Towering Pines Blog

“Gratitude for Camp Abounds”

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of a recurring theme that was woven throughout the fabric of weeks we shared together at camp in the Summer of 2021.  I heard the same word reverberated among campers, counselors, kitchen staff, leadership and parents.  The word, as you may have guessed, is . . .  “gratitude.”

The summer began with gratitude because we were able to have camp once again.  This gratitude continued to grow throughout the weeks because of the plethora of amazing adventures we had and the personal connections we made within our camp community. Finally, this gratitude was affirmed again as we said “see ya soon” to our summer home back in August and reflected on how our camp community had become a camp family.

We always have time away from camp when we all go our separate ways to engage in what others call “real life.”  During this part of the year, we go back to school, to jobs, to our families and our friends at home.  And as the old saying goes, absence really can make the heart grow fonder.   Time away from camp reminds us of how truly valuable it is in our lives.  It gives us time to reflect on the the bigger picture and how camp impacts us in so many ways.  It also helps us to recall the little things we may sometimes have overlooked when we were caught up in the moment living the adventures and the experiences camp provides.

More than ever this past summer there was an awareness among the boys and all of us that our time at camp is short, and we were truly grateful to be at Towering Pines.

Some of the staff shared thoughts about what aspects of camp makes them grateful:

  • I’m grateful for the fresh air and lack of traffic!! (being surrounded by nature : )
  • I’m grateful for the staff and the way they motivate campers to get excited about anything.  They make even the smallest things fun!!
  • I’m grateful that Towering Pines provides our campers with a community of caring counselors and staff.  Providing experiential education through fun activities like fishing, skiing, sailing, riflery, etc. teaches kids the ultimate self-respect. I’m also grateful to see kids leave camp with improved self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem and leadership.
  • I’m grateful that camp allows us to slow down and enjoy simple things, like a conversation, a walk in the woods or the breeze off the lake.
  • I’m grateful for the opportunity to impact the lives of campers and counselors which, in turn, positively affects the lives of others in the world.  I truly believe it is a gift to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth amidst our camp family.
  • I am grateful that camp continues on for many generations so that kids continue to experience what others have for many years.
  • I am most thankful to be part of a team whose goal is to provide a wholesome and safe experience for boys of varied backgrounds.  The adventure of the campers and counselors adjusting to a new community is spectacular!
  • I’m grateful to the Jordan family for making camp the special place it is and for all the deep lasting friendships I’ve made at camp over the years.

The gratitude we have for this extremely special place we call camp is a key part of what keeps us connected as a camp family.  Camp is also the gift that keeps giving.  Each camper, counselor, and staff member takes with us into the world what we experience, what we learn and, in turn, we share these gifts with our families, our friends, our communities and our world.  As you gather around your Thanksgiving table with your family, friends and loved ones, we’d like to take a moment to pause and to let you know that we are truly grateful for the opportunity to have your sons attend Towering Pines Camp for Boys.

If you haven’t registered your son for camp, or if you know of someone who might like to join our camp community, you can register online now.

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.”