Sunshine Parenting

Welcome to the Happy Campers Book Hub

Happy Campers is a one-of-a-kind resource for parents wanting to raise happy, socially intelligent, successful kids.

“HAPPY CAMPERS–full of practical and powerful tools that parents can immediately put into practice–lights a path to help parents nurture a culture of connection in our homes…to help our children become their best selves.”

—Tina Payne Bryson, Ph. D., LCSW, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and The Yes Brain

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about the book

Why are kids more optimistic, resilient, independent, and competent
after just a few weeks at summer camp?

Why do they feel less depressed, anxious, and disconnected at camp than they do anywhere else?

Why are so many campers heartbroken when it’s time to go home?

Veteran summer camp director Audrey “Sunshine” Monke, psychologist and parenting expert, shares what she’s learned from three decades of creating a summer camp that kids call their “happy place” and “second home,” a culture where research has proven kids become happier while gaining important social and emotional skills in just two weeks.

Based on thousands of interactions with campers, camp counselors, and parents, and on academic research in positive psychology, Happy Campers introduces a framework of intentional strategies to help parents create the same kind of transformational culture that kids experience at camp. Instead of raising a generation of kids who are overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and unable to function as independent and responsible adults, parents can create an environment at home that promotes the growth of important character traits and social skills that kids need in order to have meaningful and successful lives. Complete with specific ideas to implement these summer camp secrets at home, Happy Campers is a one-of-a-kind resource for parents wanting to raise happy, socially intelligent, successful kids.

Full of practical and powerful tools

"HAPPY CAMPERS--full of practical and powerful tools that parents can immediately put into practice--lights a path to help parents nurture a culture of connection in our homes...to help our children become their best selves."

-Tina Payne Bryson, Ph. D., LCSW, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and The Yes Brain

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T13:44:00-07:00

-Tina Payne Bryson, Ph. D., LCSW, and New York Times bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and The Yes Brain

"HAPPY CAMPERS--full of practical and powerful tools that parents can immediately put into practice--lights a path to help parents nurture a culture of connection in our homes...to help our children become their best selves."

Tremendous insight into youth development

“Audrey Monke has tremendous insight into youth development, and a great gift of being able to articulate it for parents, young and not so young. Working with children in a camp setting, we get the rare opportunity to teach children who are temporarily disconnected from their loving parents, and oh, what wonderful progress we make in a short time, in the realm of confidence, self-actualization, self-control, independence, collaboration and socialization. The lessons we learn at camp can be easily adapted by strong parents at home. Strong, because parenting at home is tougher than camp, with all of the technological distractions in our children’s day to day life. Thank you Audrey for helping bridge the gap between the extraordinary world of camp, and the ordinary (but unbelievably challenging) world at home!”

-Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director of Liberty Lake Day Camp, Past President of American Camp Association (NY/NJ), Host of The Day Camp Podcast

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T13:45:12-07:00

-Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director of Liberty Lake Day Camp, Past President of American Camp Association (NY/NJ), Host of The Day Camp Podcast

“Audrey Monke has tremendous insight into youth development, and a great gift of being able to articulate it for parents, young and not so young. Working with children in a camp setting, we get the rare opportunity to teach children who are temporarily disconnected from their loving parents, and oh, what wonderful progress we make in a short time, in the realm of confidence, self-actualization, self-control, independence, collaboration and socialization. The lessons we learn at camp can be easily adapted by strong parents at home. Strong, because parenting at home is tougher than camp, with all of the technological distractions in our children’s day to day life. Thank you Audrey for helping bridge the gap between the extraordinary world of camp, and the ordinary (but unbelievably challenging) world at home!”

Packed with great, practical, easy to apply suggestions


  1. “Camp is the greatest tool and environment to build life-long skills and qualities in young people, and this book expertly describes in a clear, warm, and interesting way how parents can take what works at camp and use it at home every day to help kids become responsible, independent, and caring adults.”

  2.  “This highly useful book is packed with great, practical, easy to apply suggestions that adults can use every day to support kids in becoming their best. Happy Campers is written in a warm, engaging style that teaches powerful techniques to raise young people.”

-Michael Brandwein, educator, speaker, best-selling author of Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People, and writer/presenter of Emmy® award-winning public television series Parenting Puzzle

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:01:48-07:00

-Michael Brandwein, educator, speaker, best-selling author of Growing Great Qualities in Kids: The L.A.S.E.R.B.E.A.M. Technique for Bringing Out the Best in Young People, and writer/presenter of Emmy® award-winning public television series Parenting Puzzle

“Camp is the greatest tool and environment to build life-long skills and qualities in young people, and this book expertly describes in a clear, warm, and interesting way how parents can take what works at camp and use it at home every day to help kids become responsible, independent, and caring adults.”  “This highly useful book is packed with great, practical, easy to apply suggestions that adults can use every day to support kids in becoming their best. Happy Campers is written in a warm, engaging style that teaches powerful techniques to raise young people.”

I have never read a more optimistic and well-grounded guide to parenting

“Happy Campers is a joyful and wise parenting book.   Drawing on her lifetime of experience as a camper, camp counselor and camp director, Audrey Monke shows us what is most important in the lives of children.  She then takes the next step and teaches parents how they can recreate the magic of camp in their own homes.  I have never read a  more optimistic and well-grounded guide to parenting.”

-Michael G. Thompson

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:03:41-07:00

-Michael G. Thompson

“Happy Campers is a joyful and wise parenting book.   Drawing on her lifetime of experience as a camper, camp counselor and camp director, Audrey Monke shows us what is most important in the lives of children.  She then takes the next step and teaches parents how they can recreate the magic of camp in their own homes.  I have never read a  more optimistic and well-grounded guide to parenting.”

For the first time ever, parents have access to the recipe for the secret sauce of camp

“Happy Campers brings camp home by breaking down the elements that make camp such a magical time for kids - the independence, creativity and innovation - and shows parents how to re-create that magic at home.  Audrey Monke, a longtime camper and camp owner, explains why camp is where kids become their best selves, and gives parents access to some of that old camp magic. For many kids, camp is where they become their very bravest, most creative and competent selves. For any parent who has wanted to bring some of that camp magic home, Audrey Monke’s Happy Campers offers a way back, an opportunity to capture a bit of that fireside kid after they return home. For the first time ever, parents have access to the recipe for the secret sauce of camp, a blend of connection, positivity, independence, and perseverance that can turn any kid into his or her best self.”

-Jessica Lahey, Teacher & Writer, Author of New York Times bestselling The Gift of Failure & forthcoming The Addiction Inoculation

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:05:44-07:00

-Jessica Lahey, Teacher & Writer, Author of New York Times bestselling The Gift of Failure & forthcoming The Addiction Inoculation

“Happy Campers brings camp home by breaking down the elements that make camp such a magical time for kids - the independence, creativity and innovation - and shows parents how to re-create that magic at home.  Audrey Monke, a longtime camper and camp owner, explains why camp is where kids become their best selves, and gives parents access to some of that old camp magic. For many kids, camp is where they become their very bravest, most creative and competent selves. For any parent who has wanted to bring some of that camp magic home, Audrey Monke’s Happy Campers offers a way back, an opportunity to capture a bit of that fireside kid after they return home. For the first time ever, parents have access to the recipe for the secret sauce of camp, a blend of connection, positivity, independence, and perseverance that can turn any kid into his or her best self.”

Must-read primer on empowering our children with crucial life-skills

“Oh what I would have done to have had Happy Campers in my hands 20 years ago when I started my own family.  Sunshine (Audrey Monke) has written a must-read primer on empowering our children with crucial life-skills. This labor of love pulls the curtain back on the magic of summer camp and shows you how to bring these same principles into your home. Read this book and learn from the woman who has taught literally tens of thousands of children how to connect with others, how to be independent, how to be problem solvers, and how to be kind.”

-Emily Andrada, MD, Professor, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:07:16-07:00

-Emily Andrada, MD, Professor, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine

“Oh what I would have done to have had Happy Campers in my hands 20 years ago when I started my own family.  Sunshine (Audrey Monke) has written a must-read primer on empowering our children with crucial life-skills. This labor of love pulls the curtain back on the magic of summer camp and shows you how to bring these same principles into your home. Read this book and learn from the woman who has taught literally tens of thousands of children how to connect with others, how to be independent, how to be problem solvers, and how to be kind.”

Insights on social coaching and other tangible practices that parents can use at home!

“This insightful book will help parents understand that the immense growth many kids experience at camp is not simply magic but a set of clear practices and approaches explained in clear and pragmatic frameworks throughout this book. The beauty of this book is Monke's years as a camp director have given her insights on social coaching and other tangible practices that parents can use at home!”

-Devorah Heitner, Author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in Their Digital World

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:10:23-07:00

-Devorah Heitner, Author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in Their Digital World

“This insightful book will help parents understand that the immense growth many kids experience at camp is not simply magic but a set of clear practices and approaches explained in clear and pragmatic frameworks throughout this book. The beauty of this book is Monke's years as a camp director have given her insights on social coaching and other tangible practices that parents can use at home!”

Dose of Positivity Parents Need

"Happy Campers offers the big dose of positivity parents need! Make your parenting far more enjoyable and effective by adopting practices camp counselors use at summer camp to create fun, life-changing, and character-building experiences for their campers. The 'Bringing Camp Home' section at the end of each chapter provides proven ideas and practices  to raise kids who are more capable, kind, resilient, and optimistic - and who have the skills to thrive as adults!"

 

 

-Jon Gordon, best selling author of The Energy Bus and The Power of a Positive Team

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:43:33-08:00

-Jon Gordon, best selling author of The Energy Bus and The Power of a Positive Team

"Happy Campers offers the big dose of positivity parents need! Make your parenting far more enjoyable and effective by adopting practices camp counselors use at summer camp to create fun, life-changing, and character-building experiences for their campers. The 'Bringing Camp Home' section at the end of each chapter provides proven ideas and practices  to raise kids who are more capable, kind, resilient, and optimistic - and who have the skills to thrive as adults!"    

Happy Campers is the best book I’ve read about family dynamics

“We all know we should be disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with our family members, but it can be hard to know where to begin when we are in poor habits. Audrey’s book is filled with inspiration that will appeal to kids and adults alike. From to conversion starters, to activities, her ideas will help unite families in fun and meaningful ways. The book also provides an excellent framework for how to instill qualities in our children that will set them up to be thriving adults, such as kindness, respect, capability, and responsibly. By doing too much for our kids, we deny them the confidence they need when they go off into the world without us. Happy Campers is the best book I’ve read about family dynamics and the practical strategies we can apply to create a positive family culture.”

-Kelly Pietrangeli, Author of Project Me for Busy Mothers: A Practical Guide to Finding a Happier Balance

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:16:23-07:00

-Kelly Pietrangeli, Author of Project Me for Busy Mothers: A Practical Guide to Finding a Happier Balance

“We all know we should be disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with our family members, but it can be hard to know where to begin when we are in poor habits. Audrey’s book is filled with inspiration that will appeal to kids and adults alike. From to conversion starters, to activities, her ideas will help unite families in fun and meaningful ways. The book also provides an excellent framework for how to instill qualities in our children that will set them up to be thriving adults, such as kindness, respect, capability, and responsibly. By doing too much for our kids, we deny them the confidence they need when they go off into the world without us. Happy Campers is the best book I’ve read about family dynamics and the practical strategies we can apply to create a positive family culture.”

This book has convinced me that camp is a savior for our kids in this high paced, high pressure, highly disconnected world we are living in

"I always thought that one of the best examples of The Danish Way of Parenting in America would be sending kids to summer camp.  “Happy Campers” has now convinced me that this is 100% true. The lessons taught in one of the happiest countries in the world for over 40 years in a row and camp are extremely similar. Resilience, independence, self-trust, empathy, and connection (hygge) are vital to children’s well-being. This book has convinced me that camp is a savior for our kids in this high paced, high pressure, highly disconnected world we are living in. If you want to raise capable, confident, connected kids, I can’t recommend this book enough. I literally signed my kids up for camp the minute I finished it!”

-Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-author of The Danish Way of Parenting; What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Capable, Confident Kids

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:17:45-07:00

-Jessica Joelle Alexander, co-author of The Danish Way of Parenting; What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Capable, Confident Kids

"I always thought that one of the best examples of The Danish Way of Parenting in America would be sending kids to summer camp.  “Happy Campers” has now convinced me that this is 100% true. The lessons taught in one of the happiest countries in the world for over 40 years in a row and camp are extremely similar. Resilience, independence, self-trust, empathy, and connection (hygge) are vital to children’s well-being. This book has convinced me that camp is a savior for our kids in this high paced, high pressure, highly disconnected world we are living in. If you want to raise capable, confident, connected kids, I can’t recommend this book enough. I literally signed my kids up for camp the minute I finished it!”

Powerful Parenting Guide

"Happy Campers is a remarkably powerful parenting guide.  Audrey brings a unique confluence of skills.  She has been a camp director for over three decades and has worked with thousands of children and their parents.  She has seen what produces capable and content children - and what produces the opposite. She combines that experience with a deep understanding of psychology and her own experience as a mother of five.  In Happy Campers, Audrey shares a wealth of knowledge coupled with truly practical advice.  The unexpected benefit is that her advice actually makes being a parent more enjoyable as well as more effective!"

-Steve Baskin, Owner/Director of Camp Champions, Psychology Today writer, and TEDx Speaker

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:49:41-08:00

-Steve Baskin, Owner/Director of Camp Champions, Psychology Today writer, and TEDx Speaker

"Happy Campers is a remarkably powerful parenting guide.  Audrey brings a unique confluence of skills.  She has been a camp director for over three decades and has worked with thousands of children and their parents.  She has seen what produces capable and content children - and what produces the opposite. She combines that experience with a deep understanding of psychology and her own experience as a mother of five.  In Happy Campers, Audrey shares a wealth of knowledge coupled with truly practical advice.  The unexpected benefit is that her advice actually makes being a parent more enjoyable as well as more effective!"

This is genius


  1. “Summer camp magic translated to home life … this is genius. Easy takeaways for home to promote closer connections with our children.”

  2. “Read a chapter, let it resonate … then read the next! This book is the perfect guide for raising connected children in today’s fast-paced world.”

-Adrienne Portnoy-Durgin, Skylake Yosemite Camp

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-10-13T14:23:10-07:00

-Adrienne Portnoy-Durgin, Skylake Yosemite Camp

“Summer camp magic translated to home life … this is genius. Easy takeaways for home to promote closer connections with our children.” “Read a chapter, let it resonate … then read the next! This book is the perfect guide for raising connected children in today’s fast-paced world.”

Research-Based, Transformational Strategies

"Although I just got my copy of Happy Campers, by Audrey Monke, you would think I had owned it for years already given the multitude of dog-eared pages, the massive amount of notes in the margins, and the number of parents I’ve already lent the book to, urging them to read specific sections.  Happy Campers is the brand-new, but already well-worn book I wish I had had twenty years ago when I first started my career working with children and families.  It is full of practical, realistic, easy-to-implement, no-cost, research-based, transformational strategies that will help parents and caregivers bring the magic of summer camp into daily home interactions.  

Happy Campers shines a light on nine overall positive practices used in quality summer camps and offers readers dozens (and dozens!) of ways to use these strategies to help kids and families thrive year-round.  Starting with ideas for building nurturing connections between family members and then exploring critical topics such as the importance of optimism in interactions, how to nurture grit and determination, helping kids experience independence and grow their individual identities, making kindness cool, building healthy friendship skills, and cultivating the kind of self-confidence that makes kids unstoppable, Monke’s book is as realistic and readable as it is invaluable.  

As a School Counselor, therapist, and parent, Happy Campers is everything I could hope for in a book and more!  I highly recommend it for anyone living or working with young people!"

-Signe Whitson, Author and International Educator on Bullying Prevention

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:52:10-08:00

-Signe Whitson, Author and International Educator on Bullying Prevention

"Although I just got my copy of Happy Campers, by Audrey Monke, you would think I had owned it for years already given the multitude of dog-eared pages, the massive amount of notes in the margins, and the number of parents I’ve already lent the book to, urging them to read specific sections.  Happy Campers is the brand-new, but already well-worn book I wish I had had twenty years ago when I first started my career working with children and families.  It is full of practical, realistic, easy-to-implement, no-cost, research-based, transformational strategies that will help parents and caregivers bring the magic of summer camp into daily home interactions.   Happy Campers shines a light on nine overall positive practices used in quality summer camps and offers readers dozens (and dozens!) of ways to use these strategies to help kids and families thrive year-round.  Starting with ideas for building nurturing connections between family members and then exploring critical topics such as the importance of optimism in interactions, how to nurture grit and determination, helping kids experience independence and grow their individual identities, making kindness cool, building healthy friendship skills, and cultivating the kind of self-confidence that makes kids unstoppable, Monke’s book is as realistic and readable as it is invaluable.   As a School Counselor, therapist, and parent, Happy Campers is everything I could hope for in a book and more!  I highly recommend it for anyone living or working with young people!"

Inspiring and irresistibly practical

“Inspiring and irresistibly practical! Happy Campers is a post-millennial parenting treasure--brimming with dozens of essential, achievable and transformative parenting strategies. Laugh and cry with Audrey Monke as she masterfully distills a lifetime of professional camp director wisdom that will guide your family to great joy and fun together while becoming more deeply optimistic, communicative, resilient, adaptable, socially competent and emotionally confident.”

-Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO, American Camp Association

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:54:01-08:00

-Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO, American Camp Association

“Inspiring and irresistibly practical! Happy Campers is a post-millennial parenting treasure--brimming with dozens of essential, achievable and transformative parenting strategies. Laugh and cry with Audrey Monke as she masterfully distills a lifetime of professional camp director wisdom that will guide your family to great joy and fun together while becoming more deeply optimistic, communicative, resilient, adaptable, socially competent and emotionally confident.”

Steps that make a thriving life possible

“Every girl and every boy should go to camp and discover hidden talents, inner strengths, and develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Happy Campers provides the indispensable steps that make a thriving life possible. As a 30-year educator and camp director, Audrey’s insights, research and storytelling make this a must read for parents everywhere.”

-Mike Endres, Director Camp Chippewa Foundation and Educator, M.Ed.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:54:51-08:00

-Mike Endres, Director Camp Chippewa Foundation and Educator, M.Ed.

“Every girl and every boy should go to camp and discover hidden talents, inner strengths, and develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Happy Campers provides the indispensable steps that make a thriving life possible. As a 30-year educator and camp director, Audrey’s insights, research and storytelling make this a must read for parents everywhere.”

Help kids become well-adjusted adults

“Camp insiders know that the lessons learned at camp change kids for the better. With Happy Campers, Audrey Monke allows parents to gain the knowledge of a lifelong camp director and parent of five kids. Monke’s writing is practical, full of stories from camp and parenting life with concrete simple strategies to help kids become well-adjusted adults who continue strong relationships with their parents. I’ve been a working social worker helping children and families for more than 25 years, and I still learned many useful strategies for connecting to my kids and helping them make a healthy transition to adulthood.”

-Catherine Pearlman, PhD, LCSW and author of Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:56:27-08:00

-Catherine Pearlman, PhD, LCSW and author of Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking the Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction

“Camp insiders know that the lessons learned at camp change kids for the better. With Happy Campers, Audrey Monke allows parents to gain the knowledge of a lifelong camp director and parent of five kids. Monke’s writing is practical, full of stories from camp and parenting life with concrete simple strategies to help kids become well-adjusted adults who continue strong relationships with their parents. I’ve been a working social worker helping children and families for more than 25 years, and I still learned many useful strategies for connecting to my kids and helping them make a healthy transition to adulthood.”

Support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids

“Audrey so beautifully combines profound wisdom with practical and doable strategies in such an encouraging way that we are left believing we can indeed create the magic of camp in our lives through the rest of the year! This book is such a compelling invitation to be more intentional, and in such a fun way, to support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids when they need it most.”

-Shasta Nelson, Author of Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:57:16-08:00

-Shasta Nelson, Author of Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness

“Audrey so beautifully combines profound wisdom with practical and doable strategies in such an encouraging way that we are left believing we can indeed create the magic of camp in our lives through the rest of the year! This book is such a compelling invitation to be more intentional, and in such a fun way, to support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids when they need it most.”

Wealth of information on child development

“As a camp director, one of my favorite things about being part of the camp community is the sharing of ideas in our field. I have followed Audrey’s blogs and podcast for a long time, and I am thrilled that she’s also written the book. She is a wealth of information on child development, and I frequently share her ideas with our camp parents. Happy Campers is a great resource for anyone who is invested in the growth of children!”

-Amy Broadbridge, Director, Camp Deerhorn

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-01-17T11:58:30-08:00

-Amy Broadbridge, Director, Camp Deerhorn

“As a camp director, one of my favorite things about being part of the camp community is the sharing of ideas in our field. I have followed Audrey’s blogs and podcast for a long time, and I am thrilled that she’s also written the book. She is a wealth of information on child development, and I frequently share her ideas with our camp parents. Happy Campers is a great resource for anyone who is invested in the growth of children!”

A wonderful testament to the enduring developmental power of a summer camp

"Happy Campers is a wonderful testament to the enduring developmental power of a high quality summer camp experience. Even for someone who never attended camp, you describe the interpersonal experiences and lessons that are so readily generated from community living, away from home, in a beautiful natural setting. I found the organization of the book especially appealing. You anecdotes brought the lessons to life and your pithy summaries made those lessons stick."

-Dr. Chris Thurber, Co-Author of The Summer Camp Handbook

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:18:16-07:00

-Dr. Chris Thurber, Co-Author of The Summer Camp Handbook

"Happy Campers is a wonderful testament to the enduring developmental power of a high quality summer camp experience. Even for someone who never attended camp, you describe the interpersonal experiences and lessons that are so readily generated from community living, away from home, in a beautiful natural setting. I found the organization of the book especially appealing. You anecdotes brought the lessons to life and your pithy summaries made those lessons stick."

Specific ways we can help our children develop confidence, connection, and well-being

"Happy Campers, Audrey Monke provides families with all the tools they need to bring the well-documented benefits of camp into their daily lives at home. By exploring the intentional mindsets and practices behind the magic of camp, Happy Campers shares specific ways we can help our children develop confidence, connection, and well-being. Whether the reader is looking for simple strategies to put into place right away, or is eager to explore the core values that shape their family priorities, this book delivers. Importantly, Audrey writes with the joy and enthusiasm of a dynamic and encouraging camp leader, who is there to remind us of the supports and experiences that matter most for our kids’ long-term well-being, and to highlight the importance of having fun along the way."

-Mary Hofstedt

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:22:19-07:00

-Mary Hofstedt

"Happy Campers, Audrey Monke provides families with all the tools they need to bring the well-documented benefits of camp into their daily lives at home. By exploring the intentional mindsets and practices behind the magic of camp, Happy Campers shares specific ways we can help our children develop confidence, connection, and well-being. Whether the reader is looking for simple strategies to put into place right away, or is eager to explore the core values that shape their family priorities, this book delivers. Importantly, Audrey writes with the joy and enthusiasm of a dynamic and encouraging camp leader, who is there to remind us of the supports and experiences that matter most for our kids’ long-term well-being, and to highlight the importance of having fun along the way."

Bring a little bit of that camp magic home to your family

"I’ve long wished life could be like summer camp. In this readable and practical book, Audrey Monke shows how to bring a little bit of that camp magic home to your family."

-Laura Vanderkam, Writer, Author, and  Speaker

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:23:03-07:00

-Laura Vanderkam, Writer, Author, and  Speaker

"I’ve long wished life could be like summer camp. In this readable and practical book, Audrey Monke shows how to bring a little bit of that camp magic home to your family."

One of the best applications of research-backed practices for parenting happy, self-motivated, resilient kids

"For the last decade, I've witnessed camp transform my children. Summer after summer, my kids come home more confident, joyful, and compassionate. I've always wished that we could bring the magic of camp home. Now we can! I've been a parenting and happiness expert for more than 15 years, and I can honestly say that Happy Campers is one of the best distillations and applications of research-backed practices for parenting happy, self-motivated, kind, and resilient kids I've seen yet."

-Dr. Christine Carter, Author, Speaker, and Coach

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:26:23-07:00

-Dr. Christine Carter, Author, Speaker, and Coach

"For the last decade, I've witnessed camp transform my children. Summer after summer, my kids come home more confident, joyful, and compassionate. I've always wished that we could bring the magic of camp home. Now we can! I've been a parenting and happiness expert for more than 15 years, and I can honestly say that Happy Campers is one of the best distillations and applications of research-backed practices for parenting happy, self-motivated, kind, and resilient kids I've seen yet."

A compelling invitation to be more intentional to support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids

"I was happy to endorse Audrey's book and am doubly happy to leave a review here, too, as her book really does beautifully combine profound wisdom with practical and doable strategies. This book is such a compelling invitation to be more intentional, and in such a fun way, to support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids when they need it most. Definitely will help you support the kids in your life in fun and meaningful ways."

-Shas

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:53:59-07:00

-Shas

"I was happy to endorse Audrey's book and am doubly happy to leave a review here, too, as her book really does beautifully combine profound wisdom with practical and doable strategies. This book is such a compelling invitation to be more intentional, and in such a fun way, to support the friendships and self-esteem of our kids when they need it most. Definitely will help you support the kids in your life in fun and meaningful ways."

An excellent book on parenting written in an easy and relatable language

"I really, really enjoyed this book. It gave me all the “happy feelings” of summer camp, days full of joy and long summer nights!Every chapter presents a lot of different strategies to implement the “camp secret”. At the end of each chapter there are concrete ideas and steps that you can use in your own home! These are: One Simple Thing (basic advice), the Sticky Note Solution, How to Make it Fun, Around the Campfire (how to discuss that particular challenge during dinnertime / bedtime), a Family Meeting Topic and Diving Deeper (a more detailed approach).

At the end of the book, there is a Ready for Adulthood Checklist which is an extensive list of all skills that an adult needs to thrive in our world.

An excellent book on parenting written in an easy and relatable language that is full of practical advice on raising happy kids!"

-UpCloseandBookish

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T10:57:19-07:00

-UpCloseandBookish

"I really, really enjoyed this book. It gave me all the “happy feelings” of summer camp, days full of joy and long summer nights!Every chapter presents a lot of different strategies to implement the “camp secret”. At the end of each chapter there are concrete ideas and steps that you can use in your own home! These are: One Simple Thing (basic advice), the Sticky Note Solution, How to Make it Fun, Around the Campfire (how to discuss that particular challenge during dinnertime / bedtime), a Family Meeting Topic and Diving Deeper (a more detailed approach). At the end of the book, there is a Ready for Adulthood Checklist which is an extensive list of all skills that an adult needs to thrive in our world. An excellent book on parenting written in an easy and relatable language that is full of practical advice on raising happy kids!"

Evidence-based, clinically tested, and heart-driven advice

"When I started reading this book, I shouted to my husband, oh my gosh, she's me. Monke cites every single development author I cherish in a new context, one I can apply to my parenting and children's programs at my rock climbing gym. There are some classic child-rearing themes, and there are books that are filler, and this is NEITHER of these. It's a new entry into a field that's sorely needed. Evidence-based, clinically tested, and heart-driven advice and accounts that can make a huge difference for parents AND children. Get it now. You will not be disappointed."

-Kristin T. Horowitz

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:34:22-07:00

-Kristin T. Horowitz

"When I started reading this book, I shouted to my husband, oh my gosh, she's me. Monke cites every single development author I cherish in a new context, one I can apply to my parenting and children's programs at my rock climbing gym. There are some classic child-rearing themes, and there are books that are filler, and this is NEITHER of these. It's a new entry into a field that's sorely needed. Evidence-based, clinically tested, and heart-driven advice and accounts that can make a huge difference for parents AND children. Get it now. You will not be disappointed."

I have used a few of these “parenting hacks” and they work great

"I am not a big reader. Since having children almost 5 years ago I don't think I have read a full book. My husband would tell you this is the first book I have read in years that is on my nightstand and has not collected dust, but actually has been read, has dogeared pages and been flipped through over and over, highlighted and written it. The best part about Happy Campers is that you don't need to read it all at once and you can read one section that you are most interested in to get information a little at a time and focus on implementing great parenting hacks. I have used a few of these "parenting hacks" and they work great. From young children to old. Highly recommend this book for any parent, grandparent, coach, teacher, counselor or anyone that works with children of any age. Children are never too old to be taught new things and treated like we would want to be from a young age!"

-Renee

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:35:45-07:00

-Renee

"I am not a big reader. Since having children almost 5 years ago I don't think I have read a full book. My husband would tell you this is the first book I have read in years that is on my nightstand and has not collected dust, but actually has been read, has dogeared pages and been flipped through over and over, highlighted and written it. The best part about Happy Campers is that you don't need to read it all at once and you can read one section that you are most interested in to get information a little at a time and focus on implementing great parenting hacks. I have used a few of these "parenting hacks" and they work great. From young children to old. Highly recommend this book for any parent, grandparent, coach, teacher, counselor or anyone that works with children of any age. Children are never too old to be taught new things and treated like we would want to be from a young age!"

This is the book I’m gifting to all the new parents I know

"If you could synthesize all of the best parenting advice into one book, I think you'd get Happy Campers. I loved this parenting book. It is easy to read, and re-read, especially in short bursts. Every time I pick it up, I get a gem of wisdom. My kids are older so I wish I'd had this book when we were starting out on our parenting journey. Nevertheless, there are so many great ideas for parenting teens. Audrey's strategies have helped me to connect more deeply and more often with my kids. This book offers a parenting action plan that gets to the heart of what we want as parents: to raise thriving, confident, happy adults. This is the book I'm gifting to all the new parents I know."

-Dean C.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:36:49-07:00

-Dean C.

"If you could synthesize all of the best parenting advice into one book, I think you'd get Happy Campers. I loved this parenting book. It is easy to read, and re-read, especially in short bursts. Every time I pick it up, I get a gem of wisdom. My kids are older so I wish I'd had this book when we were starting out on our parenting journey. Nevertheless, there are so many great ideas for parenting teens. Audrey's strategies have helped me to connect more deeply and more often with my kids. This book offers a parenting action plan that gets to the heart of what we want as parents: to raise thriving, confident, happy adults. This is the book I'm gifting to all the new parents I know."

I truly value the tips and compassionate approach that she shares in this wonderful book

"Audrey has a way of making a daunting task, like good parenting, seem easy, and even fun. I have relied on her advice for years through her podcasts, webinars, and camp leadership. And now this book is a gem. Not just as a wise guide for parenting but also as I enter a new career as a school teacher. So much of what she shares in this book can be applied to classroom and behavior management. I truly value the tips and compassionate approach that she shares in this wonderful book. The book and the author are rays of Sunshine."

-Sheri Lawson

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:37:34-07:00

-Sheri Lawson

"Audrey has a way of making a daunting task, like good parenting, seem easy, and even fun. I have relied on her advice for years through her podcasts, webinars, and camp leadership. And now this book is a gem. Not just as a wise guide for parenting but also as I enter a new career as a school teacher. So much of what she shares in this book can be applied to classroom and behavior management. I truly value the tips and compassionate approach that she shares in this wonderful book. The book and the author are rays of Sunshine."

A timely book full of insights and perspectives from a woman who has extensive experience with children and teens

"HAPPY CAMPERS is a timely book full of insights and perspectives from a woman who has extensive experience with children and teens in an environment that enables them to flourish. The principles she outlines provide parents with tangible ways to bring this into their homes. The mental health and well-being of our children are at stake in our standardized, hyper-parenting culture. READ THIS BOOK!"

-Pam Roy

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:38:04-07:00

-Pam Roy

"HAPPY CAMPERS is a timely book full of insights and perspectives from a woman who has extensive experience with children and teens in an environment that enables them to flourish. The principles she outlines provide parents with tangible ways to bring this into their homes. The mental health and well-being of our children are at stake in our standardized, hyper-parenting culture. READ THIS BOOK!"

How to love children in the best possible ways

"Happy Campers is a researched based and highly applicable resource for parents with kids of all ages. The book encapsulates, validates, and synthesizes all my previous understandings of parenting and teaching for the last 20 years as well as providing innovative new ideas. So thankful to be reminded of great strategies and apply twists of how to love children in the best possible ways."

-Becky Johnson

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:38:47-07:00

-Becky Johnson

"Happy Campers is a researched based and highly applicable resource for parents with kids of all ages. The book encapsulates, validates, and synthesizes all my previous understandings of parenting and teaching for the last 20 years as well as providing innovative new ideas. So thankful to be reminded of great strategies and apply twists of how to love children in the best possible ways."

All parents and grandparents need to read this book.

"Audrey Monke, the mother of five and owner of Gold Arrow Camp in Sierra National Forest in CA, has shared with us what she has learned in her 30 years of kids, camp, and campers that we can implement in our everyday world to ease the lives of our youngsters. Her positive attitude and willingness to accept youngsters at their own self-recognized level are telling. It is so easy to lose the connections we share with our kids in the day-to-day hassles of life by forgetting that they also have opinions and thoughts and dreams that we might overlook when the trash doesn't get taken out and no one can even see the floor of their rooms and bills need to be paid and the laundry is piled neck high. Ms. Monke's suggestions are spot on and ones we all need to re-enforce in our everyday lives. Even her chapter titles will spur you on to looking at life a little differently - and her words will inspire you as they have me. This is a book I will gift to my great-nieces, the new mothers of the world of tomorrow. I wish it had been written many years ago. I think the most important information is in how to recognize and handle bullying from the point of view of the Bullier and the bullied. But also the chapter on recognizing the growth and capability of children as they mature is essential. And the knowledge that 'grit is grown outside the comfort zone.' And 'make it cool to be kind.' All parents and grandparents need to read this book. And send a kid to camp... I received a free electronic copy of this self-help book from Netgalley, Audrey Monke, and Center Street Publishers. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this book of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work."

-Bonnye Reed Fry

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:40:03-07:00

-Bonnye Reed Fry

"Audrey Monke, the mother of five and owner of Gold Arrow Camp in Sierra National Forest in CA, has shared with us what she has learned in her 30 years of kids, camp, and campers that we can implement in our everyday world to ease the lives of our youngsters. Her positive attitude and willingness to accept youngsters at their own self-recognized level are telling. It is so easy to lose the connections we share with our kids in the day-to-day hassles of life by forgetting that they also have opinions and thoughts and dreams that we might overlook when the trash doesn't get taken out and no one can even see the floor of their rooms and bills need to be paid and the laundry is piled neck high. Ms. Monke's suggestions are spot on and ones we all need to re-enforce in our everyday lives. Even her chapter titles will spur you on to looking at life a little differently - and her words will inspire you as they have me. This is a book I will gift to my great-nieces, the new mothers of the world of tomorrow. I wish it had been written many years ago. I think the most important information is in how to recognize and handle bullying from the point of view of the Bullier and the bullied. But also the chapter on recognizing the growth and capability of children as they mature is essential. And the knowledge that 'grit is grown outside the comfort zone.' And 'make it cool to be kind.' All parents and grandparents need to read this book. And send a kid to camp... I received a free electronic copy of this self-help book from Netgalley, Audrey Monke, and Center Street Publishers. Thank you all for sharing your hard...

Solid advice and compelling stories

"If you've seen my other recent posts, then you know that we just sent my 11-year old son to overnight camp for the first time. It was quite the learning experience for all of us so I was extremely interested in reading Happy Campers by Audrey Monke. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect...was she going to recommend that we canoe every day and sing campfire songs every night? I must say, however, that I was absolutely delighted with this book. I read the entire thing with a highlighter and took away so many great parenting tips that I know I'll need to keep this book on hand for a good number of years going forward!

Monke begins her book by establishing her credibility as a parenting expert. She has 4-5 kids herself but her real qualification comes in the form of having owned a summer camp since she was right out of college. First, I can't imagine trying to own and run anything at that age...but I certainly wouldn't have had the wherewithal to take on the business aspect of a summer camp at 22 (let alone responsibility for hundreds of other people's children!) Her story is incredibly interesting and really establishes her as someone with incredible foresight and an amazing head on her shoulders!

As I said, I read this book with a highlighter...I got about 1/8 of the way through it and realized that I was going to want to keep track of a number of pieces of parenting advice that Monke was providing.

I really appreciated the way the book was broken up because it gave me a number of different ways to approach Monke's suggestions. On some topics, I'm ready to make wholesale changes to the way my family handles certain things...on others, one simple thing is just about all I can handle. Either way, I feel like I have strategies for taking on the suggestions that I value right now. Give me a solution that is going to take weeks to implement and you might as well forget it, I'll never get back to it!

Monke's book is peppered with both solid advice and compelling stories. As a busy mom, it's much easier for me to internalize her advice if I'm given a concrete example of how it applies. She not only provides examples of how she learned the importance of each of the areas she promotes at camp, she gives us practical examples of how to apply them at home. Monke has the advantage of having known thousands of kids over her years as a camp owner but also being the mom in a relatively large family. She can give objective positive and negative growth examples from camp but also explain how she has applied those learnings (for better or worse) to her own children.

One of the things I really appreciated about Monke's writing style is that it is very personal. This is not a textbook. It's also not judgy or mom-shaming. Monke is very open about where, as a camp owner, and as a mom, she has succeeded and failed. Even in situations where she's illustrating mistakes that she believes were made by parents of her campers, she takes the time to empathize with their decision-making process and explain the rationale that might have led them to their thought process.

All in all, I walked away from reading Happy Campers with tons of food for thought and several pages of notes! I've already implemented one of Monke's ideas: as a family, we share our daily high point and low point every night before bed. It's been an easy way to learn more about what my son is experiencing day in and day out and to teach him that it's important to ask and learn about other's experiences as well! Happy Campers is applicable for parents of children of all ages (truly, I wish I had read many of Monke's suggestions earlier) and I highly recommend it as an easy-to-read, highly digestible way to evaluate some important parenting topics!"

-Shannon Navin

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:42:51-07:00

-Shannon Navin

"If you've seen my other recent posts, then you know that we just sent my 11-year old son to overnight camp for the first time. It was quite the learning experience for all of us so I was extremely interested in reading Happy Campers by Audrey Monke. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect...was she going to recommend that we canoe every day and sing campfire songs every night? I must say, however, that I was absolutely delighted with this book. I read the entire thing with a highlighter and took away so many great parenting tips that I know I'll need to keep this book on hand for a good number of years going forward! Monke begins her book by establishing her credibility as a parenting expert. She has 4-5 kids herself but her real qualification comes in the form of having owned a summer camp since she was right out of college. First, I can't imagine trying to own and run anything at that age...but I certainly wouldn't have had the wherewithal to take on the business aspect of a summer camp at 22 (let alone responsibility for hundreds of other people's children!) Her story is incredibly interesting and really establishes her as someone with incredible foresight and an amazing head on her shoulders! As I said, I read this book with a highlighter...I got about 1/8 of the way through it and realized that I was going to want to keep track of a number of pieces of parenting advice that Monke was providing. I really appreciated the way the book was broken up because it gave me a number of different ways to approach Monke's suggestions. On some topics, I'm ready to make wholesale changes to the way my family handles certain things...on others, one simple...

Many times reading the book I thought, “I am going to use that!”

"There is nothing more important than being a parent. Let's be honest... there is nothing more difficult than being a parent. In reading Audrey Monke's book Happy Campers, I discovered that although parenting will always be difficult and at times challenging, there are great strategies that can be implemented that will assist in making the entire experience better for the entire family. Specifically, Audrey has shared ideas that will benefit the development and growth of our children. Many times reading the book I thought, "I am going to use that!" or "I wish I knew that earlier!" The book would be a perfect gift for any parent, especially new parents."

-Gregory Frigoletto

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:46:56-07:00

-Gregory Frigoletto

"There is nothing more important than being a parent. Let's be honest... there is nothing more difficult than being a parent. In reading Audrey Monke's book Happy Campers, I discovered that although parenting will always be difficult and at times challenging, there are great strategies that can be implemented that will assist in making the entire experience better for the entire family. Specifically, Audrey has shared ideas that will benefit the development and growth of our children. Many times reading the book I thought, "I am going to use that!" or "I wish I knew that earlier!" The book would be a perfect gift for any parent, especially new parents."

Every parent should read this book no matter what age children they have!

"If you are on the fence about whether or not you should be sending your kid to camp you should read Happy Campers. This book offers one of the most insightful looks into why and how our kids change in the summer camp atmosphere. The book also lays out real-life experiences from Audrey's extensive time running a summer camp and provides a clear antidote to the busy screen filled world our kids now live in. Every parent should read this book no matter what age children they have!"

-Adam

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:48:29-07:00

-Adam

"If you are on the fence about whether or not you should be sending your kid to camp you should read Happy Campers. This book offers one of the most insightful looks into why and how our kids change in the summer camp atmosphere. The book also lays out real-life experiences from Audrey's extensive time running a summer camp and provides a clear antidote to the busy screen filled world our kids now live in. Every parent should read this book no matter what age children they have!"

Actionable advice and tips to help me create a camp-like culture in our home

"I've been following Audrey's blog for a while and was thrilled to read her book! As a parent who sends her teenagers to sleepaway summer camp, I love Audrey's actionable advice and tips to help me create a camp-like culture in our home on a regular basis. My favorite part is the resource section in the back of the book! So many great nuggets!"

-Amy Carney, author of Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:49:00-07:00

-Amy Carney, author of Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World

"I've been following Audrey's blog for a while and was thrilled to read her book! As a parent who sends her teenagers to sleepaway summer camp, I love Audrey's actionable advice and tips to help me create a camp-like culture in our home on a regular basis. My favorite part is the resource section in the back of the book! So many great nuggets!"

Showcases Amazing Benefits Of Camp Life

"The amazing benefits of camp can be nurtured beyond the summer months. This wonderful book puts it right in your hands."

-Brooke Cheley-Klebe, Owner/Director of Cheley Colorado Camps

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2019-03-25T12:44:28-07:00

-Brooke Cheley-Klebe, Owner/Director of Cheley Colorado Camps

"The amazing benefits of camp can be nurtured beyond the summer months. This wonderful book puts it right in your hands."

A straight-forward and uplifting parenting resource…a book I’ll come back to for wisdom again and again

"I found Happy Campers to be a straight-forward and uplifting parenting resource. Audrey's positive parenting message has helped me create more connections with my kids and her practical strategies have been easy to implement, especially the sticky note solutions. Who knew all I needed was just a sticky pad and a pen to uplift my kids?! They can't wait to see the notes I've left on their pillows. I also love the tips on how to make family meetings a reality. Happy Campers has given me a lot of direction and it's a book I'll come back to for wisdom again and again."

-Erin Kalavsky

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:55:45-07:00

-Erin Kalavsky

"I found Happy Campers to be a straight-forward and uplifting parenting resource. Audrey's positive parenting message has helped me create more connections with my kids and her practical strategies have been easy to implement, especially the sticky note solutions. Who knew all I needed was just a sticky pad and a pen to uplift my kids?! They can't wait to see the notes I've left on their pillows. I also love the tips on how to make family meetings a reality. Happy Campers has given me a lot of direction and it's a book I'll come back to for wisdom again and again."

Parents Can Learn So Much From Audrey’s Thoughtful Counsel

"Audrey Monke has spent decades refining the art of growing happy campers.  All her experiences tell her that what kids learn at camp translates into successful lives and futures.  In this book, she backs up her anecdotal information with research. Children are transformed by camp, and parents can learn so much from Audrey’s thoughtful counsel on how to translate camp to home—how to encourage positive transformation all year round.  Happy Campers is a must read for all parents—those who send their children to camp and those who should."

-Harriet Lowe, Editor-in-Chief of Camping Magazine

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2019-03-25T12:46:33-07:00

-Harriet Lowe, Editor-in-Chief of Camping Magazine

"Audrey Monke has spent decades refining the art of growing happy campers.  All her experiences tell her that what kids learn at camp translates into successful lives and futures.  In this book, she backs up her anecdotal information with research. Children are transformed by camp, and parents can learn so much from Audrey’s thoughtful counsel on how to translate camp to home—how to encourage positive transformation all year round.  Happy Campers is a must read for all parents—those who send their children to camp and those who should."

Useful strategies for connecting to my kids and helping them make a healthy transition to adulthood

"Camp insiders know that the lessons learned at camp change kids for the better. With Happy Campers, Audrey Monke allows parents to gain the knowledge of a lifelong camp director and parent of five kids. Monke’s writing is practical, full of stories from camp and parenting life with concrete simple strategies to help kids become well-adjusted adults who continue strong relationships with their parents. I’ve been a working social worker helping children and families for more than 25 years, and I still learned many useful strategies for connecting to my kids and helping them make a healthy transition to adulthood."

-Rabid Reader

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:56:36-07:00

-Rabid Reader

"Camp insiders know that the lessons learned at camp change kids for the better. With Happy Campers, Audrey Monke allows parents to gain the knowledge of a lifelong camp director and parent of five kids. Monke’s writing is practical, full of stories from camp and parenting life with concrete simple strategies to help kids become well-adjusted adults who continue strong relationships with their parents. I’ve been a working social worker helping children and families for more than 25 years, and I still learned many useful strategies for connecting to my kids and helping them make a healthy transition to adulthood."

Practical And Easy To Apply Techniques For Parents

"Combining personal parenting experience with over thirty years of owning and operating a top-notch sleep-away summer camp. Audrey has come up with practical and easy to apply techniques for parents to bring the beauties of the sleep-away camp experience into their own families. Presenting 9 secrets to successful parenting with specific examples of what works and what doesn't makes this an invaluable tool for any family that will help in the raising of happy and healthy adults. As a long-time camp owner/director myself, I found Audrey's book an easy to read and use resource for anyone working with young people, either in a job or as a parent. I thought I knew a lot about parenting and raising young people, but Audrey opened my eyes to many new and useful ideas."

-Steve Proulx, Co-Owner/Director, Carmel Valley Tennis Camp

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2019-03-25T12:48:12-07:00

-Steve Proulx, Co-Owner/Director, Carmel Valley Tennis Camp

"Combining personal parenting experience with over thirty years of owning and operating a top-notch sleep-away summer camp. Audrey has come up with practical and easy to apply techniques for parents to bring the beauties of the sleep-away camp experience into their own families. Presenting 9 secrets to successful parenting with specific examples of what works and what doesn't makes this an invaluable tool for any family that will help in the raising of happy and healthy adults. As a long-time camp owner/director myself, I found Audrey's book an easy to read and use resource for anyone working with young people, either in a job or as a parent. I thought I knew a lot about parenting and raising young people, but Audrey opened my eyes to many new and useful ideas."

Engaging and full of research-based suggestions for how parents can make parenting easier and more fun

"There is so much to love about this book - it's readable, engaging, and full of research-based suggestions and ideas for how parents can make parenting easier and more fun. As a mother of five and a long-time summer camp owner, Audrey really knows what she's talking about, and she's packaged her knowledge and wisdom in a clear and accessible book that any parent can benefit from. I highly recommend this book to parents who want to bring more of the joy and connection of summer camp into their family lives."

-Carla Naumburg

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:57:23-07:00

-Carla Naumburg

"There is so much to love about this book - it's readable, engaging, and full of research-based suggestions and ideas for how parents can make parenting easier and more fun. As a mother of five and a long-time summer camp owner, Audrey really knows what she's talking about, and she's packaged her knowledge and wisdom in a clear and accessible book that any parent can benefit from. I highly recommend this book to parents who want to bring more of the joy and connection of summer camp into their family lives."

Very Practical And Impactful Lessons

"Audrey has taken her many years of experience as an educator, researcher, camp owner, and parent and distilled what she has learned into some very practical and impactful lessons that parents can use to create happier, stronger children and families. I have taken lessons from Happy Campers and applied them to my camp and my parenting."

-Jeff Gamble, Owner/Director of Jefunira Camp

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2019-03-25T12:49:47-07:00

-Jeff Gamble, Owner/Director of Jefunira Camp

"Audrey has taken her many years of experience as an educator, researcher, camp owner, and parent and distilled what she has learned into some very practical and impactful lessons that parents can use to create happier, stronger children and families. I have taken lessons from Happy Campers and applied them to my camp and my parenting."

Highly recommend Happy Campers for anyone raising children in today’s world

"You may already know that summer camp is a magical place for children, but what you may not know is how to bring that magic home. Audrey Monke happily shares the secrets many of us in the industry know so that you can help your kids thrive. As a summer camp owner and director with more than 30 years of experience, I highly recommend Happy Campers for anyone raising children in today's world."

-Julie

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:58:23-07:00

-Julie

"You may already know that summer camp is a magical place for children, but what you may not know is how to bring that magic home. Audrey Monke happily shares the secrets many of us in the industry know so that you can help your kids thrive. As a summer camp owner and director with more than 30 years of experience, I highly recommend Happy Campers for anyone raising children in today's world."

Great advice for helping your kid bring that willing camp spirit home

"Know what your kid did at camp? Cleared his plate. Made her bunk. Got up early. Jumped into cold water. Basically, he or she behaved like a well-socialized human being. But then they come home and suddenly they're toddlers hopped up un Sunny-D again! Audrey's book has great advice for helping your kid bring that willing camp spirit home (and helping you encourage it. Counselors ARE more fun than parents...). Recommend!"

-K.J. Dell'Antonia

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T11:59:00-07:00

-K.J. Dell'Antonia

"Know what your kid did at camp? Cleared his plate. Made her bunk. Got up early. Jumped into cold water. Basically, he or she behaved like a well-socialized human being. But then they come home and suddenly they're toddlers hopped up un Sunny-D again! Audrey's book has great advice for helping your kid bring that willing camp spirit home (and helping you encourage it. Counselors ARE more fun than parents...). Recommend!"

An easy to read and use resource for anyone working with young people

"With over thirty years of owning and operating a top-notch sleep away summer camp. Audrey has come up with practical and easy to apply techniques for parents to bring the beauties of the sleep-away camp experience into their own families. Presenting 9 secrets to successful parenting with specific examples of what works and what doesn't makes this an invaluable tool for any family that will help in the raising of happy and healthy adults. As a long-time camp owner/director myself, I found Audrey's book an easy to read and use resource for anyone working with young people, either in a job or as a parent. I thought I knew a lot about parenting and raising young people, but Audrey opened my eyes to many new and useful ideas."

-Steve P.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:00:28-07:00

-Steve P.

"With over thirty years of owning and operating a top-notch sleep away summer camp. Audrey has come up with practical and easy to apply techniques for parents to bring the beauties of the sleep-away camp experience into their own families. Presenting 9 secrets to successful parenting with specific examples of what works and what doesn't makes this an invaluable tool for any family that will help in the raising of happy and healthy adults. As a long-time camp owner/director myself, I found Audrey's book an easy to read and use resource for anyone working with young people, either in a job or as a parent. I thought I knew a lot about parenting and raising young people, but Audrey opened my eyes to many new and useful ideas."

Engaging and funny, and best of all…relatable and actionable

"I read this brilliant book after listening to Audrey speak on the "Happier in Hollywood" podcast. Her anecdotes are engaging and funny, her tone is warm, and best of all, her strategies are relatable and actionable. What I love most about this book is Audrey provides so many ways to implement her observations/research (aka Camp Secrets). One of the best parts of the book is her resources, especially the "Ready for Adulthood" checklist. Reading this book has made me strive to be a more positive parent. Great book!"

-E. McMahan

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:01:04-07:00

-E. McMahan

"I read this brilliant book after listening to Audrey speak on the "Happier in Hollywood" podcast. Her anecdotes are engaging and funny, her tone is warm, and best of all, her strategies are relatable and actionable. What I love most about this book is Audrey provides so many ways to implement her observations/research (aka Camp Secrets). One of the best parts of the book is her resources, especially the "Ready for Adulthood" checklist. Reading this book has made me strive to be a more positive parent. Great book!"

Monke is the parenting expert we ALL need in our corner!

"Children raised during the 1960s-'70s had the benefit of free play and unsupervised exploration and the perfect backdrop for self-discovery. Kids today have almost every minute spoken for, organized, and overseen by an adult. Audrey Monke, a 30+ year camp director & mother of five is the perfect person to help parents not only understand what but how to bring the benefits of camp home and incorporate them into their daily lives. In the long run, our children value the experiences we have with them over things we buy them. Monke is the parenting expert we ALL need in our corner! I highly recommend this book and lean in any time she is giving advice which can make me a more engaged and connected mom."

-Kristen J.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:01:50-07:00

-Kristen J.

"Children raised during the 1960s-'70s had the benefit of free play and unsupervised exploration and the perfect backdrop for self-discovery. Kids today have almost every minute spoken for, organized, and overseen by an adult. Audrey Monke, a 30+ year camp director & mother of five is the perfect person to help parents not only understand what but how to bring the benefits of camp home and incorporate them into their daily lives. In the long run, our children value the experiences we have with them over things we buy them. Monke is the parenting expert we ALL need in our corner! I highly recommend this book and lean in any time she is giving advice which can make me a more engaged and connected mom."

You can devour this book or nibble one chapter at a time

"Those who go to camp already know the great value of the experience. Those who play sports, perform in a play, join a club - know the value of teamwork and communication. Happy Campers brings all of that into the home and workplace with great - and sometimes very simple and easy - ideas to strengthen relationships. Particularly for families to help nurture children to be better adults. You can devour this book or nibble one chapter at a time, either way, you will start reaping the benefits immediately. Highly recommend it!"

-SirRead

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:02:51-07:00

-SirRead

"Those who go to camp already know the great value of the experience. Those who play sports, perform in a play, join a club - know the value of teamwork and communication. Happy Campers brings all of that into the home and workplace with great - and sometimes very simple and easy - ideas to strengthen relationships. Particularly for families to help nurture children to be better adults. You can devour this book or nibble one chapter at a time, either way, you will start reaping the benefits immediately. Highly recommend it!"

Learn all the simple secrets the counselors use to build meaningful relationships

"As a camp doctor for the past 15 summers, I’ve seen a certain uniqueness in the bond between campers and their counselors: A perfect blend of mutual respect, guidance, silliness, and encouragement that is often missing in the child’s home life. With this book, parents can bring home the magic of camp and learn all the simple secrets the counselors use to build meaningful relationships that will help your child grow and meet their fullest potential as young adults. As a step-parent, I found this book extra-helpful in overcoming the many challenges that the non-biologic parent faces, especially in the teen years!"

-Dr. James M. Sears, MD, Pediatrician

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:03:44-07:00

-Dr. James M. Sears, MD, Pediatrician

"As a camp doctor for the past 15 summers, I’ve seen a certain uniqueness in the bond between campers and their counselors: A perfect blend of mutual respect, guidance, silliness, and encouragement that is often missing in the child’s home life. With this book, parents can bring home the magic of camp and learn all the simple secrets the counselors use to build meaningful relationships that will help your child grow and meet their fullest potential as young adults. As a step-parent, I found this book extra-helpful in overcoming the many challenges that the non-biologic parent faces, especially in the teen years!"

She really channels that wonderful summer camp feeling, and teaches parents how to get it in their own homes

"Audrey Monke has written a delightful book. She really channels that wonderful summer camp feeling and teaches parents how to get it in their own homes. Monke teaches tools to help kids acquire the socio-emotional learning that we all need to lead fulfilled lives. And the great thing is these same tools make for a very happy home life!"

-Karen Kolp, Author of We Turned Out Okay

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:05:48-07:00

-Karen Kolp, Author of We Turned Out Okay

"Audrey Monke has written a delightful book. She really channels that wonderful summer camp feeling and teaches parents how to get it in their own homes. Monke teaches tools to help kids acquire the socio-emotional learning that we all need to lead fulfilled lives. And the great thing is these same tools make for a very happy home life!"

Tools to help kids acquire the socio-emotional learning that we all need to lead fulfilled lives

"Oh what I would have done to have had "Happy Campers" in my hands 20 years ago when I started my own family. Sunshine (Audrey Monke) has written a must-read primer on empowering our children with crucial life-skills. This labor of love pulls the curtain back on the magic of summer camp and shows you how to bring these same principles into your home. Read this book and learn from the woman who has taught literally tens of thousands of children how to connect with others, how to be independent, how to be problem solvers, and how to be kind."

-Emily

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:06:27-07:00

-Emily

"Oh what I would have done to have had "Happy Campers" in my hands 20 years ago when I started my own family. Sunshine (Audrey Monke) has written a must-read primer on empowering our children with crucial life-skills. This labor of love pulls the curtain back on the magic of summer camp and shows you how to bring these same principles into your home. Read this book and learn from the woman who has taught literally tens of thousands of children how to connect with others, how to be independent, how to be problem solvers, and how to be kind."

Can’t put this book down and have gleaned so many insights and take-aways

"I am not generally a fan of "self-help" books, but this one is so much more. I love camp and I want to parent my kids better- this book is a practical look at what makes camp special and how we can translate camp magic to our home life. I honestly can't put this book down and have gleaned so many insights and take-aways- some I'm already implementing in my own family. Thank you Audrey for sharing your decades of camp knowledge and resources to the public."

-Melissa Crout

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:09:49-07:00

-Melissa Crout

"I am not generally a fan of "self-help" books, but this one is so much more. I love camp and I want to parent my kids better- this book is a practical look at what makes camp special and how we can translate camp magic to our home life. I honestly can't put this book down and have gleaned so many insights and take-aways- some I'm already implementing in my own family. Thank you Audrey for sharing your decades of camp knowledge and resources to the public."

Even if you pick up the book and only read one strategy, it’s worth it

"Audrey Monke nails it. As a former school teacher (current mom!) I appreciate her practical and easy-to-apply advice. Even if you pick up the book and only read one (ONE) strategy, it’s worth it. I started leaving my kids post-it notes, and low and behold, they started leaving them in return. Great book for families!"

-Sean and Abby Matthews

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:10:19-07:00

-Sean and Abby Matthews

"Audrey Monke nails it. As a former school teacher (current mom!) I appreciate her practical and easy-to-apply advice. Even if you pick up the book and only read one (ONE) strategy, it’s worth it. I started leaving my kids post-it notes, and low and behold, they started leaving them in return. Great book for families!"

Great book for families!

"Audrey Monke nails it. As a former school teacher (current mom!) I appreciate her practical and easy-to-apply advice. Even if you pick up the book and only read one (ONE) strategy, it’s worth it. I started leaving my kids post-it notes, and low and behold, they started leaving them in return. Great book for families! Audrey perfectly catches the secrets of summer camp - and converts them into hands-on practical uses for families to use at home. If you did not attend camp as a child, it does not matter! Audrey shares her professional expertise in an educational way. And if you went to summer camp as a child (or staff), you will be returned to a magical time of childhood. An easy read that is great to read aloud with your family; guaranteed every one of all ages will love and relate to."

-Sarah H. Horner, Executive Director of Tom Sawyer Day Camp

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:11:36-07:00

-Sarah H. Horner, Executive Director of Tom Sawyer Day Camp

"Audrey Monke nails it. As a former school teacher (current mom!) I appreciate her practical and easy-to-apply advice. Even if you pick up the book and only read one (ONE) strategy, it’s worth it. I started leaving my kids post-it notes, and low and behold, they started leaving them in return. Great book for families! Audrey perfectly catches the secrets of summer camp - and converts them into hands-on practical uses for families to use at home. If you did not attend camp as a child, it does not matter! Audrey shares her professional expertise in an educational way. And if you went to summer camp as a child (or staff), you will be returned to a magical time of childhood. An easy read that is great to read aloud with your family; guaranteed every one of all ages will love and relate to."

An easy page-turner… and I’m not usually a big “parent lit” reader

"I bought this book after being blown away by my older son's transformative experience at the Gold Arrow Camp. I was really impressed with the structure and thought that underpins the delivery of such a profound summer experience. The book is an easy page-turner and helps bring some ideas into family life that keep the summer magic going. Super read... and I'm not usually a big "parent lit" reader."

-David S.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:12:52-07:00

-David S.

"I bought this book after being blown away by my older son's transformative experience at the Gold Arrow Camp. I was really impressed with the structure and thought that underpins the delivery of such a profound summer experience. The book is an easy page-turner and helps bring some ideas into family life that keep the summer magic going. Super read... and I'm not usually a big "parent lit" reader."

The most helpful parenting book I have found

"Happy Campers has been the most helpful parenting book I have found. Audrey gives simple every day tactics to help every parent. The tips offered are easy to follow and to implement at home. Well written and well organized, I refer back to it often and continue to feel empowered by Audrey's solutions to common parenting struggles. This is a must-read for every parent out there!"

-Kristen V. Perlmutter

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:13:29-07:00

-Kristen V. Perlmutter

"Happy Campers has been the most helpful parenting book I have found. Audrey gives simple every day tactics to help every parent. The tips offered are easy to follow and to implement at home. Well written and well organized, I refer back to it often and continue to feel empowered by Audrey's solutions to common parenting struggles. This is a must-read for every parent out there!"

An important antidote to the disconnection and anxiety kids and parents face in our screen-obsessed culture

"Such a powerful book. As a parent and a child mental health specialist, I found Monke's tips incredibly helpful and actionable. This book is an important antidote to the disconnection and anxiety kids and parents face in our screen-obsessed culture."

-Ruth Gerson

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:14:01-07:00

-Ruth Gerson

"Such a powerful book. As a parent and a child mental health specialist, I found Monke's tips incredibly helpful and actionable. This book is an important antidote to the disconnection and anxiety kids and parents face in our screen-obsessed culture."

Tools that work and make my kids more capable, competent people

"I love any book that gives me tools that work and make my kids more capable, competent people. Camp turned my older kid into a responsible young adult, so secrets to how camp people accomplished THAT are welcome! Thank you for this book!"

-JplTpl

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:14:32-07:00

-JplTpl

"I love any book that gives me tools that work and make my kids more capable, competent people. Camp turned my older kid into a responsible young adult, so secrets to how camp people accomplished THAT are welcome! Thank you for this book!"

My favorite parenting book

"This is my favorite parenting book. It is fun to read and has practical advice you can use immediately."

-Kristi

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:15:15-07:00

-Kristi

"This is my favorite parenting book. It is fun to read and has practical advice you can use immediately."

Love this book

"Love this book. It's a good reminder about the importance of summer camp and all the benefits it brings!"

-Aimee S.

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2020-09-28T12:15:56-07:00

-Aimee S.

"Love this book. It's a good reminder about the importance of summer camp and all the benefits it brings!"

A treasure chest of experience and wisdom

“In Happy Campers, Audrey amplifies her own significant ‘dent in the universe’ by not only highlighting the positive life-shaping impact of the quality summer camp experience, but also providing parents with a treasure chest of tools to bring that growth into their own homes. Drawing on her extensive experience and wisdom, as well as that of other youth development professionals, Audrey offers counsel and activities to cultivate greater connection and competence in our children.”

-Sara Kuljis, Owner/Director, Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp & Emerald Cove Day Camp

Happy Campers Book Reviews
5
2019-03-25T12:35:51-07:00

-Sara Kuljis, Owner/Director, Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp & Emerald Cove Day Camp

“In Happy Campers, Audrey amplifies her own significant ‘dent in the universe’ by not only highlighting the positive life-shaping impact of the quality summer camp experience, but also providing parents with a treasure chest of tools to bring that growth into their own homes. Drawing on her extensive experience and wisdom, as well as that of other youth development professionals, Audrey offers counsel and activities to cultivate greater connection and competence in our children.”
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Happy Campers Book Reviews