3rd Generation West Family!

Hi!  My name is Risa – As a TLW alum and I’ve become older, I try hard not to focus on how many years it has been since I went to West, accomplished something or experienced a memorable event in my life (i.e. graduated high school and college, got married, etc.) Of course I look back, but I stop myself from thinking about quantity of years as not only do I get sad, but also a bit scared because things seem to be happening so quickly in my life.

Recently I took a tour of West with my oldest son, Jake.  We are at that special point in our lives where we are considering what sleep away camp our oldest child will go to next summer, so it comes as no surprise that TLW was on the short-list.  As Justin and Cassie walked Jake and my husband around, it wasn’t the amount of years that have passed since I last visited (which by the way has been 17 years!), or the amount of truly life-changing summers I spent at TLW (7 years), or the special moments (limitless) I was able to spend with my family (brother Michael, cousin Ali, mother Cari), or even the amount of friends (countless) that I have met that raced through my mind.  It was that my baby boy was going to have the chance to create his own camp memories, experiences and special times just like I had done so many years ago.  I was so happy for him, and I will always remember the smile on his face as he took in all that Timber Lake West could offer.  Of course I hoped he would pick TLW, but it was his decision to make.

Needless to say, I am thrilled, proud and so excited that he chose the place that had so much to do with who I am today.  He chose Justin, Cassie and Jenn.  He chose the place that you all have made so special. He chose Timber Lake West!!!

From my count, three generations of my family attended TLW.  Because of TLW I have met hundreds and hundreds of amazing people.  I can easily count to 50 when I think of the “first” things I tried in my life at TLW.  The number reaches the thousands when I think of the memories I have made at camp.  But I’m going to focus on the thousands Jake and my family will create as not only does TLW have a new camper this summer, but we have two other children who will be starting sleep away camp real soon too! 🙂