Towering Pines Blog

As we are well into the fall season, the leaves are sprinkling the world with their color and beauty.  Snow will soon begin to sprinkle the northwoods covering up the trees and everything around them like a blanket. 

This protective covering will eventually melt and bring with it the sprinkles of blossoms that dare to peek out from their winter hiding places.  Spring will then be upon us, and we can begin to anticipate the sun’s rays sprinkling their warmth upon Nokomis inviting us all back to our summer home amidst the tall towering white pines.  

Camp has affected my life in exponential ways, and I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it continues to be on the lives of so many campers and staff.  We recently had a Towering Pines alum who shared how camp has influenced his life immensely.  He was kind enough to allow me to share his thoughts about how camp sprinkled his life with vast knowledge and joy.

I used to go to TP, back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, and I just want to drop you a note to express my appreciation for the camps.

As I have traveled forward in life, I find over and over again pieces of my life that are still affected by my years spent at Towering Pines.

I moved out to Phoenix, Arizona, for college and stayed.  I traveled north in Arizona into the mountains and woods. But even as beautiful as everything is there, the fondness for the northwoods of Wisconsin is never ending.  

Things I did at camp have sprinkled my life with knowledge and joy that many others did not experience.  My wife and I have discussed my camp experiences many times, and she is always amazed at the wide breadth of things there were to do at Towering Pines.  The skills and values I learned at TP have helped me succeed in life in ways other people may stumble on. 

I know how to sail, shoot rifles and bow and arrows, enamel jewelry, and ride horses! These are just a few things that come to mind just off the top of my head.  Skills I never knew I would need or might find useful are so beneficial.  Knowing the flags from sailing and how to tie knots — even these alone are helpful.

One of my mother’s favorite parts of my camp experience was the “Cooks Parade” which she appreciated until she passed away this year.  She would bring up “This is a great meal, we should have a cooks parade!”  I, of course, was embarrassed I ever told her. ; )  (ha ha)

Anyway, thanks for opening camp to a whole new generation of kids!  If it ever comes up in conversations, I try to send people your way even though Wisconsin is a long way from Arizona!

TP Alum, Camper/Sailing Instructor/Dishwasher (smile)

We are grateful to be able to sprinkle the lives of many campers and staff with wonderful adventures and experiences that teach both life and leadership skills.  Camp provides opportunities within a supportive environment for campers and staff  to connect, belong and grow into successful individuals.  If you haven’t registered your child yet for camp or if you know of anyone who might be interested in the Towering Pines/Woodland camp experience, register now.  A 5% discount applies for any 6-week registration completed by November 1, 2021. 

Angie Ziller

• Camp Mom at TP
• Leadership Staff at TP/Office Manager
• Marketing TP/Woodland
• Leadership Team TP/Woodland
• Assistant Waterfront Director at Woodland
• Counselor at Woodland
• “Building in our hearts fond memories, Towering Pines for you.”