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Shirley
B. Goodwin's Reflections
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“One can read with great interest the stated objectives of the founders
of North Woods Camp as published in the original brochure of 1929 and
clarified in later editions of its promotional literature. Fifty years
later in 1978 one wonders if these goals were attained and if they are
continued. Among them are freedom for self-expression tempered by adult
guidance, and happiness secured by a sense of achievement based upon good
physical and mental health.
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Tradition is a rich part of camp life which slowly evolves over the years
and often is remembered when names and incidents are forgotten. Among
those traditions often mentioned by former campers are a sense of
fulfillment in mountain climbing (All in all it was a good trip), camp
singing (“Come now, your voices raise to North Woods”), the all-camp
Treasure Hunt, Parent’s Day, introductions to an Indian steam bath, the
weekly council fire, and Chapel, riflery, archery, photography, shop and
Traylor’s doughnuts. So the question arises, how does one determine the
worth of camp and the value of a camping experience?
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Since the camp setting is naturally beautiful,
the educational concepts accepted and the leadership outstanding over the
years, one has only to look for the results in the lives of former campers
and counselors. It has often been said that no one ever came to North
Woods without contributing something to the camping year, and similarly,
no one ever left at the end of a season without taking something of value
to him from that experience.
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Certain facts keep cropping up. Old campers
and counselors drop in to visit even though many years have passed. Their
comments vividly portray the impact of camp life which has continued to
influence them today. Most gratifying are the numbers of boys attending
North Woods whose fathers and even grandfathers have been here. There are
some who acknowledge with gratitude the debt they have felt toward the
camp leadership they looked up to and sought to emulate. Not so common but
very real are those whose life work was inspired by some camp emphasis,
such as forestry, the ministry, social work, etc.
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So one looks back over fifty years at North
Woods Camp with a sense of pride which one former section head described
as that excellent camp built by the hundreds of boys and counselors who
came, added to its traditions, and took some values into their life
experiences.”
Shirley
B. Goodwin - 1978 |
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