Author: Kim Aycock

May Flowers Mean Only 1 Thing…SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!!

Has anyone noticed that the camp countdown calendar has gone from over 300 days until camp (in August of 2013) to barely 30 days left (current count)?!  That is EXCITING for those of us who wait ALL YEAR for camp days to get underway.  It is time to start packing and get ready for the “Dare-to-Explore in 1-4” Summer…we can’t wait to see you in the Northwoods!  See you SOON…

p.s. The day lilies in front of the Lodge in the photo above somehow time themselves just right and always make an appearance for Camp Birthday, a tradition that is celebrated each year after the 4th week of camp.

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing Superior Court Judge J Wade Padgett speak for 2 hours on “Teenage Years 101” to the student body at a local high school.  One of the parents whose daughter and son I tutor recommended that I go, not only for the benefit of what I would learn regarding the students with whom I tutor, but she also thought that it would be a good idea because of the work that I do with summer camps.   I have to say that it was an eye-and-ear-opening experience to say the least!  Judge Padgett didn’t sugar coat anything while sharing an important lesson about the consequences of poor choices or decisions made from the minors who have come across his path in the judiciary system.

In addition to covering all of the “usual” risks (drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.) that adolescents so often take that may provide a perceived short-term “high”, Padgett also delved into the long-term consequences that may be unknown (losing the privilege to drive, getting an STD, being taking advantage of because of loss of consciousness, etc.).  He gave example after example of “good” kids who made a poor decision, got caught, and are no longer in school, no longer pursuing their dream, or are no longer with us.  In other words, the future is not looking so bright for these folks.  My stomach was in knots throughout his entire presentation, and it was one of the few times that I was part of an audience that was so engaged, you could have heard a pin drop.

Judge Padgett also went into various Social Media issues with the students (texting while driving, posting inappropriate pictures, cyber bullying, etc.).  He mentioned an app called “Yik Yak” which apparently gives the capability to send messages anonymously; I had never heard of it, but from what I now know, kids are using it to ambush one another because no one knows the author.  By having the app, it sends out messages to other users by zip code.  Several schools in my area are banning its use by their students because of the potential it has to be anything but nice.

Padgett kept coming back to the “S” that many young people (and adults, too!) wear on their chest…the “S” that says “I am invincible – that won’t happen to me – I would never do that!”.  The “S” that came to mind for me in all of this “doom and gloom” was the “S” that stands for the SOLUTION = SUMMER CAMP!!  The time that kids spend at summer camp allows them to take a break from the many temptations that are out there because the culture is different at camp.  The culture that is the “norm” for campers at Woodland/Towering Pines is to build each other up, not tear each other down; to take risks that are constructive and build confidence with appropriate supervision, skills, and support, not destructive and may cause harm to the person or to others; to get a “high” just from being with your friends in the outdoors while being “unplugged”, not sink “lower” because of poor choices or miss opportunities because of too much “screen-time” and not enough time fostering face-to-face relationships.

Summer camp is one decision that should be easy to make because of the many GOOD consequences that are a result of the experience.  If your daughter comes home this summer with an “S” on her chest, it is because she SUCCEEDED at trying something new, reached a goal she never thought was possible, became more independent, branched out and formed friendships, was a valuable part of a community, had fun being silly and spontaneous…just to name a few!  You will be AMAZED at the confidence she will come away with that will help her navigate the many decisions she will face in her life at home and school.

Look Out Aquarius…Here We Come!  We are the 2014 CIT’s!

It is interesting to note that this month’s blog sponsor, Hilltop, was the 2nd oldest camper cabin at camp in 2013.  This means that you are looking at the next group of CIT’s (Counselors-in-Training) for 2014!!  Many of these girls have been at camp for a number of years, some of them have literally “grown up” at Woodland.  It is fitting that they are posing for the month of “April showers” as we know that rain is an important ingredient in the cycle of life and is the nutrient most things need to grow.  This group has definitely shown a lot of growth in their journey as campers, and now they will be taking the next step which is designed to help them become future counselors.

Hilltop: Cabin Unity Campfire 2013

You will see these girls take numerous leadership roles this summer as they now become part of the equation for making camp “magical” for the younger campers as did the CIT’s before them.  The CIT’s will be involved in the day-to-day operations of camp and will take turns ringing the wake-up bell, sorting the outgoing and incoming mail, doing cabin inspection with the nurse, assisting with activities, giving ski help and taking canteen orders during Rec Swim,…just to name a FEW!  As a group they will take part in a daily leadership training hour with their counselors during the first few weeks of the summer and plan all-camp Sunday events such as Gold Rush or other fun themes.  The CIT’s will also put together the highly anticipated “Coed Show” with their counterparts at Towering Pines.

Hilltop: Superhero Night 2013

Hilltop’s Favorite Things:

Jackie: Spoon assassins (I love the chase!), Lip sync contest, Picnic (All food! Yummy!), Movie night (fun and relaxing!), Cabin night  (spend time with cabin), Cookout (I love eating outside!), Chicken tenders (so good!), Taco bar (Dan is amazing!).

Kira: Riding (I love horses!),  Olympics (I love screaming and all of the cheers!), Cabin night (It is so much fun to spend time with my cabin mates), and the Food (it is delicious!).

Caroline:  Saturday donuts (because they are so yummy!),  Sunday picnic (because of the different foods), Movie night (I love movies), Cookout, Taco bar, Gold Rush (I love the hunt for gold), Rest hour (I like to rest), Extended rest hour (I like to rest a long time), Spoon Assassins, Cabin night (We get to spend time together).

Ana: Spoon Assins (It’s fun), Saturday Donuts (Love donuts), Cookout (I like chips), Picnic (I like to have different options of food), Pizza with salad bar (I love pizza and of toppings), Rest Hour (I love to rest), Movie Nite (I like movies and canteen), Campfire (I have a lot of  fun!).

Claire: Gold Rush, all Sunday activities, Dan’s cooking (chicken tenders), spoon assassins (chasing people is fun), rest hour (resting is fun), cabin night/cabin bonding, rainy day activities, campfire, Olympics, movie night, and canteen!

Have you Heard the News?!! Woodland now has an Instagram account!
(You can find us at: woodland4girls)

Check out “Wear” in the World? Photos and FUN new challenges called “Where Am I At Camp?” and “Woodland Wednesdays”

Tell all your friends and family to Follow Us… Go to the Camp Woodland Homepage and Click on the Instagram Icon!

Remember, these are  photos you will only be able to see via Instagram…..

Counselor Photography – Woodland Waterfront

Don’t Forget…Annual Jordan Family Open House
Date: March 9, 2014 (corrected date)
Time: 1:00-4pm CST
Where: Northfield, IL
Request More Information