Camp Woodland Blog

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