Camp Woodland Blog

February 28th was “National Set a Good Example Day,” which inspires us reflect on all of the extraordinary ways our girls learn this at camp.  From the time they wake up in the  morning to the sound of the Woodland bell, to the moment they fall asleep in their bunks at night after a busy day of activities, they are surrounded by staff and other campers leading by positive example.

There are role models surrounding and guiding them each step of the way as they stay in their summer home at Camp Woodland. There are a plethora of opportunities to learn healthy, productive and favorable habits by observing, listening, interacting and practicing what they see.  These girls are encouraged to live by their “good examples” and to be a positive force in all aspects of not only what they do at camp, but also what they do at home, in school and for their communities.

The young leaders from Driftwood are no exception to these principles. They have grown into some of the best role models for our younger campers and embody all things Camp Woodland. They jumped right in to their activities with passion and enthusiasm and are always willing to lend a helping hand. This fun loving, tight knit group of girls had a lot of memories to share from their most recent summer at Camp Woodland, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next summer when they officially join the CIT program!

In what ways did the sun shine for you this summer?

Bri: Getting to meet the girls in my cabin, make new friends, meet all of the amazing counselors, try new activities, gain new skills, pass levels, play amazing CIT games, host camper council, go to a TP exchange, and have an amazing social!

Megan: I liked that we got to try new things and that we got to be creative.

Maya: Meeting all the new people, shooting riflery and learning a lot about the rifles and how to maintain them, seeing friends I have not seen in forever, and learning that I love playing tennis!

Lindsey: My favorite things were getting to do my activities, meeting new people, and trying new things. I also loved the food. I loved getting to try things I can’t normally do at home.

Isabella: I loved all of my activities this year, and I had far more opportunities this year than last year.

Tess: Every one of my activities brought me so much joy this summer. I also absolutely loved getting to see all my friends who sow me everyday that they care about me as much as I care about them.

What was something that took you by surprise and was better than you imagined?

Bri: All of the people here being so nice and caring, as well as the incredible food! I was also surprised how I actually got to be a Pre-CIT and help out the actual CITs and counselors with the games and activities!

Megan: Riding. I thought that I was going to be really bad at it, but I was better than I thought.

Maya: Having a smaller cabin. I was sad a lot of my close friends were not coming back, but it gave me time to meet all of the new campers and get closer with the people in my cabin.

Lindsey: Actually going out and approaching people. I was nervous about whether I should talk to people and once I did I met some really nice people.

Isabella: I’ve improved a lot in tennis and riflery, and the P-CIT surprise was fun too.

Tess: I never imagined that I would get so much better at skiing or riding. I also didn’t expect Driftwood being such a small cabin to be as fun as it was.

What was something you were able to do that you have not been able to do over the past year?

Bri: I was FINALLY able to not wear a mask! Also, it was so cool to be able to go to a summer camp again!

Megan: Riding. Where I live there are not many barns so it was nice to ride again.

Maya: Shoot a gun! I love how I can set personal goals for myself in riflery and have fun at the same time. Shooting is something I can’t do at home, which makes coming back to camp 100 times better because you can do new or fun things that you can’t elsewhere.

Lindsey: Socialize, I tried swimming again.

Isabella: Of course, riding horses and sailing boats is something I don’t get to do at home. I’ve also been doing more physical activity every day, which is good.

Tess: Literally every single one of my activities are things I cannot do at home. I also got to hug all my friends which I missed last year.

What did you learn most about yourself?

Bri: That I really like teaching all the girls and helping when needed! It’s helped me know that I wouldn’t mind being a music teacher one day!

Megan: That when I am around supportive people I try new things that I am normally scared to do.

Maya: Saying “no” to people, younger or older, can be difficult, but super important in many situations. So pretty much to put myself as first priority instead of being last priority.

Lindsey: I do better in archery than I first expected. I learned that I might have acid reflux. I learned how to be a role model to other girls.

Isabella: I’m now 95% certain that I am in fact an introvert.

Tess: I worry too much If I live in the moment more then I have a good time and don’t freak myself out as much. I need to trust that things will work out.