Bernadette Kampen

Bernadette Kampen is a contestant from Survivor: Guyana.

Profile
Name (Age): Bernadette Kampen (46)

Tribe Designation: Ingarikó

Current Residence: Green Bay, WI

Occupation: Hairstylist/Fitness Instructor

Claim to Fame: All of these ventures that I have taken on later in life! I used to be just an average, everyday hairstylist. But when I turned 40, I looked myself in the mirror and decided that I needed to make something of my life! About five years ago, I started up an after-hours Zumba class at my local community centre, I have taken gigs as a plus-sized model and with body painting, and I organize various community functions as a healthy living and body positivity advocate!

Inspiration in Life: One thing that I teach my husband and daughters is that you need to be your own inspiration in life, and that’s how I see myself. All idolizing other people does is stir up envy and bring us down. But to be truly happy in life, each day, you need to look yourself in the mirror and say “What am I going to do for myself today because I want to be a better me. That kind of inspiration and motivation is only something that you can find within yourself. The beautiful thing about this is, no matter your age, size, gender, sexuality, or fitness level, as long as you believe in yourself, you can find little ways to improve your own quality of life! Give my Instagram a follow, @MyBestBernadette, and you’ll see that I am living proof of all this!

Hobbies: Teaching Zumba; Organizing community functions; Volunteering; Modeling; Partying with friends; Loving life!

Pet Peeves: Judgmental people, envy, and negativity, and unfortunately, it seems like I’ve encountered a lot more people that possess those qualities after I changed up my lifestyle than I did before, and it’s just so sad! Pierre Elliott Trudeau famously said: “There is no place of the state in the bedrooms of the nation” and that’s just so true! I know he said that quote as he spoke out against homophobia, but it applies in so many other aspects of life. I’ve had people even at work tell me things like (mocking tone)  “You’re too fat to teach Zumba!” and “Who would take ‘healthy lifestyle’ advice from you!?” or “Stop going out! Stay home with your kids!” I had to learn that anybody who is trying to tear you down has a battle going on inside themselves and they’re taking their anger and negativity out on you. As much as I can’t stand people like that, you just have to try your best to keep your head held high and keep pushing forward.

SURVIVOR contestant you are most like: I think I’ll have to go with Debbie Wanner. Debbie was very kooky, and crazy, and outgoing like I am, and she just had this aura about her that drew people in. Debbie has also accomplished a lot in her life, just as I am doing right now, and knowing myself as well as I do, I don’t doubt that I’ll have a massive impact on the game like she did! Also… I know she’s not a Survivor contestant, but I think I’m like Fergie too ‘cause the boys love my lady lumps… my hump, my hump, my hump! (Laughs)

Reason for being on SURVIVOR: As soon as I started looking myself in the mirror and made the decision that I wanted to make something of my life, Survivor was one of those things I put on my bucket list. I want to share my story to the world and I want to show people that it’s never too late to make a change in your life if you want it bad enough! I also want to prove to the world, and to myself that as long as you set your mind to something, it doesn’t matter what your age, gender, or skill level is, you can accomplish whatever you want in life!

Why do you think you will “survive” SURVIVOR?: I will survive because I believe my tribe is going to really underestimate me by first impressions, but they will be drawn to my presence and be so impressed by my spirit, my determination, and my story. People naturally want to be around me and I do believe I will be an asset to any alliance. I certainly won’t be afraid to play a strategic game out here either so that I can ensure my torch stays burning as bright as my smile the entire game!

Why do you think you will be the Sole SURVIVOR?: I will be the Sole Survivor because while I plan on playing a strategic game, I do plan on playing it with a sense of tact and respect, because I do want people to still love me, even though I voted them out. As I’ve said, I’m an extremely positive and outgoing person, and I do think people will see that whatever moves I make are not meant to be personal and that I don’t think any sort of game should lead to the destruction of relationships.

Trivia
The song Bernadette references in her bio when comparing herself to Fergie is the Black Eyed Peas' 2005 hit "My Humps:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe_eraFWWs