Camp Woodland Blog

If this photo doesn’t scream “strong women,” I don’t know what does! We like to think that 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 all of our strong, independent Woodland girls flourishing and blossoming into even stronger versions of themselves throughout the summer.

No one can outshine the girls of Starshine when it comes to being true to yourself and giving every experience your all. These ladies really know how to take charge, tackling new goals and accomplishments every step of the way. They have really been working on honing their skills in activities and developing as leaders to the younger campers by demonstrating their focus, drive, and determination everyday.

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

Sydney: I love all the people at camp and I love pushing myself to do stuff. I love all of the activities and Sunday games too.

Mariana: I have been having one of my best summers! Everything has been amazing until now and I’m pretty sure it will stay like that until the end of the summer.

Delia: Being able to try new things, but also do activities I have always loved.

Lizzy: This year my favorite things were Riflery and all the new experiences and conversations I’ve had with people I’ve known in the past and people I just met this year.

Lou: I loved getting to know people more. I also loved learning lots in my activities.

Carlota: Trying new activities, getting along with everyone, and having a great time with my cabin.

Caroline: Hanging out with all of the girls and getting to do all of the 6 week activities like Olympics and Woodland Fair.

Ivana: My favorite things were Archery, the people at camp, and knee boarding in the lake.

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

Sydney: Something that took me by surprise was the sailing program. It has been amazing this year and I learned so much.

Mariana: Going to the bog/moss garden. I thought it was going to be boring, but it was super fun! You jump, talk, play… I loved it and I’m so happy that I did try it. I don’t regret it.

Delia: Doing the first week with just my cabin. I thought would be confusing and hard, but it helped us bond.

Lizzy: Before camp I was worried about not getting along with my cabin mates, but I haven’t fought with anyone in my cabin and everyone was kind to me and others.

Lou: I won my first race I skippered and I had so much fun!

Carlota: The rotation week because I tried new things that I ended up loving and learning a lot.

Caroline: I wasn’t sure how confident I would be on a horse because I didn’t ride for 2 years, but I’ve been doing really well!

Ivana: That the food is really good and the lake is really cold.

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

Sydney: I haven’t been able to sail or swim everyday in a lake, which are both things that I love to do.

Mariana: Wakeboarding! I have never tried it except for here at camp. I tried it for a couple days and I have been advancing very well. My record so far is going halfway around the lake.

Delia: I was able to do sail race and just regular sailing. I don’t get to sail at home so that’s why I love it so much at camp.

Lizzy: This year I was able to pass levels that I’ve been trying to pass for a long time like, level 5 and kneeling in Riflery.

Lou: I was able to reconnect with people I hadn’t talked to in a while. I was able to reconnect with my favorite activities as well.

Carlota: I was able to do a lot of things like sail and shoot in Archery and Riflery.

Caroline: I haven’t gotten the chance to go sailing with my grandpa, so I’m soo glad I was able to here!

Ivana: Probably all of the activities and having to take care of yourself for almost everything.

What did you learn most about yourself?

Sydney: That I love trying new things and I love learning about things that I don’t know much about.

Mariana: That it’s ok if something doesn’t go how you expected it to the first time. If you keep doing it and trying to get better at it you will get better and you will be able to do it how you wanted to.

Delia: To not get frustrated with myself when things don’t go how I planned.

Lizzy: This year I learned that I am good at keeping my emotions under control even when I feel super down.

Lou: I learned that I have the most fun when I am not stressing about things.

Carlota: I learned to believe in myself, keep trying, and not give up.

Caroline: I learned not to rush things, but also not to procrastinate. If I rush myself or procrastinate I feel really overwhelmed and anxious, so I have to take my time on school work and everything else.

Ivana: That I can be really responsible, enthusiastic, and mostly positive every day.