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10 Surprising Things Kids Learn at Camp

10 Surprising Things Kids Learn at Camp

I would not be the person I am today without camp. -15-year-old camper

My three decades of camp experience, coupled with my own and others’ research, have shaped my long-held opinion that camp experiences benefit children in profound ways. Yet even I was astounded by the revelations shared at our closing campfires last summer for the campers who were completing their final seasons as campers. These campfires were an emotional time to say goodbye to our high school kids heading into 10th grade. After their counselors spoke about each of them and shared words of affirmation and encouragement, I asked the kids if they wanted to share anything they had learned at camp they might use throughout their lives. I knew we had a special gig going at camp, and that we were providing a positive, healthy community where kids could have fun, make friends, and grow, but I hadn’t heard the specific life lessons that they believed they learned at camp in such direct and heartfelt words spoken out loud. Our oldest campers shared that they learned how to be happy, “to just have fun and not worry so much.” In a time when so many young people struggle with depression and anxiety, it was heartwarming to hear that, for many of them, camp is their “happy place.” Campers also said they learned to be happy in their own skin, gaining confidence in their abilities, speaking up for things they believe in, and ... Read more

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January Kindness Calendar

January Kindness Calendar

Happy January and 2024, everyone! We hope the turn of the new year finds you all well. Here are 31 ideas of how we can be kind to others this month. Enjoy! You can download a printable version here!

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January Parent Coffee

January Parent Coffee

Want to bring some of the fun, connection, and character and skills growth of GAC home to your family this year? Grab your coffee or tea, login, and join other GAC parents for our first parent coffee of 2024! We'll learn about and discuss simple, research-based and experience-backed strategies covered in HAPPY CAMPERS for bringing some camp strategies home to your family. Get your copy of Happy Campers! Audible Kindle/Print Audrey "Sunshine" Monke, who will be speaking at this coffee, is Gold Arrow Camp's Chief Visionary Officer, the author of Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults, and the host of the Sunshine Parenting Podcast. Audrey regularly speaks to parents and teachers on the topics of friendship skills, connection, and well-being. See some of her past interviews and events here.

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Fresno Jingle Bell Run

Fresno Jingle Bell Run

Jingle Bell Run is Coming! The GAC Runners will once again convene on Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno, California for their participation in the Fresno area Jingle Bell Run on December 9, 2023! We invite all Central California GAC families (and those that may be in the area) to join us for the 5K run or 2 mile walk. The run and walk both benefit Toys for Tots. All registered participants get a sweatshirt AND will get to see their GAC family while there! We will meet at 8:30am at the Starbucks in Fig Garden for a group photo before walking over to the starting line. The run and walk will begin at 9:00am. Please let us know if you’ll be able to join us so that we can keep an eye out for you and your family! Click here to register for the Fresno Jingle Bell Run and join team Gold Arrow Camp! We hope to see you there. What are the GAC Runners? Click here to find out more about GAC Runners.

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