Philosophy
We’re more than just a camp
At Headfirst, we create engaging, hands-on learning environments using the power of play to delight and inspire. Each week, we immerse our campers in a carefully crafted story, giving them a unique way to understand and experience different types of challenges, to work as a team to achieve a goal and to learn when they don’t know they’re being taught.
Through our story-centered programming, we aim to strengthen six core developmental skills in our campers — optimism, resiliency, hope & goal-setting, emotional mastery, self-efficacy and grit & determination. We call these our Super Six skills. According to research, these traits are the key social and emotional building blocks necessary for authentic happiness and success.
Many of these skills are practiced naturally in sports. It’s our goal to infuse them into all of our programs, to help guide campers toward finding their own personal best.
The Super Six
EMOTIONAL MASTERY
“EXPRESS YOURSELF”
Kids who can identify and talk about their emotions build healthy relationships and avoid the frustrations of feeling misunderstood.
OPTIMISM
“YOU CHOOSE THE FRAME”
Viewing life through an optimistic lens helps young people achieve at higher levels and avoid the struggles brought on by negative thinking.
RESILIENCY
“BOUNCE, DON’T BREAK”
Learning how to rebound from setbacks is an important component of building confidence and an integral part of personal development.
SELF-EFFICACY
“MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE”
Kids with the awareness that they have the power within themselves to create change and new outcomes in their life are more confident and develop a greater sense of responsibility for their future.
HOPE & GOAL SETTING
“SEE IT TO BE IT”
Goal setting teaches kids important skills such as focus, decision-making and communication. Studies have strongly linked goal setting to both high levels of achievement and long-term happiness.
GRIT & DETERMINATION
“PRACTICE IS PERFECT”
With the right exposure to apprenticeship and preparation, kids can learn the important relationship between practice and self-mastery. This teaches tenacity and how to achieve their personal best.
