Towering Pines Blog
Camp traditions that create lasting memories!
The one consistent message that alumni, campers, parents, leadership, and staff share when they talk about “camp” is the recurring theme of tradition. The traditions of camp are long-standing and deep-rooted. These traditions are passed on from generation to generation, and they far exceed the trends and latest gadgets that so often come and go. These are woven into everything we do at Towering Pines, and they are one of the significant reasons that campers and counselors come back year after year to spend their summers in the Northwoods.
Our camp culture provides many opportunities for new memories to be created and shared with both first-time and returning campers, counselors and staff. It is a cycle that encourages balance and consistency, and yet allows for change and growth. Each summer both returning and new campers bring with them a unique perspective of camp. Whether they are experiencing their first summer or their 7th, the experiences and traditions that resonate with them create lasting memories.
When we have alumni come to camp to visit, they always talk about how comforting it is. The routines and foundation of what they knew to be “camp” is still evident in the deep rooted traditions and culture. They notice the subtle and yet significant changes that have occurred over the years so that we adapt in ways that support the values and mission of camp in the present. Several of these alumni have children attending both Towering Pines and Camp Woodland, and they are grateful that both camps are still here for future generations.
Here is what Cabin 7 shared about their perspective on Traditions when they led vespers this past summer. (*Names have been given for those who shared them.*)
Tradition is the backbone of TP. There are many sleepaway camps, but what sets TP apart are the deep traditions. There are traditions for mostly everything at camp, and they help create a distinctly Towering Pines feel. These traditions, ranging from vespers to coed show, create a stronger camp identity and make more lasting memories. For me, the traditions on “Banquet” are some of my most happy memories at camp. Traditions like these create a camp that people want to come back to every year. — Eli W.
Traditions in camp are very important and without them camp wouldn’t be the same. For example, in free swim “buddy check” is a tradition that makes the activity more efficient and without it free swim would be different. (and not safe!) — Andres M.
Tradition is a very important thing at camp like at “TP Birthday.” When you have been here more than three summers, you get your badge marking the number of years you have been at TP. When you have been here at camp for five years, you get your special quote and TP pin. When you have been here ten years, you get your canoe paddle. Without traditions “TP Birthday” won’t be the same.
Traditions are important at camp because it keeps the camp spirit alive! For example, in skin diving we do “Gold Rush,” and it’s been going on for a long time. — Emi V.
Tradition, camp without tradition wouldn’t be the same. For example, in soccer being skins or shirts is a tradition, and without it we wouldn’t know who is on your team. Also, in trick ski, the “Ooooooooo doggie” is a tradition, and it makes it fun! Without tradition we wouldn’t even be here singing at vespers. — Javi F.
Tradition is what keeps people coming back to camp. For example, there will be no “Banquet” or “TP Fair.” It also let’s us tell our friends back home how special camp is.
Tradition is like in archery when you get your Golden Archer (the highest rank), you have the privilege of painting your own arrow and shooting it into a special tree. — Ben H.
Without tradition the commands before each round in riflery would not be there, and riflery would be unsafe, and not having these traditions would lead to riflery shutting down.
From all of us at camp, thank you for helping us to continue these unique and impactful traditions by coming back each summer! We also thank you for sharing your camp stories with others and inviting them to come to Towering Pines and experience all that makes it unique. We are grateful for our time building fond memories amidst the Towering Pines in our Northwoods home.
AngieWenzl
- 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.”