Camp Woodland Blog

Just kidding! Now that I got your attention…

A camp director friend at another camp says to parents, “Your kids are going to summer camp in a few years, it’s called college.” Living independently, problem solving, navigating an unknown world, making new friends, and more are a few of the skills necessary to succeed in life after high school (college, trade school, getting a job, traveling, etc). At camp, kids practice and develop those skills over the course of the summer. I actually know someone who is the ED of a fraternity organization on a university campus who shared with me recently that he can always tell the students who have gone to or worked at a summer camp. They exude leadership, confidence, the ability to make decisions, and resilience (just to name a few) that is easy to pick up on over those that did not attend camp.

It is easy to come up with reasons NOT to send your kid/s to camp (too far, too long, too buggy, too hot, too cold, too fun, etc). Yes, camp may actually be TOO. MUCH. FUN. It may have crossed your mind that an extended sleepover in the woods couldn’t possibly be an experience with any substance or observable outcomes. Kids playing, laughing, singing, and having the best time must be just that.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…

To the kids, our campers, camp is supposed to be F-U-N. And, it definitely is that. Camp is Loads. Of. Fun. And, we want it to be that way. Camp will always be FUN.

To you, the parents and caregivers, camp is SO. MUCH. MORE.

Each aspect of the camp day has layers of intentionality behind it:

• Cabin living = independence and conflict resolution skills
• Activity choices = decision-making and time management
• Evening programs/Special events = social confidence and community building
• Overnight canoe trips = problem solving and teamwork
• Camp traditions = leadership development and belonging

I think it is even EASIER to come up with ways of why you SHOULD ABSOLUTELY be considering camp for your kid/s. Everything we do at camp is just another way to foster cool growth opportunities for ages 7-17 (and beyond). Add that to being surrounded by nature and away from the daily “noise” we live in most of the time, and you have the perfect ecosytem for CRAZY GROWTH!

Thinking about Camp Woodland or Towering Pines for 2025? Know someone who could benefit from a Northwoods camp experience? 

If you or a friend/family member would like to learn more about the Woodland/Towering Pines summer camp experience, we invite you to join us for our Virtual Info Event on Sunday, January 26 at 4 pm CST. (Zoom link will be sent out prior to event). Other events TBD in the months ahead!

If you aren’t able to attend one of our meetings, our leadership team is always willing to spend time sharing what our camps have to offer at Camp Woodland for Girls.

Please DO send your kids to camp (and help them prepare for life after 18)! There is still time to reserve your spots by Registering for Summer 2025!