Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Zheng.
Hi Sophia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I still remember walking into my first Academic Games practice in 8th grade, surrounded by teammates who had been playing since elementary school. It felt late to be starting something everyone else already knew so well. Walking into a room full of experienced players was intimidating, so at first, my goal was simply to learn and try to keep up. What surprised me, though, was that deciding to try something new eventually took my team all the way to the national tournament. Going through that experience showed me how impactful Academic Games could be—not just academically, but in building confidence, perseverance, and a strong sense of community. It was amazing to see how something that started as a way to learn and have fun could bring so many people together and help us grow in different ways.
When I entered high school, I began coaching elementary school students, and that’s when I started seeing things from a different perspective. Working with younger students reminded me of how overwhelming it felt when I first started. At the same time, it made me realize how important early exposure can be. Coaching changed the way I thought about Academic Games. It wasn’t just about competing anymore; it was about helping younger students discover something that had become meaningful to me. I wanted to mentor them, share what I had learned, and show them how fun and rewarding it could be.
That’s why I was so drawn to Camp AG when it was founded in 2024 by Jessica Wu. What stood out to me about the mission was its focus on bringing Academic Games to elementary school students who might not otherwise have access to these programs. It creates an opportunity for them to experience the same benefits earlier on. Now, as the CEO of Camp AG, I have the privilege of helping lead our team as we continue working toward that mission, from improving our programming to expanding our reach in the community.
I still vividly remember my first encounter with Academic Games as a middle schooler who felt unsure about trying something new. Over time, that uncertainty turned into a passion. Today, I’m proud to help lead an organization focused on giving more students the chance to discover that same sense of challenge, confidence, and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been challenges, particularly with logistics such as securing a camp venue and raising the funds needed to run a free program. As a nonprofit that relies on community support, organizing Camp AG requires a lot of coordination with local partners and sponsors. In the early stages, we encountered a few logistical hurdles when arranging space for the camp, which highlighted the importance of clear communication and thorough planning.
These experiences helped our team develop more organized and proactive approaches to working with community partners. Thanks to that growth, we’ve been able to run the camp smoothly and continue providing meaningful experiences for our students each year.
As you know, we’re big fans of Camp AG. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Camp AG is a free, full-day, week-long summer camp in Ann Arbor designed to introduce elementary school students to Academic Games. Our program serves 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who are curious about learning and excited to challenge themselves in a fun, supportive environment. Throughout the week, students explore subjects such as math, English language, persuasive techniques, and American history through engaging games like Equations, Onwords, Propaganda, and Presidents.
Our mission is to promote equality in education by providing high-quality academic enrichment opportunities that are accessible to all students. Camp AG is led by a team of experienced local high school students who have competed in and coached Academic Games for years. Using a lottery-based registration system, we strive to bring together students from diverse schools, grades, and backgrounds, creating an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover a love for learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.campacademicgames.org/
- Other: [email protected]
