"Where Young People Find Their Authentic Self"
XGENS Model United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Academy & Institute
ANNOUNCING OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE AS 2023 DELEGATES FOR XGENS MODEL UN DELEGATIONS AT YALE MODEL GOVERNMENT EUROPE XII, ATHENS, GREECE, MARCH 16-18, 2023 & AS STUDENT MEMBERS OF XGENS 17 UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INSTITUTE.
inspiring the next generation of innovators, leaders & future mentors
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
My name is Kaleena Ipema, and I’m a newly graduated university student in Vancouver, BC. I have had the privilege of attending Camp Demigod several times over the years, both as a camper and later as a volunteer junior counselor. Summer days at Camp Demigod were spent learning outside in the beautiful mountain landscape, where we had the freedom to create art, write stories, and of course, learn to sword fight. There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as the memories made at summer camp—certainly, some of my fondest are afternoons at the river, singing High School Musical songs during dish duty, and late night bunk bed chats with my cabinmates.
What makes Camp Demigod unique, however, is the close knit community forged by Dr. Anne and Dr. Steve Berman. At the end of each session, before campers return home with their parents, everyone gathers for one last circle time, except there is something special about the last one. On the last day, an exchange of affirmations are passed around for each person—what are campers going to remember about you? What is something special about you? How have you made an impact on others at Camp Demigod? These affirmations would lead to some unforgettable, self-defining moments for me. Hearing other campers and the camper directors encourage my artistic abilities, appreciate my positive attitude, and identify my caring spirit was transformational, and their words have stuck with me long after my Camp Demigod days. I truly believe that affirmations are critical reinforcements for a camper’s self-confidence and self-love, giving everyone campers the courage to go on pursuing whatever they set their minds to.
After high school, I went on to study at the University of British Columbia, where I completed the B+MM Dual Degree program. This unique program is designed to allow students to study their passion in whichever faculty they choose, after which they complete an intensive, 6-month Master’s of Management. I received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Honours, writing my thesis on absent mother figures in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and other adaptations of classic fairy tales. Shortly after graduating with a BA, I began the difficult journey through the MM program, a rigorous academic challenge unlike anything I had faced before. I believe that it was experiences like Camp Demigod that allowed me to succeed both academically and creatively—the chance to explore my artistic talent, connect with others, and of course, participate in the affirmation circle. I’ve learned that believing in yourself and staying true to your values is an essential part of success, so that when life throws new challenges at you, you’ll have the self-confidence to stand on your own two feet and face them head-on.
What makes Camp Demigod unique, however, is the close knit community forged by Dr. Anne and Dr. Steve Berman. At the end of each session, before campers return home with their parents, everyone gathers for one last circle time, except there is something special about the last one. On the last day, an exchange of affirmations are passed around for each person—what are campers going to remember about you? What is something special about you? How have you made an impact on others at Camp Demigod? These affirmations would lead to some unforgettable, self-defining moments for me. Hearing other campers and the camper directors encourage my artistic abilities, appreciate my positive attitude, and identify my caring spirit was transformational, and their words have stuck with me long after my Camp Demigod days. I truly believe that affirmations are critical reinforcements for a camper’s self-confidence and self-love, giving everyone campers the courage to go on pursuing whatever they set their minds to.
After high school, I went on to study at the University of British Columbia, where I completed the B+MM Dual Degree program. This unique program is designed to allow students to study their passion in whichever faculty they choose, after which they complete an intensive, 6-month Master’s of Management. I received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English Honours, writing my thesis on absent mother figures in Disney’s The Little Mermaid and other adaptations of classic fairy tales. Shortly after graduating with a BA, I began the difficult journey through the MM program, a rigorous academic challenge unlike anything I had faced before. I believe that it was experiences like Camp Demigod that allowed me to succeed both academically and creatively—the chance to explore my artistic talent, connect with others, and of course, participate in the affirmation circle. I’ve learned that believing in yourself and staying true to your values is an essential part of success, so that when life throws new challenges at you, you’ll have the self-confidence to stand on your own two feet and face them head-on.
GRANDPARENT HIGHLIGHT:
This camp has meant so much to my grandson and all of us! Thank you so much for what you do. -Vicki W.
There is no other camp like Camp Demigod! My grandson has been attending the camp for 8 summers. His best friends in the world are his camp friends and he has found his passions from the multi-disciplinary NASA award winning curriculum. Bravo Dr. Anne and Dr. Steve and thank you for creating such an amazing, creative, unique and fun experience! - Elizabeth D.
PARENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Recently our 14 year old daughter participated as a delegate of the DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation at the Yale Model United Nations (YMUN). It was an exciting, educational, challenging, growth producing and fun experience. Dr. Steve Berman, Anne Deane Berman, PhD and their son Jacob Berman, guided our daughter through the YMUN process, and we are grateful she had this opportunity. It came about from being a camper!
Our daughter loves the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books and this drew her to the DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE. This has proved to be an investment our family made that is paying off. She loves the camp and returned last year as an Assistant CIT.
Her social skills, self esteem and leadership abilities definitely grew from her time at DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE. She will be a CIT this summer and hopes to someday be a Counselor.
The Bermans' care about each child and provide a unique, safe, fun, camp that has enriching opprtunities for growth.
-The Canty Family, NYC
DIGIVATIONS XGENS
DIGIVATIONS XGENS is a non-profit North American affiliate of NASA award winning DIGIVATIONS’ family of educational entities. XGENS.org offers global, multidisciplinary career, professional development and leadership programs in fields encompassing the creative arts, cultural heritage, diplomacy, technology policy and scientific exploration for ages 12-25. Centered on youth engagement and entrepreneurship, XGENERS are part of a global youth network under guidance of strategic experts in fields related to solving the SDG targets in application and practice.
Since 1998, DIGIVATIONS’ Founders have invested their decades of experience acquired in Academia (UCLA, UBC), Government, Creative Arts, and Technology Industries, in establishing and positively enabling an international community of thousands of youth, educators and professionals to exponentially advance the fabric of society paralleling the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. DIGIVATIONS XGENS programs prepare High School and College delegates to succeed at various conferences, including Yale and Harvard MUNs.
Upstate New York, Cayuga Lake
With a backyard of incomparable rustic beauty, this very special Camp Demigod is a playground sure to leave an indelible mark on your child.
Learn More about Family Lodging
Learn More about Family Lodging