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Episode 88: Razz Talks about Camp

Episode 88: Razz Talks about Camp

Sunshine talks with experienced Gold Arrow Camp camper and counselor, Lucy 'Razz" Mahlmeister, in this episode of the podcast. Razz talks about her time at GAC, which started in 2010 when she was an eight-year-old first time camper. Razz spent eight years as a camper, one year as a Junior Counselor, and has now been on staff for five years, primarily as a watersports activity counselor, teaching campers kneeboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and wakesurfing.

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Episode 87: Experienced Campers Talk about Camp

Episode 87: Experienced Campers Talk about Camp

For parents and campers who are new to Gold Arrow Camp, you won't want to miss this episode! A group of Junior Counselors (16 & 17 year old experienced campers) join Sunshine for a chat about their experiences and growth over their summers at camp. This was recorded in 2018 but their insights are still as relevant today!

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Episode 86: Thrivers with Dr. Michele Borba

Episode 86: Thrivers with Dr. Michele Borba

This episode was originally published on Sunshine Parenting and is geared towards parents, staff, and older campers. There are mentions of youth mental health issues, including suicide, so parents please listen before deciding whether to share with your younger kids. Join Sunshine for her conversation with Dr. Michele Borba about her phenomenal, must-read book THRIVERS: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine – 7 Teachable skills of heart, mind, & will that set happy, healthy, high-performing kids apart. At GAC, our vision is Creating a happier world, one camper at a time. Our mission - what we specifically focus on - is building positive habits and character traits for a thriving life. We follow the research about what kids need to thrive now and into adulthood. The book Thrivers is a great resource for all of our staff and parents.

About Dr. Michele Borba

Dr. Michele Borba is an educational psychologist, best-selling author, and TODAY show contributor who has spoken to over one million participants on five continents and to countless media about child development issues. She blends 40 years of teaching and consulting experience with latest science to offer sound, realistic advice to parents teachers and child advocates about helping children thrive.

Sunshine's Amazon Review

Dr. Michele Borba's latest book - THRIVERS: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Other Shine - is perhaps her most important book yet - and ... Read more

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Episode 85: Unplug to Connect

Episode 85: Unplug to Connect

Unplug to Connect

One of our core values at GAC is Unplugging to Connect. Why are we so passionate about the importance of getting off our screens and spending more time in face-to-face interactions? Because it’s good for all of our well-being to improve the quality of our relationships and connection to our families, friends, and communities. We want our campers and staff to experience the positive difference it makes being in a screen-free environment, so that they are compelled to change their own screen habits. The big dream - the one that serves our vision of creating a happier world, is that we go out from our camp community and help bring positive collective action and change to how we all prioritize face-to-face connection outside of camp.  There is now a lot of research-backed evidence about the negative impact excessive screen time is having on people across all generations. Excessive screen time is linked to negative impacts on mental and physical health, with children and teens particularly vulnerable. These impacts include increased anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances, obesity, and reduced cognitive function. The effects can also include behavioral problems, difficulty with social skills, and issues with academic performance. According to research by Jean Twenge (iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy — and Completely Unprepared ... Read more

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