Well. . . that's what I'm here to tell you!!
If you need to write to the camp site, the address is:
Karolyi's Waverly Hills Camp
Rt. 12 Box 140
Huntsville, TX 77340
Hi! My name is Allison and I'm here to tell (and show, links to some of my pictures from camp are at the bottom) you what it's really like at Karolyi's summer camp. It's a ton of fun!! I went last year when I was 13 and about to start level 6. It was in June, almost exactly a month before the Olympics. When I got there (I flew) My hints and sugguestions from personal experience appear in bold print throughout. I was the second on to get to the airport. I sat around and talked to the other girl for almost 30 min. before anyone else got there. We ended up waiting over 3 1/2 hours before everyone was there and we could leave. The ride to the ranch, in an unairconditioned school bus in the middle of a Texas summer (don't worry, it's not all bad, I just didn't get to the good part yet!) is about and hour and a half, and a bunch of it's dirt and gravel roads. Once we got to camp, we went to the club house to check in and get cabin assignments (if you want a certain room mate you have to request in advance) and they drove our luggage around near the cabins (it takes several minutes to walk to the cabins from the clubhouse or gym) then we had time to get our stuff ready in our cabins and meet our room mates before we had to change clothes and go to the gym. On the first and last day there were 3 hours of workout, on other days there are 6. Bela came into the gym and talked to us for a little while, and then we were put into groups. The groups were based on what skills you could do on floor, double full/double back, full, layout, back tuck, back handsprings, or none of the above. At some levels, there were several groups. There are 6 rotations, vault, bars, beam, floor, tramp/acro bungee, and dance. you go to three in the morining and the other three in the afternoon, same order every day. When I went, the power went out the first day and we had to stop a little early and walk to our cabins in the rain. It wasn't that bad though, we talked and played games in our cabins. The only bad part was that the air conditioner also didn't work. (my advice, take one of those little battery powered fans that squirts water, you can get them at wal-mart) Some of the cabins have showers, but only a couple. Mostly you have to use the bathroom and take showers in one central building. (my advice, take a big towel and an extra swim suit for the shower, you can see through the doors) Okay, here's the list they sent me on stuff to bring, and some of my ideas and comments about it.
1) Sleeping bag or blanket, linens (single bed) pillow and towels
(take a light blanket, you probably won't need it)
2) Tennis shoes (must be worn at all times when outdoors) (a good idea, but also take sandals!)
3) Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
4) Workout leotards, tights, gym shorts, warmups (one leo for each day, take bike shorts not boxers because most coaches won't let you wear boxers, no tights!!)
5) Gymnastics aids (grips, shoes, tape, etc. only if you use them) (take tape just in case, it's $4.00 a roll there)
6) Casual clothes (jeans, shorts, etc.) (you only need one set of these besides what you wear on the way there, you'll spend all day in a leo and t-shirt)
7) swimsuit and towel (there's swimming every day if you want to, but you never have to)
8) skit materials (optional) (there is a skit night that's a popular activity, but not mandatory)
9) flashlight (a must!! you'll need it in the woods, but also in the cabin for playing after lights out)
10) camera and film (a must!! they don't have any for sale there)
They tell you there is no food allowed in the cabins, but you can have it anyways!! Take snacks because the only vending machines there have $1.00 sodas and $.75 candy that isn't very good
Have a specific question? E-mail me and I'll help you out! (answers to common questions will be answered here)
When I went, Dominique Moceanu, Kim Zmeskal and Kerri Strug were there. We had an autograph session and exhibition. On the last night there is a dance (you don't dress up) and Dominique came to ours. I was one of the few people who noticed her, so I went up and we started talking. She's really sweet!! her little sister was running around too, she's cute!
There will be more later, check back soon!
If any of you (gymnasts, parents, or coaches) have had experiences at Karolyi's that you would like to contribute, please e-mail me at Alli52447@aol.com
These are some pictures from my trip to Karolyi's Camp
People from my cabin with Bela, Dominique, Kim, and Kerri
A Cabin Pose
What the inside of a cabin looks like
Picture of Bela and Dom I had autographed at camp
Please Visit My Gymnastics Web Page
Please feel free to e-mail me!! I'd love to answer any of your questions, or just chat!!
© 1997 alli52447@aol.com
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