Towering Pines Blog

Let the countdown begin to the sunny adventurous days of summer that await the campers of Towering Pines!  Each year I’m in awe at the changes in these boys — not only physically, but also the development in their social and emotional maturity.  It’s evident in all of them, but especially in those fellas who are embarking upon their new role as CITs (Counselors in Training).

As a part of the leadership team and as a camp mom, I have a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these young men.  They have the support of not only their counselors, but also our entire leadership team and staff.  This gives them a foundation upon which to rely while also providing them opportunities to experience both failure and success within a safety net of caring near peers and adults.  The experiences and situations that are presented are intentional; however, they are also spontaneous.   This leaves room for trial and error and the opportunity to truly learn both creativity and flexibility — and let’s not forget TO HAVE FUN while doing it!! 

For some campers they are transitioning to Apache for their first year as a CIT. For others it’s a shift into their second year as a CIT, and they might live in other cabins with younger campers.  There is so much growth and learning that happens with these transitions.  The CIT Program offers leadership training through education, experience, and exploration. Here is just a brief overview of what this program has to offer the young men who are fortunate enough to be a part of such a tremendous experience.

Counselor In Training/CIT Program includes:

• Participating in the regular camp program and activities as well as an additional program effort to challenge the CIT group in their own personal development
• Maintaining a positive image as a role model and mentor to the younger campers
• Assisting instruction in one/two activity periods in an activity of choice/expertise
• Planning and implementing the Sunday special events with their counselors
• Spending an additional hour of engaging in leadership training with camp directors and leadership staff
• Observing younger cabin groups during cabin time
• Spending time learning organizational skills through duties such as:  assisting in activities, completing cabin inspection, leading assembly, managing canteen at recreational swimming, serving as steward in the dining hall, etc.
• Planning and implementing special camp projects
• Engaging in social activities with CITs from Camp Woodland
• Participating in the Coed Show  for the last few weeks of camp (musical variety show at the end of camp)

There are so many amazing opportunities for these young men to develop leadership skills and to begin to understand their own strengths and weaknesses.  They have the chance to still be in the role of camper and to continue their own personal development while also influencing the lives of many younger campers as role models.  This growth aligns with one of our core values — Responsibility.  Here are some insightful reflections from the CITs of 2024 about responsibility:   

• Responsibility is important because it maintains the security of the campers.  It also is the thing that maintains the order in the camp.  Without being responsible and following the rules of the activities, it can put you at risk.
• Camp wouldn’t function without responsibility.  Not only do counselors have responsibility to run activities and ensure campers safety, but campers also have responsibilities.  Campers are often responsible for camp equipment, such as sailing, or ensuring camp functions by doing tasks like setting tables.
• Responsibility is a very important factor for camp to work.  For CITs, we have jobs that directly impact activities such as canteen, OD (Officer of the Day), and others.  We have to be responsible and always run the activities on time and correctly.  Everyone is responsible by following the order of camp and following the rules.
• Without responsibility at camp, it simply would not function.  Activities like riflery and archery would crumble because counselors wouldn’t be able to establish and enforce rules, and therefore, safety would completely dissipate.  Additionally, if responsibilities of the Officer of the Day  like waking up the steward and the cabin who sets the table disappeared, no one would be on time and the entire schedule would completely fall apart.
• Responsibility is important at camp because it proves safety to all campers and staff.  Responsibility takes a crucial role in each activity and helps create security in camp.

Towering Pines is a camp community that focuses on core values that help enrich campers’ lives through experiences, skill development and fun. Register your son or daughter now to “Enjoy the Ride in ’25!”  If you know any families who might benefit from the camp experience, we are always grateful for your willingness to share your insight about the Towering Pines/Camp Woodland Community.

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.”