Category: Alumni News

If you’ve been to camp over the past four decades, there is one person you are surely to know (and remember!). Chet Riehle has been at Camps Woodland and Towering Pines since the early 1980’s. His time spans five generations of the Jordan family owning and operating two summer camps in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This blog is long overdue, so I decided this was the year I was going to learn more about the story of how Chet came to camp and his long history with Woodland and Towering Pines. While at camp this summer, I hopped on the golf cart with him as he was headed to the firewood pile by the archery range and started asking a few questions!

As are many of the long-time Woodland/TP staff, Chet spent much of his non-camp career in education. The year before coming to camp, he was a high school history teacher in Crete, IL, and used the Chicago Tribune as a source for current events to create a quiz game for his students every Friday. As he was preparing his weekly quiz in the spring of 1982, he happened to notice an ad in the Tribune that the Explorer’s North program was looking for a certified captain to take campers out on Lake Superior for extended sailing trips. Chet figured that if they needed someone to run their off-site sailing program, they may need other people to help with various roles at Camp Towering Pines. Along with this ad was a phone number and the name, Marion Jordan.

Chet picked up the phone and made a call to “Pa” Jordan (JoAnne, Susan, and Jeff’s grandfather and co-founder of Towering Pines with his son, John Jordan). Once Pa found out Chet was a teacher, he was told that they would find a position for him at camp. Thus, Chet finished the current school year, hooked up a trailer to his vehicle carrying his Triumph motorcycle, and made his way north to do maintenance at TP for the first of many summers at Towering Pines and Woodland. He showed up on County D wearing cowboy boots and sporting a goatee.

Maintenance was not a stretch for Chet as his summer gig while teaching was operating a landscaping business for about 10 years. Chet was able to dig a dry well without a backhoe, repair roofs, and a long list of other useful skills that come in handy when taking care of the camps’ site and facilities. A fun fact I learned is that Chet actually did landscaping for Dennis DeYoung, singer song-writer and founding member of the rock band Styx. Chet brought his oldest daughter a signed record as a gift while working on that project. 

Chet eventually moved to East campus (Woodland) in 1985 to live and had quarters on the backside of the office (Chef Dan’s current summer home) for a period of time, Sunrise cabin during the years when he brought his young family to camp (Sunrise was not used as a camper cabin in those days as it is now), and then to the room that is on the side the Aquarius cabin where he currently resides. Chet takes the “security” part of his role seriously, and is always at the ready to keep the Woodland community free of unwanted visitors (both 2 and 4-legged). Although the majority of his time at camp Chet lived at Woodland, he makes frequent trips between the two camps and helps out when needed on both East and West campus.

An interesting update to Woodland that happened during Chet’s second decade at camp was building the stairs and deck off to the left side of the original path heading down to the waterfront. It was “interesting” because it isn’t always easy building on the side of a hill! The start of that project occurred after the giant slide covered with blue vinyl that took sliders to Sand Lake had to be removed. For several years in a row, the lake’s level was lower than normal and the end of the slide stopped before hitting the water’s edge. If you look down the hillside from above you can still catch a glimpse of where the slide used to be.

Another memorable event that occurred in Chet’s third decade at camp is a whopper of a storm that blew through mid-season in the early 2000’s. Woodland operated without electricity for multiple days as there were downed trees all over camp and the surrounding area. Chet was actually off the day of the storm and was able to navigate closed roads to get back to camp with a truck and trailer in tow to help haul away the massive piles of debris. Camp somehow managed to make it through that tough time! Thankfully, a generator was hooked up to keep the refrigerator and kitchen operating, drinking water was brought in, and the kitchen crew could still cook using the gas burners and ovens. It made for some fun stories that year as toilets were flushed with lake water and other sacrifices were made to keep things as “normal” as possible, considering.

Chet was actually quite the athlete in his day. JoAnne and I remember seeing him dart from tree to tree after dinner as he was heading out for a run. Chet thought we couldn’t see him, but as you can probably guess, we absolutely did! What I didn’t realize until this interview; however, is that he ran several marathons (including 2 Chicago marathons) and other races around the country. Chet recalls a race that meandered through the Houston Zoo as one of the highlights of his running days. Chet was also known for engaging Chef Dan in a “non-competitive” game of hoops (“H-O-R-S-E” or “2 on 2” if other kitchen staff would dare join the fun) on the basketball court on the evenings he didn’t go for a run.

Chet’s time at camp as of this blog, covers a span of 42 years. The only two summers he missed were 1989 as his son, Alex, was born, and 2020 due to Covid and camp not operating. If you ask Chet why he chooses to spend his summers at Woodland, he will tell you that it truly is a community where everyone knows your name. He is always amazed at how alumni remember him when they come to visit. Even though Chet may not have much direct interaction with the campers and staff, I can tell you for certain, that they would notice right away were he to be absent from Woodland.

For Chet’s 2024 banquet “toast,” JoAnne and I crafted and sang the theme from “Ghost Busters” to thank him for all that he does. When there’s something strange running through your cabin, who you gonna call? Critter Buster! If you’re all alone on the lake and your boat won’t start, who you gonna call? Gas Buster! He ain’t afraid of no mice. He ain’t afraid of no raccoon. When your toilet won’t flush or the drain is clogged, who you gonna call? Poop Buster! When you wake up cold and head to the lodge, who you gonna call? Fire Buster! He ain’t afraid of no girls. He ain’t afraid of no challenge. 

Chet knows the Woodland (and Towering Pines) property like he knows the back of his hand. He can tell you where to find cut-off points, the best spot to get birch wood of a certain size for making birthday necklaces and banquet wish boats, and where the latest growth of fungi that can be found on the trees surrounding the space we occupy and use. Chet is up early setting a toasty fire in the lodge to take the “chill” off when we come in for breakfast and takes charge of getting the grill lit at precisely the right time for Wednesday cookout and a campfire built at the beach for our mid-week evening activity.

Chet makes sure the vans, boats, and other camp vehicles are gassed up and ready to go, takes the laundry to town every Tuesday and picks it up on Wednesday, and waters the flowers that are planted in the box where the Woodland sign lives. On top of his daily/weekly to-do list, he takes care of any maintenance issues that arise with cabins or activity areas. Chet has been known to come to the aid of the counselor in charge of Farm Zoo a time or two! At the opening and closing of camp, he knows exactly where all equipment goes to be used or stored (and the phone numbers for the people who “lend” us bunnies, chickens, and ducks). He can guide a very large coach bus in/out of camp like a pro when bringing our long distance friends to camp for the summer or back home at the end (just to name a few!).

Chet shares his love of history with campers and staff and knows so much about how the Woodland of current day came to be over the years. For example, you can ask him how many bathtubs (4) were found and where (Sunrise, Sundew, Health Center, and back room of Aquarius) in the buildings when camp was first purchased by the Jordan’s in 1970, the icons on the top of the weather vane on the lodge roof (fish and sailboat), what the “pop room” on the front of the office housed before electricity was available (power generator), and what the original purpose of the ACC room found on the side of the office (laundry room). He could also tell you that the stairs to the beach before the deck was built were painted green. If I was to be on Jeopardy or other trivia show, I would want Chet on my team for sure!

One of Chet’s qualities we all have come to know and love over the years is his sense of humor. There is never a dull moment at the staff table when he is around! You will find his spoon or fork in his drinking glass if he is wanting to be included in the count for dessert (unless it is sherbet), potato chips piled high on his plate for Sunday picnic, and a llama water bottle in his possession most of the time. He also “saves” some dessert (cake or bars) to have with his morning coffee (in the largest container I have seen at camp). Chet is also known for stopping by the office or if he sees me or Lee out and about and asks if we are able to “multi-task,” meaning he wants to tell us something but doesn’t want us to stop the “important” work we are doing at the moment.

The almost daily off-season message exchanges have already started as we wrap up the current summer and start planning for the next one. Chet will send pictures of new games or activities we can incorporate into camp programming, photos that remind him of camp – especially involving “marshrooms” (his name for mushrooms since “mushmellows” is more appropriate for what we roast to make s’mores), and some good (possibly off-color at times) jokes or memes. The best part about the back and forth banter that happens over the fall, winter, and spring, is that I know Chet truly loves camp and has a special place in his heart for Camp Woodland all year. I look forward to getting the message at some random point asking me when I will be at camp because I always know that means he will be at camp, too. See you on County D in 2025, Chet. We can’t do summer without you!

“We are the fortunate ones, and although we may not know it yet, we are. Fortunate enough to have sand between our toes, mildew growing in our swimsuits, a farmer’s tan, deer fly bites and extra pounds…lucky us!

We may not realize it yet, we may not see the magic of a summer in a forest by the lake amongst our friends, and it is ok if we don’t.

Maybe we can’t yet measure the depth in which Woodland will tattoo our hearts, the longing we will feel whenever we are sad, the gratitude we will experience when we stop to turn around, and see how far in our lives we’ve walked.

It is then we will embrace the memory of the Woodland road and finally, truly, wonderfully understand we are the fortunate ones.” Camila Villegas, Camp Woodland alum

I can’t believe this is the last full day before our guests arrive. It is a jolting fact that takes me by surprise even though I know it is coming. Today is Banquet Day. It elicits the familiar pangs of sadness and joy that this day always brings. Behind the mixed emotions are justified reasons that we truly are the fortunate ones:

• We are fortunate to have made friends. We are one big happy family now. The fireplace inside the lodge, our activities, the cozy cabins, Vespers Hill, the campfire circle, are just a few places that bring us all together. The familiar faces and spaces greet us and bring joy. We care about each other deeply. We love each other. Where else can you say that you love everyone (even those who you don’t like that much)? That annoying person has become endearing in her own way. It is unique and special that such a community exists…we wish we could have more time together!
• We are fortunate to have familiar routines. The ringing of the bell, cabin clean-up, assembly, meals, activities, rest hour, campfire, Camper Council, donut day, Sunday events, goodnight singers…where else do we get serenaded after reading a bedtime story before we drift off with sweet dreams of another exciting day? Routines bring comfort and are what we can count on, especially in the beginning, so that we know what to expect. We also like changing it up as we become more comfortable. We are fortunate to have Gymkhana, Olympics, canoe trips, ropes course and other surprises along the way.
• We are fortunate to be immersed in silliness. Dressing in costumes both for events and impromptu reasons, putting spoons in our hair, wearing two different colored Crocs, coming to breakfast on Sunday’s in our pajamas, wearing underwear on the outside of our clothes, skipping to the next activity, putting on fake tattoos, painting our nails, taking a spigot “shower”, getting “married” on Fair Day, side ponytails, doing cartwheels across the lawn, eating a donut from a string, “blobbing” our friends, and more. We appreciate the little things that bring unexpected smiles.
• We are fortunate to learn from our activities. Many of us now have a passion for an activity we didn’t even know we liked. Archery, riflery, canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding, tennis, drama, dance, gymnastics, riding, swimming, water-skiing, arts & crafts, farm zoo, fishing… the list goes on. Many of these activities are difficult to do elsewhere, and even if we can do them, they will not be the same. We appreciate our missteps and little steps forward to developing a new skill. We have learned so much from each other. 
• We are fortunate to have nourishment for active camp days. We have such good food with minimal effort required on our part (deciding on the menu, finding ingredients, cooking, and clean-up). We enjoy hot/cold cereal, blueberry muffins, coffee cake, oatmeal topped with Rice Krispies, salad bar, meatloaf, fajitas, taco bar, chili mac, lasagne, garlic bread, carrot sticks with ranch dressing, baked/mashed potatoes, chips with ketchup, hotdogs/burgers, watermelon, brownies, “fancy” cookies, banana creme pie (that got a standing ovation!), cake with icing piled high, and so much more. Three meals a day to build community with our cabin group. And this doesn’t even include canteen, evening snack, pizza parties, and other yummy treats.
• We are fortunate to be unplugged and living in nature. Deer bounding across the field, loons calling to each other in the early morning and again in the evening, eagles soaring overhead, day lilies bursting orange in front of the lodge, ferns adorning the hillside and roadside, a trail ride through the Climax forest, the streaks of color we see at sunrise and sunset, the smell of the fire greeting us as we walk to the lodge each morning for breakfast, the moon leaving a shimmering trail on the water, the taste of mint along the lake’s edge, the feeling of “sinking” into the bog, “bouncing” on the moss, catching a fish, and tall pine trees that can almost touch the blue sky. Our five senses are keenly aware that nature abounds in this special place.

As summer 2024 comes to a close, we can’t help but say that we truly ARE the fortunate ones.

Mmmmmmm, I wanna linger here. Mmmmmmm, a little longer here. Mmmmmmm, a little longer here with you. Mmmmmmm, and as the years go by, I’ll think of you and sigh. This is goodnight and not good-bye!

Any Woodland alum will tell you that they have heard the infamous lake gnome story as told by Peggy Forester in 1973. If you close your eyes, you can probably envision Anne Jordan holding a piece of gold/yellow Woodland stationery with a brown logo and print in her hands, reading the words formed by a typewriter (not a computer) at Wednesday night campfire.

Down at the beach on campfire night, the sky displays streaks of pink, purple and orange as the sun sets to the west followed by the moon rising over the horizon and blazing its almost walkable trail across the lake. As if on cue, loons call to one another from one end to the other. The loudspeaker from Menominee rattles off in the semi-distance. Canoes are turned over for the day, sailboats are happily moored, and the ski boat has been tucked in for the evening. A light breeze gives the halyards an opportunity to play their melody on the tall masts.

Cabins have taken their turn by sharing a song or a skit. A few brave souls offer up a challenge or a joke. Younger campers are snuggled up next to their counselor as eyes grow tired. Mrs. Jordan (now JoAnne) begins the iconic tale…

**Long ago, before hula hoops, or even super balls; yes folks, even before gym shoes were invented, Sand Lake was clear and free of leeches (not to mention Camp Woodland), there was a coffee factory.

Sing (Maxwell House Coffee tune): Down yonder green valley, where streamlets meander, when twilight was fading…

It produced the finest coffee for miles around. Its reputation was renowned. People would travel for days for one taste of this marvelous drink. Mysteriously enough, back in those days, this factory suddenly disappeared. It is thought that the lake gnomes, jealous of this prosperous town, came in one night and moved the factory piece by piece to the bottom of the lake. The only trace remaining is the stairway above Hilltop. This arduous procedure took only one dark night. No, there was not even a clue as to who it was who stole the factory.

The town’s prosperity ended. An eon or so passed. And one day, many years later, Sand Lake changed colors. It caused a great uproar among the people. Imagine where this brownish color was coming from?! The darkness increased until the lake was the darkest black. The chief counselor at that time remembered back to the days when his town was prosperous because of the coffee factory. He went to the chief of the lake gnomes because he wanted to be fair. One must always be FAIR he said to himself.

He asked the chief lake gnome what had happened. But the gnome falsely denied any knowledge of it. So to this very day, no one know for sure just how the lake turned brown. But, we’re pretty sure…

Why about 5 years ago, Jack was a-salting a leech and the truth came out. Leeches are really lake gnomes traveling incognito…lake gnomes in bondage. They were punished long ago by their leader for letting the secret of the coffee factory leak out. Their only escape is to be salted.

So each time you get a leech, remember, it’s a lake gnome trying to get free. Pouring salt on him sets him free. Free a lake gnome today!**

Questions/thoughts to ponder:

–Since Jack was “a-salting” a leech in this tale, I wonder if the lake gnome tale was actually crafted BEFORE the Jordan’s bought Woodland (and it became a camp for girls)? History has it that Woodland was a coed summer camp prior to 1970.

–Who else besides me was not a fan of the wiggly little leeches? As a former waterfront director, I can remember running with the carton of salt to any campers/staff who would “scream” when one would find its way onto a foot or leg (or some other body part). Fun fact: Woodland currently has very few leeches because of the compounding effect of the annual dump of a truckload of sand at the beach that has infiltrated the shoreline and beginner swimming areas over the last 30 yrs (more sand = less rocks and places for leeches to “hideout”).

–If you could rewrite the lake gnome story, what would your version be to explain how Sand Lake got its brownish color? Maybe it really wasn’t the leeches and coffee factory after all…

*For a chance to rewrite a tiny piece of Camp Woodland’s history, send your explanation/version of how Sand Lake got its brownish color to kimdaycock@gmail.com.

As a recent college graduate who is currently applying to grad school, I have found myself reflecting on my four summers as a Woodland counselor through a totally new lens. Any returning counselor will tell you that there is something so unique and special about working at camp. Whether it’s having the opportunity to spend time in such a beautiful natural environment, challenging yourself to meet new people and try new things, or becoming the type of leader you looked up to as a camper, being a counselor is a priceless experience. 

However, being a camp counselor is often hard to write about in resumes and applications despite it being such valuable work experience. It is challenging to explain camp to those who have never experienced it first hand as on the surface it appears to be a “fun” job but not a “serious” or “real” one. In a time when so much emphasis is placed on internships, shadowing experiences, and summer classes, it is important to remember the many lessons and skills that are gained by being a counselor. To list a few:

Leadership: Counselors are responsible for the health and safety of a cabin group of 6-10 campers, teaching activities in one or more areas, and possibly directing an activity while managing several other staff members. You ensure that groups can work together cohesively to provide a positive camp experience for everyone. 

Teamwork: Working with a co-counselor in the cabin, and the rest of the staff at camp, you became an expert team player. Being able to take into account points that differ from your own and learning how to trust your camp sisters is a skill that will be very beneficial to just about any career (and life in general!).

Communication: Effective communication is essential for conveying instructions to campers and for providing updates and feedback to fellow counselors to be sure everyone is on the same page is critical. Communication is what keeps camp running safely and efficiently! Not to mention, sharing a written report during the summer on each camper in your cabin group to show adjustment to group living and personal growth using specific examples is key to realizing the value of camp for caregivers.

Problem Solving: Camp can be unpredictable at times, so problem solving is essential for responding to unexpected situations and changes. The weather is one of the biggest drivers of change at camp as it can go from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes. Thinking on your feet and being able to switch gears to gather your group and carry on without missing a beat is practiced on a daily basis! Additionally, counselors often encounter conflicts among others, so the ability to find solutions in a positive and constructive manner is another incredibly important skill gained from camp.

Decision Making: With leadership comes decision making. Whether it is organizing plans for daily activities, cabin nights, campfire skits, or just adapting to Woodland “dew” (AKA a rainy day), counselors become very comfortable making decisions individually and as a group.

Creativity: Song Contest, Camper Council, Inspiration Hour, campfire leaders, two-week plans, cabin posters, and more! Counselors have so many opportunities to show their creativity at camp. If changing the words to a song and coming up with dance moves for the highly anticipated Song Contest, facilitating a theme-night of games for the entire camp with your cabin group, and planning engaging lessons for a 60 minute activity period that meets 6 days a week (and with varying ages and skill levels!) doesn’t involve creativity, I don’t know what does! 

Empathy and Patience: Leadership involves understanding and connecting with others’ needs, emotions, and challenges. It is being patient with both campers and fellow staff and offering support in the kindest of ways. These are skills which are cultivated constantly as a Woodland counselor and will spill over into relationships with others at school, home or work.

To former counselors, future counselors, and parents of prospective counselors, working at Woodland is such a rewarding job. Counselors have a profound impact on others and at the same time, have the opportunity for so much personal growth. I know my experience as a counselor will benefit me both professionally and personally for many years to come!

If you know of someone who loves working with people and is looking for a rewarding summer job opportunity for 2024, send them HERE!

by Colette Vavrus

I don’t know why this particular line from one of Jimmy Buffet’s many tunes struck me as I was driving in my car recently listening to Sirius XM radio. You are probably wondering how this even remotely relates to camp?! As I see it, from those on the outside looking in, camp is hard to understand. For those on the inside, camp is really hard to explain. Unfortunately, I have never been to a Kiss Concert. I’m pretty sure that my lack of attendance would make it extremely difficult for me to describe the bright lights, pyrotechnics, and leather jacket rock-n-roll experience with any sort of accuracy or legitimacy! And, even if you are a Kiss Concert aficionado, how do you explain it to someone who has never been?!

Now Hiring 2023 Staff for the CWTP Summer “Concert” Series

This is the time of year when camps are gearing up to hire staff. Camps Woodland and Towering Pines are no exception. For those who have worked at camp before, camp is usually a relatively easy sell. For the most part, former staff already know what to expect (like having been to a Kiss Concert at least once). They just get it. 

For those who are making the transition from longtime camper to first year counselors, it is familiar in some ways, yet unknown in others. Being a camper is like watching a Kiss Concert from the nosebleed section; you’re there and have an idea of what it’s like, yet you can’t really see the stage until you have a ticket that gets you closer to the front row (being on staff).

The people who really have a hard time understanding what working at camp is like are those staff who have never been to camp before, let alone to a small, family owned, Northwoods camp. This is why we need YOU. You’ve actually been to that “Kiss Concert” because you are connected to Woodland/Towering Pines in some way.

In the next several weeks, you will most likely be crossing paths with college age students (at family gatherings, while hanging out with friends and neighbors, at church or community events, etc.) who would be a great addition to the Woodland/Towering Pines camp family. We would love for you to encourage/suggest a summer working at camp to the emerging leaders you already know or will meet while gathering at various celebrations this holiday season!

A few talking points to share (even if you are an avid Camp Woodland or TP “concert goer” – you may need a little help with some of the important details!): 

• Leadership Development: What you water, grows. A summer working at Woodland/Towering Pines provides an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Think of the power that comes from knowing what you ‘re good at, what’s most important, what keeps you engaged/motivated, what you want to avoid, how you like to work, and the growth opportunities that can be found in the midst of challenges.
• Transferable Skills: A job at Woodland/Towering Pines provides the perfect ecosystem to practice and develop skills that lay the foundation for future jobs, careers, and life. Did you know that as a rule of thumb, 60% of the best jobs 10 years from now have NOT YET been invented? (Thank you, Thomas Frey.) And, the average person in today’s world changes jobs 12 times?! It is rare that someone gains aptitude in skills such as problem solving, teamwork, communication, and initiative by reading about it or taking a class. Rather, it is through an experience like working at camp, where this “stuff” has a chance to take hold. Minimal experience working with kids is needed on the front end (just a desire to work with people of ALL ages). However, a vast foundation of transferable skills applicable to an ever-changing landscape will be at-the-ready on the back end for whatever comes “next”.
• Healthy Environment: Camps Woodland and Towering Pines promote overall wellness for campers AND staff. Working at camp provides opportunities for a healthy lifestyle in all wellness dimensions (physical, emotional, financial, career, creative, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental). A summer at camp for staff offers home-cooked meals that fuel active days, an appropriate level of stress that helps individuals stretch and grow, a paycheck to put towards present or future expenses, skills that are applicable to just about any occupation, occasions to wear costumes and make-up games, skits, songs, etc., a built-in peer group with opportunities to connect, a better idea of what gives meaning and purpose, a chance to live simply, be outside with forests and lakes as neighbors and go mostly “unplugged” from technology.
• Caring Community: Very few work environments have support systems in place that do everything in their power to foster success every step along the way. With the many touch points throughout the hiring process, pre-camp/ongoing training, and a “deep bench” of senior staff and leaders who are there to mentor and coach, the framework is in place to help each staff member strive to be their best. Oh, and did I mention the campers who look up to and are the biggest cheerleaders for staff? 
• Impact on the Next Generation: Today more than ever, children need a place to belong (and not just fit in) in order to spread their wings and try new things (in an environment where making a mistake is OK). Being a role model in a community that creates opportunities for kids to unleash their innate curiosity, creativity, and sense of adventure forms a direct link to the inevitable growth that occurs. Kids will undoubtedly take the lessons learned and memories made with them throughout the rest of their lives.
• FUN! Mentioned last, but certainly not least! Fun is a big part of everything we do. Not fake or forced, just simple and real. The BEST kind of fun!

Have a staff member you would like to refer to the Camp Woodland or Towering Pines Summer “Concert” Series (June 16-August 9, 2023)? Have them complete this SHORT FORM, and we will do the rest! Know a former staff member who wants to come back? Share THIS RETURN STAFF FORM, and we will reach out from there.  

P.s. In case you are really wanting to see a Kiss Concert in person, I’m pretty sure that they are on their “end of the road” tour in ‘22-’23. You might be able to catch them at your favorite location abroad. I can tell with complete certainty that you won’t see me there because I will be at camp where we have our own light shows (bright, starry skies uninhibited by a city’s “glow”, pyrotechnics (weekly campfires, fireworks for the 4th of July, and the burning of the Olympic flame), and face painting on random occasions. I’m sure we can incorporate leather in there somewhere…we’re creative that way!