Camp Woodland Blog
The Wonders of Nature
(posted by Kim Wenzl Aycock)
While sitting at Inspiration Hour a few weeks ago on a Sunday morning, JoAnne had the campers look up from their cozy spot on Vesper Hill to glance at the clear blue sky, the sun peeking through the trees, and the fluttering of leaves at the tips of the branches reaching up as far as one could see. I was so glad that she stopped us for a moment to view the unbelievable beauty that abounds all around at Camp Woodland and that most of us often take for granted.
Below is a picture of a HUGE mushroom that is growing from a tree right in front of Silver Birch cabin. Had Chet, Woodland’s handyman extraordinaire, not pointed it out to me, it most likely would have gone unnoticed, even though I walked right by it on a daily basis. This picture was taken over a week ago, so I wonder how big it is now?! (You will have to take a look for yourself when you pick up your daughter(s) this coming weekend!)
You will also want to listen for the loons calling to one another on the lake; they can be heard every night and have been known to make appearances at other times during the day as well. Hopefully, you will get to see the pair of eagles who like to soar right above camp and fish for their dinner in our very own Sand Lake! You might even catch a glimpse of a deer or two as you drive down the Woodland Road.
Nature was the theme for evening activities during the 4th and 5th weeks of camp, and the girls had the opportunity to rotate through four stations including fishing, visiting the bog, taking a hike through the Climax Forest, and walking into the Moss Garden at Towering Pines. Each rotation was an experience unto itself, but the novelty of the Moss Garden was a highlight. Campers walked about 20 minutes and then came upon what they described as “blankets and sheets” of moss. They were actually able to lie down on this “bed” and were pleasantly surprised that it was more comfortable than being in their own bed at home!
Nature was the theme for evening activities during the 4th and 5th weeks of camp, and the girls had the opportunity to rotate through four stations including fishing, visiting the bog, taking a hike through the Climax Forest, and walking into the Moss Garden at Towering Pines. Each rotation was an experience unto itself, but the novelty of the Moss Garden was a highlight. Campers walked about 20 minutes and then came upon what they described as “blankets and sheets” of moss. They were actually able to lie down on this “bed” and were pleasantly surprised that it was more comfortable than being in their own bed at home!
As campers return home and go back to the hustle and bustle of the urban environment, camp is only a memory away…all it takes is a moment to stop and look…and find one of nature’s many wonderful gifts and a reminder of Woodland!