Towering Pines Blog

It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the 2nd week of camp.  Time literally flies by while we are here!  That’s why this summer’s theme “Enjoy the Ride in ’25” is so appropriate.  It is a testament to reminding ourselves to take in each moment that we are here and breathe it in.  We are often pressured to rush through life so we can get to the next thing rather than stopping to pause and take in the moment that is right in front of us.

One of my favorite words is — selah — which is a Hebrew word that can be interpreted in different ways but often is referred to as a pause, rest, or reflection.  As we spend our summer here at Towering Pines, it is a perfect opportunity to embrace the time we have here to truly pause to absorb the moments that are filled with so many fun activities and adventures.  These moments build experiences that create memories that last a lifetime.

We asked the staff what “Enjoy the Ride in ’25” means to them, and they had some wonderful responses that embrace this theme.

• As someone who’s been here for 10 years and doesn’t know how many years I have left to keep coming to camp, to me it means to enjoy each moment I have left here!
• It means cherishing our time together and building cabin unity through challenge and fun.
• For me it means that you venture out to meet new people and have new experiences.
• It means sitting back, and enjoying the summer to its fullest with your friends and camp family!
• It means don’t worry about the end and focus on the moment and enjoying camp while you can.
• Appreciating every moment up in the northwoods and being grateful for the time we will have together this summer.

• Make the most of every moment big or small and trust the process.
• Enjoy the ride and not worry about the destination.
• We are here for a good time not a long time.
• Appreciating every moment up in the Northwoods and being grateful for the time we have together this summer.
• Always being in the present moment and relishing my time at camp.
• Going with the flow and enjoying every moment no matter if it’s perfect or not.

• To me enjoy the ride means that no matter how the summer goes, it is crucial to maintain a positive outlook.
• It means be excited and expect the unexpected.
• To enjoy the journey camp provides every summer!
• Being present and having fun because we GET to be at camp!
• Always take advantage of all the opportunities that life gives you and make the most of it, especially at camp, since time goes by very quickly, so it’s very important to always enjoy it a lot.
• Getting to know the day campers and helping them figure out what their interests are at camp.

• Enjoy every moment and focus on the present. Have as much fun as you can in each moment while we’re here and don’t take your time here for granted.
• Wake up every day going along with the routines, relaxing and loving every second. At skin diving, biking and in the cabin have fun with the campers every moment.
• It’s an opportunity for me to hang out with my friends to work hard together and solve problems together. Also, to enjoy the beautiful scenery around us.
• To me it is having fun in the different stages at camp.
• Meeting new people and seeing where camp takes you.

Every summer at Camp Birthday, we celebrate the number of years that Towering Pines Camp for Boys has been in session — 79 years! In addition, we celebrate the number of summers that each camper and staff member has spent here.  There is a special 5-year pin given to each person in their 5th summer at camp. When Jeff (camp owner and director) gives the person their TP pin, he also reads a unique quote that he selects especially for that individual.  When one of the counselors, Julian Pizzuto, received his pin the quote was selected by his trick ski instructor and mentor, Jon Sorkin.  “Happiness is not the goal but the path.”  Julian explained that he has always remembered this, and has even saved it as a reminder.  He shared that to him it means that, “Happiness is not the destination but the journey. This is very important because we don’t know where we’re going or where we’ll end up, so we need to enjoy every moment along the way. We should all take this opportunity to ‘Enjoy the Ride in ’25!'”

Angie Wenzl

• 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.”