Gold Arrow Camp Podcast
Kids & Family
About
Let’s talk about having fun, making friends, and growing!
Episodes
- Episode 106: Jonesy Reflects on Being a Camper, Counselor, and Camp Parent
Anne “Jonesy” Collonge reflects on her lifelong connection to Gold Arrow Camp, detailing her journey as a camper in the 1980s, a staff member in the 1990s/2000s, and her current roles as a camp parent and staff member.
- Episode 105: Matcha on Growing at GAC
Fifth-year staff member “Matcha” shares her experience and growth at Gold Arrow Camp over four summers, detailing her initial hesitations. This year, she will be a kitchen leader, ensuring delicious and healthy meals.
- Episode 104: Memorable Camp Moments with Smokey
In this episode, Sunshine chats with Smokey, who is preparing to be a Head Counselor at GAC. Smokey discusses her own childhood summer camp memories and her methods for creating memorable moments for campers at Gold Arrow Camp.
- Episode 103: Crank Up the Thanks (and Happiness!)
In Episode 103, Sunshine explains the Gold Arrow Camp Philosophy, which centers on developing character traits and skills for well-being. The 2026 summer theme, 'Crank up the Thanks,' focuses on cultivating gratitude as a path to happiness.
- Episode 102: Season Wrap-Up with Sunshine
Sunshine concludes the 2025 Gold Arrow Camp Podcast season, recapping the discussions and interviews from the year. The season covered themes such as creating happiness, the camp experience, trying new things, and personal growth.
- Episode 101: Sneaks on Finding His Confidence and Helping Campers Find Theirs
Brian "Sneaks" Adler shares how his time at Gold Arrow Camp as a camper and counselor helped him develop confidence, emotional vulnerability, leadership, and a sense of purpose. He now focuses on helping campers and junior counselors exper…
- Episode 100: Barrow on Juggling for Well-Being
Barrow, a Circus Skills Coach at Gold Arrow Camp, discusses his passion for juggling and its positive effects on campers and staff. The episode highlights how learning circus skills like diabolo juggling can reduce stress, improve focus, a…
- Episode 99: Pua on Overcoming Discomfort
Staff member Natalia "Pua" Elias Rodriguez discusses her experience traveling from Mexico to work at Gold Arrow Camp. She shares her personal journey of overcoming initial adjustments to find success and growth as a horseback riding activi…
- Episode 98: Zippy on Growing Independence
Renee “Zippy” Say, celebrating 20 summers at Gold Arrow Camp (GAC), shares her experiences as a camper, staff member, and now a parent. She reflects on the independence she gained and is now observing in her three sons during their time at…
- Episode 97: Lyric on Growing Up at GAC
Lucas "Lyric" Orman, who started as a camper in 2007, shares his experiences of growing up at Gold Arrow Camp (GAC). He has spent eight summers as a camper and is now in his seventh year on staff, reflecting on the camp's impact on his lif…
- Episode 96: Magoo Shares About Community and Confidence
Madie “Magoo” Hotaling shares her story about Gold Arrow Camp, where she was a camper and staff member. She discusses how her time at GAC has influenced her confidence and highlights the sense of community and friendships that have led to…
- Episode 95: Junior Counselors on Unplugging to Connect
In Episode 95, Junior Counselors from Gold Arrow Camp discuss their month-long experience without screens. They share insights on their time at GAC and the values they are bringing home.
- Episode 94: Making the World a Better Place with the Friedman Sisters
Brooke “Waves” and Jojo “Mojo” Friedman, sisters and long-time campers at Gold Arrow Camp, discuss their positive impact beyond camp through their teen-led nonprofit, She Styles. The organization provides free clothing pop-up events for lo…
- Episode 93: Growing at GAC with Vision
Luke "Vision" Beshoff, Gold Arrow Camp’s Rock Climbing and Ropes Course Program Head, shares his experiences since starting as a camper in 2012. He details the "Rocks and Ropes" activities and their role in helping campers and staff grow b…
- Episode 92: The Positive Impact of Camp with Echo
Echo Latt recounts her journey with Gold Arrow Camp, from camper to staff member leading the Junior Counselor Program. She and Sunshine discuss the positive impact of camp on personal development, particularly for teenagers.
- Episode 91: Getting Outside with Boulder
Camp staff member Boulder shares his experiences as a camper at Gold Arrow Camp and how his time there fostered a love for backpacking and the outdoors, aligning with the camp's value of 'Connecting with Nature.'
- Episode 90: The GAC Experience with Punkie
Punkie McKee shares her reflections on her time at Gold Arrow Camp, both as a camper and a staff member. She discusses how the camp experience fostered independence and adventure, influencing her adult life, and describes her current role…
- Episode 89: WOWs with Bravo
In episode 89, Sunshine and Bravo of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast discuss the practice of writing "WOWs," which are positive notes and affirmations. They explain how and why WOWs are used, introduce the "magic relationship ratio," and highl…
- Episode 88: Razz Talks about Camp
Lucy ‘Razz’ Mahlmeister shares her experiences at Gold Arrow Camp, having started as an eight-year-old camper in 2010. She details her journey through eight years as a camper, one year as a Junior Counselor, and five years on staff, focusi…
- Episode 87: Experienced Campers Talk about Camp
In Episode 87, experienced campers aged 16 and 17 discuss their time at Gold Arrow Camp, focusing on their growth and experiences. Recorded in 2018, their insights are presented as still relevant for those new to the camp.
- Episode 86: Thrivers with Dr. Michele Borba
In this episode, Dr. Michele Borba shares insights from her book THRIVERS, detailing seven teachable skills related to heart, mind, and will that contribute to children's resilience and success. The discussion offers research-backed advice…
- Episode 85: Unplug to Connect
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast discusses the core value of "Unplugging to Connect," emphasizing the importance of reducing screen time for improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and overall well-being. Re…
- Episode 84: Try Something New
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast features counselors Sunshine, Chelster, Airborne, and Punkie discussing the camp's summer theme, 'Try Something New.' They talk about encouraging campers to step outside their comfort zones, buil…
- Episode 83: Creating a Happier World with Woody
Chuck “Woody” Radke, whose involvement with Gold Arrow Camp spans from 1990 to 2025, shares insights on the camp's lasting impact across generations. His family, including his wife and son, are also associated with the camp.
- Episode 82: Creating a Happier World with Glitter
Amy “Glitter” Bolton discusses her career at Gold Arrow Camp with Audrey “Sunshine” Monke. Bolton has been a year-round staff member since 2001, serving as Office Manager and Registrar.
- Episode 81: Creating a Happier World with Evergreen
Becky “Evergreen” Johnson joins host Audrey “Sunshine” Monke to discuss her decades-long connection with Gold Arrow Camp, starting as a Group Counselor in 1995. Evergreen shares how her experiences at the camp have influenced her personal…
- Episode 80: The Magic of Camp (Happy Campers Book Excerpt)
This episode features an excerpt from Audrey "Sunshine" Monke's book, Happy Campers, detailing the research-based practices that create a positive camp environment. It explores why children develop optimism and resilience at camp and offer…
- Episode 79: Creating a Happier World – The GAC Philosophy
This episode discusses the Gold Arrow Camp’s Vision, Mission, and Goals, focusing on positive habits and character traits. The hosts share the camp's philosophy and its aim to contribute to a happier world.
- Episode 78: Creating a Happier World with Speed
Armando “Speed” Negrete shares how his time as a Gold Arrow Camp staff member in the late 1990s and early 2000s provided him with valuable communication, leadership, and counseling skills. He applies these skills in his current roles as a…
- Episode 77: Creating a Happier World with Bagel
In this episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, Ben “Bagel” Bronstein, a fourteen-year veteran, talks with Sunshine about the community and positive culture that draws him back to GAC. Bagel reflects on his enjoyment as a camper and his cu…
- Episode 76: Creating a Happier World with Chelster
Chelsea "Chelster" Rowe shares her experiences at Gold Arrow Camp, highlighting the importance of its community and the benefits it offers campers, such as increased confidence and independence. She reflects on her nearly four-decade caree…
- Episode 75: Creating a Happier World with Airborne
In this episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, Audrey Monke speaks with Aaron "Airborne" Johnson about fostering positive communities for children. They discuss resources for parents and methods for helping kids resolve conflicts, touchin…
- Episode 74 – Gem
In Episode 74, Gem shares five camp-inspired adjustments for family life aimed at enhancing mental and physical well-being. The discussion references research from the Gottman Institute and the Greater Good Institute regarding the impact o…
- Episode 73 – Sis
On the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, episode 73 features Sis, a former camper and counselor, discussing homesickness and her experiences with young campers. She also offers advice for new campers and counselors.
- Episode 72 – Diana Bunney
Season 6 of the Gold Arrow Camp POG-Cast features an interview with Diana Bunney, believed to be one of the longest-serving individuals at the camp.
- BONUS EPISODE: Sunshine & Soy Talk About How Counselors Bring GAC’s Philosophy To Life
In this bonus episode of the Gold Arrow Camp POG-Cast, Sunshine and Soy discuss how camp counselors bring GAC's philosophy to life. They focus on the camp's goals for counselors and what counselors gain from the experience, offering a look…
- Hilly
In episode 70 of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, Hilly joins Soy to discuss the benefits of camp, excluding the weather. The episode also includes a geometry-based joke.
- Spotlight & Penguin
Friends Spotlight and Penguin reunited on the POG-Cast to discuss their experiences at Gold Arrow Camp, including making friends, GACting, Arts & Crafts, and favorite Big Campfire memories. The episode also features a Dad Joke of the Cast.
- Chai
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast features Chai, a long-time staff member, who shares insights from leading trips and working at the wellness center. Her perspective on camp is now informed by her nieces' recent first-time experi…
- Mariachi
Episode 67 of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast features Mariachi, who shares his journey as an international camper and counselor. The conversation covers his experiences at camp, including insights for prospective international campers, and fe…
- Taz
Taz, a former camper and staff member at Gold Arrow Camp known for his involvement in the OLC and boat driving, is featured in Episode 66 of the POG-Cast. This episode marks the return of host Soy for Season 5 and includes a "Joke of the C…
- Squid & Foxtrot
In this POG-Cast episode, host Sunshine speaks with siblings Squid and Foxtrot about their experiences at Gold Arrow Camp, including working at camp with a sibling. The episode notes that 18 sets of siblings worked at the camp in the summe…
- Whadda Week! August 23, 2021
The Gold Arrow Camp Podcast episode
- WHADDA WEEK! August 14, 2021
This episode of WHADDA WEEK!, hosted by members of Cabin 24 and a guest from Cabin 22, covers events at Gold Arrow Camp during the second week of Session #4. It includes camp highlights and discussions on friendship skills.
- Whadda Week! August 2, 2021
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, hosted by Bravo and Cabin 24, covers the second week of Session #3 in 2021.
- Whadda Week! July 25, 2021
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, hosted by Session 3 Junior Counselors, introduces the JCs and shares their objectives for the session. Information about the Junior Counselor Program is also provided.
- Whadda Week! July 18, 2021
The second week of Session #2 at Gold Arrow Camp is featured in this episode of Whadda Week!, hosted by Olivia, Hadley, Lindsay, and Dove from Cabin 18, with assistance from Hooper and Sunshine.
- Whadda Week! July 12, 2021
This episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, titled "Whadda Week!" from July 12, 2021, features hosts Bravo and Frames discussing Session #2 with Cabin 27.
- Whadda Week! July 4, 2021
The July 4, 2021 episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, "Whadda Week!", provides an update on camp life halfway through Session 1. Campers share insights on the week's activities and lessons about friendship and being Better Together.
- Whadda Day! June 28, 2021
The June 28, 2021 episode of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast, titled 'Whadda Day!', covers Cabin 0's departure for Shaver and highlights a friendship skill. The episode was originally posted on the Gold Arrow Camp website.