Towering Pines Blog

New Brochure Sneak Preview – the WHY of Towering Pines

Posted by on March 18, 2015

Towering Pines (and Woodland) is in the midst of designing a new camp brochure  – let’s just say that it was time to update the old one!  I have to admit that this process hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be back in the fall when we embarked on this project.  I guess I thought that we would select some of our best photos from recent summers and then provide the details of the what, when, and where, and how of camp.  BAM – new brochure off to press!

TP bell

When we began working with Chuck (brochure guy) to create an stand-out printed piece, we were asked to think about what sets Towering Pines/Woodland apart from other summer camps.  So, we started putting our heads together to answer that question.  Does it have something to do with the location?  We decided that many traditional residential camps are situated in a beautiful, natural setting with trees and a body of water.  Maybe it is the activities we offer?   It is no secret that horseback riding, arts and crafts, and tennis are a routine part of the program at many different camps.   Could it be the crazy songs we sing or the skits we do at campfire?  Perhaps it has something to do with the awesome Jambalya that is on the menu?!  (A DEFINITE possibility!)  What about the people at Towering Pines?  It goes without saying that Towering Pines has the BEST staff and campers around!

TP Ball

So, what is it that sets Towering Pines apart?  We finally realized that the question then became, WHY?  WHY do we do what we do at TP?   This became a much more interesting (and challenging) question to ponder!  We felt pulled in the direction of looking more closely at the intentionality of the 6 themes for each week of camp as a place to start.  BINGO!  This is what Chuck said would make Towering Pines stand out from other summer camps.  He was extremely intrigued by how everything we do is purposeful by design.  (Which means that we take the business of youth development seriously!)  From the moment each camper arrives to the time he packs his bags to head for home, the Towering Pines experience is precisely what is needed at any given point in a child’s growth process (John Jordan really knew his stuff!).

TP archery

How in the world do we communicate this in a brochure?!  GREAT question!  We decided to condense our 6 weekly themes (cabin unity, communication, problem solving, trust, sportsmanship/teamwork, and achievement) to align with the overarching goal of each 2-week period.  There is a definite beginning, middle, and end to the Towering Pines experience in order for the entire program sequence to come together.

TP fish

The initial 2 weeks is a time for each camper to ACCLIMATE and adjust to his new summer home.   There is “comfort in the familiar” during this period; a lot of time is devoted to helping campers learn the routine and bond with the cabin group.  Campers may select activities at first that have been tried at home or school.  The framework for the rest of the summer starts here!

TP Riding

The middle 2 weeks is a camper’s time to ACCELERATE because now that your son feels comfortable, he is ready to explore and expand his world.  This may mean trying something new or striving for mastery in a favorite activity.   This is the period when the real work of camp happens.  Campers are challenged to come together and work towards achieving a common goal whether it be going on a cabin overnight or searching for the Mother Lode on Gold Rush Sunday.

 TP Olympics

And, finally, the pinnacle 2 weeks of camp is a time to CELEBRATE the personal growth that has occurred through numerous achievements and accomplishments. Camp is a BLAST during the last two weeks because of the effort that was put in the weeks leading up to this point.  Campers stand a little taller, friendships are stronger, confidence is higher, and memories are stamped as unforgettable.  TP spirit is at an all-time high during the final days of camp! 

TP Banquet

While we aren’t quite ready to send our brochure to press just yet, we are excited for you to see it!  Until then, please join us at a location near you as we travel to meet new members of the Towering Pines family for summer 2015!  See you SOON!

TP Coed Show