Camp Woodland Blog

This blog is dedicated to the faces of those who we could not do without at camp, yet who often go without mention. The Woodland Support Staff are “behind the scenes” magicians. They support EVERYTHING we do. From lighting a fire in the lodge every morning, to cracking enough eggs to feed 100 people, to caring for our youngest “campers”, we would like to introduce our maintenance team, kitchen staff, and nanny!

Chet (maintenance and facilities)

Hometown: Athens, WI (summer)

What have you been doing this past year? spending time with my daughters on the east coast (NJ), buying and selling antiques, and coming up with new ideas for camp

I’ll be the one: who is literally everywhere! I spend time doing maintenance projects at both camps, running errands in town (including weekly laundry drop-off and pick-up), taking care of any cabin needs, filling up boats with gas, getting grill for cookout and campfires set, and cutting wish boats for the final banquet (for starters!)

Things I love: history, antiques, and random trivia

Makes any day better: when delegating allows someone to feel accomplished, productive and valued

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: I can multi-task with the best of them

Motto I live by: If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great things and make an impact, learn to delegate.

Summers at camp: 42!!! (started in 1982 and only missed one summer)

Dan (chef) 

Hometown: Champagne, IL

What have you been doing this past year? spending time with my grandkids and bouncing back from a tough surgery right before the December holidays

I’ll be the one: who is up early so I can get to the kitchen to make everyone’s favorite homemade lasagne and blueberry muffins

Things I love: my family (grandkids) and historical homes

Makes any day better: knowing that campers and staff are enjoying the food

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: I used to be in the gingerbread house business

Motto I live by: strength does not come from lifting weights; strength comes from lifting yourself up every time you get knocked down

Summers at camp: 24

*If you would like to know more about Dan’s story and how he came to be with us at camp see this tribute posted in 2022!

Fani (assistant cook)

Hometown: Puebla, MX

What have you been doing this past year? putting into practice the desserts that Dan taught me and trying out new recipes for this summer

I’ll be the one: in the kitchen watching to see how campers and staff enjoy every meal

Things I love: the creativity I gave to the desserts last summer and watching the girls look out the kitchen window to see what will be for dessert

Makes any day better: iced coffee with homemade dessert

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: I am a big fan of Korean series and a person who likes to talk about history in general

Motto I live by: choose who chooses you

Summers at camp: 5!!!

Paty (kitchen staff)

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico

What have you been doing this past year? studying hard, getting good grades at University, playing sports, going out for walks with my family and boyfriend

I’ll be the one: who is hardworking, friendly and passionate about camp

Things I love: food, play, dance, sing, sleep, nature, and animals

Makes any day better: a message from the people I love

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: I love insects and I like to paint

Motto I live by: YOLO (you only live once)

Summers at camp: 1

Alondra (kitchen staff)

Hometown: Mexico

What have you been doing this past year? I’m an art student, and I love poetry and painting

I’ll be the one: who draws everything that see

Things I love: poetry and photography

Makes any day better: writing a letter

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: I love powerlifting

Motto I live by: the freedom you thirst for is freedom that only you can give yourself

Summers at camp: 1

Incy (kitchen staff)

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico

What have you been doing this past year? I am studying to be a lawyer and have also studied “all things beauty” (eyelashes, microblanding, nails, waxing)

I’ll be the one: who works hard to be better at my job

Things I love: studying, going to the gym, reading, working

Makes any day better: exercise, be healthy and my family

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: my age?!

Motto I live by: learn every day and wake up stronger

Summers at camp: 1

Maria (nanny)

Hometown: Queretaro, MX

What have you been doing this past year? studying at college, learning many new things, meeting new people, and having fun!

I’ll be the one: hanging out with Calla’s kids

Things I love: being outdoors, hiking, running, reading, spending time with people I love, listening to podcasts, and watching TV shows 

Makes any day better: exercise, being healthy, and my family

Something you wouldn’t guess about me: when I was little, I used to be in TV commercials for my local supermarket

Motto I live by: treat emotions like visitors passing through, nothing is forever!

Summers at camp: 1