Building Better Humans Through Summer Camp: The Evolution of Camp KO

When I started Camp KO in 2013, my vision was clear: to create a safe environment where kids could embrace failure as a natural and essential part of learning. As a young camp director, I focused heavily on skill development—helping campers refine their serves, enhance their artistic techniques, or master their musical timing. My priority was providing them with tools to succeed in their chosen disciplines.

But over the past decade—and especially in the five years since COVID—my perspective has shifted profoundly. This year, after hearing Michael Brandwein speak at the SPARC conference in Scottsdale, AZ, I felt a renewed commitment to what Camp KO has become: a place where the development of softer skills takes center stage. Brandwein’s insights resonated deeply, reinforcing my belief that camps like ours are about so much more than building skills; they’re about building better humans.

A Focus on Character

As we emerge from a period that challenged social connections and emotional resilience, I’ve realized that fostering character traits like teamwork, perseverance, integrity, and respect is not just an added bonus of camp—it’s the foundation. Skills can be learned with practice, but the qualities that make someone a thoughtful leader, a collaborative teammate, or a resilient individual are cultivated over time, often in spaces like Camp KO.

Camp KO is now deeply rooted in teaching these life skills. Whether it’s campers learning to listen and collaborate during a rock band jam session, demonstrating persistence through volleyball drills, or finding the courage to step up during an Ultimate Frisbee scrimmage, each activity is designed to nurture traits that will serve them far beyond the court, stage, or lab.

Lessons That Last

When I think back to my own camp days at my father’s tennis camp, what stands out isn’t just the repetitive drills or the technical skills I honed. What I remember most vividly are the friendships I formed, the resilience I built when facing tough matches, and the lessons I learned about staying composed under pressure. Those moments shaped who I am today far more than any single backhand technique.

That’s the heart of what we aim to achieve at Camp KO. It’s not just about improving a kick serve or nailing the perfect note in a recital—it’s about the journey of learning, the connections formed, and the character built along the way.

Investing in the Best

I’m confident in the skills our campers develop because I prioritize hiring the best instructors I can find—people who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about mentoring and inspiring young minds. But while skill-building remains an important part of what we do, it’s no longer my primary focus.

At Camp KO, we are committed to creating an environment where campers feel safe to try, fail, and try again. It’s a place where they learn how to be a teammate, how to respect themselves and others, and how to persevere through challenges. The friendships they form and the lessons they learn about collaboration, courage, and resilience are what they’ll carry with them for years to come.

The Camp KO Legacy

As I look to the future, I’m filled with pride and hope for the impact Camp KO will continue to have. My dream is to build a legacy where every camper leaves not just as a better athlete, artist, or scientist but as a more thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient human being.

Because in the end, it’s not just about winning matches or creating art—it’s about building people. At Camp KO, that’s the legacy we’re striving for: one camper at a time.

To request a mailed brochure, please email Camp Director Sheri Shea with you name and mailing address. We look forward to hearing from you!