Gold Arrow Camp Podcast

This episode features Sunshine’s chat with Smokey, who will be a Head Counselor this summer at GAC. Smokey shares about her childhood summer camp experiences and how she creates memorable moments for campers at GAC. Resources/Related Episode 89: WOWs with Bravo Episode 103: Crank Up the Thanks (and Happiness!) Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 104: Memorable Camp Moments with Smokey appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

Thank you for being part of the Gold Arrow Camp community this year! In this week’s episode, Sunshine wraps up the 2025 GAC Podcast season and gives an overview of what we covered in this season’s interviews. 2025 Podcast Directory Episode 75: Creating a Happier World with Airborne Episode 76: Creating a Happier World with Chelster Episode 77: Creating a Happier World with Bagel Episode 78: Creating a Happier World with Speed Episode 79: Creating a Happier World: The GAC Philosophy Episode 80: The Magic of Camp (Happy Campers Book Excerpt) Episode 81: Creating a Happier World with Evergreen Episode 82: Creating a Happier World with Glitter Episode 83: Creating a Happier World with Woody Episode 84: Try Something New Episode 85: Unplug to Connect Episode 86: Thrivers with Dr. Michele Borba Episode 87: Experienced Campers Talk about Camp Episode 88: Razz Talks about Camp Episode 89: WOWs with Bravo Episode 90: The GAC Experience with Punkie Episode 91: Getting Outside with Boulder Episode 92: The Positive Impact of Camp with Echo Episode 93: Growing at GAC with Vision Episode 94: Making the World a Better Place with the Friedman Sisters Episode 95: Junior Counselors on Unplugging to Connect Episode 96: Magoo Shares About Community and Confidence Episode 97: Lyric on Growing Up at GAC Episode 98: Zippy on Growing Independence Episode 99: Pua on Overcoming Discomfort Episode 100: Barrow on Juggling for Well-Being Episode 101: Sneaks on Finding His Confidence and Helping Campers Find Theirs Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 102: Season Wrap-Up with Sunshine appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

Head Counselor and GAC’s very own Circus Skills Coach tells his GAC story and about the passion for circus skills that he’s shared with our 2024 and 2025 campers and staff. Barrow’s high energy, positivity, and his love of juggling and circus skills have made a huge impact on our community, and we’re so grateful he’s part of our community. Many campers have headed home with their own diablos, practicing new skills they learned from Barrow. Each 2025 Appreciation Campfire featured “Cirque de GAC,” a performance of campers who’ve practiced new circus skills they learned from Barrow. Talk about trying something new! We talk about some of the many positive benefits of juggling, including reduced stress and anxiety and improved perseverance and confidence. According to Google: Diabolo juggling provides a wide array of benefits, from enhancing hand-eye coordination and concentration to boosting confidence and promoting social interaction. The practice can be mentally engaging, physically challenging, and a source of personal expression.  Cognitive and mental benefits Improves focus and concentration: Diabolo requires intense and continuous focus to keep the prop spinning and balanced. This is a form of mindfulness that can help with concentration in other areas of life. Sharpens reflexes and coordination: To maintain the diabolo’s spin and execute tricks, your eyes must track the diabolo while your hands manipulate the sticks and string. This process improves hand-eye coordination and quickens reflexes. Boosts brain health: Learning a complex bilateral motor skill like juggling encourages neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This can improve brain health and function throughout a person’s life. Increases perseverance: Mastering a new trick is a process of trial and error that teaches patience and persistence. Each failure offers a chance to refine your technique, and the eventual success provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Reduces stress: The rhythmic and meditative nature of diabolo can provide a healthy distraction from daily stress and anxiety. Physical benefits Develops fine and gross motor skills: The delicate, precise movements of the sticks train fine motor skills, while the larger motions involved in tossing and catching the diabolo work gross motor skills. Offers a low-impact workout: Diabolo is a physical activity that gets you up and moving, which is healthier than remaining sedentary. Higher-level tricks involving multiple diabolos or acrobatics provide a more athletic challenge. Enhances physical expression: As you become more proficient, you can develop your own style and create artistic routines. The diabolo becomes a medium for physical and emotional expression, akin to a form of visual music.  Social and emotional benefits Builds confidence and self-esteem: Every new trick you master gives you a tangible sense of achievement, which builds confidence and a positive self-image. This reinforces that you are capable of learning and growing. Fosters a sense of community: The diabolo community is largely non-competitive and supportive. Sharing knowledge, practicing with friends, and attending juggling clubs or conventions can be a great way to make new connections and bond with others. Inspires creativity: From inventing a new trick to choreographing a performance, diabolo encourages creative exploration. Its open-ended nature means there is no limit to what you can learn and create.  Resources/Related Episode 85: Unplug to Connect 5 Surprising Benefits of Learning to Juggle and Why it Might Improve Your State of Mind Beyond the Balls: Unlocking the Surprising Benefits of Juggling Juggling: A Fun Way to Boost Focus and Beat Anxiety Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 100: Barrow on Juggling for Well-Being appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

This summer, Renee “Zippy” Say celebrated her twentieth summer at GAC. Zippy attended as a camper and was a staff member in the early 2000s. Now she’s returned as a parent of her three boys and as a Shaver Host for two weeks each summer. In this episode she talks about her experiences as a camper and staff and the experiences her three boys are now having as campers. She talks a lot about the independence she developed in her camper and staff year and that she’s now seeing her boys develop because of their time at camp. Resources/Related Let Grow Want An Independent, Self-Confident Kid? Camp Can Help! Episode 95: Junior Counselors on Unplugging to Connect Episode 85: Unplug to Connect Sunshine Parenting Episode 100: Teens’ Advice for Raising Responsible, Independent Kids Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 98: Zippy on Growing Independence appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

Madie “Magoo” Hotaling spent three summers as a camper at GAC and 2025 marked her fourth summer on staff. Magoo is a second generation GAC camper, following in the footsteps of her dad, George “Ghostrider” Hotaling. Magoo tells her GAC story and talks about how her time at camp has helped her build confidence and the community and friendships that keep drawing her back to camp. Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 96: Magoo Shares About Community and Confidence appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

We love it when siblings enjoy Gold Arrow Camp together. Meet sisters Brooke “Waves” and Jojo “Mojo” Friedman. Waves, who is in her 10th year at GAC, is an Activity Counselor working primarily on the waterfront this summer.  Mojo, in her 9th year, was a Junior Counselor this summer. In addition to their shared love of camp, the Friedman sisters are also making a remarkably positive impact in the world through the non-profit they founded during the pandemic, She Styles. In this interview, hosted by Bravo, Waves and Mojo share their stories! About She Styles This LA teen nonprofit holds free clothing pop-ups for low-income, homeless girls Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 94: Making the World a Better Place with the Friedman Sisters appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

Cady “Echo” Latt shares her GAC story, which started back in 2008 when she attended a one week “Nuggets” program after she had finished Kindergarten. After 10 years as a camper, Echo joined as a Junior Counselor. She’s now in her 5th year on staff. This year, Echo joins Sneaks in heading up our  Junior Counselor Program. In this longer conversation than our typical podcast chat, Echo and Sunshine talk about the benefits of camp, how camp has shaped her, and how much teens especially benefit from time at camp. Related Episode 85: Unplug to Connect Junior Counselor Program Five Reasons Every Teen Should Go To Summer Camp Dancing and the Brain (Harvard Medical School) Echo with two of our 2025 Junior Counselors Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 92: The Positive Impact of Camp with Echo appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

Paige “Punkie” McKee reflects on her five years as a camper and five years (including this summer) on staff at Gold Arrow Camp. She reflects on the impact of her camp experiences and how the independence and adventure she experienced at camp has helped her pursue an equally adventurous adulthood. This summer, Punkie is leading the Media Team (photographers and videographer). We talk about some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into posting all those great photos parents get to see while their camper is at GAC! Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 90: The GAC Experience with Punkie appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

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. Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 88: Razz Talks about Camp appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

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 the timing couldn’t be better. She’s researched seven specific character traits that parents and educators can focus on teaching kids to help them be resilient “thrivers” in a time when many children and adolescents are NOT thriving. The book is divided into three parts (Nurturing Heart, Developing Mind, and Cultivating Will) and each section has two or three specific character traits outlined in detail. Not only does Dr. Borba shares stories and research backing the importance of teaching kids the trait, but she also provides specific age-by-age ideas about how to instill each trait. This book needs to be on every parent and educator’s bookshelf and can be read one chapter at a time (if you want to focus on one trait) or all at once. With youth mental health and suicide rates rising, we all need to stop and reflect on what’s most important to teach our kids. And it’s not math or grammar or athletic skills. Instead, it’s the specific character traits that will help kids excel in all areas. Pick up Thrivers and learn how to teach kids self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism — all traits that are teachable and lead to a thriving life. Resources/Related Dr. Michele Borba’s Website 7 Essential Character Traits PDF Thrivers book info & video series [ENCORE] Ep. 138: Unselfie with Dr. Michele Borba Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 86: Thrivers with Dr. Michele Borba appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

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 learning and practicing new skills. It is our sincere hope that our 2025 GAC campers will take this theme to heart and continue to explore new activities and grow confidence outside of camp. During the summer, we’ll talk with campers about all the different ways they can TRY SOMETHING NEW at camp, including: Trying an activity they’ve never done before, like water skiing or rock climbing. Trying a new food or salad bar item. Practicing a new friendship skill, like introducing themselves to someone they haven’t met or asking a friend three questions to get to know them better. Challenging themselves to build a new skill in an activity they’ve done before. For example, they might try sailing a bigger boat this summer or signing up for the Will-O sailing trip. Learning a new camp dance (like “Tragedy” or “Foot Loose”). Overcoming a fear of heights by going up on the ropes course or zipline. Overcoming a fear of speaking or being in front of a large group by singing a song with their cabin group or acting in a skit at Big Campfire. Telling their cabin mates a story around the campfire. Reading a book (if they don’t normally read for fun) or reading a book in a different genre than what they usually read. Learning a new craft or hobby, like crocheting, juggling, or guitar, by signing up for a free time activity that you’ve never done before or learning from a friend. Starting a gratitude journal or a journal about what you’re doing at camp. Facing challenges, acknowledging big emotions, overcoming discouragement and frustrations, and learning how to get comfortable pushing ourselves to try new things are all skills that help us – and our kids – grow our resilience and our confidence. These are traits that will help our campers thrive both at camp and in life! Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 84: Try Something New appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.

In this episode, Audrey “Sunshine” Monke chats with Amy “Glitter” Bolton about her long career as a year-round GAC staff member serving as our Office Manager and Registrar. Glitter’s is the friendly voice most parents hear when they call the GAC office. Glitter’s GAC story started in 2001, when she joined our staff as an Office Assistant. Her six-year-old son Turner joined his mom at camp for the first time last summer. Share Post Pinterest Share Email The post Episode 82: Creating a Happier World with Glitter appeared first on Gold Arrow Camp - California Summer Camp and Traditional Sleepaway Camps for Children.