Monthly Archives:July 2016

Another touching letter from our Camp Woodland Alum, Courtney.  Even though Courtney can’t be with us this summer, she is a “lifer” for sure!………….

Dear John & Anne Jordan – 

Thank you. Thank you for creating and developing this place that so many have called home for so many years. Thank you for the friendships that have blossomed here at TP and Woodland. Thank you for everything from the sailboats and the horses all the way down to the friendship bracelet string in the Arts & Crafts room. 

This past weekend was a great reminder and show of just a small portion of the few whose hearts have been touched by Towering Pines and Woodland and who hold these memories close to their hearts. It was a weekend filled to the brink with fun and friends, nostalgia for the past summers we spent together, and excitement for the summers that are to come for the campers who may not yet know what’s ahead – the lucky ones! 

Thank you for everything – I am where I am today because of the influence of camp early on in my life – but that’s a story for another time. 

This place is special and I hope it never changes. 
Love, 
Courtney

With the 4th of July holiday this week, it is often a time of celebration, family gatherings and traditions.   At camp, it is no different!  Woodland has its own 4th of July traditions including the annual campfire at Towering Pines that marks the first of several joint-camp events where brothers at Towering Pines and sisters at Woodland are reunited.  I was telling my sister that for my niece and nephew who are at camp this summer, this may a first in their sibling relationship when they are actually excited to see each other (let’s just say that they don’t always get along when they are at home)!

Emilie and Isaac (sibling love for my niece and nephew)

The 4th of July traditions that have been passed down through the past 45+ years are part of camp history.  Campers at Woodland wake-up to the sound of horses through the cabin area and riding staff shouting  that the “British are coming” instead of the usual bell tolling at 7:30 am.  The lodge is decked out in “red-white-and-blue” decorations that a CIT on duty put up to make a festive dining experience.  Campers and counselors alike wear various patriotic clothing combinations of their own to contribute to the holiday celebration.

Lourdes and Ray

Activities continue as normal throughout the day; however, the hype for the evening’s “Red, White, and BOOM” campfire at Towering Pines builds as campers negotiate the shower schedule to be sure everyone is squeaky clean and has time for proper primping before donning their Woodland Wear to get on the shuttle to drive the 2.5 miles to the boys camp.

Parker and Tanner

For campers who do not have a sibling at Towering Pines, there is always the opportunity to meet a camp “brother” from a cabin of similar age.  Each cabin from both camps takes part in the annual 4th of July campfire entertainment and performs a skit or song.  Woodland “sisters” and Towering Pines “brothers” stick together during the campfire and cheer each other on through the various performances.  As you can see, we are one big, happy family!

Annual 4th of July campfire at Towering Pines

Thanks to our brother camp, Towering Pines, for hosting another FANTASTIC 4th of July EXTRAVAGANZA…we will see you soon for TP Fair (4th Sunday) and Woodland Fair (5th Sunday)!

Last summer we celebrated our 70^th summer of Jordan Camping Traditions – 70 years of starting Towering Pines Camp for Boys and 46 years of owning Camp Woodland for Girls. Alumni from all over the world rallied and embarked on a journey back to camp (even if it was for just one weekend!). The journey was partly an emotional one, as they were able to re-live why they love Camp Woodland so much. They also saw the magic in the making on how camp shaped them be the successful people they are today! After their weekend of tubing, sailing, horseback riding, and cookout, we asked them a question, “If you could write a note to Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, what would you tell them?”. Over the summer we will share these heart felt letters. Here is the first……..

Dear Commander Anne,

Do you remember when Michelle Behnke and I affectionately coined that nickname? We loved you then and still do!

I am indebted to you for helping me become the woman I am today. If it weren’t for Woodland, I don’t believe I would have the self-confidence to try new things and to persevere when things are difficult.

I missed you at the reunion. You would have been so pleased to see so many of us recalling our greatest memories of our summers at Woodland. It was amazing that 30 years later, we could pick up where we left off.

You must be proud of your children. They are carrying on the traditions that make Woodland and TP great. Your legacy continues and it makes us all happy.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Love, Mary Thuma