Gold Arrow Camp Podcast

Episode 98: Zippy on Growing Independence

Gold Arrow Camp Podcast

Show Notes

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.

More from Gold Arrow Camp Podcast

May 4, 2026

In this episode of the Podcast, Anne “Jonesy” Collonge reflects on the impact of her experiences as a camper in the 1980s, a staff member in the 1990s/2000s, and as a current camp parent and staff member.

Apr 27, 2026

Fifth year staff member, “Matcha,” shares about her initial hesitancy to come work at camp and how much she’s experienced and grown over her four summers. This year, Matcha will be one of the leaders in the kitchen. Along with her team, she’ll be making sure all of us have delicious food and lots of healthy options at every meal.

Apr 20, 2026

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.

Apr 13, 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Season of the Gold Arrow Camp Podcast! In this episode, Sunshine talks about the GAC Philosophy (Vision, Mission, & Goals) and how we focus on building specific character traits and skills that lead to well-being. This summer, our theme is Crank up the Thanks. Our focus is building our gratitude, a character trait consistently linked to happiness and well-being.

Oct 6, 2025

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.

See all episodes →