


Bears’ Adventure – Session 3
A highlight of the two-week session for our youngest campers (grades K-3), and their version of “backpacking,” is Bears’ Adventure. This one-night trip allows campers to experience sleeping outdoors under the stars and cooking over a campfire. Campers’ luggage is taken for them to the campsite, so they are not technically “backpacking,” because they have no pack to carry. With just their water bottle and their positive attitudes, they set out from camp singing and talking on their hike. The best part of Bears’ Adventure is the free time kids get to play and explore the area. For many campers, the longer sticks provide the perfect start to a fort. Others enjoy laying on their sleeping bags talking with friends or silently watching clouds move overhead. Some participate in crafts and games while enjoying being outdoors. For many of these kids, Bears’ Adventure is their first experience “roughing it,” and they absolutely love it. When they hike back into camp the morning after their Adventure, our Bears’ campers stand a little taller. And their dirty, smiling faces are the best indication that they have experienced the awe of nature. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqjOd7W1QZ0[/embed]

Win a FREE COPY of Sunshine’s Book, HAPPY CAMPERS!
With summer coming to a close, and another challenging school year ahead for our kids (and for us parents), we want to remind you about a resource Audrey "Sunshine" Monke created to help parents bring home some of the happiness, connection, and character growth of GAC: Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults.
Download the audio of Camp Secret #1: Connection Comes First
Download the print version of Camp Secret #1: Connection Comes First Join Sunshine to chat about coaching your kids to improved social skills and better friendships: Tuesday, August 31 (12-1pm PT) discussion of Camp Secret #9 (from Happy Campers): Coach Kids to Better Friendships.

Session 2 Video Highlights & Slideshow
We have so many great memories from Session 2. Here are a few highlights as recorded by our awesome media team (AKA the "GACarazzi"): [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRbFX6Hdn1Q[/embed]