Richard Louv's Thoughts about Camp

I really enjoyed this article by Richard Louv.  Like me, Louv is a huge proponent of getting kids OUTSIDE, in NATURE, and off those darn computers and phones!

Camp Revival, by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods

10 Kids Health Issues to Watch in 2011

 Article about kids health issues to watch for 2011.  Among them:  fighting Nature Deficit Disorder! 
 http://kidshealth.org/parent/kh_misc/2011_issues.html

Raising Optimistic Kids

One way to help your children develop Realistic Optimism is to help them notice the good in the world around them.

Karen Reivich, Ph.D.

In raising kids, much of our focus as parents is on their education.  We want them to do well in school so that they will have opportunities and eventually be able to lead productive lives as adults.  But developing their intellects is just one piece of helping our children grow into happy, healthy adults.   In the recent documentary movie, "The Race to Nowhere," a spotlight was placed on our culture's focus on achievement over happiness and the devastating effects this focus is having on our children's mental and emotional health.  One way to combat the ultra-competitive culture and stress we and our kids face daily is to "stop and smell the roses."  I believe getting outside in nature is a great way to combat worries, bad news, hectic schedules, and the stress that can permeate our lives.   Teaching our kids optimism starts with working on being optimistic ourselves.   Pointing out a beautiful sunset, taking a walk at dusk, going on a family bike ride, and looking at the stars are just a few ideas of how we as parents can steer our kids towards noticing the beauty and good that is in the world.  If you want to read more about raising optimistic kids, I encourage you to visit the "Fishful Thinking" website: "Fishful Thinking" Optimism Articles.

The Power of Camp

Gold Arrow Camp took my city kid, who could barely ride a bike, and returned a sailing, camping, climbing, in love with the outdoors young man.


My daughter is more confident, independent and fearless than ever before.  And she is more conscientious.  She is now cleaning up after herself and truly helping around the house in a way that the nagging in the world can't achieve.

-Gold Arrow Parents, 2009

Allowing your child to have a Gold Arrow Camp experience is a gift that has positive, life-long benefits beyond learning how to sail or rock climb.

A Taste of Independence
Being super-involved with our children and always being in constant communication with them has become something modern parents brag about. But when do we start letting go and giving our kids a chance to feel independent from us? With cell phones attached at our (and their) hips, our children are in constant communication with us. Forgot their lunch? A friend says something mean? Stubbed their toe? We know right away and swoop in to rescue them.

Intuitively, we know that it’s better to let our kids deal with consequences from their mistakes, face some problems on their own, and get through the day without us, but it’s SO HARD to let them.

Camp: One Solution to Parenting Challenges

•  Too much screen time, not enough outside time.

•  Helping kids become independent adults.

•  Everything's a competition.

•  Good friends are hard to find.

     In today's digital, fast-moving, ultra-competitive world, raising kids who grow into healthy, happy, well-adjusted, independent adults has become more challenging for parents.  Gold Arrow Camp offers a traditional camp experience which many parents have found to benefit their child's development of important life skills.  In partnership with parents who are focused on their child's healthy development, Gold Arrow Camp offers a positive, child-focused outdoor camp program that counteracts some of the negative experiences children are facing in school, sports, social life, and cyber space.

Gold Arrow Camp took my city kid, who could barely ride a bike, and returned a sailing, camping, climbing, in love with the outdoors young man.

Jennifer Lansing

Chicago, Illinois