Our Mission
“Guiding Arrow is more than just a retreat center - we are a family dedicated to creating a space where children and adults alike can find solace and comfort in nature. We believe that nature has the power to heal and inspire, and that by connecting with our surroundings and each other, we can create a brighter, more meaningful world.”
-Jayson Smith, co-founder
Our Mission
Noticing disconnect and a lack of essential life skills in today’s youth, especially among the autism community, it is the mission of Guiding Arrow to empower each child and family with the confidence that comes from fully participating in a community environment.
At Guiding Arrow, we are passionate about creating an environment where families can come together, disconnect from screens and technology, and truly connect with each other and the natural world around them. We believe that these connections are essential for building healthy, happy communities, and for creating a better world for the next generation.
Through our programs, activities, and retreats, we aim to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in the natural world, and to help families connect with each other in meaningful ways. Our hope is that by spending time with us, families will leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and connected - ready to face the world with renewed energy and a sense of purpose.
At Guiding Arrow, our mission is to help families connect with nature, build community, and find inner peace. We believe that spending time in nature is especially crucial for children with autism, anxiety, and depression, and we strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all families to thrive.
“Come to the woods for here is rest.“
– John Muir
A Typical Day at Guiding Arrow
A typical day at Guiding Arrow includes organic gardening, cooking healthy organic whole foods meals as a community, learning how to play musical instruments, woodworking, foraging, building treehouses, farm animal caretaking, land navigation, basic repair, games, emotional wellness counseling, kayaking, swimming, mindfulness, yoga, art and a nightly community circle around the fire.
Children will leave camp rested, restored, nurtured, loved, accepted and empowered. Your child’s unique needs will always be our top priority.
Daily Schedule
Sunrise mediation
Gentle yoga
Tend to animals, gather eggs
Cook breakfast, eat as a community
Morning activity: see “weekly activities”
Cook lunch, eat as a community
Solo/quiet time
Afternoon activity: see “weekly activities”
Tend to farm
Gentle yoga
Cook dinner, eat as a community
Bonfire, music, storytelling
Weekly Activities
Woodworking class
Emotional regulation class
Kayaking
Hiking
Crafting
Yoga
Cooking
Music - instruments (guitar, drums, violin, piano)
Foraging lesson
Art
Land navigation
Basic repair work - home, car, computer etc.
Survival skills class - fire building, plant identification, etc
Games
Peace building class - non violent communication, identify personal values, boundaries, etc.
Gardening
Animal caretaking
