How Girls Camp & High Adventure Camp Can Develop Relationships Youth Need | An Interview with Dan and Dave Gray

Dan Gray is an author, licensed psychotherapist, and lecturer. He
co-founded the LifeStar Network, an internationally-known program
designed to help individuals, couples, and families who have been
impacted by a family member’s unwanted compulsive or addictive
behaviors. Dan mostly loves being a husband, dad and grandpa, while
helping other men become stronger and more loving leaders and
mentors in their homes. Dave Gray has an entrepreneurial spirit and
has enjoyed careers in the real estate and mental health fields. He
believes in the symbiotic connection between the relationships we
have with those around us, and the choices we make in our lives. He
passionately cherishes his relationships with others, especially
his close family and friends and specifically with his kids. Dave
couldn’t be more excited to create powerful and unique
opportunities for parents and their kids to make deep and
meaningful connections with one another through Bridgecamp. Links
Bridgecamp.com There is already a discussion started about this
podcast. Share your thoughts. Read the transcript of this podcast
Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights 4:30
Introduction to father and son Dan and Dave Gray 7:15 Dan mostly
works with people struggling with pornography and other addictive
behaviors. 9:24 Dan's therapy work and the genesis of Bridgecamp
13:45 Overview of Bridgecamp. A place for parents and their kids to
connect. 16:01 Components of Bridgecamp: Adventuring, learning, and
serving 18:45 The power of experiential activities 19:30 Dan shares
how experiential activities with his dad created a strong
relationship between them. These activities also gave his dad
opportunities to teach him. 23:15 Experiential activities for the
youth and church leaders. These activities help leaders connect
with the youth and give opportunities for the kids to grow in
different areas. 24:50 Bridgecamp is a one-on-one experience for
kids 12 to 17. Now that the Church isn’t associated with Boy Scouts
it's a great opportunity to get out and camp and be mentored. 28:00
The best way to describe Bridgecamp is that it’s a relationship-,
trust-, and connection-building program. It’s not a therapy program
but it is a therapeutic environment. 29:00 Bridgecamp can be an
alternative to therapy for a struggling teen. An opportunity for
parents to break down their teen’s walls and connect with them.
32:00 How can we be more intentional when it comes to girls camp,
high adventure, or doing parent and child activities? 35:00 When
you are self aware you are also aware of what’s going on in your
relationships and building them. 39:20 Addressing parental issues
at Bridgecamp 42:35 Discussion and learning components at
Bridgecamp 45:30 The mentoring aspect of the camp is important
also. The staff are there to mentor, and give examples of healthy
interactions. 46:00 We were created to connect. In Genesis it says
that it’s not good for man to be alone. We all long for bonding and
the love and connection with others. The camp plants the seeds to
create a better relationship that you can continue to develop when
you go back home. The Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top
independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading
Saints' mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to
lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at
LeadingSaints.org. Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David
Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz
Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore,
Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister,
Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B.
Neuenschwander, Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan
Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg
McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard
Ostler, Kirby Heyborne,