Camp Chippewa for Boys

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Capture the Flag!

In the first of the special activity days here at camp, General Zod and the armies of Krypton searched high and low for the flag of Superman while the Man of Steel and the people of earth sought to capture the flag of the invading forces.

Superheroes abound at Camp Chippewa...

And they're off!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

CC Skit Night A Hit!

The critics have agreed that Skit night at Camp Chippewa was a hit! From Badger to Athabasca cabin and everything in between, the campers and counselors had us laughing. Creative and light hearted, the boys shared their gift acting, playing and imagining the camp around them.

Here are a few snap shots that will shed some light on campers in action.
More photos of summer 2013 are on their way!

Manny and Antonio wait for their skit.

Harrison has grown a beard.

Evan MC's skit night with a joke before every skit.

Badger cabin brings down the house. Great job Badgers!

Henry, Finn and Jake are super heroes.

Super Hero Family Feud!

Taylor and Tommy ham it up.

Augie and Zylon attempt cooperative eating...hmmmm.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Chippewa Staff Ready for 2013!

Counselors Hold Cabin Signs

Orientation for summer 78 was a success. Dr. Tina Bryson gave the men two days of training. What's appropriate risk? What are some strategies to handle bullying? What the heck is going on in their brains anyway? Dr. Bryson's expertise gives Chippewa staff confidence in working with your son and helping them along the path to adulthood.

Camp looks great, the cabins are ready and Mary Keely and the ladies in the kitchen have the meals ready to go. Dip time anyone?

Thank you Tina!

Please follow Tina Payne Bryson PhD.

Read Tina's article. See it below.

Saturday, June 08, 2013

Words of Wisdom

Second Thoughts About Sleepaway Camp?

How to Warm Your Child’s Cold Feet

Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

Last month your child was completely gung-ho about attending sleepaway camp. But now that the weather’s turning warmer, that enthusiasm might be turning to apprehension. Doubts, fears, anxieties, and even dread are normal for kids who are going to be away from their parents for a period of time, especially if it’s their first time, and especially if they are introverts.

We’ve got checklists for all the gear our children need at camp, but it’s also helpful to compile a checklist for preparing them emotionally if they are experiencing some cold feet or worries. It might look something like this.

An Emotion-Prep Checklist for Sleepaway Camp:

1. Talk directly about feelings. It’s really unhelpful for parents to dismiss a child’s feelings and say, “You’ll be fine. You’ll love it! Don’t worry.” (Has someone telling you “Don’t worry” made you say “Oh, OK. I hadn’t thought of that.” Not helpful, right?) Instead, if you sense your child is having some worries and he’s not bringing them up, you can begin the conversation by saying something like, “Some kids feel nervous about camp as it gets closer. How are you feeling about it?” And whether or not your child is initiating the discussion himself, it’s important to really listen and validate those feelings instead of trying to talk him out of them or dismiss them.

2. Problem-Solve. Find out what your child’s specific worries are, and then collaboratively problem-solve with her. Most kids worry about being homesick, but it might surprise you what they are concerned about. Kids worry whether they’ll like the food, that they won’t be good at the activities, that they’ll wet the bed, and even that their shoes will get wet. Whatever the worries, it can be helpful to brainstorm together and talk about the “what ifs,” and what she can do in the circumstances she’s thinking about.

3. Normalize the feelings. Just knowing that other kids feel that way, too, and that it’s normal to feel worried about doing something that’s different, can be quite helpful. Talk about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone and how you felt apprehension at first, how you handled your feelings, and how the experience ended up being great. (Make sure to pick a resilient story—no stories about how it ended up being even worse than you could’ve imagined.)

4. Give kids a strategy or two to help them calm their worries. One thing you can begin now that will give them tools they can use while they’re at camp is something I use with anxious kids in my private practice. I give them an assignment that each night, once they are peaceful and relaxed and ready to fall asleep, they should place their hand on their chest (pledge-of-allegiance style). Only when they’re feeling calm and peaceful. After doing this every night for a few weeks, the brain makes a connection between the sensation of the hand on the chest and a feeling of calm relaxation. Then, when the child is feeling worried or upset, he can easily place his hand on his chest wherever he is, and his body will begin to relax and his mind will begin to feel calm.

Another strategy is to teach him that while his feelings might feel really wild and stirred up, if he pauses to take a few deep breaths, the worries will settle, allowing him to see clearly again. The best thing I’ve found to teach this is the “glitter ball” analogy that Susan Kaiser-Greenland created. You can teach this to your kids by having them watch this super-short video with you. Click here to watch
If you do these two things in the weeks before your child leaves for camp, you can build some skills and empower him with some tools he can pull out when he needs them. This allows him to avoid becoming a victim to his feelings, but to be able to use his mind to change how he feels. (You might try some of these tools too, if you are feeling worried about sending your child off!)

This moment is a great opportunity to teach kids that while we should pay attention to our feelings, our feelings shouldn’t rule our worlds. If you talk, listen, normalize, and strategize, you will be preparing your children to go to camp with the best chance of overcoming their fears and learning something really important about themselves—that they are braver and stronger than they think. You’ll be doing much more than just prepping them for camp, you’ll be prepping them for life.

This article first appeared at mom.me please click here.

For further reading and parenting advice, check out www.TinaBryson.com.

Camp Chippewa for Boys

Sunday, May 19, 2013

It's All Coming Together!

One Month Until the Call for Scatterball!

The bus will turn on to Cap Endres Road and wind its way down 2 miles of dusty gravel before entering the gate at the end of the road. A quarter mile later, the brakes squeak, the door opens, the cheers ring out and everyone heads to the deck of Knutson Hall. Hellos are exchanged and cabin assignments are made public. Wash up at the Oasis and let's eat!

That's how it usually begins. The staff is eager to get their cabins up and running. The kitchen is humming (and singing). And campers look forward to the first scatterball game of 2013.

Before any of this can happen, travel arrangements must be made. Duffel bags have to be packed. Medical forms must be properly filled out and sent in. Permission slips signed, questionnaires completed, passports (or passport cards if going into Canada) obtained and all clothing labeled with your son's name!

What happened to the good old days?! Well, someday, these will be the good old days. Camp is slowly waking up. Lonnie is turning on the water systems. He has taken the canoes out of the dining hall. The cabins are unlocked and the pine needles blown off the courts. Whether it's one month or two until your son heads to northern Minnesota, it's never too late to get ready.

If you are having any trouble with finding forms or sending them in, please contact Mary Endres. She will get you to where you need to go. There is a lot to do and only four weeks left to do it. See you soon!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Sky Zone Rendezvous for Lawrence and KC Families

It's the next best thing to Scatterball!

Chippewa families and friends are welcome!

Sky Zone in Shawnee, don't miss it!

Come join Mike and Mary Endres with special guest appearances, counselors Zach Kramer and Evan Tomer.
Zach and Evan will organize a most excellent game of dodgeball.

When: Saturday, April 20th

Time: 5:00 - 6:40 PM

Where: Sky Zone in Shawnee, KS

Address: 6495 Quivira Road

Please arrive at 4:30 PM. We need to get organized and checked in. Boys need to be fitted with shoes and must have their Sky Zone waiver form filled out.

You may fill them out one of two ways:

1. On line: Sky Zone Waiver Form
2. Download the PDF and bring it with you. Waiver

We jump from 5-6 PM. Followed by pizza and soft drinks. Any camper that brings a friend will receive a cool camp gift. And there will be a prize for one lucky camper.

RSVPs are welcomed: Mike Endres

Camp Chippewa for Boys

Take the plunge! Come join us for Sky Zone!

Not long now until the counselors meet the bus. Are you on board for 2013?

Sunday, April 07, 2013

Looking forwards to 2013

Transport yourself back to the summer of 2012 for the third and final installment of the Chippewa Highlights.

Don't let the snow and cold weather get you down, plan ahead and make sure you're part of the action in 2013 - Email Mike and make sure you book your place!

(best enjoyed in Glorious HD)
(Even better, enjoyed on the shores of Cass Lake in June/July/August 2013)

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Vernal Equinox > Chippewa Style

Rise and Shine!

The first day of spring means the sun rises over Knutson Dam on Cass Lake. 12 hours later the sun sinks in the West and that means Buck Lake will glow in the fading rays of dusk.
Well, to celebrate this awesome first day of spring, Camp Chippewa will be heading west to the Bay Area. Campers, friends and families are invited to the home of Charles and Jenny Beeler.

Camp Chippewa is in town to meet with you!

Need your questions answered about camp?

Want to meet other Chippewa families?

Tonight is your night.

When: Saturday, March 23rd

Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Where: Home of Charles and Jenny Beeler

Address: 301 Yale Road, Menlo Park, CA

You are invited to hear about how Camp Chippewa is a great place to help your son grow and develop in a positive and life changing way. Boyhood is but a brief time and camp promotes confidence and resiliency on the road to becoming an adult. Camp Chippewa consults with Dr. Tina Bryson. Author and lecturer on your child's developing mind, Dr. Bryson works with Camp in staff training sessions. Please check out her best selling book, The Whole-Brain Child.

Please join us and bring a friend.

Click to RSVP Mike

Camp Chippewa Info

The Sun is about to rise on another Camp Chippewa season.
Rise and Shine!

Monday, February 25, 2013

The Days are Heating UP!

Meet us in LA

Camp Chippewa is in town to meet with you!

Come meet 2 great Camp guys, Mike Endres &Teddy Mundt. And a great Chippewa family, our hosts, the Brysons.

Need your questions answered about camp?

Want to meet other Chippewa families?

Tonight is your night.

When: Sunday, March 3rd

Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Where: Home of Tina and Scott Bryson

Address: 500 South Allen, Pasadena, CA

You are invited to hear about how Camp Chippewa is a great place to help your son grow and develop in a positive and life changing way. If you haven't read Tina's book, The Whole-Brain Child, take the time to get your hands on it and read it. Chippewa allows "life experiences" to impact how kids develop and affect who they become.

Please join us and bring a friend.

Click to Contact Mike

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox say, "Meet me in LA this weekend!"

Camp Chippewa

So many highlights, so little time

Sit back and enjoy, part 2 of the Highlights of 2012.

(best enjoyed in Glorious HD)
(Even better, enjoyed on the shores of Cass Lake in June/July/August 2013)

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Crossing the Border

Going to Canada, eh?

If you are going to Canada for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd time, you MUST HAVE 1 of the following forms of ID:

Passport Book
Passport Card
Certified Birth Certificate

Plus a Parent Permission Form (click here for form).

Our neighbors south of the border will also need a Visa to get back into the US.

If you don't already have a Passport, Camp Chippewa recommends you get a Passport Card. It is less expensive than the Passport Book, but is only good for border crossings. A certified copy of your birth certificate is also acceptable (no photocopies).

Plan ahead and make crossing the border a breeze.

Welcome back to the U.S.A. Please have your identification ready!

Camp Chippewa for Boys

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Presidents' Weekend!

It's the middle of February. Days are growing longer. If you're going to ski at Camp, it's going to have to be Nordic. Not behind the Beluga! Hit it Teddy!

No Mail delivery today. Expecting a letter during rest period? First of all it's a national holiday. And second, if Lonnie didn't use the tractor and plow the snow, the mail carrier wouldn't be able to get down Cap Endres Road!

EARS!

Where's the "Target of the Day" ?

Monday, February 11, 2013

Now Playing: Highlights 2012

In the dark winter months it doesn't take much for your mind to wander back to Cass Lake - relive the summer of 2012 with the brand new and exclusive Chippewa Highlights Video.

Watch this space for more 2012 Highlights, coming soon!

(Best viewed in glorious HD, or even better, experienced in person)

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Is Camp Chippewa Good for your Brain?

Camp Chippewa is proud to partner with

Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

Come meet Tina and listen to her explain why a boy's brain needs camp.

When: Saturday, February 9th

Time: 6:30 - 8 PM

Where: Home of Tom and Laura Johnson

Address: 7401 Hundley Blvd., Dallas, TX

You are invited to hear about cutting-edge science and how "life experiences" impact how kids develop and affect who they become. Dr. Bryson will share research-based parenting strategies from her bestselling book, The Whole-Brain Child.

Please join us and bring a friend.

Click to Contact Mike

Camp Chippewa