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.
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 they think deserves this honor. They include comments about the person they nominate. We have such a high caliber of staff, many of whom are extremely positive and exemplify what Coach stood for, and we are grateful for the legacy he left us and that so many people at GAC are incredibly positive and motivating to others.
2025’s recipient, Luke “Vision” Beshoff, stood out in those many nominations for his kind and positive leadership, bounding enthusiasm for all things GAC, and for his genuine support and encouragement of staff and campers. Vision’s name has been added to Coach’s Award, which hangs in our camp post office.
Vision has a long history at GAC. He was a camper for seven years, from 2012-2018, and joined our staff in 2022. Vision has primarily worked with our Rock Climbing & Ropes Course team as an activity counselor and then joined our Leadership Team as head of the program. His sister, Sophie “Sage” Beshoff is also a long-time camper and staff member, and last year’s Coach’s Award recipient!
There were many amazing comments about Vision in his nominations from fellow counselors, including:
Vision’s leadership these past two summers has completely shaped my camp experience and is one of the reasons I want to keep coming back. He is incredibly compassionate toward his staff and genuinely cares about others. I cannot imagine camp without his positive presence. I genuinely believe knowing and working with Vision has made me a stronger leader and better person. I am incredibly grateful to have Vision at camp.
He has been the best leader I have ever worked with. His passion, attitude, perseverance and how easy he’s solving situations makes Vision such a great leader not only for GAC but also for creating big impacts on people’s lives. Vision has been a really hardworking leader. He’s not a boss but a leader who knows how to handle complicated situations and his team. I love the way he encourages others to do their best!
Over the last four years at GAC, I have watched Vision grow more and more as a leader. This year especially, I have seen him lead his Rocks and Ropes team to be the best they can be – creating camaraderie amongst the group, offering support whenever needed, and checking in frequently. He has been an incredible mentor and role model to me as to how to be a great leader. His can-do attitude and genuine love for GAC is radiant. There is nobody who deserves this award more than Vision.
Vision has done an awesome job of stepping up to act like a leader this year. He always volunteers whenever anything is needed. He is a huge support for staff members, and also kind and supportive to campers. His smile and enthusiasm bring positive energy to camp wherever he goes.
Here’s what a few campers had to say about Vision this summer:
HILARIOUS! Loved him so much!
Super welcoming and friendly.
He’s so nice and tells good stories and riddles.
Really helped me with being homesick.
Vision was super funny, kind and considerate!
Earlier this summer, Vision sat down with Sunshine in Episode 93 of the GAC Podcast.
Vision is incredibly positive and enthusiastic about camp and his experiences here. He describes in detail the activities that fall under the “Rocks and Ropes” category here at camp, and how each of them offers amazing opportunities for campers and staff to get outside their comfort zones and grow! Vision also shares how he’s started appreciating different aspects of camp as he’s gotten older.