Author: Kim Aycock

Some of you know that I have taught and tutored math over the years at various levels. Don’t worry – this is not a blog about the quadratic formula or any other math memory that you might have suppressed at some point in your school career! 

My mathematical brain takes over at times when I least expect it, and so it occurred to me that there are opposing terms at work during the camp season that are worth diving into. We often think of subtracting with a negative connotation – I know I’m not a fan of the debits that are taken away from my bank account balance when paying bills or visiting the ATM (and I’m guessing you aren’t either!). 

At camp subtracting is actually a GOOD thing. We spend less time on our devices (or no time at all if attending camp as a camper), less time in a vehicle or taking public transportation to and from school/work/home, and less time (and money spent!) going out to eat or swinging through the drive-thru because we don’t have time to cook. We also spend less time doing homework or the things we have to do and there is less excess all around (no trips to our favorite stores or online Amazon shopping sprees for 6+ weeks). 

We can’t forget about less comparison or judgment and fewer overall distractions. Being fairly isolated in the Northwoods of Wisconsin means that we are less urban (the closest Walmart is about 30 min away!). It is also safe to say that busy, hectic schedules often are the reason for less down time and fewer hours of sleep. I could go on and on (but I won’t!). The point is that all of these things SUBTRACT from the limited number of minutes in the day or from the quality of how our time is spent in general. I’m sure you are familiar with the expression, “less is more”. It perfectly ties in with what camp is all about (and where the “math” part comes in!). 

Because at camp we are spending less time doing what is necessary at home to get through a typical day, there is actually MORE time to do the things that actually ADD to our days. This looks like more in-depth conversations because we are hanging out with friends face-to-face, more walking, skipping, or running to our next favorite camp activity (which leads to more exercise), and more opportunities for balanced meals and being at the dinner table as a cabin family three times a day. 

We also see addition at work because there is more choice in following our interests and passions by signing up for activities that we enjoy vs those that are required. We come to terms with making do with what we have (and not wanting more), and we learn to share with others (sometimes in giving and sometimes in receiving). I love how dressing up in costumes for various special events lends itself to a mass exchange of colored t-shirts and other items between campers and counselors, depending on what team you happen to be on!

We typically have more curiosity and empathy at camp for others because we see people for who they really are and not what we want/need them to be. There is more authenticity as the members of our community don’t feel the need to be “fake”. There is comfort and relief in knowing that it is OK to be the true version of you. We often hear that campers are their best selves at camp due to the ability to be their actual self and not some imitation self. 

We are able to put away most of the world’s distractions and focus on being truly present. There is also time to S-L-O-W way the heck D-O-W-N and enjoy life’s little moments. Seeing a freshly spun spider web on your way to breakfast, a unique pine cone on the path down to the beach, or deer bounding across the field as you make your way to evening assembly are some of nature’s “distractions” that we welcome and enjoy every single day! We also tend to get more and better sleep at camp because of how active and full our days tend to be. Turning in on average at 9:30 pm and waking up at 7:30 am makes for 10 full hours of precious rest that our bodies need and crave. Most of us are still growing! 

At camp less is more. WAY more. The addition that happens through the camp experience is actually done by subtracting. Taking away those things for a while that get in the way of real relationships, real enjoyment, and real FUN. Excited for the adventures still to come with your camper/s!

This blog is dedicated to the faces of those who we could not do without at camp, yet who often go without mention. The Woodland Support Staff are “behind the scenes” magicians. They support EVERYTHING we do. From lighting a fire in the lodge every morning, to cracking enough eggs to feed 100 people, to caring for our youngest “campers”, we would like to introduce our maintenance team, kitchen staff, and nanny!

Chet (maintenance and facilities)

Hometown: Athens, WI (summer)

What have you been doing this past year? spending time with my daughters on the east coast (NJ), buying and selling antiques, and coming up with new ideas for camp

Topic/s you could talk about for hours: history and antiques

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: Better to be quiet than open your mouth to prove you’re a fool!

Looking forward to this summer? Every summer brings new challenges and opportunities to grow. 

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Everywhere! I spend time doing maintenance projects at both camps, running errands in town (including weekly laundry drop-off and pick-up), taking care of any cabin needs, filling up boats with gas, getting grill for cookout and campfires set, and cutting wishboats for the final banquet (for starters!)

Summers at camp: 41!!! (started in 1982 and only missed one summer)

Dan (chef)

Hometown: Champagne, IL

What have you been doing this past year? spending time with my grandkids 

Topic/s could you talk about for hours: historical homes

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: My strength did not come from lifting weights. My strength came from lifting myself up every time I was knocked down. 

Looking forward to this summer? getting to know everyone

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Kitchen making everyone’s favorite homemade lasagne and blueberry muffins

Fun Fact: Dan lost 60 lbs over the winter!

Summers at camp: 23

*If you would like to know more about Dan’s story and how he came to be with us at camp see this tribute posted last fall!

Fani (kitchen) – from left to right in above photo

Hometown: Puebla, MX

What have you been doing this past year? being a practitioner of my career as an English teacher 

Topic/s you could talk about for hours: desserts, arts, and history

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: Choose the people who choose you.

Looking forward to this summer? Have more interaction with all of the counselors this year. 

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Kitchen and Art room

Summers at camp: 4

Angel (kitchen)

Hometown: Puebla, MX

What have you been doing this past year? I continued my studies, took a physiotherapy course and worked part time 

Topic/s you could talk about for hours: video games and behavioral psychology

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: It is impossible not to make mistakes, and it is important to try to make as few as possible.

Looking forward to this summer? I hope this year will be very rewarding and that I will enjoy the summer in my favorite place.  

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Kitchen, Woodland Road, and Waterfront (great place to relax!) 

Fun fact: Angel makes incredible drawings on the menu board to showcase what is being served at the meal. 

Summers at camp: 3

Karla (kitchen)

Hometown: Puebla, MX

What have you been doing this past year? studying international business and learning French

Topic/s you could talk about for hours: makeup and music from my favorite band

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: Time goes by, take advantage while you are young.

Looking forward to this summer? I’m excited to meet new people and be in a new place.  

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Kitchen and walking around camp

Summers at camp: 1

Astrid (kitchen)

Hometown: Puebla, MX

What have you been doing this past year? studying visual arts and taking mountaineering courses

Topic/s you could talk about for hours: art, museums and movies 

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: If something is easy for you, accept it.

Looking forward to this summer? Meet people and get out of my comfort zone!

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? Kitchen and trying out any physical activity

Fun fact: Karla and Astrid are sisters!

Summers at camp: 1

Bryce – Super Star Caretaker

Hometown: Madison, WI

What have you been doing this past year? studying early Childhood Education & Special Education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire 

Topic/s could you talk about for hours: plants

Most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever received: Keep your chin up!

Looking forward to this summer? getting to know everyone

Where will you most likely be spotted at camp? by the water and anywhere Calla’s two little ones want to go!

Fun fact: Bryce’s Grandmother lives in Eagle River

Summers at camp: 1

If you would like to write a word of encouragement to any of our SUPER STAR Support Staff, please send to: Camp Woodland, 8080 Camp RD, Eagle River, WI, 54521 or email kimdaycock@gmail.com. 

Campfires, Camper Council, Inspiration Hour, and Sunday special events are a key part of the fabric of the weekly programming we have at camp. At surface level, these activities could have the appearance of nothing more than the opportunity to wear crazy costumes and play a bunch of games or sit in a circle singing songs and sharing thoughts around a particular theme. Some might even say their purpose on the camp calendar is to keep campers entertained and busy after dinner several days a week and on Sunday when we take a break from the usual daily program of activity choices. 

I would argue that the importance of these events is far greater than what meets the eye at first glance. The six weeks of camp is based on intentionality and purpose, and these evening and Sunday events are no exception. Why? I’m glad you asked! 

The reasons you send your camper/s to us are numerous, one of them being the development of young people into leaders. The mentioned evening and Sunday programs are the perfect ecosystem for that to happen because they are for the most part planned and executed by campers. What?! Yes, these very programs are amazingly designed and carried out by your kid/s. The staff, of course, guide, facilitate and support the campers ranging from 7-16 to be able to do this. They recognize the importance of empowering campers from the youngest to the oldest to have a voice in designing and contributing to their summer experience. 

At each weekly campfire (Wednesday nights), cabins switch between the role of leading a song or performing a skit in front of the entire camp. The collaboration it takes to decide as a group what that will be is a great lesson in compromise and negotiation. Overcoming or managing the jitters of standing in front of a group (as a group) is a great segway into confidently responding to a question asked by a teacher in school, volunteering to read out loud, or getting on stage for choir, band, theater or other performances. 

Friday nights are typically designated for Camper Council themed events that are assigned weekly to a different cabin. The cabin is responsible for coming up with a theme, selecting costumes and games that fit with the theme, making the announcement to stir up excitement for the evening’s activities, setting-up and cleaning-up, and leading the chosen activities. The cool part is the CAMPERS are part of the entire process from start to finish which means they run the activities! As a result campers learn about giving clear instructions to their peers and facilitating various aspects of a game as each group rotates through. This is the stuff future leaders are made of!

Last week, Sunnyside cabin chose a “holiday theme” and had each cabin represent a different holiday to portray with their costume choice (Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Earth Day, etc). Campers led “love song” musical chairs, “candy cane” limbo, and other fun party games along with a hunt for a missing item special to each holiday that was also incorporated into the mix. Campers leading campers…SO awesome! 

Each Sunday morning we venture to a peaceful spot behind Hilltop for “Inspiration Hour”. This is another chance to practice leadership skills as cabins take turns planning this time that is spent together as an entire camp around a chosen character trait or value (friendship, kindness, integrity, etc). Campers choose their theme and how they will share this message that is often through songs, skits, and/or stories. Driftwood was the first cabin to lead Inspiration Hour and chose “community” as their theme (one of our 5 core values). This process also aids campers in their journey to being able to speak in front of others. 

Sunday afternoons are run solely by the oldest campers each week, the CIT’s (counselors-in-training). In a similar fashion to Camper Council nights, this group plans multiple all-camp themed events throughout the summer that are longer in length, lasting from 1-2 hours. As part of the planning, considerations are given to a wide range of camper ages, choosing engaging and fun activities, the weather conditions (having a back-up plan is always a good idea!), utilizing different aspects of the camp property and facilities, and finding new twists to a camp “tradition”…just to name a few! The project management skills repeatedly practiced over the course of 6 weeks to plan these events on top of other CIT duties paves the way for leadership participation in student government, clubs and organizations throughout middle/high school and beyond.

So far the CIT’s have pulled off Alien Invasion and the 4th of July Games in grand fashion. The campers LOVE a good hunt for the CIT’s dressed up as aliens and scattered all around camp. Competition for the most points is a true motivator – congrats to Sunnyside for being the overall champion! This recent Sunday was our traditional 4th of July Games that included a re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party at the waterfront along with a variety of games including the orange pass, water transfer (see photo), 3-legged race, (very carefully) shaving a balloon covered in an abundance of shaving cream, and more! 

So, next time you see pictures of crazy costumes and fun games or campers around a campfire or similar setting, be sure to look behind the scenes for examples of collaboration, negotiation, project management, communication, and other life/career skills!

A blog I recently read by Growing Leaders really grabbed me because “simple” vs “easy” is something that I think so many people struggle with (myself included). Author Dr Tim Elmore points out that “it’s important to recognize the psychological difference between simplifying life and making life easier. Nearly every student (and adult, for that matter) should work to simplify their busy and complicated lives today. But nobody becomes the best version of themselves when life is easy. We don’t grow. We don’t learn. We don’t improve.”

He further clarifies that: 

1. Simplifying life is about removing unnecessary complexities that cause undue stress. 
2. Making life easier is about removing challenges that youth actually need to grow. 

Tim Elmore believes “the need of the hour is for caring adults (teachers, coaches, employers, and parents, caregivers) to enable students to cut back and simplify their complicated lives, but not remove the challenges they must face. Simplifying life means removing the clutter. We should do that. Making life easier means removing the very hardships that enable them to mature and prepare for what’s ahead.” 

I would add that camp leaders and staff have joined the caring adults team that is looking after and impacting young people (YOUR child/ren). At Woodland, we do one (simplify) but the exact opposite of the other (remove challenges). Simplifying life and removing “clutter” is part of the DNA of summer camp. This is especially true at Camp Woodland. Each camper has a limited amount of “stuff” that came with them (enough clothes to get through 8 days or so until laundry is sent out). There is a modest, shared indoor space for sleeping and hanging out that becomes “home” for six weeks. Did I mention that campers share a bathroom (hello quick showers!)?! Once a day the cabin is “inspected” by the nurse and OD (CIT who is officer of the day) for physical clutter and awarded points for cleanliness and tidiness (spoiler alert: this will carry over into home life for a period of time!). 

We also simplify other kinds of clutter. Three meals a day (and various snack opportunities) provide nourishment for active days. Trips to Starbucks, Chick Fil-A, or other establishments are not necessary. Campers are able to choose six daily activities for two weeks at a time without any carpools, public transportation, or caregiver chauffeuring required. A break from school, homework, tests, grades, sports and other activities provides a much needed reprieve from the “busyness” of family life. 

Rest hour (my personal favorite) is incorporated into the everyday schedule. We pause mid-day to catch a breather, slow down, and find a place of calm before the next round of camp fun. Last, but certainly not least, technology is completely removed from the equation (that alone simplifies and declutters life tremendously!). Snail mail, Bunk Notes, photos on SmugMug, the occasional post on FaceBook or Instagram, weekly newsletters and blogs seem to do just fine for any news that needs to be shared with the outside world (YOU!). 

It is evident that camp life in general at Woodland certainly simplifies things. What I would really like to dive into (and most likely why you sent your camper/s to us); however, is how we embrace challenges as opportunities to grow instead of avoiding or eliminating them. This is where things may not be easy. Things may even get a little hard and messy. And, that’s perfectly OK. Dr. Elmore reminds us that, “Nobody becomes the best version of themselves when life is easy. We don’t grow. We don’t learn. We don’t improve.”

In some ways, the really hard part is behind us. The act of physically getting to camp (anticipating the experience, packing for 6 weeks of extreme weather conditions, saying goodbye to family and friends, leaving the comfort of a private room/bathroom, making the journey to the Northwoods by planes, trains, and automobiles, etc) can test even the toughest of tough. Homesickness often makes an appearance for new campers during the initial adjustment phase, and it can sneak up on even the most experienced veterans. Easy?! I don’t think so! 

Campers typically resort to what is familiar and comfortable at the beginning of the season – activities (what they already know how to do), foods (anything that resembles Mom’s cooking), and friends (people from home or cabin group if a first time camper). Being almost a week into the summer, the “newness” of camp is starting to wear off a little. Campers are getting into the flow of the routines of camp, navigating the lay of the land, learning the cadence of their daily schedule of activities, acclimating to the habits of cabinmates and group living, and putting trust in the counselors at the helm of their care. 

This is where the opportunities for growth really challenge what could be seen as “easy”. This is where we see campers start to put a baby toe out of their “comfort zone”. This could look like trying a new food, meeting a camper from a different cabin, or setting goals for activities (cantering in riding, nailing a back walkover in gymnastics, getting a lead part in a play, hitting the target in archery, mastering a killer serve in tennis, trying sailing for the first time, kneeling in riflery, and much, much more!).  

As a rule and part of the “magic” of camp, is that we don’t remove all difficulties or push them out of the way on purpose. Let me say that again. We don’t remove all difficulties or push them out of the way ON PURPOSE. Will campers be successful on the first try? (Probably not.) Make mistakes? (Heck, yea.) Get frustrated? (Absolutely.) Experience disappointments? (For sure.) Come out as better people in the end? (Just wait till August!)

Do we as camp leaders and staff leave the scene and hope for the best? (Not a chance!) Do we guide, encourage and support? (Most definitely!) Are we looking for signs of progress or success? (In both small and big ways!) In a way, the leaders and staff are like training wheels and are there if needed and able to be removed when the time is right.

In conclusion, Tim Elmore reminds us, “To simple, say ‘yes.’ To easy, say ‘no.’ Don’t reduce the difficulty. Reduce the volume.” Camp reduces life’s “clutter” and “noise”, AND our job is to foster growth in every possible way (embracing challenges is part of that). We WANT kids to grow, learn, and improve on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves while they are with us!

We are super excited for our 54th season – thanks for sharing your camper/s with us!

p.s . I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who is in/directly part of the village it takes to raise young people today subscribes to Tim Elmore’s Growing Leaders blog!

I was an anxious kid. Life, for me, meant constantly fighting an incessant stream of questions like what if that plagued my mind. But there was an escape–spending the summer at Camp Woodland. At camp I took six activities, the same every year: swimming lessons, free swim, riflery, archery, tennis, and horseback riding. The familiarity of my camp routine distracted me from facing anything unknown. There was a simplicity in my regimen that I clung to for most of my early summers. I never wanted to try any new activities for fear of embarrassment and failure. So, I stuck to what I knew. My activities were like old friends. I knew them blind. That worked perfectly for three summers, until my fourth year, when I was placed in a more advanced horseback riding hour and my little world flipped on its head.

I had ridden horses for three summers by then, but the prospect of being in the advanced hour, surrounded by older, skilled riders, made me so anxious I felt sick. I had caught glimpses of the pasture during these sessions and seen blurs of beige and brown, clouds of kicked-up dust, and what seemed like impossibly fast speeds. I was certain that the second I mounted any horse going that fast I would be flung off and land somewhere in the trees.

My first day in riding left me in tears. I already felt miles behind my peers. I trooped, defeated, back to the cabin, and I was in no mood to unpack the day with my friends, so I sat on the porch in the sinking sunlight alone. The door creaked open and my live-in CIT, a girl named Arantxa, sat beside me. She introduced herself, but said nothing. I was grateful for the silence. Her presence was comforting enough, as if she was letting me though she was there for me. She would wait until I was ready to talk.

Day after day, I wandered out to the porch. When I felt like crying after being reminded again and again I was the worst in my class, I found some semblance of solace on the rickety cabin steps. Arantxa came out and sat with me every day. Eventually, I began to tell her about riding and my debilitating fear each time I walked into the barn. I confessed I wanted to quit. She frowned. “The fear you have,” she said, “is not something to run from. You have to accept your fear. Live with it. Free it, and it will make you better. Don’t quit riding because you’re scared. Just keep going.”

Those words kept me enrolled in riding for the next six weeks. She was right, I was afraid–that never went away. But Arantxa helped me befriend my fear. I made peace with it, and understood that its very existence was proof that I was growing. Growth, I learned, was not what resulted from natural skill or prowess. It was earned from that uncomfortable in-between, that space where what if still pestered me. But this time I was armed with the tools to twist what if into something powerful. Something hopeful. Instead of asking, what if I fail? I found myself asking, what if I succeed?

We had a horse show on the last day of camp to demonstrate all of our acquired skills. I mounted my horse, welcoming the flutter of anxious butterflies in my gut. Scanning the crowd, I saw my friends beaming at me. But something else caught my attention: Arantxa, breathless from running to escape her CIT duties, stood at the fence with a handmade sign drawn just for me. She waved and smiled, and warm pride bloomed inside my chest. As I rode around the arena, I felt like a blur of beige and black, fast and flying, ready to take on the world. I knew then that I could conquer any activity, any obstacle, and any challenge in my way.

This blog was originally written by Molly K as an influential figure essay for a college-prep English class assignment. We are excited to have Molly join our staff team in 2023!