If hundreds of Golden Retrievers running through open fields, diving off docks, and swimming with each other sounds like the summer camp of your pup’s dreams, there’s good news. It exists. It’s called Goldstock, and it’s like a Woodstock for Golden Retrievers.
In the woods of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a kids’ sleep-away camp called Camp Weequahic hosts a retreat for Golden Retrievers, their owners, and anyone who is passionate about the breed and Golden Retriever adoption. The event has been hosted every Labor Day weekend since 1998 and features lots of areas to run and play, friendly competitions, and the Golden Olympics.
For the humans, Goldstock isn’t just filled with fundraising and rescue efforts, though there is plenty of that to go around. For many, it’s a form of therapy and inspiration. Many of the dogs have gone through rough times and suffer from disabilities, but they’re still as happy as, well, as a Golden Retriever. Seeing all the pups is a huge comfort to many people struggling with similar problems. Even people who aren’t dog owners are welcome to attend and feel the love.
A documentary called Dog Camp: A Dogumentary is set to be released in November of this year. The film is inspired by the event and shows how important it is to both the dogs and people involved.
If your pup isn’t a Golden Retriever, you may still be able to get in on the fun, as the camp includes some all breed groups and what their website calls “‘golden hearted’ dogs that don’t look like goldens, but share the golden temperament.” This camp sounds like a blast to us, so don’t be surprised if we show up with tennis balls in our mouths.
