Vol 4: April 2026

Staff Spotlight: Lily — “Type Two Fun”

As a true Wisconsinite who loves to leave Wisco, coming back to the Northwoods once again for camp just feels right.

Hi! My name is Lily, and I was born and raised in Osseo, Wisconsin, about two hours south of camp. Currently residing a wee bit more north in lovely Ely, MN, and working as a resident assistant for a couple more weeks as I write this for the April newsletter.

At camp this summer, I will be the Adventure Program Coordinator, which entails activities such as watersports, including kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, outdoor skills involving fire making and tent building, and now the rock climbing wall!

My educational background includes a degree in Outdoor Recreational Therapy and certifications in Emergency Medical Rescue, Backcountry Guiding, and I am a Wilderness First Responder as well. 

My hobbies include taking my dog, Pierogi, hiking, hammocking at the lake, arts and crafts, and traveling with my mom. 

Speaking of traveling with my mom…

We recently went on a two-week backpacking trip to Machu Picchu over her spring break. Do you know what type two fun is? Simply, it is doing things that make you a little miserable, but they turn into the most amazing adventures.

When it comes to traveling, working, and living in the outdoors, there are some things that you cannot predict or prepare for, like tree-destroying storms, wild animals coming to say hi while on trail, or terrible altitude sickness at the highest of elevations.

In these circumstances, the best thing you can do is take a deep breath, take in the scenery, maybe eat some soup, and then trek on. There’s no reason to get bent out of shape over things you cannot control!  

I am looking forward to being back in a place that brings me so much joy and so close to nature. If I get to spend more than eight hours outside, then I know it will be a good day. I’ve learned a couple of things from camp (and my mom) that I try to add into my everyday life.

Firstly, say yes to as many things as you can and maybe you can casually be bungee jumping on a random Tuesday. Newness and change are uplifting and so much fun, yet challenging, but that’s okay!

Next, and it relates to the first, is a quote I’ve been hearing a lot as of late, and it goes, “If not now, when?” When are you going to be here again, able to do all these amazing things with these wonderful people? You really do only live once.

And lastly, always bring a small piece of home with you, wherever you go. This could be a polaroid of your favorite person or maybe a squishmallow or a weighted dino. (or two if you have extra room for it!) If you’re anything like me, then it is always nice to have something to hold close to you through all your adventures.  

Make Camp Happen

Camp can seem out-of-reach for families on a tight budget, parents who have recently lost a job, or other life circumstances that we all face at one point or another in our lives.

But life circumstances shouldn’t stop girls from enjoying summertime at camp!

It’s important to us that all girls who dream of attending camp have the opportunity to do so. So far this year, we’ve promised more than $66,000 in Tuition Grants to girls and families in need, but haven’t received enough donations yet to cover it all.

If you’re able, please consider donating to the scholarship fund. More info here.