My name is Adam Simon and I started this wonderful camp for teenagers. After spending many years as a physical education teacher, coach, and businessman, I began working at Omega Institute with a wonderful community of people. While at Omega, I had the opportunity to lead men's groups around the country. Many of the men I spoke to were struggling with issues of grief and anger, and they indicated that these emotions began when they were teenagers. At that point, I realized that working with teens at such a challenging time could have a profound and positive effect on their lives.
Since starting Omega Teen Camp five years ago, one of our goals was to create an atmosphere where teenagers would feel safe expressing their authentic self. We encourage teens to be themselves in a way that is not often supported in today's society by offering a variety of activities for self-reflection and self-discovery.
Looking back on my life, I realize that I have been a "seeker" since I was a teenager. While I had a lot of friends, I still felt anxious and insecure and needed to find a way to feel good about my life. I remember reading Hermann Hesse's book, Demian. In the prologue Hesse wrote, "I wanted only to try to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?" For me, this quote reflected the difficulty I felt at that time in my life in being true to myself. I believe this is a perennial question for all teens as they prepare to enter adulthood.
At Omega Teen Camp, we have a wonderful staff of people trained to help our campers identify and accept their true selves, and begin to contemplate the positive role they can play in the world. I feel honored to be the Director of this camp, and help 250 teenagers create a profound and positive effect at this important time in their lives.
Please feel free to contact me at (800)-944-1001 extension 228 if you have any questions about Omega Teen Camp.
