Podcast Summary: “How They Are Saving Children's Lives” – Andy Elliott’s Elite Mindset Motivation and Sales Training

In the episode titled “How They Are Saving Children's Lives,” host Andy Elliott delves into the critical topic of children's self-development with his wife, Jacqueline Elliott, and special guests Julie Kanoe and her partner from I Am Camp. The discussion emphasizes the paramount importance of nurturing young minds to build confident, resilient, and motivated individuals who can contribute positively to society.

The Genesis of I Am Camp

Julie Kanoe shares the inspiring origin story of I Am Camp, highlighting its foundation rooted in personal development. “This all started with personal development journey,” Julie explains at [02:50]. Initially conceptualized in a simple notebook, Julie’s vision blossomed into a comprehensive program aimed at empowering children aged 11 to 18. Andy and Jacqueline Elliott joined forces with Julie to transform this vision into reality, dedicating five years to building and expanding the camp’s impact.

Empowering Youth Through Self-Development

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the mission of I Am Camp—to foster self-development in children just as adults pursue personal growth. Andy emphasizes, “We self develop, we plug into new information, we train ourselves, we build new identities” [00:09]. He parallels the camp’s objectives with his own endeavors in sales training, underscoring the universal need for continuous self-improvement.

Julie illustrates the transformative power of the camp through her daughter’s experience. “[Our daughter] started as so shy and timid in her first year. Now, at 12, she’s the runner-up for the leader award,” she shares at [05:19]. This evolution from introversion to leadership exemplifies the camp’s effectiveness in building confidence and self-worth among its participants.

Activities and Leadership Development

I Am Camp offers a variety of activities designed to develop leadership qualities beyond what traditional schools provide. Julie elaborates on their unique definition of leadership: “It’s not just the person that’s taking charge and the loudest. It’s the person that’s going to care the most… they are consistent in the way they’re showing up with light and love every single day” [06:43]. Activities range from team-building exercises to personal goal setting, enabling children to discover and harness their innate strengths.

One standout feature is the goal-setting framework taught at the camp. “[We] set 30-day goals. For example, one of my kids wanted to shoot a basketball 10,000 times,” Julie recounts at [10:26]. By teaching children to set and achieve measurable goals, the camp instills discipline and perseverance—skills essential for success in any endeavor.

Parental Involvement and Role Modeling

Andy and Jacqueline Elliott discuss the pivotal role parents play in their children’s development. Andy remarks, “Nothing's more important than our children” [02:05], advocating for active participation in fostering a nurturing environment. They highlight that while parents set high standards and core values, children often learn better from peers and mentors outside the home.

Jacqueline adds, “We have very high standards in our family and very high core values. But sometimes it takes someone else,” emphasizing the complementary role of I Am Camp in reinforcing these values through structured activities and peer interactions [09:52]. This partnership ensures that children receive consistent messages about self-worth and responsibility both at home and in camp.

Overcoming Modern Challenges

The episode addresses contemporary challenges faced by children, such as excessive screen time and the prevalence of limiting beliefs. Andy points out, “Kids are on electronics all the time… it doesn’t teach them how to communicate or build.” I Am Camp counters this by creating an environment that disconnects children from technology and reconnects them with themselves and others.

Julie underscores the effectiveness of this approach: “Some kids don’t even notice the absence of technology by the end of the first day. They’re just being present and together” [11:35]. This digital detox facilitates genuine interactions and personal growth, laying a foundation for healthier relationships and better communication skills.

Long-Term Impact and Generational Change

A recurring theme is the long-term and generational impact of early self-development. Julie discusses studies indicating that “DNA holds trauma for up to seven generations” [24:25], suggesting that interventions like I Am Camp can break negative cycles by healing and empowering the next generation. By fostering resilience and positive self-identity early on, the camp aims to create a ripple effect that benefits not only the children but their families and communities as well.

Andy adds a personal anecdote about transforming his daughter’s self-perception from being “Kiki” to “Kira,” showcasing the rapid and profound changes that can occur with the right guidance [34:22]. This story exemplifies how altering a child’s self-narrative can lead to lasting self-confidence and empowerment.

The Importance of Self-Care for Parents

Jacqueline highlights a crucial aspect often overlooked by parents—self-care. “Moms don’t take care of themselves a lot of the time… they become the caretaker for everyone around them” [16:48]. I Am Camp not only focuses on children’s development but also encourages parents to prioritize their well-being. By modeling healthy habits and self-care, parents can set a positive example for their children, fostering a balanced and supportive family environment.

Conclusion

In this impactful episode, Andy Elliott and his guests shed light on the transformative work of I Am Camp in shaping the lives of young individuals. By emphasizing self-development, leadership, and the importance of parental involvement, the podcast underscores the critical role such initiatives play in building a healthier, more confident future generation. Through personal stories, practical insights, and heartfelt discussions, listeners gain a profound understanding of how empowering children today can lead to a brighter tomorrow.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Elliott [00:09]: “We self develop, we plug into new information, we train ourselves, we build new identities.”

• Julie Kanoe [05:19]: “Our daughter Aubrey...she was the runner up for the leader award for the overall leader of the entire camp.”

• Julie Kanoe [06:43]: “It’s not just the person that’s taking charge and the loudest. It’s the person that’s going to care the most.”

• Jacqueline Elliott [10:28]: “Do you set goals? We set goals...”

• Andy Elliott [09:34]: “I am Camp, I think, is a place where the parents have probably told their children, forever, do this, do that, pick up your stuff.”

• Julie Kanoe [16:48]: “Moms don’t take care of themselves a lot of the time… they become the caretaker for everyone around them.”

These quotes encapsulate the essence of the episode, highlighting the commitment to fostering growth and the profound impact of targeted self-development programs for children.