Category: Campers say the darndest things!

I realize that I am a week late with this post, but I decided to write it anyway because of the significance this September 8th “holiday” has with the program at Camp Woodland. International Literacy Day serves as a reminder of how important literacy is for individuals and society, women in particular (2/3 of those who can’t read are women).

As you can see from the headline photo for this blog, reading is something that girls have time to do at camp. Without the influence of screens for 6 weeks, campers can enjoy those things that often get pushed to the side due to busy school schedules. It is not uncommon for campers to grab a book while waiting for a turn at the archery or riflery range. Afternoons at the beach during Rec Swim offer another carefree chunk of time that can be filled with favorite characters or storyline. We also encourage campers to use their daily rest hour as a time to cozy up with a book or two. And, one of my personal favorite times of the camp day is right before bed as counselors read aloud to their cabin group as a way to transition to the quiet time necessary for a good night’s sleep!

The theme for International Literacy Day 2019 was ‘Literacy and Multilingualism’. Multilingualism is where a person or group of people can use more than one language when communicating. Without multilingualism, we wouldn’t be able to communicate on a global scale or understand different cultures. At Woodland, we practice multilingualism every day due to the blending of domestic and international cultures. Having campers from multiple states and several countries, we embrace the opportunity to learn from and understand each other’s cultures. This happens organically on a daily basis as girls have conversations in the cabin, at meals or in activities – they start to see the world as a bigger place than the community from which they are from.

Here are reflections on the recent summer from the girls in Starshine:

How did you SHINE this summer?

Sydney: I showed all the things about myself that I was proud of and not being afraid of doing.

Lilah: I felt I was my best self this summer!

Katie: I got up on the kneeboard and passed levels.

Libby: I learned to dive off the docks.

Pollita: Passing my goals.

Kaitlyn: I tried a new activity, passed levels in swimming and archery, made new friends, and did new things.

When were you at your BEST this summer?

Sydney: Just being here with everyone I love.

Lilah: Trying my best!

Katie: When I tried my hardest.

Libby: At gymnastics I kept trying to do a handstand until one day I did it!

Pollita: When I was at arts & crafts or tennis.

Kaitlyn: I was at my best the whole summer!

Describe a CHANGE you noticed in yourself while at camp.

Sydney: Looking at the bright side and being more open.

Lilah: I have grown more as a woman.

Katie: I was happier.

Libby: I envisioned myself diving and then it happened.

Pollita: Getting better at what I try.

Kaitlyn: I became a better gymnast, swimmer, horseback rider, dancer, and I also became better at archery.

What lessons were learned from something CHALLENGING?

Sydney: In swimming lessons I learned that I have to be patient as I improve.

Lilah: I learned how to make a mooring in sailing.

Katie: How to shoot a bow and arrow.

Libby: Learning to dive off the docks.

Pollita: Swimming lessons were challenging for me.

Kaitlyn: Teaching a cabin mate to be more patient while waiting for a turn to use the bathroom.

On August 27th National Just Because Day offers up an opportunity to do stuff…just because.

Every day we all do things that are expected or required of us. Sometimes we even do things because we have to do them, we don’t know why.  At Camp Woodland, that does not apply.  Every day is a chance to do something without rhyme or reason.

It could be that you stop to notice a unique leaf on the path…just because.
Maybe you want to use rest hour to read a favorite book…just because.
Perhaps you would like to do something nice for a cabin mate having a bad day…just because.
Possibly you want to sing really loud while you’re in the shower…just because.
Or surprise someone with a note…just because.
Make something up…just because.
Or maybe, just maybe, do something just because your counselor said so!

The girls of Tamarack lived the essence of ‘Just Because” all summer long! It is interesting to note that more than half of this cabin are daughters of camp alums and they, too, have a few years of camp under their belt. They have been at camp long enough to know the ropes and are really progressing in various activities. From earning the highly esteemed Skipper Award in sailing to having a lead role in all 3 plays this summer, these girls can do a lot! Tamarack took cabin cleaning seriously and won “Clean Freaks” 3 weeks of the summer. They earned a pizza party, a trip to Cathy’s Ice Cream, and an evening of tubing on Sand Lake.

Here are reflections from the Tamarack girls on the recent summer:

How did you SHINE this summer?

Brooke: I tried canoeing.

Maria: Passing out of swim lessons and getting better at archery and riflery.

Tess: I learned to waterski and got significantly better in all of my other activities.

Ava: Skiing, riding, tennis and swimming quick laps.

Anika: Trying my best when working to pass levels.

Sofia: I improved in skiing and I cantered for the first time in riding.

Maya: I have always done riflery, but this year I felt more confident about this activity.

Isabella: I did really well in skiing, arts and crafts, drama and dance.

When were you at your BEST this summer?

Brooke: I’m at my best when I am being kind and nice.

Maria: When I am having fun!

Tess: When I was laughing in a carefree way with my cabin mates and when I soloed in a sail race.

Ava: I am at my best when I am with my friends, doing what I love, and having the best time.

Anika: When I was laughing and being happy.

Sofia: Dropping a ski and cantering.

Maya: I felt my best when I was trying hard to pass my level in archery and go to 40 yards.

Isabella: I was my best at ropes course. I am my best when I am genuinely having a good time.

Describe a CHANGE you noticed in yourself:

Brooke: I made more friends this summer, and I got my 5-year pendant.

Maria: My hair grew!

Tess: I became less stressed and more confident. I also became more attuned to other’s emotions.

Ava: I got a tan and my hair got lighter (hee, hee)!

Anika: I feel for others when they are sad.

Sofia: I became more open and not afraid to be myself.

Maya: I am more empathetic towards others.

Isabella: I became more open.

What lessons were learned from something CHALLENGING this summer?

Brooke: Facing my fears.

Maria: I worked hard to pass my beginner in waterskiing.

Tess: I learned that perseverance pays off (archery) and listening to others helps (riding and sailing).

Ava: I learned how to stay calm during an intense situation (capsizing a sailboat).

Anika: I have learned patience!

Sofia: Winning “touch the fence” because I learned from losing.

Maya: I learned never to give up even if the goal will not be completed this summer.

Isabella: I learned how to confront people.

If this photo doesn’t scream “strong women,” I don’t know what does! Last year McDonald’s flipped the infamous golden arches on International Women’s Day; however, the ‘W’ of Woodland always represents the girls who leave camp a little (or a lot!) stronger than they were before. As we honor the women in history who have blazed a trail before us, I can’t help but think of the Woodland CIT’s and their counselors who do the same each and every day at camp.

We saw these girls take on numerous leadership roles as they are a HUGE part of the equation for making camp “magical” for the younger campers as did the CIT’s before them.  CIT’s are involved in the day-to-day operations of camp and 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 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. These gals make it happen!

CIT’s who are in their second year of leadership development live in a cabin of younger girls and see first hand what it is like to be in charge from sunrise to sunset! “Live Ins” can be found assisting counselors with cabin clean-up, sparking conversation during meals, planning skits for campfire or other special cabin activities, initiating a group game, or reading a bedtime story. These gals are integral to cabin life and develop important leadership skills as a result because they practice them over and over. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. We can’t wait for many of them to be counselors in 2019!

Find out more about a growth moment for some the 2018 CIT’s (the end of camp craziness took priority over filling out the ‘best moments’ sheet for the others in case you are wondering why your camper isn’t listed!):

Irene: I have learned how to really bond with the younger girls and have become more responsible and aware of my actions.

Amelia: I am now more aware that a small gesture of kindness can make someone’s whole day!

Cayley: I am more in tune with how my actions affect others.

Barbie: I’m more open to the people I trust and feel at home with. I now that I can be a good leader with kids and show them new things.

Jae: I really tried focusing on the positive side in many situations and making sure that everyone felt included/welcome.

Sofia: I learned that every year is completely different and to make each one awesome!

Vale: I know now that the best memories are made when you least expect it!

Kelly: I became more confident and outgoing this summer. I also learned empathy as I became aware of the hardships each person goes through.

The World famous trivia game, Trivial Pursuit, is thought to have sparked people’s fascination with trivia and competing to see who knows more odd facts about geography, history, art, science, sports and entertainment. Trivia day is the perfect day to share all of those silly little facts that almost nobody knows.

Reference: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/trivia-day/

The king of trivia at Camp Woodland is our very own, Chet Riehle! Chet can tell you the most amazing pieces of information as he has been with us going on 35 years this coming summer. Chet knows (almost) every inch of the Woodland property and has a lot of knowledge about the history that goes back to the first summer the Jordan’s opened camp in 1970.  If you do the math, that means that Woodland is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019! You won’t want to miss out on the festivities of this important milestone which will be officially celebrated the weekend of July 12-14.

Here are a few trivia questions to test your knowledge about Woodland history (answers at the end of post):

1. Which cook has been here the longest since the Jordan’s owned Woodland and is known for the yummy lasagne we all love?
2. What was the original purpose of the ACC room (on the spigot side of the office)?
3. What is the oldest functioning appliance and what is its color?
4. What was the original use of the Woodland bell?
5. Where was the riding ring when the Jordan’s first bought Woodland?

Find out more about the many adventures of the 2018 Hilltop girls:

Catherine: my favorites were going to the aqua tramp and the Clue game, I learned that ropes are called sheets in sailing, and a change I made was becoming a nicer person.

Lauren: the horse that almost kicked me off became my favorite horse, and I didn’t know how to take a halter off a horse, let alone ride one!  A change I made this summer was becoming more confident.

Brooke: I enjoyed our canoe trip across the lake, and I learned how to do a front handspring and back walkover in gymnastics.

Isabella: I loved learning how to drop a ski and go around the entire lake and how to make a fishtale bracelet.  A favorite adventure was our cabin’s canoe trip. I became nicer, more easy-going, and “chill” this summer.

Sofia: Our canoe trip was extremely fun; I had never done anything like that before. I know now that if you stay for 6 weeks, you have a lot more fun and you make strong bonds with everyone. I started trying more things and believing in myself more.

Maya: I liked the archery exchange at TP! I learned that if you give someone the tiniest bit of support, it can give them the biggest push.  I also found that when I am struggling, I can look at the situation in a better way.

Tess: I learned that there is no harm in trying new things, and I can do anything I want if I’m positive. I also tried to be more relaxed about passing levels and to be conscious of what I say so that I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.

Ava: I love to sail, and I tried sail race this year. I had so much fun and learned a lot. I now know that perseverance and passion can help you improve and reach your goals. I made a change by taking chances and striving to take (good) risks (like trying and getting my arial in gymnastics!).

Answers to Trivia questions:

1. Dan
2. a laundry room
3. refrigerator in canteen; it is brown/bronze in color
4. a train bell
5. current tennis courts

Happy Belated Llama Day from Sunnyside! Llamas aren’t just adorable, majestic creatures. They’re also a big help to people all over the world. National Llama Day is the perfect day to appreciate one of the fuzziest farm animals around. Did you know they’re also smart, social and produce very soft wool? Some live as long as 30 years! Whether you were cuddling up with your favorite llama or Sunnyside camper, December 9 was your day to celebrate!

If you notice in the photo above, Sunnyside cabin wore matching “No Drama Llama” t-shirts for the annual Woodland Song Contest this past summer. If you are up on your llama facts, you may notice a peculiar similarity between the bouncy teenagers of this cabin and these furry friends.

Here is more about the adventures had by the girls in Sunnyside:

Lily C: thought the canoe trip was fun and a chance to get closer with the cabin, she now likes lasagna, and became less ‘shyish.’

Lauren: passed intermediate water-skiing and was in a TP exchange for archery (and won!), she likes archery A LOT and made new friendships

Rachel: enjoyed going to the ropes course and having bonding time with the cabin while doing teambuilding skills, tried a new activity (drama) and had a great time even though she was scared to do it, and became closer with the cabin than in any other year – it is great to live with all of my best friends!

Amelia: stepped out of her comfort zone and had fun on the ropes course and canoe trip, learned how to water-ski, and is more aware of how her actions affect others

Ximena: liked the cabin canoe trip, got to know herself better, and noticed being more positive and less stressed

Bunny: was a fan of the night swim on the canoe trip, realized that she was not horrible at archery, and is better working in groups than before

Libby: gave drama a try this summer, realized there are a lot more people that are supportive of her than she originally thought, and learned how to work as a team with her cabin mates

Isabella: enjoyed meeting so many awesome new people, playing CIT games, trying tennis and everything about camp!; she knows herself better and how positive she can be in a place with such positive attitudes; a change she recognized was not depending on her phone

Lilli M: loved taking a cabin canoe trip, learned that her attitude could affect her outlook on life, and decided to be more positive in swimming class and passed her level the next week

Valentina: learned that it is important to enjoy the little things because nothing is forever; she became more loving and most important, a better person

Dani: came to camp for the first time this summer and was ALL IN for 6 weeks; she learned to be more positive and is now part of the Woodland family!