New GAC Program – GACpacking!
Does your camper enjoy backpacking and hiking in nature? If so, this program is a wonderful way to do all of that and more. GACpacking provides an introduction to backpacking skills and life on the trail in a fun and compact one-week trip. Our GACpacking program is designed to serve as a bridge between the one-night backpacking experience offered as a regular part of our camp program and the Outdoor Leadership Course. On the trail, our hikers will have the opportunity to prepare their own meals, practice map and compass navigation, apply Leave No Trace principles and ethics, participate in sustainable backcountry living, and study wildlife biology. Each day there will also be time for reflection, dialogue, and discussion.
For more information about the GACpacking program, please visit https://goldarrowcamp.com/why-gac/gacpacking/ or email mail@goldarrowcamp.com with any questions.
One Word
For each of us, 2020 held a lot of different moments and emotions. We have now entered 2021, which is a great time to sit back and reflect on all that was last year. Audrey “Sunshine” Monke, GAC’s Chief Visionary Officer, shares with us an activity that your entire family can do together that encourages everyone to choose one word that will help to provide guidance, inspiration, and direction for the year.
On her website (Sunshine Parenting) and her podcast, Sunshine shares many resources to encourage family time and reflection, among many other useful topics for parents. To access those resources, sign up to receive her weekly emails or subscribe to her podcast.
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Ethan H.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Ethan H.! Ethan is a friendly camper and pushes himself to reach his goals. This summer, Ethan’s counselors said of him, “Ethan has great communication skills. He really embraces cabin time and makes it more fun!” We are so lucky to have a camper like Ethan as part of our community.
Check out this video of Ethan receiving his surprise 5-Year Blanket!
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Ethan H.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Ethan H.! Ethan is such a joyous camper and always sees the positive. This summer, Ethan’s counselors said of him, “Ethan has an outgoing and confident personality. This helps him connect more with his cabinmates.” We are so lucky to have a camper like Ethan as part of our community.
Check out this video of Ethan receiving his surprise 5-Year Blanket!
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Henry B.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Henry B.! Henry has such a great attitude about everything and is so friendly. This summer, Henry’s counselors said of him, “Henry is a great listener and is extremely insightful. He connects well with others.” We are so lucky to have a camper like Henry as part of our community.
Check out this video of Henry receiving his surprise 5-Year Blanket!
To learn more about the history of GAC’s 5-year blanket CLICK HERE.
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Aiden D.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Aiden D! Aiden is a wonderful camper and a great cabinmate. This summer, Aiden’s GALA’s counselors said of him, “Aiden is not afraid to speak his mind when a discussion topic resonates with him. He brings great perspectives to the table.” We are so lucky to have a camper like Aiden as part of our community.
Check out this video of Aiden receiving his surprise 5-Year Blanket!
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Evan G.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Evan G.! Evan is an incredibly honest camper and a great addition to whichever group he is a part of. This summer, Evan’s counselors said of him, “Evan is a great communicator. He loves to get to know everyone around him.” We are so lucky to have a camper like Evan as part of our community.
Check out this video of Evan receiving his surprise 5-Year Blanket!
5-Year Camper Spotlight: Millie K.
As you may have read, GAC was on the road this summer to surprise our 5-year campers who participated in the GALA Program with their 5-year blanket. We’re excited to spotlight each of the amazing campers we visited.
This week’s 5-year camper spotlight is on Millie K.! Millie is a sweet camper with an extremely kind heart. This summer, Millie’s counselors said of her, “Millie is a great active listener. She is super respectful and she’s always able to build off of what other people say.” We are so lucky to have a camper like Millie as part of our community.
Check out this video of Millie receiving her surprise 5-Year Blanket!
Tell Your Story
How has GAC impacted your life?
One of the most common things we hear at Gold Arrow Camp from campers and staff is how much GAC has impacted their lives and shaped who they are today. GAC is a magical place where campers and staff experience the benefits of pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone and connecting face-to-face.
There are many ways that GAC impacts our lives and we want to hear YOUR story! Tell us your story and we will share those stories on our website and social media!
Please submit your stories here and email any photos or questions to mail@goldarrowcamp.com. We hope to hear from you soon!
This is Rachel’s GAC Story (Camper 2012-2019):
I was 9 years old my first year and every single day I cried from homesickness. Then every single year after that I returned for even longer sessions and just fell in love and grew less and less homesick. Gold Arrow Camp has truly become my home away from home. It is the only place where I can be truly happy and be my very own self. If I could spend my time in one place, it’d be GAC. Without camp I would not have the confidence, the social skills, the friends, and overall the happiness I have today.
GATA Webinar – October 14
Our GATA (Gold Arrow Teacher Academy) program has been such a fun journey and we have enjoyed connecting and collaborating with everyone. There is still time to register for GATA to access valuable resources, community discussions, past webinar recordings, and our upcoming live webinars. Join us on October 14 at 5pm PT/8pm ET as we share ideas and strategies to coach students to better collaboration and communication.
To learn more about GATA and to register for an individual or school membership, please visit https://goldarrowcamp.com/teacher-academy/.
As a GATA member, you will have access to a free monthly webinar, engage in bi-weekly teacher chats, and receive no-prep or low-prep connection activities delivered to your email inbox weekly from the experts at fun, friendship, and growth.
To view our first webinar, click here. To access our first PDF which provides you with a list of activities to foster online classroom connections, click here.