Building Confidence at Camp Imagination

Deborah Bateman recommends boldly stepping into opportunities to find out who one truly is, describing her life as one of love and adventure where she feels free to “EXPLORE, DISCOVER and GROW every single day.”

Deborah Bateman also married her husband, Tim, twice.

The first time, Deborah said it was because she was “wildly attracted to him.” The second time – decades following a divorce, pursuing an entire life and career in New York City – Deborah chose Tim again, exchanging new vows with him at sunset on a beach in Hawaii.  

“I married him because I had embraced my own authentic self and knew what I truly wanted: to live and share my life with the man who embodies so many of my own personal core values.”

Throughout her blog and website, Deborah writes about some of her personal core values: the power of goals, setting intentions, and creating a dream life. Deborah operates Risk Blossoming with her husband. Travelling in “BAM,” a 40-ft diesel pusher bus, Deborah and Tim spend time exploring the country and making a difference in the lives of those with whom they interact. As well as being a successful leadership coach, Deborah is a mother and grandmother who recognizes the same need for authenticity and purpose in her personal life that she implements into her professional, staying in constant pursuit of ways to encourage her children and grandchildren to boldly step into the opportunities available to them.

Deborah shared a story recently about her grandson, Duncan, and his experience with the Webb Center’s annual summer arts program, Camp Imagination in Wickenburg.

“Duncan has been more confident and outgoing since camp and his parents and I are thrilled at the changes we have seen in him. Camp Imagination was transformational for him in so many ways,” shared the proud grandmother. “I anticipated some reluctance when it came to being on stage and performing, but he was so excited,” she said, describing Duncan as a “smart and gifted child, who is also an introvert.”

Each two-week session of Camp Imagination offers countless opportunities to explore, discover, and grow – activities that Deborah and her family obviously value. Finally culminating in a full musical production on the Webb Center stage, the live show features all campers, as actors and singers in the show or behind the scenes. The program is a rare, magical find. While other performing arts camps around the country offer kids an opportunity to perform on stage, Wickenburg’s program includes classes in Culinary Arts, Improvisation & Comedy, Aerial Circus, Arts & Crafts, Stage Makeup, Technical Theater, Jewelry Making, Clay Sculpture, Video Production, and others.

“Wickenburg is so fortunate to have the Del E. Webb Center,” said Deborah.

During the June 2022 performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” Duncan and his fellow Limelight campers (grades 4-6) starred as “Winkie Guards” and “Ozians.” Discovery campers (grades 1-3) served as “Munchkins,” and older “Mainstage” and “Centerstage” campers (grades 7-12) played lead characters in the play, as well as dancing “Jitterbugs” during an entertaining scene that is missing from the original 1939 film. 

Deborah said she did not know how much of a performer her grandson would turn out to be. “We loved the Friday night production and brought lots of friends and family. It was enjoyed by all,” she said. “Kudos to you and your team for the effort and the execution of something spectacular and special. Duncan is already looking forward to next summer.”

Duncan is definitely NOT the only one looking forward to next summer. We cannot wait to see him (and all 200 campers) for Camp Imagination-June 2023.

Thank you, Deborah for sharing your Webb Center story – Because no one needs to choose between small town living and big city entertainment- especially not Duncan! See you both at the Webb Center for more opportunities to explore, discover, and grow.

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