Author: Kim Aycock

This was a summer where EVERYTHING CLICKED! See what the campers from our youngest three cabins had to say about what it was that clicked in 1-6:

Treetops:

Eleanora: working together – teamwork.

Ava: When I tried so many new things, I realized that sometimes you just need to go for it and have fun!

Lilah: I made some new friends.

Lizzy: My relationships with other people.

Brooke & Lou: Losing a tooth!

Dani: My cabin mates, CIT’s and counselors.

Maya: I had lots of fun with my friends.

Silverbirch:

Lizzy: My cabin mates, everyone at camp, my counselors, the lake, everything!

Maria: Having fun!

Paloma: Riflery really clicked for me.

Katherine: Sailing and riding clicked for me this summer; I looked forward to them every day. I feel fearless when shooting!

Ellie: The funny cabin mates and trying new things.

Alex: Having fun and enjoying camp.

Eva: Riding was really fun for me. I was good in riding because I really liked my horse, and I learned a lot of new things about horses.

Tess: I did great in Archery.

Valentina: I had lots of fun with my friends.

Anika: Something that went well for me was trying to pass out swimming lessons.

Sunnyside:

Tori: I really enjoyed Riflery, and I passed my Pro-marksman!

Isa: My new friends, my cabin, the people around camp (they are really nice), and this new summer.

Jackie: Earning two qualifiers in Archery on the same day!

Ana Elisa: That everyone is different and that is how we are special. Making friendships at camp is worth it.

Molly: Everything: my cabinmates, the counselors, activities, goals and achievements. It all clicks!

Aubrie: I was able to do both Riding and Drama for the last session even though there was a conflict. We were able to find a compromise.

Lucy: I absolutely love everyone I have met here!

Katie: Meeting lots of new people.

Viv: That I loved camp so much!

A Friday Northwoods phenomenon is a weekly fish fry where it is not uncommon for lines to start forming before 5:00 pm.  Evidently, the only parking space that is guaranteed at Honey Bear in Eagle River is the one posted on the sign above!

Elmer and Barb are not the only ones who have their spot reserved for 2017 – your daughter(s) can, too! 

It is hard to believe that we are heading into the last week of summer 2016 – it has gone by really fast!  The good news is that you don’t have to wait to enroll your camper(s) for summer 2017.  You can reserve your spot now and take advantage of our early enrollment promotion for all 2016 campers!  Just fill out the application before or when you come to camp to pick up your daughter(s) this weekend (or mail it in by August 9th).  The deposit is $250 (instead of the usual $500) and there is a 5% discount on next year’s tuition.  On top of that great deal, we are giving out a special Woodland Beanie as a thank-you for taking advantage of this one-time offer!

Early Enrollment Camper Application 2017

p.s. The theme for 2017 is: Create Your Own Scene in 17!

See you next summer!

There is a Difference. . .

Between playing Pokemon Go and searching for the “Mother Lode” on Gold Rush Day with your cabin.  Teamwork and persistence are key to gathering clues and puzzling out the location of the infamous gold rock.

There is a Difference. . .

Between listening to your iPod and hearing the sounds of birds singing a wake-up tune, waves splashing on the shores of Sand Lake, wind whistling through the tall pine trees, halyards chiming on sailboat masts, and the echo of campers laughing.

There is a Difference. . .

Between grabbing food on the go and spending time with your cabin family sharing a meal 3 times a day.  The conversations that happen daily around the table are instrumental to cabin bonding and friendships.

There is a Difference. . .

Between watching a video on YouTube and seeing live performances of the annual Lip Sync, Song, and Ugly Counselor Contests and the end of session drama, dance and gymnastics shows.  There is no substitute for seeing the culmination of learning new skills, tireless rehearsing, and celebrating a job well done.

There is a Difference. . .

Between having a conversation on Snap Chat or other Social Media and a face-to-face “real-time” exchange with a cabin mate or camp friend.  Being able to see facial expression, read body language and interpret emotion are pivotal to understanding the intricacies of social interaction.

There is a Difference. . .

Between viewing photos on a screen and seeing nature’s splendor growing on the side of a tree by Silver Birch cabin, bald eagles flying overhead while sailing, loons swimming on the lake during canoe class, the sun setting from your campsite, and deer bounding through the Climax Forest while on a trail ride.

The Difference is pretty clear to me. . .a summer at Woodland makes all the difference in the world!

After establishing our rhythm in the first two weeks of camp, we can push a little harder on the gas pedal and see what adventures await us during weeks 3 and 4. Some campers have decided to challenge themselves with a new activity (or two) while others strive for greater mastery in favorite activities.

It was SO EXCITING yesterday at assembly to hear all of the announcements of campers passing levels, staying up on skis in choppy water, making a mooring for the first time, learning to canter, mastering a skill in gymnastics, or earning a qualifier in archery. Campers start to EXPLODE with accomplishments during the next 2 weeks – it is fun to watch them BURST with confidence like never before!

Having been together for a while, cabin groups usually discover that not everyone agrees all of the time. We embrace this opportunity for the real work of camp to begin! Several cabins will go on a canoe trip for a fun bonding experience and a change of routine. There is something about paddling to a destination, cooking over a fire, and sleeping in a tent that provides an opportunity for campers to connect in a way that is different from being at “home” in the cabin.

Song Contest is a highlight of this 2-week period. With the support of the counselors, groups come together and appreciate each other’s unique gifts and strengths. I am always amazed at what cabins can do when they put their heads together, change the words to a song, add in some creative dance moves, and practice for an all-camp performance. Behind the smiling faces during show time is the teamwork, negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving that went into accomplishing a common goal.