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What Do Camp Photos Tell Us?

It’s obvious that campers are having a great time if you take a look at the photo gallery or social media posts. You’ll see girls engaged in a huge variety of activities. They’re outside riding horses, shooting at the archery and riflery ranges, caring for the animals at Farm Zoo, and learning lines in drama. They’re sailing on Sand Lake and playing tennis, learning 8-counts in dance, and tying & dyeing t-shirts into amazing colorful patterns. They’re swimming in the lake and doing forward rolls in gymnastics.

They’re starting the day with a great breakfast and taking time for a brief rest after lunch. They’re soaking up sunshine (we called it HOT for the first few days!) and sometimes pausing for the rain (a little Woodland dew doesn’t stop the fun!). They’re singing and dancing, and dressing up in a costume just for the fun of it.

And, What Else?!

Of course, there’s much more than that going on at camp, so much good stuff that can’t be seen in the photo gallery. There are friendships being formed and strengthened, subtle strides toward greater self-confidence, and perhaps a refreshed appreciation for the natural world.

We are often amazed by the sense of freedom that the girls feel when they realize that kindness and caring are what matters at Woodland, that they can be more genuinely themselves when they’re not afraid of being judged. Life at camp just feels really good, so good, they can’t help but smile.

What Do Camp Photos REALLY Tell Us?

There is still something else happening. It’s pretty simple, but also significant, and that’s all the in-person conversation we enjoy. This is nothing short of amazing considering we’ve only been together for a week. Throughout the day, during activities, the girls are listening to each other, sharing stories, chatting about whatever is on their mind. They might be playing tetherball or paddling a canoe, working on a project in the art room, fishing on the dock, or even taking a turn on the big banana, and they are face-to-face with friends.

During their free time, they might just be “hanging out,” and yet they’re usually engaged in easy conversation with whoever happens to be nearby. It’s one of the pleasures of camp: always having an opportunity for enthusiastic, interested conversation.

A Much Needed Break from Technology?

How different from mainstream life a mere 7 days ago! Most people don’t have this opportunity because our personal devices have taken over. Our smartphones have isolated us from others, making this kind of real-world conversation rare… at best, occasional. With a screen to look at, with the ding of notifications calling, how many of us are having meaningful conversations?

Even in a room full of teenagers, if they all have their phones, are they really connecting with each other? They may be “together”, yet having separate “conversations” with whatever catches their attention – a text, IG post, snap, or TikTok video. At the very least, most of us are distracted and interrupted by these devices, undermining whatever in-person communication we might be lucky to have.

It’s not a stretch to wonder how a smartphone in every young person’s hand is holding back their ability to communicate, hindering this critical skill. Like anything else, conversation takes practice. Sure, it might be “awkward” at first, but if we retreat to the safety of text messaging, or some other electronic communication, something is definitely lost.

What People Skills Are We Learning?

If kids shrink from in-person conversations, there is a good chance they will struggle to form meaningful relationships. It will be harder to connect with others and to discover how much another person truly cares for you. After all, it’s through heartfelt conversation that we can grow closer to each other. If your smartphone is always first, if your main outlet is social media, what are you missing?  Most likely, a lot.

This is yet another reason why camp is so awesome. By ditching our screens and offering an endless parade of opportunities to have conversations with the wonderful people we are sharing this Northwoods haven with, we’re developing communication skills (the kind that robots don’t have!). Camp provides real world examples of the rewards that spring from genuine conversations— the rich connections, the array of emotions, and the lasting satisfaction of it all. It’s really not what you see in the photo gallery, it’s actually what you don’t see that is the true value of camp. And, we are just getting started!

Reference: RBC

Every year for as long as I can remember, Camps Woodland and Towering Pines ponder over the theme for the next summer before the current summer ends. This way cabin groups at both camps get involved and submit their ideas with the hopes of being able to hear their name called at assembly after the roar of a building drumroll. It is a big deal to be awarded the honor of being able to say they had a hand in choosing the words that will give shape to what the following summer holds for future campers and staff. Summer 2025 is no different!

The words “enjoy the ride” hold a lot of possibility – maybe a deviation from the norm of how we tend to rush from thing to thing or aren’t able to “stop and smell the roses” once in awhile. While the story I’m about to share starts out sad, the end message is worth it and ties into our summer theme. Not that long ago, we got the news that our next door neighbor, Don, had passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68. We didn’t know that he was sick or dealing with any sort of health issue, so it was a shock to say the least. My husband even called it a “gut-punch.”

Don was the sort of guy I called upon when my garage door wouldn’t open, the flag pole needed replacing, or there was a turtle in our yard that needed to be redirected to its desired destination, among numerous other “predicaments.” He was always good about letting me know when an outside light was burned out or there was a break in our irrigation system. He was all about helping people and did so at the drop of a hat.

Another trait that Don was known for is living life with a spirit of adventure and wonder. He was a pilot and a sailor. Don always approached people with a smile and had no shortage of jokes/puns to pass along. He lived every day and every minute to the fullest, something we can all learn from (myself included!). Just the other day my husband mentioned taking a boat cruise after eating lunch at one of the local restaurants, and while in my head I was thinking of all of the things on my to-do list, I said, “sure – it’s what Don would have done.” Cleaning and packing can wait.

In thinking about “enjoy the ride” as the theme for summer 2025, Don is a good example of how to live that every day; he definitely enjoyed the journey, savored each moment, and lived in the present moment.

Staff (who are arriving this week!) also embrace this sentiment as they reflect on what the theme means to them:

-To me enjoy the ride means that no matter how the summer goes, it is crucial to maintain a positive outlook.

-Enjoy summer and everything that comes with it.

-Enjoy trying new things.

-Having the best summer ever, enjoying every minute of it.

-To enjoy camp to the fullest and experience the ups and downs with friends and family.

-It means be excited and expect the unexpected.

-You don’t always need a plan, just see how your day unfolds.

-Having fun in the different stages at camp.

-To go with the flow of camp and enjoy every piece of summer.

-To live every moment of camp, always with a smile on your face :).

-Make the most of every moment big or small.

-To enjoy the journey camp provides every summer!

-Make the most of this experience (meet new people, travel as much as I can, improve my English and become a better camp counselor).

-To live in the moment and trust the process!

-Always take advantage of all the opportunities that life gives you and make the most of it, especially at camp, since time goes by very quickly, so it’s very important to always enjoy it a lot.

-It means don’t worry about the end and focus on the moment and enjoying camp while you can.

-Enjoy and live every moment, no matter if it’s perfect or not.

-Being present and having fun because we get to be at camp!

-Always being in the present moment and relishing my time at camp.

-It means going with the flow and enjoying each moment.

-Live new experiences.

-Enjoy the ride and not the destination.

Get Excited!

This staff member sums up the summer theme perfectly: For me, “Enjoy the Ride” for summer 2025, it’s about living in the moment, making unforgettable memories with campers and fellow counselors, and finding joy in the little things like campfire nights, team games, or just a good laugh after a long day. I know there will be challenges, but I’m excited to learn, grow, and make a positive impact while also having fun. This summer is about connection, adventure, and appreciating the whole journey, not just the highlights.

ENROLL for SUMMER 2025

We have a FEW remaining spots left to enroll your camper/s for 2025 so that your daughter/s can enjoy their own ride through the Camp Woodland experience! Sign up HERE: https://cwtp.campbrainregistration.com

As June quickly approaches (it’s now May!), you may be wondering how your kid/s will spend their summer this year. While part-time jobs, internships, or travel might come to mind, being part of the Woodland CIT (Counselor-in-Training) experience or working at camp should be at the top of your list of considerations! It’s more than just a summer opportunity/job—camp offers real-world experience in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork that will serve them in future careers (and life!).

Yet, some parents hesitate, wondering if working at camp is just goofing off and playing games. The reality? Here are 5 reasons why camp is serious business:

1. We Invest Heavily in Staff Training and Leadership Development

Unlike many traditional summer jobs, the ecosystem at Camp Woodland is intentionally designed to develop future leaders. We invest extensive time and resources into creating structured leadership programs for CIT’s and staff, ensuring they are prepared to take on decision-making, program development, and mentorship roles.

• CIT Leadership Program: focus on individual and team leadership
• Counselor Position: extensive pre-camp and ongoing training covers everything from child development to group dynamics and emergency preparedness (and more!)
• Certification Opportunities – CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding

We aren’t just hiring seasonal workers—we are shaping future professionals. The Woodland mission of youth development doesn’t stop with the campers. We view our CIT’s and staff—often up to people in their 20s—as part of that developmental mission, investing in their growth just as intentionally. Your young adults would be working in an environment that builds character development into its training. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership training, we foster kindness, resilience, integrity, and gratitude at camp —qualities that will serve them well in any career path. They will feel empowered to make smart choices, try new things, and truly thrive. We can’t think of any other summer job that does this with such intentionality!

2. Summer Camp Experience Stands Out to Future Employers

Camp isn’t just about supervising kids—it’s about managing schedules, leading activities, problem-solving on the fly, and developing emotional intelligence. Employers recognize camp experience as a mark of leadership, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

At camp, emerging leaders gain:

• Responsibility – Being in charge of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Organizational Skills – Managing activities, keeping schedules on track, and planning engaging programs.
• Creative Thinking – Designing new games, team challenges, and camp-wide initiatives.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Handling unexpected situations, from a homesick camper to a change in the day’s schedule.
• Teamwork & Leadership – Learning how to guide a group, resolve conflicts, and inspire others.

Many young people who work at camp go on to successful careers in education, business, healthcare, leadership, and more. The skills gained at camp—initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability—are among the most sought-after traits in today’s job market (and are the very things that robots can’t do!).

3. More Than Just a Job—Camp is a Community

If your child is looking for a meaningful summer experience/job that offers more than just the cost of tuition for CIT’s or a paycheck for staff, camp is a unique opportunity to build lasting friendships, create incredible memories, and be part of a supportive team.

Unlike retail or office jobs, where young workers may have limited opportunities to bond with co-workers, camp is all about community. CIT’s and Counselors work, lead, and laugh together, creating friendships that last a lifetime. They spend their days leading fun activities, developing leadership skills, and having an absolute blast in the process.

Camp is an opportunity to learn all of these essential life skills while playing games, going on an overnight canoe trip, riding horses, or engaging in a rousing game of “Queen of the Court”. Where else can you build leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills while having so much fun?

4. Camp Experiences/Jobs for Various Age Groups

CIT Program: Rising 11th & 12th Graders (16-17 yrs of age)

• First “official” leadership role, guiding younger campers and assisting in activities.
• A stepping stone to becoming a counselor (and just being a really great leader!).
• Develop leadership, communication, and confidence while still enjoying camp activities and cabin life.
• Opportunity to earn community service hours.

Counselor/Support Staff Roles: Rising College Freshman (18+ yrs)

• A paid summer job that builds real leadership, organization, and team management skills.
• Leadership opportunities to run certain aspects of camp program.
• Room, board, and ongoing personal/professional development is provided.

5. Camp is a Summer Job that Prepares Kids for a Lifetime of Success

Unlike retail jobs or internships where young employees may be stuck running errands, camp puts emerging leaders in charge of real responsibilities. They make decisions, solve problems, mentor kids, and create memorable experiences—all while gaining valuable job skills that will set them up for future success.

At Camp Woodland, we’re dedicated to helping children discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, achieve meaningful goals, and navigate the ups & downs of any given day. Our programs are organized into 10 different studios that balance skill-building, character development, and unforgettable fun, with friendship and personal growth at the heart of every experience.

Guided by our experienced and caring counselors and leadership team, we nurture great qualities in our 5 core values of respect, community, growth, safety and responsibility. We empower young people to make smart choices, try new things, and thrive—all while having the time of their lives!

Apply to be a CIT in 2025  (even if your camper has skipped a few summers!)

Apply to be a Counselor in 2025 (limited positions left for this year, and we start hiring for 2026 in the fall!)

Questions? Email: eaglerivercamps@gmail.com

Reference: Thank you DAC for the inspiration found in this blog!

From our respective locations in the non-summer months, we are starting to see signs of spring. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping more frequently, ducks and geese are having their little ones, turtles are laying their eggs, pollen is covering cars and outside spaces, and yes, interesting cloud formations are seen due to the change of seasons. These are quiet but certainly noticeable signals that summer is near.

**Here is where you may expect to hear seasoned summer camp professionals spout anecdotes focused exclusively on excitement for the camp season appearing on the horizon; however, that wouldn’t be honest, or at least the full picture.**

Alongside the excitement—the anticipation of laughter echoing through camp, of campfires crackling, silly songs, and best friends reuniting or meeting for the first time—there’s something else: nerves.

We hear it from parents every spring, their daughters feeling a mix of eagerness and uncertainty as they count down the days to the start of camp. We feel it, too. Even after many years (100+ if you add them all together) for the Woodland leadership team, we still get that flutter in our stomach as the camp season approaches.

Not because something is wrong, but because something meaningful is about to begin.

Just as we operate in our camp community—navigating homesickness, encouraging growth, and meeting campers right where they are—we lean in to these conversations. By doing so, nerves around new experiences, like camp, which can feel complex and even isolating, become something else: shared, understood, and even simple.

Good news!

If you are feeling a bit nervous about the camp season ahead, that is 100% normal.

First, nerves mean you care about the right things—being seen, heard, and valued. Feeling them is proof that the experience ahead matters to you.

Nerves aren’t a signal to back away; they’re a sign you’re stepping into something important. They’re proof that you’re engaged, you’re growing, and you’re about to do something worth doing.

You’re in Good Company

Nerves have a way of making us feel isolated, like we’re the only ones experiencing them. But the truth? They’re far more common than you might think. That flutter of uncertainty? Nearly everyone feels it—even the most seasoned campers, counselors, and, yes, camp directors and the leadership team.

What’s reassuring is that camp is designed for moments like these. It’s a place where challenges aren’t faced alone, where growth happens in a community setting. From the first handshake at check-in to the final wave good-bye at Parents Weekend, every camper is invited to discover that their nerves aren’t a barrier—they’re a bridge to something bigger.

Nerves are a Welcome to the Work We’re Doing.

Unlike school, clubs, sports teams, or even church, camp is different. There’s no grade to earn, no trophy to chase, no rigid agenda to follow. At Woodland, our focus isn’t on performance—it’s on people. The only metric of success is how well we show up for one another.

That’s why nerves belong here. They’re a signal that we’re stepping into something real—something that asks us to look beyond ourselves and lean into bits of life we may not be able to at home. At Woodland, our entire staff practice noticing who needs a hand, who needs encouragement, and who just needs someone to sit beside.

So if you or your daughter are feeling those pre-camp nerves, take heart—you’re in the right place. They’re not a sign to retreat; they’re a sign you’re stepping into something meaningful.

Step into something meaningful with us and reserve a spot at Camp Woodland for 2025!

Thank you to a WNC camp for the inspiration found in this blog!