Category: Open New Doors in 2-4

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!

This is probably not the headline you would expect from a summer camp blogpost! You may even think you landed here by accidentally clicking on a link found on a popular news platform. I have been supporting camp from home part-time this summer, and I have to say there is “sticker shock” every time I pay for gas, groceries, A/C repairs, and more. With inflation being one of many contributing factors, I’m certain that you also notice the dollar continues to buy less while the price of just about everything continues to go up. There is one place; however, where the value of the dollar has remained steady over the past 78 years!

Every year on the 4th Sunday, the Woodland girls take a 2-mile field trip to Towering Pines for the annual TP fair, and on the following Sunday, the boys head east on County D for the Woodland Fair. When fair goers dig into their pocket for “bills” to purchase a yummy treat or play a game at either Fair, they may not even realize the bargain they are getting. A cup of homemade (hand-cranked) ice cream, a chance to play “Bozo Buckets” or to send someone to “Jail” is only $1-2 in “TP/Woodland dollars” – the same price I paid in 1986 during my first summer as a counselor! What a deal!

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the “value” of spending a summer at camp. We’ve been together 5+ weeks now, and it is hard to put a price tag on the minutes, hours, and days that accumulate to form each individual’s Woodland or TP experience. Each person will go home with various technical skills developed by spending 36+ hours per activity taken for the three, 2-week sign-up periods (and no chauffeuring on your part!).

This is in addition to 650+ hours, discovering and being the best version of yourself, building relationships with new and old friends that will last long after the summer has ended, laughing till your sides hurt, singing your lungs out, and loving the people and place called Camp Woodland with your whole heart. Without a doubt, the value of the Woodland dollar has stayed strong over the course of its 55 years (78 for Towering Pines). The Jordan family continues to invest in developing youth today so that they can be future leaders tomorrow!