Lands' End Helps Outfit Chippewa

Need a duffel bag for camp?  Or maybe a new windbreaker with a sweet Chippewa logo on it?  Or maybe dad could use a new polo before he hits the links this summer.

Camp Chippewa has again partnered with Lands' End to help outfit Chippewa campers, parents and alumni.  It's a great time to visit out our partner website since camp is just around the corner.  Save some time in finding a few odds and ends before the summer.

Check them out now!

Parent Pre-Camp Checklist

It won't be long now!  Camp is just around the corner.  Our Pre-Camp Checklist was mailed a few weeks ago to help make planning for summer 2012 go smoothly.  If you have yet to receive one, please give me a call at 800-262-1544 or send me a quick email and I'll send one to you post-haste.  And don't forget to review all of the information on our new "Prepare" section of the Chippewa website.

Great Gift for Grads

A saavy camp mom spotted this great gift idea for any graduates that need a useful and fun gift idea.  Using reclaimed tent material, this dopp kit is a great gift!

Preparing for Summer 2012

A quick reminder that our new website now contains just about all of the information you may need to prepare for camp.  The newly designed Prepare for Camp section includes information on travel, packing, forms and even payments.  Take a look if you haven't already done so and as always, please don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions!

Holiday Shopping Guide - Lower Camp

We're back with more ideas for the holidays.  This time, it's down to Lower Camp we go.  Many of these campers are in their first or second summer at Chippewa, so here are some fun things to get ready for summer 2012!

Nite Ize Bug Light - Not a whole lot to say here, except that this is a fun little light to have hanging around your area in the cabin.  Since we don't have bugs in our cabins, this seems like a reasonable replacement.  About $13 for cool factor.

Why Not Games - Knots aren't just for sailors or fishermen, they're for aspiring canoe trippers as well.  This is a great kit to get a head start on knots.  Great illustrated cards to help keep everyone busy for a while as they hone their skills.  Just $5!

Plastic Fencing Training Set - Hey campers, you can thank me later for this! Yes, I may be the fencing master at camp and yes, I may be sympathetic to all things fencing, but these are pretty slick.  What swashbuckling camper wouldn't want this!  While it is very cool looking, it is also very practical if you have an aspiring fencer.  In reading the reviews, you will see that this set helps develop proper skills in the sport of fencing, unlike a random nerf set of foam swords!  I'm a fan.  And if you are real enthusiastic, opt for the wireless scoring option that will make it even cooler and more accurate for true fencers.  Mask and foil set (two color choices) starts at $68 and is on sale!

Don't forget to read last year's suggestions for more great ideas, like the Eyeclops!

Holiday Shopping Guide - Upper Camp

Let's move right up the line to Upper Camp.  These guys will be spending less and less time in camp as their trips get longer in Canada.  So, I'll again be focusing on what the guys might like if they're on Canadians.

Cabela's Digital Fish Scale - I like this small scale.  There are some giants lurking in the depths of the Canadian lakes and rivers and if you want proper bragging rights, then this little gadget should do the trick.  Nice price at just $13.

GoPro HD Hero2 - I can almost hear the phone ringing after I post this suggestion.  By far the most expensive item I have ever recommended and no doubt I may be pandering a bit to the campers on this one.  But the reality is that this is an awesome video camera that has a million uses in and out of camp, especially for the active ones in the family.  There were two of these cameras in camp during 2011 and the videos were great.  We have some wonderful footage of shooting rapids and portaging that could only be captured with a device like this.  And yes, a camper brought one of them to camp.  It's lightweight and easy to operate. Though ti costs more than most things I'd recommend, it's less than other great video cameras, so it makes the final cut.  This one is listed at $299, but shop around for the best price.

Fred Senior Cardboard Moosehead - Hanging above the door of Knutson Hall is a moose rack brought back to camp in the 1970s from the Bloodvein River. The name of that moose rack is the tam-a-rack. As you know, tams are a big deal at Chippewa.  They are earned only on Canadian trips and it is with great pride that, upon entering Knutson Hall, a Chippewa camper or counselor reaches up and hangs his tam on the moose rack.  The tam-a-rack is reserved only for tams.  I realize that some moms may not want a dead carcass on their walls at home, so this is a great substitute.  Grab the cardboard moose rack, hang it on the wall and each tam can hang happily in his room.  It's about $50 and they get to put it together!


Don't forget, you can also find last year's ideas for Upper Camp by clicking the "shopping guide" label below.

Holiday Shopping Guide - Middle Camp

Ah, Middle Camp!  Seemingly always in the middle of the heap when it comes to lining up for camp store (e.g. "Lower Camp, you're first and head right up the line" or "Let's start with Upper Camp and come down").  Well, let's break the routine and begin this year's shopping guide with the guys from Chalet.

Last year's guide had some great ideas for this age group, especially since they are really beginning to build their skills in so many activities.  I thought we could take a slightly different tack with this year's ideas.  So, for all of you Mom's and Dad's, here it goes, Chippewa's guide to what dudes want for the holidays:


"Don't Die Out There" Playing Cards - As campers enter Middle Camp, their canoe trips get longer and generally they spend more time out of camp at Hook Island or on the Apostle Sail Trip.  A favorite past time is playing cards in your tent in the evening, so why not add a little survival silliness to the whole thing.  Very fun!

JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback Lamp -  I like JOBY products, like the Gorillapod that I recommended last year.  This is a slick light set that is a combination lamp and head light.  Great in camp and on the trail since it packs small.  I have the WestMarine listing for about $39, but it's also on Amazon for all of you Prime-timers out there.

Portable Ping Pong Set - As any Chippewa camper knows, we play table tennis, not ping pong, at Chippewa.  With that said, I can't imagine why this isn't the greatest thing ever.  Ever hear the words "I'm bored!"  Not an issue with this set...instant ping pong, er table tennis, anytime, anywhere.  Not as high quality as the Chippewa tables, but not bad in a pinch.  (It's worth adding that I've assumed that your nice china or Waterford crystal is well stashed and has been for many years.)

That's it for Middle Camp.  Next up?  Just like unwrapping gifts, it's a surprise!

New Canoes A'Comin'

Last summer, we sent Nova Craft canoes on a test-run to the Arctic. What came back were resounding positive remarks about the canoes. The result : we have ordered three more Nova Craft Prospector canoes.

Chippewa voyageurs have even more to be excited about! Check them out here!

Free Shipping at Lands End

Today is the last day to score free shipping from Lands End on the Camp Chippewa Land's End site. Be sure to use code FSCAMPW!

Shopping for Camp?

Well, we've just made it a bit easier to get ready for camp. Camp Chippewa and Lands End have teamed up to make shopping for camp a bit more convenient. From blankets to duffel bags, fleece jackets to swimsuits, you'll find almost all of our equipment list at Chippewa's new Lands End page. You can even add Chippewa logos to some of the items. Mom and dad might just want to add a Chippewa polo shirt to the shopping bag.

Check it out now!

Holiday Shopping Guide, Lower Camp

Is this the final installment? Time will tell. Regardless, let's talk about Lower Camp, generally guys that are in 5th grade or 6th grades and younger. Many of these guys are new to camp and will be knee deep in all of the exciting new activities. So, let's focus on the random camp fun stuff!

1. French Spinner Blade Lure Kit : If you have a fisherman in the family, this would be very cool. A chance to build your own spinner lures! Spinners work well in our neck of the woods, and will serve well in Canada as well. For $32, it's sweet. Why not throw in some Gulp Fish Bait while you're at it. Fake worms or maggots make for interesting family moments.

2. Table Tennis Balls : Yes, the constant rhythm of table tennis balls pounding the tables is a true sign that you are standing in Lower Camp of Chippewa. Can you have too many? Probably, but this is a nice package at just $7.

3. EyeClops Nightvision 2.0 : So I admit I have no idea why you might need this, but it sure looks awesome. I suppose if nature calls late at night, you could make sure there weren't any bears lurking out there. Other than that, I know I'd love one if I were 10 again. (Hey Natalie, I might even want one now that I'm 40.) A little pricey at $50, but way fun.

Finally, the haystack is the masterpiece of meals for lower camp, so why not learn how to assemble the proper ingredients by buying Mary and Ada's Chippewa Cookbook. It will be a hit at the next birthday party....I think. See the previous post for purchasing options.

Holiday Shopping Guide, Middle Camp

As promised, more ideas for your Chippewa campers this holiday season. Our last post was for our older campers, now we move on down the line to the guys in middle camp. Generally, I am thinking about guys from about 6th to 8th grades.

Many of these guys are working on their in-camp activity skills and beginning to really improve while also demonstrating even better care for the equipment. Thus, I thought I'd find some cool stuff for the in-camp program that could help them progress through camp ranks. So here it goes:

1. Deerskin Shooting Glove - A great idea for the aspiring archers out there. This three-finger shooting "glove" helps with a smooth and comfortable release. And it only runs about $20.

2. 3/4 Finger Sailing Glove - Am I obsessed with gloves? Not really, but your sailor would really enjoy these Ronstan gloves. Working the damp lines on an X-boat can take a toll on a dedicated sailor, so these guys are pretty handy (pardon the pun.) Plus they look cool! About $30, but I see them on sale a bit too.

3. Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool - Yes, I'm suggesting something that has a knife on it, but this is handy and fairly safe tool. I prefer Gerber since it fits nicely in the hand. This one isn't loaded with a ridiuclous number of sharp things, either. Instead, needle-nose pliers are great for fishermen, the built-in carabiner clip is sweet and the knife is blunt (read : safer) and great for general camping, plus it's partially serrated for cutting line. Bonus : the green color is uber-cool. It runs $40.

Next stop Lower Camp...

PS- Did I mention Mary's cookbook yet?

Holiday Shopping Guide, Upper Camp

This time of year, parents often contact me for suggestions for gift ideas. So I thought I'd spend a couple of posts sharing some thoughts on great gift ideas for Chippewa campers. Needless to say, I like camping gear and sports equipment, so I'm going to limit my suggestions to three items per post. Plus, I'll try not to dwell on the obvious sleeping bag, tents, headlamps or similar items (though I'm happy to pass along suggestions for those as well.) Instead, I'll suggest some rather obscure, but cool items that are functional and long-lived.

In this post, I'm going to focus on the guys in upper camp (in high school). Since these guys spend a lot of time on the trail, it seems to me that the best gift ideas are in the camping gear realm. So here it goes:

1. Exped Drypack Pro 15 - This is a slick day pack that is waterproof and lightweight. It fits nicely in the canoe and has plenty of room for rain gear and other daytime stuff. If your camper is headed on a canoe trip of 16 days or more, I like this and it costs about $45.

2. Joby Gorillapod - More and more guys are bringing cameras on their canoe trips. This handy little guy will help them take great shots and doesn't really take up much room. It's normally about $25, but I often see it on sale.

3. Expedition Canoeing by Cliff Jacobson - This book is written by one of the great northern canoe explorers and guides. While all of his camping concepts aren't necessarily what we adopt at Chippewa, this book is a great resource for the canoe trip dreamer.

Finally, don't forget to order your copy of Mary's cookbook (see previous post). More soon for the guys in middle camp.

Some Thoughts on Rain Gear

As the summer draws nearer, it's time again to start thinking about packing for camp. In particular, about the gear you pack. In the past, I've written posts about bedding and sleeping bags (see post links below). This time I thought I'd tackle rain gear.

The biggest hint I can give is to avoid ponchos. Ponchos don't seem to hold up well to camp wear-and-tear and don't provide much protection from the weather. A good jacket and pair of pants are far better.

Rain gear can be either a coated nylon (non-breathable) or laminated nylon (breathable). Gore-tex is a recognizable name for breathable shells (jackets), but tends to be more expensive, while coated nylon, non-breathable jackets tend to be cheaper, but not quite as comfortable.

If your camper is headed out on a Canadian canoe trip, I highly recommend a lightweight, breathable shell jacket and pants. If he is not, coated nylon shells work just fine. Some popular breathable jackets are made by Patagonia, REI, Sierra Designs and Marmot, with prices ranging from about $120 to well over $300. For coated nylon, Sierra Designs and REI has great jackets starting at about $30. You can also find great discount deals on jackets at Campmor or Sierra Trading Post.

Again, the key is to identify your camper's needs. If he is primarily in camp and will have only a few shorter trips or a trip to Hook Island, coated nylon shells are great. If your camper is headed out for a week or more on a Canadian canoe trip, however, I recommend waterproof breathable jackets for his comfort. These shells are more durable and offer better protection from the elements. These jackets will likely last for years (I've had mine for over 11 years now.)

Hope this helps demystify things a bit. If anyone has any specific jacket names to recommend, please share your comments below. Of course, since it never rains at Camp Chippewa, maybe we should all just pack swimsuits instead.

Sheets and Blankets

For all of you parents out there, I thought I'd pass along a few thoughts about sheets for camp. Every year, I receive several calls asking to help clarify what sheets and blankets are best to pack for camp. The equipment list suggests that you pack cot-sized sheets, preferably non-white, flat sheets. Admittedly, these can be a bit hard to find. One place to find them is Campmor, though they only offer white sheets. These white sheets will work fine and are pretty cheap. Cot-sized flat sheets are much easier for your son to handle while at camp. Twin-sized sheets seem a bit too large when making the bed as part of the morning inspection, though they can work if twin sized are your only option.

Regarding blankets...fleece blankets have been a big hit with parents in recent years. In the old days, wool blankets were the typical choice, but fleece blankets are lighter, pack smaller and are just about as warm as wool. Either wool or fleece make great camp blankets, while large comforters are less desirable. Morning inspection is a daily routine, and a tidy area with a well-made bed is part of the checklist. The fleece and wool blankets simplify this morning routine.

Please remember that we do not rent sheets or blankets at camp. Also, be certain to mark all of the bedding with your son's name. Don't hesitate to call or email with any questions.

About Sleeping Bags

I often receive calls or emails asking to recommend a sleeping bag for camp. With such a huge variety of bags available, it can certainly be a bit confusing. So, here is a short synopsis of considerations when you are hunting for sleeping bags.

When looking for a good bag for camp, it should be compressible (in other words, it stuffs into a smalls space) and sufficiently warm (which I'll discuss more below.) You will want to avoid large cotton sleeping bags that are rolled up. They are simply too bulky and a disaster when they become wet. Most of the sleeping bags you will consider should have a nylon exterior.

Next, be aware that good sleeping bags are generally placed in one of two categories: down or synthetic. This refers to the stuffing of the sleeping bag. Down is the most effective insulator and longest lasting stuffing, but it is more expensive. Synthetics have become pretty darned nice over the last several years with products like Qualofil and Lite Loft, but it is a bit heavier and doesn't compress quite as small. The good thing about synthetic bags is that they dry faster and are cheaper. Salesmen will tell you (as I used to do when I was a salesman at a backpacking store) that you can also stay warm in a wet synthetic bag, but the reality is that nobody wants to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, whether it is down or synthetic. It's simply too uncomfortable.

So which do I recommend? Depending on your age and camping experience and goals, I lean towards down. It may cost more, but if you feel that you can keep your bag dry, the bag will last forever and will keep you comfortable. If you are a bit younger and are not sure if you will do much overnight camping in the future, go for synthetic. It will last a long time and will dry much faster if it gets wet.

Finally, the temperature rating of the bag should be between 2o degrees and 40 degrees. This is the temperature above which the bag will keep you warm. My experience has been that even a 30 degree bag can make me hot in most camping situations.

For easy reference, here are a few bags I recommend:
Down Sleeping Bags
Marmot Arroyo
Marmot Arete

Synthetic Sleeping Bags
North Face Cat's Meow
North Face Equinox
Kelty Light Year

Good luck and don't hesitate to call me with any questions.