A little over a year ago, Gold Arrow Camp lost a dear friend.  Ken “Coach” Baker (March 10, 1951 – April 5, 2009) worked at GAC as Camp Assistant Director and Director from 1981-1992 and had a huge, positive impact on many of us who are still here at camp today.   Ken was instrumental in helping us purchase Gold Arrow from Jeanie Vezie in 1989, and mentored me and Monkey during our early years.  Ken’s wife, Carol “Mama Bear” Baker, was also a long-time staff member at GAC.  Many current staff who were campers may remember Mama Bear from her many years as Camp Mom.  She lives in Palm Springs and visited us earlier this summer.   Ken’s daughter, Ali, was a camper throughout her childhood and continued on as a CIT.  Ali is currently a student at UCSB and is studying in Chile this semester.

To honor Ken, in 2009 we established “Coach’s Award.” This award will be given each year to a leader at camp, nominated by his/her peers, who motivates others through positive leadership and encouraging words and exemplifies Ken “Coach” Baker’s dedication to GAC’s vision. "Cheerio" was the 2009 recipient. 

This year, there were many GAC staff who met the criteria of being positive, encouraging leaders at camp.  In fact, 31 different staff were nominated for the award.  This is such a great testament to the positive culture and leadership that has been established here at GAC thanks to the influence of Coach and the leaders who have followed in his footsteps. 

This year’s recipient, "Sprinkles," is one of a kind.  In the 33 nominations she received from other staff, the words “positive, happy, & smiling” were mentioned 31 times, the words “energy or energetic” were mentioned 19 times,  and comments about her kindness, love, and dedication to campers were overwhelming.

Here are a few of the things counselors who nominated her had to say:

“She embodies every aspect and characteristic of an outstanding leader and counselor.  Her positive energy and sincere kindness are inspiring.  I truly look up to her and aspire to be better because of her.”

“Her presence makes me a better counselor and a better person.”

“I don’t have to think twice about this.  The most loving, kind, happy person I have ever met.  Always a smile around camp and treats everyone equal.”

Sprinkles has a long history at Gold Arrow Camp and has been part of the fun, friends, and growth for many years.  She started as a nugget camper 16 years ago and has been a camper, CIT, and now a counselor at GAC.   She embodies the love and spirit that our camp community is all about, and we were honored to present this year’s Coach’s Award to Sprinkles.