Category: Everything Clicks in 1-6!

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.

With the 4th of July holiday this week, it is often a time of celebration, family gatherings and traditions.   At camp, it is no different!  Woodland has its own 4th of July traditions including the annual campfire at Towering Pines that marks the first of several joint-camp events where brothers at Towering Pines and sisters at Woodland are reunited.  I was telling my sister that for my niece and nephew who are at camp this summer, this may a first in their sibling relationship when they are actually excited to see each other (let’s just say that they don’t always get along when they are at home)!

Emilie and Isaac (sibling love for my niece and nephew)

The 4th of July traditions that have been passed down through the past 45+ years are part of camp history.  Campers at Woodland wake-up to the sound of horses through the cabin area and riding staff shouting  that the “British are coming” instead of the usual bell tolling at 7:30 am.  The lodge is decked out in “red-white-and-blue” decorations that a CIT on duty put up to make a festive dining experience.  Campers and counselors alike wear various patriotic clothing combinations of their own to contribute to the holiday celebration.

Lourdes and Ray

Activities continue as normal throughout the day; however, the hype for the evening’s “Red, White, and BOOM” campfire at Towering Pines builds as campers negotiate the shower schedule to be sure everyone is squeaky clean and has time for proper primping before donning their Woodland Wear to get on the shuttle to drive the 2.5 miles to the boys camp.

Parker and Tanner

For campers who do not have a sibling at Towering Pines, there is always the opportunity to meet a camp “brother” from a cabin of similar age.  Each cabin from both camps takes part in the annual 4th of July campfire entertainment and performs a skit or song.  Woodland “sisters” and Towering Pines “brothers” stick together during the campfire and cheer each other on through the various performances.  As you can see, we are one big, happy family!

Annual 4th of July campfire at Towering Pines

Thanks to our brother camp, Towering Pines, for hosting another FANTASTIC 4th of July EXTRAVAGANZA…we will see you soon for TP Fair (4th Sunday) and Woodland Fair (5th Sunday)!