Last week I attended the American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference in Denver. It's always great to meet with other camp directors and staff to exchange ideas and share experiences. In fact, I was selected as a presenter at the conference, speaking on the conversion from a for-profit to a not-for-profit camp, as Chippewa did in 1999.
In preparing for the presentation, I reflected a bit more about the series of events that led to the creation of Camp Chippewa Foundation. It is a remarkable testimony to the Chippewa philosophy that we have inherited from the Endres family. The sons and daughters of Cap and Mom provided us with foresight, gifting the entirety of camp without any compensation or tangible benefit in 1999. Instead, what they have created is a legacy that we will all honor into perpetuity. We have been left with a boy's camp unlike most any other camp and a philosophy that is as relevant now as it was 75 years ago.
So on behalf of the future generations of campers, thank you to the Endres family and to all of the alumni and families who continue to strengthen Camp Chippewa. As JP often says, the best years are indeed ahead!
Showing posts with label JP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JP. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Camp is Awesome: Chapter 1
Welcome back, Grant. Thanks.
I am introducing a new short, interactive series for everyone to hopefully participate in here on the Camp Chippewa Blog. I will be sharing my favorite stories about some of the many places that make camp so awesome. Many of you have been to these places, so please chime in on the comments section to share your favorite story. Today's place...
Hook Island
Brief History - JP and Jerry found it. Cap loved it. It's in Canada. It rules.
In the summer of '99 Mike Thompson (back before he was Director. That's right, I know him way back when) and I took Demonia Cabin to Hook. Back then Demonia had some long time all-stars that some of you may have heard of like Evan Tomer and Scott Tonsfeldt. After a long morning of fishing in the pouring rain and only catching one fish, we took a break for lunch and some relaxation in the cabin. In the midst of me trouncing everyone in some UNO, we began to hear this low rumble in the distance. It was constant, so we know it wasn't thunder, but that was all we knew. We continued playing cards, but the rumble kept getting louder and louder. To me it sounded exactly like a stampede of horses. Unlikely it was horses since it is an island, but I was still pretty sure.
At this point we all got up and headed to the windows to see what it was. Looking out across the lake you could see what appeared to be a giant white wall in the distance spreading across the width of the lake. The wall continued to get closer and closer until it just off the tip of the "hook." We were about to be in the eye of hail storm! As soon as the storm came it was gone and I have never seen anything like it again.
OK, your turn! Light up the comments section with your favorite Hook Island story.
I am introducing a new short, interactive series for everyone to hopefully participate in here on the Camp Chippewa Blog. I will be sharing my favorite stories about some of the many places that make camp so awesome. Many of you have been to these places, so please chime in on the comments section to share your favorite story. Today's place...
Hook Island
Brief History - JP and Jerry found it. Cap loved it. It's in Canada. It rules.
In the summer of '99 Mike Thompson (back before he was Director. That's right, I know him way back when) and I took Demonia Cabin to Hook. Back then Demonia had some long time all-stars that some of you may have heard of like Evan Tomer and Scott Tonsfeldt. After a long morning of fishing in the pouring rain and only catching one fish, we took a break for lunch and some relaxation in the cabin. In the midst of me trouncing everyone in some UNO, we began to hear this low rumble in the distance. It was constant, so we know it wasn't thunder, but that was all we knew. We continued playing cards, but the rumble kept getting louder and louder. To me it sounded exactly like a stampede of horses. Unlikely it was horses since it is an island, but I was still pretty sure.
At this point we all got up and headed to the windows to see what it was. Looking out across the lake you could see what appeared to be a giant white wall in the distance spreading across the width of the lake. The wall continued to get closer and closer until it just off the tip of the "hook." We were about to be in the eye of hail storm! As soon as the storm came it was gone and I have never seen anything like it again.
OK, your turn! Light up the comments section with your favorite Hook Island story.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
JP Update
A quick call to JP finds him happy with a new knee after yesterday's successful surgery. He wanted to be sure pass along the optimistic sentiments of the doctors at Mayo : there is no reason that he can't plan on a return to Bear Paw tennis courts in summer 2009. Great JP! Just be ready for a lot of drop shots and lobs from your opponents!
If you'd like to send JP a message, be sure to log on to his Caring Bridge site. He and Cammy are keeping their journal updated for all of those inquiring minds out there.
If you'd like to send JP a message, be sure to log on to his Caring Bridge site. He and Cammy are keeping their journal updated for all of those inquiring minds out there.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
News About JP
As many of you may have heard, JP was recently hospitalized for an infection in his right knee. After a short stay at the hospital in Bemidji, he and Cammy decided to transfer to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to receive a more thorough assessment and treatment for the infection.
As I write this, the news from the physicians is positive. While JP has a recovery period ahead of him that will prevent him from being at camp the rest of the session, he is in good spirits. His positive outlook and great physical condition are certainly allies to his recovery.
Cammy has set up a guestbook and journal at CaringBridge.com for JP. If you have a minute, please visit the site and leave a message. I know he'll enjoy hearing from you.
As I write this, the news from the physicians is positive. While JP has a recovery period ahead of him that will prevent him from being at camp the rest of the session, he is in good spirits. His positive outlook and great physical condition are certainly allies to his recovery.
Cammy has set up a guestbook and journal at CaringBridge.com for JP. If you have a minute, please visit the site and leave a message. I know he'll enjoy hearing from you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
JP's Stories for Your iPod
Just in case you hadn't noticed, you can now download camp stories for your iPod. Currently, we have two stories posted, both read by JP. The Legend of Cedar Island and a story about the mameguesu are on our website. Click here to view our downloads and to add one of JP's stories to your iPod.
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