Towering Pines Blog

When I was asked to share my perspective as a newcomer with a different viewpoint, I didn’t hesitate. Tonight — one of the most beautiful and sentimental nights I’ve experienced at camp — reminded me why. It was Banquet, a night of awards and celebration, marking the close of six weeks of summer at Towering Pines Camp for Boys.

A night where effort and achievement were recognized, and where anecdotes, laughter, and tears were shared. Four hours of recognition, and still, it felt like not quite enough — not for those whose names were called, nor for the silent heroes whose dedication, year after year, makes this camp the safe, joyful place it is for dozens of children.

Towering Pines isn’t just a place to learn new skills; it’s a place to learn respect, tolerance, and how to care for one another. Living together for six straight weeks is challenging which is actually an important part of the residential summer camp experience. Sharing meals, bathrooms, cabins, and activities tests even the most patient among us. The children here don’t just have the opportunity to canoe across the lake and learn how to build a fire; to fix a line, bait and cast in order to catch a fish, or to train both physically and mentally in order to obtain the skills to try a new technique in trick ski — they learn how to live together as a camp family. There are good days and bad days, yet the sense of community endures. The beauty of this place is simple: everyone is here by choice. And that is rare.

I’d like to believe that everyone who comes here to Towering Pines leaves with impactful memories, a lasting friendship or a meaningful connection to an experience that will be influential for many years to come. Life is unpredictable, and people even more so, so each summer’s experience is unique. What is certain though is that Towering Pines leaves a mark. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it’s a place where each person — for a moment or for six weeks — discovers a sense of belonging: to the woods, the water, the people, or perhaps even just to themselves. It’s a place that lingers long after summer ends.

Some things I can’t fully explain — probably because this is something you’re meant to experience.

We would love for you to share the opportunity for your children to embark upon their own unique summer camp journey!  Register here.

(**A huge thank you to Eka for this blog entry.  She spent her first summer this year working at Towering Pines and truly immersed herself in every aspect of camp! **)

Here we gather in the twilight
Loyal friends so true
Building in our hearts fond memory
Towering Pines for you.