News

Episode 85: Unplug to Connect

May 19, 2025

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

Tags: benefits of camp, California Summer Camp, camp, Camp Podcast, Camp Staff, campers, children's summer camp, comfort zone, connect, connection, gold arrow camp, happy campers, kindness, podcast, screen free, summer camp, Summer Camp Staff, tech detox, Try Something New, unplug, unplug to connect

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Episode 84: Try Something New

May 12, 2025

Join Sunshine, Chelster, Airborne, and Punkie as they discuss their favorite camp activities, trying new things, and getting outside our comfort zones at GAC. This year's summer theme is Try Something New, so it's a great summer to really lean into our value of getting outside our comfort zone! We chose this year’s summer theme, Try Something New, because we want our 2025 campers to challenge themselves to get outside their comfort zones and try new activities and experiences while at camp. For our first-time campers, coming to camp is a great example of Trying Something New! At GAC this summer, we’ll practice setting goals and taking safe risks by trying new things. And we’ll encourage and cheer each other on while doing so. We want all of our campers to build confidence in their abilities and to understand that it’s normal to feel some discomfort when trying new things.  Our “Try Something New” theme builds on the work we’ve done with campers over the past few years as we’ve talked about getting outside our comfort zones, putting fear in the backseat, and challenging ourselves to try new things.  We’ve noticed more campers in recent summers who are hesitant to try camp activities they haven’t done before, and we want campers to experience the increased fun and confidence that comes with ... Read more

Schoolhouse Rocks 5K on May 18

May 5, 2025

Join GAC Runners at the Schoolhouse Rocks 5K (Menlo Park) on Sunday, May 18

Join the GAC Runners for the Schoolhouse Rocks 5K in Menlo Park! We're thrilled to be back to help support the Menlo Park - Atherton Education Foundation at this great event. We'll be at the expo before and after the race, so please come and see us. The race starts at 9:00 AM, and we'll be taking a group picture with all of our GAC friends and families at our booth at 10:15 AM. Information and registration available here.  

Episode 83: Creating a Happier World with Woody

Chuck "Woody" Radke's GAC story began in 1990 and continues to 2025. His wife "Tahoe" (Assistant Director) and son Will (Junior Counselor) will join him at Gold Arrow Camp this summer. Woody interviewed many alumni and authored the amazing Sierra Summers book about the history of Gold Arrow Camp. He has many insights about the impact of GAC on every generation of campers and staff.