Category: Archives

My name is Isa Suarez, I am from Mexico City and this is my 6th summer coming to camp. This summer is my first year being a CIT and my cabin is treetops. Friends and family at home are always surprised when they ask how many summers I have been coming to camp, and the answer is 6. They find it even more surprising when I tell them camp lasts for 6 weeks; many questions come up, such as how can you do it? Don’t you get tired of doing the same thing over and over again every summer? Don’t you want to do anything else?

Camp is a whole new place full of different people and different things to do; you meet new friends from different countries and from different surroundings than you. Camp is a place where you can be who you really are and no matter what you can always count that you are never going to be judged by anyone.
I remember the first time I came here; I came to Woodland because my dad spent a couple of summers at Towering Pines when he was younger. My older sister and I couldn’t have been more exited. After a 4 hour plane ride and an 8-hour bus ride I was finally here. I will never forget the first time I saw the Woodland sign, decorated with some welcoming blue and yellow balloons. From the moment I stepped out of the bus, I knew I was home, and I knew that I would be stepping out of that bus for the next couple of summers.

To this day I can’t help but smile every time that I see the Woodland sign, for me, it represents all the memories, friends, stories, laughs, and songs Woodland has given me these past 6 years. I don’t think that you can explain what Woodland is all about to a person that has never been here, because it is impossible to explain the feelings of joy, happiness, excitement, teamwork and friendship. Woodland has taught me a lot of things and everyday I learn something new. I try to make everyday here count and I try to make everyday a new experience.
I can’t thank my parents enough for sending me here and to the Jordan family for making Woodland such a good place and experience.
So back to the questions written at the beginning… I am asking those questions to myself right now, and I realized that I still have the same answers that I been having the past 6 years. I do not get tired of it, and I do not want to do anything else.

Greetings from the Northwoods!
It is hard to believe that I am halfway though my ninth summer already…it is amazing how camp flies by. I remember being an eight-year-old camper and saying goodbye to my Dad when he dropped me off that first summer. So much has changed from when I was that young. I was always the girl looking up to the CIT’s (counselor-in-training) and wanting to be a cool as they were. Now that I am a second year CIT, I know how it feels to have girls look up to me. I realize the importance of being a good role model; the campers are impressionable and pay attention to everything we say and do.

Being a CIT is so much fun! I go through my everyday actives in addition to being officer of the day and counselor for the day. It is neat to see the activities I took when I was younger compared to now. I get to assist an activity that I think I will want to teach when I am a counselor, which is really nice because I get a feel for what it will be like running my own class. Being officer of the day is also really fun, too. I help out in the office, sort the mail, do cabin inspection, and assist the girls learning how to ski. Another great thing about being a CIT is getting to be in the Coed-Show! That is one of my favorite things about camp. I love putting on a show for the campers because I loved watching the show when I was younger.

At camp everyday is different. Even though we are doing the same activities, something new and exciting happens everyday. Camp has made such an impression on my life. I cannot imagine a summer not coming back to camp. The friends I have made here have been the best friends I have ever had. The girls are all my sisters, and it is so hard saying good-bye to them year after year. Camp is like a second home to me, and it is truly a place where I can be myself and make friends that will last forever.

Lindsay
2nd year CIT

Dear Woodland Staff,

By the time you read this, you will have experienced “Red, White & Boom” in all its glory. “Ooooh, Aaaaah, Wonderful!!!!” will still be resonating through your heads as you remember the beautiful fireworks lighting up the north woods sky over Clear Lake. Budding relationships will have already begun between T.P. boys and Woodland girls assuring that many envelopes will cross those County D miles via any soul willing to make a delivery. (at least this is how they did it in the old days) And by now even the new counselors and campers will know the Woodland Song as well as having other camp favorites committed to memory.

Although most of you have never met me, we are connected just the same because we are all Woodland girls. Some of us from many years ago, and others even longer. And then there are those who have just recently become a part of Woodland life. Nevertheless, the bond is there because of this great place, Camp Woodland, gifted to us by Mr. and Mrs. Jordan and the Jordan family.

You may not realize the importance of your role here at Woodland, and so I want to take this opportunity to remind you because your time here is short and each day is a gift. What you bring as an individual to camp is a gift as well, and it does not go unnoticed. The campers you are here with in the Summer of 2011 may not tell you what they learned from you or how much you impacted their lives. However, someday many years down the road, you will know that you left an imprint on a Woodland girl’s heart, and that will be passed on to all those lives whom she touches. I am still in awe at the campers who have found me 20 years later and remember something that I said or did that touched them in a significant way. So, be mindful of your words and actions because they are far reaching and are powerful beyond belief.

Part of the magic of Camp Woodland is that not only are the kids learning from you, but you are learning from them. Open your mind to the wisdom of what they have to offer by simply listening to what they have to say and observing. It is sometimes at the oddest and most inconvenient times that a camper will come to you; however, this is future training for parenthood!!! It never fails that when I am utterly exhausted and tucking my 13-year-old son into bed, he begins telling me something about his day or something that happened. If I didn’t take the time to listen to him even though I’m ready to just say “Good Night,” I would truly miss out on a gift that he is sharing with me. It is at these times that campers are trying to make a connection with you. It’s as though they are handing you a piece to a puzzle that is a very personal way of letting you into their complex life.

There is also great wisdom in the years of experience of your fearless leaders. They really do know what they are doing, so don’t forget to absorb as much of it as you can. I have used what I learned at Camp Woodland in every aspect of my life for the past 22 years. I hear Mrs. J.’s voice every time I say to myself, “When in doubt, STOP, and START over.” Simple, right? So why is it so effective? This is your opportunity to take what you will from their experience and knowledge and use it to better yourself and be the best person you can be for these campers.

Finally, because I cannot be there and wish I could, please do me a favor. Savor these moments. Listen to the wind blowing through the pine trees. Stop and close your eyes and smell the air and listen to the waves on Sand Lake. Look out across the water and enjoy the view (forget about the brown residue and leeches for a moment if you will). Savor a frozen candy bar at canteen. Watch a smile creep across a girl’s face as she does something she thought impossible. Relish in the joy of a camper’s excitement when she hears her name called because she received a package. Sing at campfire just a little more loudly than you did the time before. Feel the spirit of peace at vespers that doesn’t care what religion or faith you are, but is just glad you exist. Smile at a camper you pass who just needs an extra look for reassurance. Tell another counselor something they do amazingly well. And look just a while longer at your wish boat floating out across the water because that candle is truly a beacon reflecting a summer that will be a memory you will want to savor for years to come.

Much love to Mrs. J., JoAnne, Susan, my sister and any other Woodland/T.P. friends,

Angie
Camp Woodland Staff
(summers 1990-1994, 1997)

7/1/10
Dear OD Log,
Today Leah, who was hostess woke me up. I got out of bed really excited because I had to do one of my favorite things at camp: ring the bell!! After washing my hands and setting the tables I had a wonderful breakfast which gave me a lot of energy so I could stay alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic, all day long. During assembly Emma got camper of the day, congratulations!! I went with Barb and Denise for cabin inspections, good job treetops! After that I went back into the office because I had a lot of work too do. I learned how to send bunk notes and I sent letters home. I think there should be an activity to learn how to send letters, but anyway, after a busy morning at the office the bell rang and after lunch and rest hour, I went to the water front for ski help, but I didn’t get in because Maria was the only one who skied, great job! After giving canteen I went back to my cabin to enjoy my hour off and I shared with Claire, Leah, and Suzanne who was counselor for a day… I really enjoyed my 1st time as OD, but that’s all for now.
Signing off for now, Sofia
P.S. my chus (shoes)
P.P.S. Values

7/2/10
Dear OD Log,
It was the 2nd of July and all was quiet until I rang the bell and disrupted the girls’ beauty sleep (thanks Paige H.) Waking up Claire was easy and we hopped, but the food we couldn’t try it until everyone was there. For Assembly, everyone would leap and we called Starshine with the buzzer and had the flag put up. I had the privilege of being OD and Counselor of the Day so I Taught Dance in the Rec Hall and got all sweaty. With Denise I went on Cabin Inspection and Sunnyside won! Congrats once again). I learnt to send mail and Bunk Notes with JoAnne and Mrs. J. Lunch was yummy while canteen was quite empty, some tried to trick me for double canteen, Caroline… There was a HUGE spider in there but before Arantxa was quite jumpy. Jumpy because it was her first time skiing and she got up, CONGRATS! Kate knee boarded spectacularly and soon I took a nice shower. After dinner, we organized the movie area for a good cause… Move night with Alvin and the Chipmunks… Major movie stars!!! Twizzlers were scrumptious and I helped Treetops in their cabins, Thanks for the drawings Grace and Ana Pau. Soon after we all went to the cabin and fell asleep instantly.
Goodnight and Sweet Dreams Camp Woodland
Until next time OD Log,
-Danigirl
7/3/10
Dear OD Log,
Today I woke up extra early and rang the wake up bell! Then I woke up the hostess. After assembly I waited in the office with Sam because the door was locked. When JoAnne finally gave Sam the key I got around to cabin inspections. Good job everyone that got 30’s!! Next, I sorted all the mail and announced who got packages at lunch, and no Haley, your package did not come. Then I carried 5 boxes of candy to the canteen. During 5th hour there was a giant spider by the candy window and Leah killed it. Thanks Girl!! Finally my OD duties ended with a wonderful hour off, where I got ready for the CIT social!!!
Signing off for now, Molly Monage
P.S. Silly Willy is a very relevant song Sarah.

7-4-10

Dear OD Log,
Well, I started my first OD day off by waking the camp up with the bell…well, I didn’t think that one through…it was 4th of July and everyone gets woken up by the horses. ..Whoops!!! Well, I had breakfast (cinnamon rolls, yum!) then during cabin cleanup we got ready for our CIT game and our re-enactment of the Boston tea party! So, during vespers I did cabin inspections (way to go Aquarius) Then we had lunch and played some forth of July games. Then it was the red, white, and BOOM campfire at towering pines, good job everyone!! I’m so glad we got to do fireworks because that’s my favorite part! I was so glad I got to see my brother again (cough cough wink wink Mira!!) Well, overall it was a great day! I hope my next day is as fun!!
Signing off for now, Lindsay Lee Moppet
P.S. singing in the shower
P.P.S. Grace+Suze+ Lindsay= dream crew!!
P.P.P.S. congratulations, would you like a cookie or something?

7-5-10
Dear OD log:
Today I woke up to my favorite sound in the world, “Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep,” my alarm clock. I dragged myself out of bed to ring the bell and wake up Jenny in Starshine, who luckily was already awake. Then, I did cabin inspections after assembly, during which Sunnyside got a 30. Again. Honestly Sunnysiders, that’s probably the cleanest cabin I’ve ever seen. Keep it up girl! Then I sorted the mail and restocked the canteen with soda. And let me tell you, golf cart duties are great as everyone says they are, or maybe it was because I was with Hannah and it was a pretty crazy ride. When I got back Joanne and Susan told me that we were going to do a missing person drill, which meant that I got to be the lucky duck that got to ring the bell for 15 minutes. Unfortunately the drill was cancelled due to some woodland dew, which also meant no canteen during Rec-Swim. Then came my glorious hour off during which I took a long hot shower, did my laundry, and admittedly sang and danced to some 3Oh!3. Overall it was a pretty good 1st day as OD.
Signing off for now, Nappy Behnks
P.S. Lisa, I’m here! I’m here!

7-6-10
Dear OD log!
I’m a tough one to wake up, so this morning was brutal. As I saw that Fer was hostess, I sighed in relief knowing I didn’t have to storm into someone else’s cabin. Cabin Clean-Up approached, so I went around to all the cabins letting them know about lip sync. Nice job Silver Birch! Work it Elena! Being a guidette was a blast! Then I actually got to do some real OD work! Nice job Sunnyside! And no Silver Birch, you didn’t get a 30 at Callas request, I promise! By the way, sorry Jaime and Hannah, I’m aware my questions can get really frustrating!! And yes Haley, your package finally came! Woohoo! Ski help was awesome, don’t worry Grace, I know skiing is still a little hard for you! I’ll always be there! Not going to lie, I’m a little afraid of the canteen shack. Shanti, you make me laugh, “we don’t have Take 5’s in Mexico! Dinner was great they dint put meat in the sauce! Score! And, once again, I made Haley die of laughter, I’m on a roll!! I went snail hunting for evening activity with Amanda and Suzanne and we had tea with a loon named Phillip.
Much Love, Rasta Pasta!
P.S. Sup Sup bro?!
P.P.S. I found you an acorn; cherish it!!

7/7/10
Dear OD log,
Today I went to ring the wake-up bell, then went to Tamarack to check if Hannah was awake who later gave Arantxa camper of the day. Congrats! After assembly I went to sort the mail and do some other office duties. Best part of my day! It was super fun because Lindsay got to chill in the office with me because of her hurt ankle. Way to trip on nothing Lindsay. I got to clean the whole lodge Wahoo!! Best arm workout of my life: vacuuming the rug in the lodge. Then I got to staple letters home together. We were supposed to go on our canoe trip but the weather didn’t quite co-operate. I got to give out canteen for 5th hour since it stopped raining! By the way, all the cabins were super clean. I’m impressed, good job girlies!!
Signing off for now, Toris
P.S. Hey Lisa, you have a package
P.P.S. Excuse-est-moi

7/8/10
Dear OD log,
Its my first day of being OD, woohoo!! Today I woke up and rang the wake-up bell. Then I went to Treetops to wake up Joanna, the happy hostess, who was thankfully already awake. At assembly Joanna gave Corinne camper of the day! Congrats! Then I went to the office and sorted mail until Denise came to get me for cabin inspections. Great job Sunnyside and Treetops girls! Hilltop, come on, we can do better than that! After inspections I cleaned the lodge. I swear that vacuum is alive! Fish Friday was lunch, and it was amazing! After a much-needed quiet rest hour it was time to do ski help which meant I got to ski twice! Yeah! Good job Emma, Arantxa, and Kira for getting up on the first try! Next it was time for my luxurious hour off. I took a nice long shower, blasted some music, and wrote letters. Overall it was an exciting day as OD.
Signing off for now, Gracie Lou Freebush
P.S. Hey Corinne, this is why I’M hot.
P.P.S. Happy Potter= Suze’s favorite thing in the world.
P.P.P.S. You sound like a Pegasaurus…they’re part goat!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Dear OD Log,

I rand the bell and went to wake up Ceci, but she was already awake. When I came back to the cabin to sleep again I remembered we were hoppers. After assembly I checked the cabins. Good job Tamarack and Sunnyside! Keep it up! I sorted out the mail with Joanne’s help. I forgot how to do everything. I learned how to send Bunk Notes… yeah! After that Joanne and Mrs. J. ran out of chores for me to do so I went to my riding assist class and the girls trotted for the first time in the summer. Congrats! When I went for the thing I saw the chickens and the ducks. I didn’t have to get in the water because it was tubing day so… cool. I gave away canteen and had my hour off.

Well, off for now, xoxo -Ferdinand