Camp Woodland Blog

Now that our calendar reminds us that it is November (not sure how THAT happened!), we find ourselves continuing to reflect on the recent summer. It’s always good to put some time and space between the emotional high the end of the camp season brings and the new routine of getting back to our “normal” lives during the other months of the year. In this transition, I am enjoying taking yoga classes and have zoomed into one of the phrases I hear repeatedly during each session, regardless of the instructor.

As we move through various poses that stretch one side of the body, the words, “back to center” often follow before beginning to move and stretch the opposite side. That subtle “pause” allows the body to regroup, refocus and get grounded again before starting the next thing. For many of our campers and staff, being at camp is a way to come “back to center.” Those 6 weeks in the Northwoods are often needed to regroup, refocus and get grounded again after a busy school year. It is a time to take a well deserved “pause” before the next school year begins.

Just like the dock where I take yoga during the year gives me a break from the busyness I can get caught up in from September to May, I love the hour of being in a beautiful setting looking over the Cape Fear River, hearing the sounds of the waves finding their way to shore, and just enjoying the presence of the others who are in that same space. It is a beautiful opportunity to clear my mind for a short period of time before going back to whatever is on my “to do” list.

Camp is also beautiful, beautiful to see children laughing and playing. Beautiful to witness girls relaxing into the rhythms of camp life, being free to explore, play, create, and discover. It is beautiful to see kindness, budding confidence, and willing enthusiasm color whatever we are doing. It is beautiful to hear organic silliness and laughter everywhere at camp. It is beautiful to feel so close to so many people.

I find that taking yoga classes in the outdoors to be nothing short of magical. Being in the open air without being confined to the space inside four walls provides treasured moments to be in nature and witness unexpected surprises. I never know when a massive ship will quietly make its way through the channel a few feet in front of my mat, dolphins will chase fish in search of their next meal, a pelican will perch on a nearby post, or the rays of sunshine will glisten and shine on the water’s surface while bringing warmth to a breezy day.

Camp is magical in its own way, too. It is full of delightful surprises, moments when we embrace the wonders of nature and each other. It is magical how the simplest things are fun, often hilarious, and end up being a source of deep comfort. It is magical how everyday is both exciting and worry free, filled with new experiences.

It was in the lower 60’s this morning when I found a spot for my pink mat on the dock. I was wearing two long-sleeve layers, leggings, and a puffy vest. The brisk north wind blowing was refreshing. We had another bout of summer weather last week, so I was reveling in the cooler air on my bare face and feet. I challenge myself during each yoga class to have my phone off and out of sight. I am also not allowed to look at my watch until the class peacefully ends with, “namaste.” It is 60 minutes of uninterrupted time to go “back to center.”

Camp is also refreshing. Our Northwoods weather is refreshing (as well as Sand Lake first thing in the morning!), and so is the feeling of being a part of the Woodland community. It is refreshing to connect with the people so easily, to make almost instant friends with everyone, and to be embraced for our authentic selves. For many, it is refreshing to simply be away from the allure of electronic devices.

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite dock instructors came back after being away for almost a year. Erica told the story of why we were seeing garland and white ribbons wrapped around the two main posts as we set foot into our yoga space. She strummed the ukulele and sang a tune in memory of the founder of the yoga dock who fought hard to battle brain cancer. I could feel the strength and courage of this person whom I had never met. I felt a few tears roll down my face during this emotional moment in time.

Camp, too, is emotional, packed with experiences that we feel deeply. We cheer for each other almost everyday. We are thrilled by all the novelty and adventure of the activities, exchanges and trips (even if just across the lake for a night under the stars). There are so many hugs, smiles, and sweet moments of affection. Sharing this much, being this open and genuine, makes even the challenges we face both manageable and meaningful.

Yes, camp is beautiful, magical, refreshing and emotional —altogether miraculous. It is for everyone, campers, staff and directors alike, an experience that’s hard to describe, but one that we cherish each and every year. We remember each summer fondly, seek its spirit throughout our days at home or school, and yearn for its return sometime soon. Camp is a place and time to “come back to center.”

We thank you for helping make this special experience possible, for your support, and for sending your girls. We miss our camp family so much. We look forward to seeing you next summer when we can come together at Woodland and rekindle the camp spirit we love.

In the meantime, until we can all be together again, we are excited for “reunion season” and will kickoff opportunities to come together on Saturday, November 23rd, in the Chicago area. Let us know HERE if you would like camp to come to a location near you!