Ultimate Challenge Camp Camper of the Year

Each Year, The Staff votes for one camper to be named "Camper of the year." The chosen camper is one who throughout the week demonstrates qualities of leadership, inclusiveness, humor, personal strength, and a growth in their own faith.

"Love and respect do not automatically accompany a position of leadership. They must be earned." -Anonymous

"Leadership is action, not position." -Davey Crockett

2012 - Louie Bertoncin

The staff was honored to have Louie back this year among the campers, and he did not disappoint. He gave all of his energy to making sure those around him had a great time. Any camp activity in some way was influenced in a positive way by Louie's presence. His questions provoked discussions about how our faith can help us become better people and what we should do to continue growing in our faith. He has a maturity he projects at all times and younger campers look to him as a leader and mentor. The staff agreed that Louie more than deserved the 2012 UC Camper of the Year award. Congratulations Louie!

2011 - Allyson Ralls

Allyson Ralls came to camp super excited, and throughout the week, her excitement never left. It flowed to others as she included everyone around her in whatever was going on. She always had kind words for others and made everyone feel welcome. Her positive attitude made Allyson an easy choice for 2011 camper of the year. The staff loved having Allyson at camp and we look forward to having her back. Congratulations Allyson!

2010 - Lance Boedigheimer

Every year one person stands out as leader, and this year was no exception as Lance Boedigheimer was chosen as 2010 camper of the year. Lance was caught numerous times helping others, accepting those much younger than him as a friend, having a positive attitude, and growing in his faith. It didn't matter if he was participating in Bible study or launching twelve year olds to inexplicable heights on the camp's water blob, Lance put others first. The entire staff agreed Lance's cheerful attitude helped make camp a wonderful experience. Congratulations Lance!

2009 - Dylan Murdock

Dylan Murdock is the epitome of a humble follower of Christ. His quiet style of leadership is amazing because of how effective it is and how easy he makes it look. Dylan's thoughtfulness is evident in how he puts others first and sees the best in what is around him. Dylan gave 100% as he participated in all camp events and did so with a smile- even when being doused with cold water during human battleship. One staff member said, "If you earned a dollar anytime you heard Dylan complain, you'd be flat broke." Dylan was an easy choice for camper of the year. Congratulations Dylan!

2008 - Rachel Bjork

Even though the staff votes on camper of the year at the end of the week, it became clear by mid-week who was going to be chosen. The growth the staff witnessed in Rachel was awesome. She continually wore a contagious smile and took every opportunity to express her love for God and others. Rachel jumped at the opportunity to be baptized in Lake Koronis. Her spirit couldn't be dampened by rain, lack of sleep, or even a poorly thrown Frisbee that resulted in a bloody nose and black eye. Rachel has expressed her desire to be on the Ultimate Challenge staff someday and there's no doubt she'd be a great counselor. Congratulations Rachel on your well earned camper of the year award!

2007 - Rachel Luschen

The surprised look on Rachel's face when she heard her name called for camper of the year said it all. Rachel had no idea how all week she'd been quietly showing how deserving she was of this award by helping and encouraging others with everything from PUC's to planned rec team building. Her love for God and others was so strong the staff couldn't help but notice. Rachel did everything with a smile and she was an easy choice for this award. This was Rachel's first year at Ultimate Challenge Camp, which makes her an inspiration to us all. Congratulations Rachel!

2006 - Derek Lavalier

Derek truly gave 100% at camp this year whether was bible study, planned rec, campfire or cleaning. Derek had a joyful spirit, awesome attitude, and he witnessed to others. All of this made Derek an easy choice for camper of the year. Derek humbly accepted his camper of the year award relating the award to God's grace and how he loves us even though we screw up and don't deserve it. Congratulations Derek!

2005 - Christen Hildebrandt

Christen was a unanimous selection as camper of the year because of the quiet yet powerful way that he displays his faith. Additionally, Christen is unabashed in talking about his aspirations of entering the ministry some day. Many campers look to Christen as a role model for the kind of faith they hope to have. We look forward to having him return again this summer, and shoot for a repeat title as....'Camper of the Year'.

2004 - **Classified**

Just who is the 2004 camper of the year winner? This is a mystery wrapped in a chewing gum riddle that was stuck under a Koronis park bench which was then sat on too many times and then replaced with an even nicer park bench. Some say the winner can't be revealed due to some kind of witness protection program. Some say the 2004 staff assassinated the camper after realizing they'd awarded it to somone too young or too old to be a camper (which would explain the repeated ghost sightings). Some say the winner was named Randy. Just who is the 2004 camper of the year? No one seems to know. If you know the identity or the whereabouts of the 2004 camper of the year, or if you have information regarding this person - physical description, last known location, favorite camp activity, etc. please notify the Ultimate Challenge Camp webmaster at your earliest convenience.

2003 - Brett Massee

"No...you're kidding right??" were first words out of Brett's mouth when it was announced that he had been chosen as the 2003 Camper of the Year. No joke Brett! Brett was an easy choice for camper of the year because of the effortless way he was able to stand up and be a role model in all aspects of the week at camp. From being a dominating force on the dodgeball court, to being a dynamic leader of his huddle group; Brett demonstrated all the personality qualities that a Camper of The Year should have. It should also be noted that Brett's huddle group, "El Mozquito," took home the Championship for the week.

2002 - Jamie Neese

With the selection of Jamie as the 2002 Camper of the Year, the staff recognized Jamie as having perhaps the strongest faith and kindest heart of any camper we've ever had. It's nearly impossible to go an entire day of camp without getting a hug from Jamie...and if she misses you, it'll be double hugs tomorrow. Jamie has consistently witnessed to the rest of the campers on how much Ultimate Challenge means to her personally, and it was her dedication to furthering her faith at camp that made her an easy pick as our Camper of the Year.

2001 - Jessica Postlethwaite

Jessica Postlethwaite was our 2001 Camper of The Year. Jessica was selected because of her quiet leadership and strong personal faith. Ultimate Challenge, like any group, business, or camp - has people of all assorted personalities. Jessica stood out because she was a leader without having to be overtly flashy or over-the-top. Often the strongest leaders are those who can lead simply by being a powerful example for others to emulate.

Updated May 11th, 2013