Two summers ago, Niki Bastian argued with her grandmother about going swimming. Her grandmother felt that she should do something besides hanging around the pool with her friends.

Niki, 18, who lives in Los Angeles, had heard supermodel and actress Tyra Banks on the radio, talking about TZone, her summer camp. With applications due that day, Niki persuaded her grandmother to let her apply.

Founded in 2000, TZone is a free, one-week overnight program in Santa Barbara, Calif., for girls ages 13 to 15. Banks and a team of counselors work with the girls to boost their self-confidence.

More than 300 girls apply each year; 60 are personally selected by Banks. Applicants, mostly from the Los Angeles area, are chosen based on need, merit and community service. They also must answer several essay questions.

"She asks you questions like, 'Why do you want to do it?' 'What do you feel you're gonna get out of TZone?' " Niki said.

TZone has many activities, ranging from an obstacle course to in-depth conversations. Counselors and Banks are always present to help with and participate in the activities.

Niki remembers her surprise that Banks takes such an active interest in the camp.

"When I first went out to TZone, I was like, 'OK, this is a supermodel. What does she know about camping? She probably has this whole entourage following behind her, trying to do her makeup and getting her water,' " Niki recalled.

"But when she was there, she was sniffling and sneezing, 'cause she has allergies. But she was still dancing. She still played Boom Chica Boom. She ate the horrible camp food with us, and it just added to the experience."

At night, the campers, counselors and Banks gather to talk about issues they all face, from boys to body image.

"My most memorable moment would have to be the night talks. They're really intense, and the best part about it is the bonding because throughout all the tears and throughout all of the secrets we could share, you get to bond," Niki said.

The TZone girls always respect each other no matter what is said during these talks.

"You don't have to worry about anybody laughing at you and talking about you because at TZone, we have a sisterhood," Niki said. "Even if it's just for a week, you will form friendships forever. I still talk to some of the people who were campers."

Last year, Niki was a junior counselor at TZone, and she became an adult counselor this summer. Even junior counselors go through intensive training.

"At TZone, it's a really good asset if you're able to listen and not take charge of conversations, but kind of let the girls talk for themselves," she continued. "The more you listen to somebody, the more they're gonna talk and the more they're gonna get helped."

Niki explained what TZone has done for her: "I never was a shy person in my family, but when I got out in public or when I was in school, I was always real quiet. And that wasn't me. Like when somebody did crack a joke, I would have, like, a counter-joke, but I didn't want to say it because I was so scared of what everybody was gonna say," she said.

"Now it's like I'll just say it, and I won't care. And I'm so much happier with myself, and it shows. I'm so much more open as a person."

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Gracie Shockley, 14.