I Like to Watch TV: USA Network Unveils New Reality Competition Series “Summer Camp” (Press Release & Photos)

USA Network Press Release
June 12, 2013

USA NETWORK UNVEILS THE 16 DIE-HARD ADULT CAMPERS WHO COMPRISE THE CONTESTANTS OF ITS FUN NEW REALITY COMPETITION SERIES, ‘SUMMER CAMP’

SUMMER CAMP Premieres Thursday, July 11 at 8/7c Eight Episode Series From Emmy® Award-Winning Producers of “Big Brother” and Sony Pictures Television

NEW YORK – June 12, 2013 - USA Network today unveiled the 16 die-hard adult campers who will comprise the contestants on its action-packed reality competition series, SUMMER CAMP, premiering Thursday, July 11 at 8/7c. From a tomboy-turned-femme fatale to a self-proclaimed “geek girl” who dons superhero costumes to a heartthrob Latin firefighter - viewers will meet a dynamic group of campers from all walks of life who will duke it out in an epic battle of the sexes, making this one unforgettable summer.

This eclectic group will pack their bags and head to an idyllic lakeside retreat in California, where they will compete in color war events and contests inspired by classic camp games. At the end of the summer, the remaining campers will face off in the “Campathalon,” an ultimate Olympic style event. The winning camp will receive a $250,000 cash prize to be split among the remaining contenders. Friendships will be made, alliances will be broken and hookups will inevitably happen, as these energized contestants compete throughout the heated eight episode series. SUMMER CAMP is hosted by Matt Rogers, a former “American Idol” finalist.

Meet the Girls Camp:

ERIN COSGROVE, “The Country Girl” - (Age 24) – From Tarpon Springs, Florida, this fiery, redheaded personal trainer grew up the ultimate tomboy. Her country living taught her how to build a fire, catch a fish and skin a deer, but she’s still deathly afraid of snakes. Everything changed for Erin when she went to camp in 7th grade, where her bunkmates taught her the ins and outs of how to tap into her girly side. Now, this country bumpkin will use her physical strength, knowledge of the outdoors and feminine wiles to try and eliminate her competitors.

MELINDA GROSS, “The Geek” - (Age 26) – A professional stuntwoman from Denver, Colorado, Melinda admits to being a costume play nerd who loves comic books, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and even calls her car “the Batmobile.” She spends her weekends dressing up as her alto ego Batgirl, and her home is littered with comic book collectibles. But don’t underestimate this “Geek Girl” unless you want to fall victim to her Golden Lasso of Truth!

BROOKE MAGNUM, “The Model” - (Age 23) – Brooke was born and raised in a large Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a strong believer in being “good to thy neighbor.” Having grown up an overweight tomboy sporting a mullet, Brooke surprised everyone, even herself, when she shed her ugly duckling exterior and started a modeling career. Beware of this hot “girl next door” because not only will she distract you with her good looks, but she will kill you with kindness.

ISIS MCKENZIE, “The Pageant Queen” - (Age 33) – From Los Angeles, California, Isis is a total flirt and is a self-proclaimed great kisser! A veteran pageant queen, she has traveled on adventures around the world, charming people with her looks and outgoing personality. Perpetually 10 minutes late, Isis gets away with it by flashing a smile and a wink. She says her strength is making other people feel good, which may turn out to be her secret weapon..

MICHELLE SCHEXNAYDER, “The Bayou Bodybuilder” - (Age 24) – Brains, beauty and brawn - this bayou belle from Lafayette, Louisiana, is the complete package. A seasoned power lifter, video game nut and range-shooting enthusiast, Michelle is full of surprises. And now this Hooters bartender is ready to flex her impressive muscles as she takes on the competition this summer.

RACHEL SPALDING, “The Yogi” - (Age 27) – Rachel is a bubbly, energetic yoga instructor and life coach from Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, whose goal in life is to spread joy as much as possible. She starts each morning with a green juice, some meditation, and her visualization of the day. Rachel firmly believes that you are a direct reflection of what you project into the world and this “Yogi” will not leave her house unless she feels she is the ultimate “being of positivity.”

LAUREN VON DRASHEK, “The Mean Girl” - (Age 23) – Lauren is one mean Midwestern girl from Woodbury, Minnesota, who has no filter and always tells it like it is. Growing up Lauren played hockey on both the girls and boys teams, but spent most of the games in the penalty box because she was too aggressive. This “Mean Girl” has a degree in dietetics and works at a gym to help people lose weight and try to become more like her.

MEAGHAN COOPER, “The Flirt” - (Age 27) – The boys had better watch out, because this bombshell fitness model from San Antonio, TX, isn’t afraid to use her looks as a weapon, and tends to leave a trail of men in her wake. Meaghan loves a challenge, and will do her best to flirt her way to victory. And thanks to Meaghan’s wild streak, her fellow campers may have a tough time taming her strong will.

Meet the Guys Camp:

MIKEY BENZAIA, “The Smart Ass” - (Age 26) – Mikey is your typical wise guy from Middleton, New York. He’s a know-it-all who enjoys being the center of attention and prides himself on being a total ladies man. As a former camp counselor, Mikey fondly remembers his years at summer camp where he had the best time of his life - losing his virginity, pulling pranks on the other cabins and excelling in all team activities. Mikey says he’ll definitely win challenges because he’s the king of talking smack, can get into anyone’s head, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

JUSTIN JACKSON, “The Hunter” - (Age 41) – From Coweta, Oklahoma, Justin is “The Great Outdoorsman” who says his favorite sound is the call of elk in the morning. He has hunted everything from turkeys to bears and is associated with every organization that supports the right to bear arms. Justin fondly remembers his years at church camp where he was considered a prankster. Extremely competitive, no animal or person will stand in Justin’s way of winning!

CHRIS GRANT, “The Class Clown” - (Age 25) – This funny guy from Bronx, New York is a special education high school teacher. As a child, Chris struggled with his weight until he discovered his love for basketball and played every day for two hours. He attended Britney Spears’ performing arts summer camp, where he was free to be his crazy self and even met Britney. Now, this former class clown is ready to steal the show and win.

KYLE KLEIBOEKER, “The Broadway Performer” - (Age 25) – From theater geek to Broadway chic, Kyle is a true “look at me now” story. Coming from a family of NFL athletes in Prairie Village, Kansas, he had a lot to live up to but always loved to perform and entertain. Pegged as the drama nerd in high school, he really came into his own during summers at theater camp and eventually flourished landing the leading role in every play and musical, and eventually on Broadway. His dream is to represent all theater geeks and prove that they can dance circles around the football jocks.

CHUCK LINES, “The Sci-Fi Nerd” - (Age 25) – This “manny” from Dubois, Pennsylvania, was the king of the nerds in high school! He studied the moves of Mark Hamill, and is now prepared for light saber battles that may come his way. Despite not being built like a jock, Kyle uses his brains and agility to outsmart others and the camp skills of this former Eagle Scout should not be underestimated.

CAMERON TYLOR HARPER, “The Cowboy” - (Age 23) – Cameron is an old fashioned, Christian cowboy from Florence, Kentucky who is still a virgin. He believes in God, respecting women and rodeo. He loved going to summer camp because that’s where he got to meet all the pretty girls. You will never catch him wearing anything but jeans, a t-shirt, boots and a cowboy hat, but his old-fashioned ways might be his secret weapon.

MIKE WARD, “The Soldier” - (Age 25) – A star athlete in high school, a dedicated son, and an Air Force sergeant who recently served in Afghanistan, Mike is an “All-American Hero.” This handsome soldier from Boise, Idaho, spent his childhood in the South Pacific cliff diving, hunting wild animals, doing missionary work with his parents, playing in the jungle, and eating fried spiders. Mike believes he will win because he has 2% body fat and an 8-pack, but the his secret weapon is his ability to brainwash his enemy and manipulate his opponent.

MOISES RAMOS, “The Firefighter” - (Age 26) – From Miami, Florida, Moises is a firefighter who feels like a real life superhero at work and takes pride in helping people. Growing up, Moises was picked on for being heavy and was thrown out of summer camp for his pranks. A shadow of his former self, Moises now prides himself on his physique and winning smile. The girls team better watch out and not fall for Moises’ charm and good looks, because he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The eight episode series is from Emmy®-Award winning producers of 'Big Brother' Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, executive producer Scott Messick, Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television.

Fly On The Wall Entertainment is headed by Emmy® Award-winning producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan. The pair has overseen one of the most popular reality franchises on broadcast television, CBS' “Big Brother,” going into its 15th season this summer. From competition to documentaries and docu-series, they have developed, created, and produced hundreds of hours of unscripted programming including the recent “Big Rich” franchise for Style Network.

ABOUT USA NETWORK:

The #1 network in all of basic cable for seven consecutive years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. Viewers come to USA to find television's best in critically acclaimed and award-winning original programming. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES TELEVISION:

Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, around the world and for a multitude of platforms. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. SPT has 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 13 countries outside the U.S. and also maintains offices in 33 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 124 channel feeds available in 159 countries, reaching more than 840 million households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages SPE’s premium video website, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of cable channel Game Show Network (GSN), 3D channel 3net, premier horror/thriller website and VOD service FEARnet and national U.S media sales company ITN Networks, Inc. SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT’s syndicated series as well as in U.S. digital businesses including FEARnet, DrOz.com and PlayStation.

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