Posts Tagged ‘camp gymnastics’

Camp Starlight Gymnastics

Wednesday, July 24th, 2013

All one has to do to see why campers are quite literally flipping for Camp Starlight gymnastics is walk into the Gymnastics Center at the Carriage House.  What you’ll see is a positive, constructive environment that is fun while still encouraging hard work and perseverance, which all paid off when the Camp Starlight Gymnastics program hit its stride last week with both Upper and Lower Camp team victories as well as 1st place Individual All Around at its meet.  The victories, of course, were right on track for the goals new Head of Gymnastics Kelly Gurney set for the program coming into the summer.  “I really wanted to get our gymnasts to the next level.” Kelly says.

But Kelly isn’t merely preoccupied with improving the skills of campers who are enthusiastic aboutgymnastics.  She set a goal for every camper to master at least one skill by the end of the summer.  She believes the campers not only have the talent and drive, but have been set up for success with a tremendous facility. “Our [Camp Starlight’s] gym is the best I have seen for a non-specialized camp.  It’s even top of the line for a gymnastics camp,” Kelly says.  And Kelly knows gymnastics.

The Auburn University graduate was a three time national bar champion, three time national beam champion, and NCAA All Around champion.  Prior to joining Camp Starlight, coached three gymnasts to the TOPS National Team as well as many other students to multiple regional and national championships.  During the winter, she coaches gymnastics in Southern California.  When she’s not in the gym, she can be found surfing or conducting yoga and natural healing sessions.

The campers and facilities aren’t the only aspects of Camp Starlight that Kelly is pleased about, though.  She also loves her staff and believes they are a big part of the success of the Camp Starlight Gymnastics program “Rachel is highly technical and kind.  Maxine is the dreamer with a big heart.  The kids love both.”  Congratulations to Kelly, her staff, and all of the Starlight campers who’ve made 2013 another successful one for Camp Starlight gymnastics.

Meet Camp Starlight’s New Gymnastics Head

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Upper Debs Madelyn F. and Dani S.  recently caught up with Camp Starlight’s new Head of Gymnastics Kelly Gurney to find out a little bit more about her.

Madelyn and Dani: Where are you from?

Kelly: Malibu, California

Madelyn and Dani: What college did you attend?

Kelly: Auburn

Madelyn and Dani: What was your college major?

Kelly: Sociology

Madelyn and Dani: What are your career aspirations?

Kelly: To run a natural healing/surfing/gymnastics camp.

Madelyn and Dani: How many years have you worked at camp?

Kelly: This is my first summer.

Madelyn and Dani: Why did you decide to work at a summer camp?

Kelly: I went to camp as a kid.

Madelyn and Dani: What made you choose Camp Starlight?

Kelly: I really enjoyed the passion that the Millers and Alyson Lee had about the camp when I spoke with them.

Madelyn and Dani: What is your favorite thing about camp so far?

Kelly: The campers’ love of life and the individuality of the staff.

Madelyn and Dani: What is your favorite evening activity so far?

Kelly: The Topsy Turvy Dance Party

Madelyn and Dani: What is your favorite camp meal?

Kelly: Cookout

Madelyn and Dani: What do you hope to bring away from the summer?

Kelly: A new outlook on gymnastics

Madelyn and Dani: What are the top five things on your bucket list?

Kelly: 1.) to see the pyramids in Egypt 2.) attend a U.N. peace conference 3.) surf the biggest wave in Australia 4.) sail around theworld 5.) give love to everyone I come in contact with

Madelyn and Dani: What is something that most people here at camp probably don’t know about you?

Kelly: I got 52 bee stings once because I kicked a hornet’s nest doing a handstand.