to have a major in college. We will announce the winner of this challenge tomorrow. Good luck campers!

Welcome To Challenge & Champoins Explorer Week

 At the beginning of the day most of the campers were extremely shy and kept to themselves. As the day progressed, campers used exploring, the weekly skill, to find similarities with other campers and began making friends. In all of the campers' Academic and Athletic classes they showed lots of enthusiasm. We all see that the students had a great beginning which shows they are going to have a great time and also a great three weeks.

-From the CITs (Counselors in Training)  

Meet Ms. Robin

Well, every year things change and this year is no exception. By now your parents have most likely talked to Ms. Robin Icenhour. She is taking the place of Ms. Jonetta (for those of you who were here last year). Ms. Robin used to work at the American Cancer Society and, in fact, had a chance to meet President Bush and Mrs. Bush. You will have to ask her about that! Ms. Robin is excited about being the new Office Manager and your family can reach her at 404-727-6108.

Lots of CITs!

This year we will have our largest group of CITs (Counselors in Training) EVER! We have 12. Each of them has been a C&C'er and has shown great potential for being a leader. This summer Ms. Jamie is going to be running a special leadership seminar with the CITs twice a week and they will all be doing a service project with Mrs. Pittman (Kelvin's mom). Be sure to check the CIT page to see who's going to be around!

The Clock is Ticking!

Hi all, We are so excited that Challenge & Champions 2011 is right around the corner. We will begin posting to the blog every day starting next week so we hope you keep up with us.

This year we have a cool new teacher, Mr. Jay Barbour and so you should look for his information on the website. He is an instructional specialist in a Gwinnett County Middle School. Tomorrow we will post about some of the other new things for this summer!

The 2011 application is now open!

Wow, it's finally here! Today is the start of the application season for Challenge & Champions. Kids all around the city are talking about this summer on the Emory campus and getting their parents to sign them up for the 8th summer of C&C. Check out the new online application process. Go to our home page and then click on the admission page.

Mrs. Jonetta James is eagerly awaiting your application! If you are a middle school aged student next fall, we are wanting to hear from you.

Here's a camper from last summer in her Art class.

Lots of fun and learning and leadership plans are getting underway for a few months from now!

Bye,
The C&C Main Office Staff