Camp Woodland Blog
There is no such thing as “I Can’t”!
Now that campers and staff are returning home (or going to their next adventure after camp) and the summer of 2013 is becoming a collection of well-cherished memories, I would like to help make the transition back into the “real world” a little easier if possible. As I made my way down the Woodland Road on my final run before I headed back to Georgia, I happened to catch a glimpse of a message chalked on the backstop at the tennis courts. This made me think of the MANY times I heard counselors and campers remind each other of the mantra that “there are no I cant’s at Camp Woodland”. While there are people and things from camp that cannot physically be taken home with you, there are numerous lessons learned in the “Be All We Can Be in 1-3” summer that will keep you going throughout the upcoming school year until you drive down County D again to begin the exciting summer of “Dare to Explore in 1-4”.
1) The Health Center (can’t take this with you): Memories of the TLC you received there (what you CAN bring home!).
2) The Rec Hall: The fun of dressing up, trying a new character on for size, and a little (or a lot) of zaniness!
3) The Cabins: The bonds of friendships and your summer “family” (families stay close to one another, even when they are apart – we will be in touch often throughout the upcoming months to keep you connected to the Woodland Family!)
4) The Campfire: Fun songs, skits, and challenges – please share them with others you know! (“Mmhhmm, and come September, Mmhhmm, I will remember, Mmhhmm my camping days and friendships true.”)
5) The Lodge: The feeling of belonging to a larger group/community in which you are a special part. Each person cares about the well-being of the other members of the community (“Good job everybody, good job!”).
6) The Office: The letters you received from your “other family” and reminders of home.
7) Vesper/Inspiration Hill: The lessons we learned there about friendship and other timely themes.
8) Arts and Crafts Room: All of the cool projects you made and an appreciation for the ideas and creativity of others.
9) The Bell: The special feeling you had when you were selected to be Camper of the Day for the specific reasons shared by the “Happy Hostess”.
10) Tennis Courts, Riflery Range, Archery Targets, and Gymnastics Equipment: Individual accomplishments made, the ability to compete with yourself, and the determination to be better than you were the time before.
11) Woodland Sunday’s: “Woodland wear” (don’t forget to take a picture for the “Where in the World” contest!) and cabin/camp spirit. (We all got spirit!)
12) Sailboats: A love for being on the water and being part of a team.
13) Horses: The ability to overcome fears, accept challenges, and work towards self-improvement.
14) Farm Zoo Animals: A love for taking care of and respecting animals and the fun of getting dirty and learning about nature and the beauty it has to offer.
15) Dan’s Cooking: Thoughts of warm blueberry muffins, lasagna, taco bar, and homemade cookies.
16) Counselors: Knowing that you have other people in the world (in addition to your parents!) who celebrate your achievements and understand your disappointments.
17) Cabin mates: Friends for life because of the common experiences you have shared with each other this summer.
18) Sun and Moon: Even though we have spread across the miles, we all see the same sun and moon. Remember the goodnight song: “I see the moon, and the moon sees me. The moon sees somebody I want to see. So, God bless the moon and God bless me, and God bless the somebody I want to see.”
19) Trees: The strength and stability they represent.
20) Sand Lake: We remember the lake as a place to escape the heat, a place to play with friends, and a place to reflect. Water has a certain sense of calmness and serenity. May you find a place at home that offers you this same feeling when you need your own personal quiet time.
21) Eagles: The power and beauty they exhibit as they soar across the sky. We all have the ability to be leaders in a positive way and to share our inner beauty and talents with others.
22) “I Can’t”: It is only “I can. I will. And I’m going to do it right away.”
23) Camp Woodland, the place: Camp Woodland, the memories. Camp Woodland, the smiles. Camp Woodland, the many dreams you began to live here.
Continue living your dreams, practicing your “I Can’s”, and always keep a special place in your heart for the summer of 2013. See you next year!
Kim Wenzl Aycock, revised from Closing Vespers in 1995