First Year Families

Welcome!

We are so excited to welcome you into the GAC Family this summer. We hope you will be part of our community for many years to come.

The first year of going away to summer camp is the hardest – both for kids and for parents. Everything is new and unfamiliar. For many families, this is the first time parents and children have ever been apart from each other without digital or phone communication. We understand your concerns and have helped hundreds of families through the adjustment. We are here to help alleviate your worries and make you and your camper feel as comfortable and welcome as possible!

Gather your family around your computer, and we’ll share some tips and information to help prepare both you and your camper for your first Gold Arrow experience.

First-Year Family Resources

Parent Resources

Homesick & Happy Parent Discussion

Are you worried that your child will struggle adjusting to being away from you and away from home at camp this summer? Join us on April 29 at 12pm PT (REGISTER HERE) to discuss the discomfort some children experience being away from home and parents and how you can help your camper not only work through separation anxiety but end up confident and happy about future away-from-home adventures.

First-Year Parent & Camper Orientation

We highly recommend that first-year GAC families (parents & campers!) register to attend a First-Year Family Orientation to learn more about what to expect from your first summer at GAC. We’ll share helpful tips and information like what to expect on arrival day, packing tips, who to ask for help at camp, and more as you and your camper prepare for camp.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE FOLLOWING ORIENTATION DATE:
  • Sunday, May 18 at 4pm PT*

*If you are unable to attend the live online orientation, a recorded version will be available to view.

Parent Orientation

Please view or listen to the Parent Orientation that includes information about parent expectations, reviewing camper standards of behavior, camper medications, communication during your camper’s stay at GAC, and more!

Talk With Our Team

If you have questions about preparing for camp, how to help your child adjust for their first overnight camp experience, or anything else camp-related, please let us know! We appreciate the chance to chat with our first-year families and are here to help. Schedule a call, send us an email, drop in to online office hours, or call us directly at 800-554-2267 x.0.

 

Preparing for Camp

Are you or your camper nervous about the experience?
Messages for an Anxious Camper

Having some parental worries about your camper being away from you?
5 Reasons NOT to Worry While Your Kid’s at Camp

Destination GAC