Success Stories

 

Rock Wall

I had an amazing time rock climbing. You gave me the courage to get back on the wall and try another time.

-Samantha K

 

The rock wall helps make our event a success every year. Your team is great.

-The Saturday in the Park Committee

 

Thank you sooo much for coming to the City of Downey. Aspire really appreciates all your staff for bringing the rock wall. All the middle school students had a great time. Keep up the great work you guys do.

-Sandy and the Aspire staff

 

Teambuilding

During the team building I had a lot of fun. It helped me to trust my teammates and think of creative ways to solve things. The activities were exciting and allowed me to learn a lot. -Ryan L.

 

Involvement with Champions has helped out students reach our goals, by providing them with motivational activities that promote cooperation and teamwork, and build self-confidence.

Our students have participated in a range of programs through Champions that include after school athletic and dance programs, school wide team building activities, and the Teen Adventure Challenge. The school community has been continually impressed with both the high quality programs and professionalism from the Champions staff. We believe that our involvement with Champions programs has promoted academic achievement for participating students, and fostered interested that will benefit them at higher educational levels.

As a Middle School Principal, I give Champions my whole-hearted support, and feel extremely fortunate to have formulated this partnership that enhances the educational experiences of our students.

-Donna J., Principal

 

Adventure Multi-Day

Thank you for making my experience at Joshua Tree so memorable. I really enjoyed the hike and the biking. They both really challenged me but were so much fun. I really learned a lot during the astronomy lesson and the night hike was really amazing. Thanks again!

-Allyx T, Student

 

I heard nothing but positive comments from the participants and the word of mouth has already started filtering to other members of our community. This is an experience the participants will never forget and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.

- Priscilla Z., Rec Supervisor

 

Thank you for everything. The kids had a fantastic time. The activities were engaging and the food was great.

- Shelley L., Principal

 

Adventure Single Day

 

Thank you for helping me rock climb and believing in all the kids….you made this trip extra enjoyable.

- Briana W

 

I just wanted to let you know that everything went extremely well today. Peter was amazing. Thank you again for a great summer!
- Lisa M., Recreation Coordinator

 

Thanks for all the wonderful activities you manage for us, the kids really benefit.

- Stu K, Teacher

 

Staff Development

Our staff loved the team-building experience you provided for our staff development day. No one felt threatened, inadequate, or unable to participate, and all enjoyed the experience. I think what really won them over was your ability to bring the experiences back to the classroom. The discussions helped the teachers to reflect not only on their performance on the yard, but how they respond to the needs of their students in the classroom. Everyone, myself included, was impressed with your knowledge of sound teaching and instruction, your warmth and humor, and your approach with adults. I can’t thank you enough for bringing this positive experience to our staff.
Thanks again,
Jackie S., Ass’t Principal

 

We have had several excellent experiences with Champions. We will be continuing our relationship with them for a long time to come. I highly recommend them.
- Kaye R., Principal

 

After School Enrichment

"It's really convenient having all these great options here on the school grounds. No need to take the kids to piano class, and then soccer class, and then dance. All of it is all in one place!"

- Enrichment parent

 

"This is the best time I've had at school!"

 

"I never thought I could build that!"

 

"I learned to speak some Spanish!"

 

I love Hula Dancing with my friends!"

 

Comprehensive After School

Champions has provided after-school programming for our students over the past four years. During that time we have found the staff to be responsive and caring toward our students and families. The activities and supervision offered have met all of our needs and been beyond our expectations. The after-school program is structured, organized and designed to allow our students time for homework and a variety of exploration through “club” experiences.
- Janis B., Chief Educational Advocate

 

"My mom and dad love to come to the Champions' parent appreciation nights."

 

"I want to be a Champion!"

 

"I love staying after-school, I don't want to go home!"

 

"I love the classes that we get to choose!"

 

Physical Education (PE)

“The CHAMPIONS PE program has provided our school with a cost effective and flexible way to provide a quality program.

I like the team play they stress and how they get all of the kids involved. Their instructors inspire the kids, provide a wide range of activities and make the activities enjoyable."

- Principal

 

Camp Testimonial

"My child was extremely excited and satisfied with the entire experience!"

- Camp parent

 

"This was just great for me and my child!"

- Camp parent

 

My husband and I wanted to let you know much my child has enjoyed the summer Champions program. He has been excited and happy each day and has enjoyed the exposure to new sports. It has also opened the doors for him socially with the other boys. It has also offered more opportunities for compassion as he has become aware of some of the challenges faced by others (his cousin also has Aspergers). We have also been impressed by the organization and quality of the program specifics and counselors.

We would love to see this program continue next summer. Let us know how else we can sing the praises of Champions.
- Megan and Peter B.

 

More Testimonials and Success Stories

Dear Chris,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful program you provided at Rising Tide. My son John not only enjoyed the program, but it has left him with the confidence to stretch himself and a belief in his potential as a leader. John does not have an easy time learning in the classroom. Although I know he is a smart boy, John has to work very hard in school to keep up due to his struggles around dyslexia. This program was a great opportunity for John to feel good about himself and to shine around his peers. John is an average student who has come to the realization that he is indeed good at many things and the areas that are a challenge for him can be overcome. Thank you for this greatest of gifts.

Gratefully,
Jenna J., Parent

 

I wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a fantastic job you and your volunteers did during the Personal Best Olympics.

I cannot say that I've ever been to an event that was more well planned, organized and executed. The volunteers and staff were outstanding in their enthusiasm, patience, kindness and spirit.

I must mention what an outstanding job your emcee did at the closing ceremonies. Each child was singled out, his remarks were always fresh and positive, and I could see how excited each child was to receive his/her trophy.

Our family was uplifted by attending this event, and most importantly, Rebecca had a great time!

Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication, it truly was a remarkable day.
Parent

 

The trip went great. It was awesome and the kids loved it. A couple of girls were actually misty-eyed to have to leave such a nice place. Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication.
- Narbe', Teacher

 

I loved Joshua Tree. You made it fun but most of all you were supportive. You made sure that all of us participated. I learned some new facts too. You rock!
- Lucy M, Student
PS. Love the salad.

 

The Yosemite Champions trip was absolutely incredible. The activities that students participated in were appropriately challenging and provided exciting opportunities for students to grow in ways that are difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting. I observed my students taking risks by trying rock climbing for the first time, learning to ride a bike, and living away from the securities and comforts of home. This experience was invaluable in the sense of independence, mutual respect, and the appreciation for natural beauty that it instilled in each child.

Pete’s reputation as an incredible leader preceded him; the students were thrilled when told weeks prior that he would be leading our trip. Pete’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and patience make him a superb educator; I was consistently impressed with individualized care and attention he gave to each person on the trip, students, staff and teachers alike. Chad’s level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and organization are also to be commended. He did an excellent job of organizing the logistics (and meals) of thirty plus people, not always an easy task. Together, Chad, Gardner, and Pete were amazing in their ability to balance their professional duties as guides while developing relationships with each student.

The trip to Yosemite was a great opportunity for me to interact with my students outside of the classroom. I loved spending time with each student and getting to know them as individuals and appreciated the opportunity to share some of myself as an individual with my students.
- Kerri B., Teacher

 

During the mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, horse back riding, and other trips, the staff of CHAMPIONS not only coordinated the basics all of the activities, but took time to talk to the students about team work, fair play, and challenging oneself to do that which was thought to be impossible. Our students definitely grew out of their experiences and were able to apply a lot of the lessons learned to the classroom and their life beyond.
CHAMPIONS then went to plan multi-day overnight trips for us to Yosemite National Park and San Francisco. These trips were an extension of the single day events and contained many of the same lessons. The staff of Champions were always professional and courteous. Each trip went off without a hitch with parents, students, and staff all raving about the experiences.

Thank you,
Robert S, HS Director

 

I think the team building exercises helped us a lot as a team. After the exercises I felt much closer to my teammates. We could work better together and accomplish tasks as a team.

- Jason K.

 

CLASS Parks has had a long-standing relationship with Champions. We have been working with them for several years, providing us outdoor adventure activities to our teen participants. One of the projects that we partner on almost every year is the Adventure Race at Hansen Dam.

This event is always a great one for our participants, as well as others that come from different organizations. Our teen participants and staff truly enjoy this event, and we thoroughly enjoy partnering with Champions on this event and all the activities that we do with them.
- Traci G., Senior Recreation Director II

 

Dear Gary, Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve heard only great feedback from our staff and students regarding the Yosemite trip. I especially heard good things about you, Bobby and Amy and actually had a request from one of the students to please have the same counselors next year. Thanks for making the trip so fun and interesting for our kids.
- Tina H., Executive Assistant to the Head of the School

 

Hi Brad-
What a great camp we had...we missed you! Pete was outstanding and the rest of the crew was just non-stop fun and full of energy. The matches really appreciated the special attention from your crew. There were no complaints except they wished they had another day with Champions! You are so great and we consider you family now!
Great weekend because of your team! Thank you so much for all you do and all the lives you effect.
- Lisa M., Special Events Manager

 

Return to top