April Parent Coffee
2026 Theme: Crank Up the Thanks (Turn Up the Gratitude)
Our vision at GAC is to create a happier world, one camper at a time. Each summer, we focus on building positive habits and character traits for a thriving life while having fun, making friends, and growing. We also choose a specific character trait or skill that leads to a happier life. This summer, with our summer theme of “Crank Up the Thanks,” we’re focusing on building our gratitude!
Grateful People are Happier
“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.” -Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier, Harvard Health
Over the past 14 years, we’ve covered a variety of character traits and social skills that lead to better well-being. We’ve focused on kindness, friendship, giving, resilience, positivity, and encouraging others. Choosing Kindness, Count on Me, Building Empathy, and Try Something New have been our most recent Summer Themes. Adults who are thankful for what they have are happier than those who are constantly in the entitled state of reaching for the ever-elusive “more.” According to Christine Carter, PhD, “Studies of adults and college students ... Read more
Every Kid Outdoors
Here at GAC, we love the outdoors and think it’s important to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn how to protect it for the future. The Every Kid Outdoors initiative is a great way for 4th graders to learn more about their National Parks and Public Lands and visit them for FREE! Gold Arrow Camp is lucky to be located near three National Parks: Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park. As a 4th grade camper, we will supply the pass and you do the rest! Click here to locate Public Lands in your area and go to Every Kid Outdoors to learn more about this amazing initiative!
Vision Receives Award
In 2009, Gold Arrow Camp lost a dear friend. Ken “Coach” Baker (March 10, 1951 – April 5, 2009) worked at GAC as Camp Assistant Director and Director from 1981-1992 and had a huge, positive impact on many of us who are still here at camp today. Ken was instrumental in helping Sunshine purchase Gold Arrow from Jeanie Vezie in 1989, and mentored Sunshine, Monkey, Woody, Chelster, Tigger, Junior, Trapper, and many other GAC staff during their early years working at camp.
Ken had an amazing way of making even mundane tasks like picking up trash and painting buildings feel monumentally important. He had a way of clapping his hands together and giving a pep talk that got everyone fired up to do their jobs well. Ken had a near-constant smile on his face and took every challenge that came his way in stride. We all knew we could go to him with any problem and he would help us figure out how to fix it.
To honor Ken, in 2009 we established “Coach’s Award.” This award has been given each year since to a leader at camp, nominated by his/her peers, who motivates others through positive leadership and encouraging words and exemplifies Ken “Coach” Baker’s dedication to GAC’s vision.
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Ken “Coach” Baker, Jeanie Vezie and Sunshine in 1989[/caption]
To select each year’s recipient, we ask the entire staff to complete a nomination form, where they put the name of one person whom ... Read more