At Gold Arrow Camp, the safety of our campers and staff is our highest priority. We are fortunate that, due to our location and topography, we are not at risk for catastrophic flooding. In terms of fire and other natural disasters, we have emergency plans in place that are regularly reviewed and updated in coordination with local authorities.
Our comprehensive emergency response and evacuation plan has been in place for many years and is reviewed annually by Fresno County’s Office of Emergency Management. Each week during the summer, we share updated population counts with the County, which helps them determine the number of transportation seats required should an evacuation ever be necessary.
Before each summer, our directors attend a detailed briefing with local agencies, including Cal Fire, the Sheriff’s Department, and Emergency Management officials. This meeting provides updates on current conditions and ensures that all procedures reflect the latest best practices. We are grateful for the strong relationships we maintain with these agencies and for their commitment to the safety of our camp community.
While no one can predict every natural event, we take every precaution to be ready. We are confident in our preparation, thankful for our well-protected location, and committed to the safety and well-being of every camper and staff member entrusted to our care.
Gold Arrow Camp’s location provides significant natural fire protection. We are surrounded on all sides by defensible space, including Huntington Lake, Big Creek, Highway 168, and the burn scar from the 2020 Creek Fire. We have long maintained an active forest management program that includes tree thinning, clearing, and chipping or controlled burning to reduce fuel.
Should we ever need to evacuate, we have a safe and nearby refuge: China Peak Mountain Resort, located just adjacent to camp. This area includes large indoor spaces surrounded by large parking lots, with access to amenities such as food, water, and restrooms—allowing us to shelter safely while awaiting transportation. In coordination with our local charter bus partner and the County, we have contingency plans in place to relocate campers to Fresno and facilitate further transportation to family pick-up points in both Northern and Southern California and communicate necessary information to camp families via phone, email and text.