The Shrinking World

A quick letter to a camp family in China, a phone call from a Chippewa counselor in England, an IM chat with camp alumni in Paris and San Diego and an email to a prospective family in Owasso, Oklahoma...these were my morning tasks. Isn't it remarkable how the world continues to shrink?

One of the more amazing aspects of camp has always been the ability to truly shrink the world. Whether it was introducing five boys from Tulsa to the northwoods of Minnesota in 1935, or the hiring of international staff begun in the 1970s, or even the arrival of our first Mexican camper in 1981, the ability of camp to put faces and personalities to names or even email addresses is a unique benefit to camp.

Natalie and I attended the beautiful wedding of alumnus Curtis Cox in Houston over the weekend. (Congrats Curtis and Lauren!!) Among those standing as groomsmen was Pato Cano, a native of Mexico City and one of Curtis' camp friends. It's wonderful to know that camp was responsible for their friendship that spans between two countries and cultures. I also reflect on the number of close friends that Natalie and I share from other countries (and states) due largely to our relationship with camp. It's a remarkable testament to the power of camping.

Sailing Fleet Grows

Two new additions are coming this summer for the Chippewa sailors. On order are two Hobie Waves, made possible through gifts from alumni with a love for sailing. These 13' catamarans are a blast. The large sail on these nimble boats make them a fast, fun and wet addition to the Chippewa fleet. Best of all, they are quick to rig. A quick pull on the main halyard, push off of the Cass Lake beach and you'll be underway.

Maybe Jolson will finally have his day of sailing.

(sorry guys, the girls aren't included.)

The New 'Chippewa Story' Video

We have recently released the new Chipppewa Introductory DVD. Take a quick look at the opening segment, part one of four short 'stories' that introduce Camp Chippewa. I think you'll enjoy it.

Quetico Turns 100

This is the Centennial Year for the Quetico Provincial Park, the prime paddling destination for our first year Canadian canoe trippers. Congratulations Quetico!

The Quetico has set up a stewardship program in honor of this landmark year. Check out their website for more info. The Quetico is a remarkable resource for us and for all paddlers.

Snow Tubing Video

We had a great time at the Minneapolis Rendezvous.

Chippewa 2008 Photo Book

If you liked the Photo Book that made its way around to all of the Rendezvous events and would like to order one for yourself, check out this link to Picaboo. They are offering a free 2nd copy until the end of March!

More Curling Photos from Milwaukee

Curling Is Even Cooler Than You Think

The Winds of March

The first chapter of Sigurd Olson's book, The Singing Wilderness, is entitled: The Winds of March. Today is the first of March and there is something in the wind. Plans are being made now for 2010. It will be a big celebration at Camp Chippewa, and invitations are already a hot item. Need a clue? Look up element number 29 on the periodic table of the elements. More to come!

Phoenix Rendezvous Photos

Houston Climbing Photos

Voyageurs Park Houseboat Extravaganza

2008 saw the addition of several notable changes around camp including the new Bearpaw court and fencing strip, the new Knutson Hall and of course the first annual Sam vs Sam fish-off. But hidden amongst the glitz and glam of these media and publicity behemoths, one under-hyped, little talked about superchange (I think I may have coined a term here) occurred and the responsibility to inform future generations of Chippewa loyalists falls on me. The change of which I write is of course the Voyageurs Park Houseboat Extravaganza. At the end of what already amounts to nothing short of one of the very finest ways to spend several days of your life, namely canoeing around Voyageurs National Park, the powers that be decided that driving around on your own private island from one fantastic fishing hole to the next was something we simply had to try. And try it we did. The first two trips last summer were both unparalleled successes.

Now I realize there are those purists out there that take exception to the notion of men from Chippewa using powered craft to explore primitive waterways and I understand from where that objection emanates. But I say to you, as a man who has traveled far and wide in canoe and boat alike, this addition to this trip adds an element of adventure to an already well established tradition and in my humble opinion, two of three is better than half the way there. So lets embrace this reprieve from the harshness of Mother Nature's Northern forests for one last summer before we send our men out without modern comforts. Let the true seasoning begin with their introduction to Canada's Quetico the following summer. Let this trip be about learning and, dare I say it, a bit of fun before the real work begins.

Bocce Bonanza

It was back-to-back bocce events for the Chippewa faithful. First stop was the Chicago Rendezvous (photos are here), where two giant bocce courts played host to a long list of Chippewa campers and staff. The time flew by, like the bocce balls, while Sam Noel and Jonah Mueller coached the finer points of the game. By the end of the day, it was clear that Jonah's lower camp crew (the two Stephens, Tom and Timmy) was ready for a challenge...lower camp versus upper camp. It is worth noting that the two hosts, Alex and Jay, anchored the upper camp team, along with several other longtime Chippewa campers. As the balls were bowled and after the dust settled, the score revealed an astonishing 13-1 victory....for lower camp!

Next stop was Lawrence, KS. Needless to say, I'm always happy to return to my old college campus, but I especially enjoy coming back to hang with the Chippewa crowd. This time, we set up for Bocce on a single court in downtown Lawrence. Six players were split into three teams for the final round. Unlike Chicago, however, the host Ben fared quite well with his partner Nick. A few hot dogs, some soda and a little table tennis rounded out a great afternoon of fun.

The Chippewa Highlights DVD continued its nationwide release during each Rendezvous and is receiving high marks. This week the tour continues with stops in Houston and Phoenix...grab your climbing gear!

Chippewa Enrollment 2014

For many alums, including my brother, it is never too early for their sons to start thinking about camp. Ethan's enrollment date? 2014. He just loves checking out Chippewa brochures!

Rendezvous Photos - Chicago

Rendezvous Photos - KC and St. Louis

Rendezvous begin

The 2009 rendezvous season began with a bang. The pins felt the pain in Kansas City when Mike and I bowled against throngs of Chippewa locals. All sorts of style and flair found its way to the lanes. Patrick definitely had the most refined form from many late nights of watching '70s bowling highlight reels on ESPN. Grant bowled like a true champion and vowed to bowl every day until our next meeting to improve his already stellar skills. Mark and William each had their own unique approach (Mark even managed 4 strikes in a row!!). Maybe a few rounds of washers this summer will improve all our games.

From there it was on to sunny St. Louis for a whirlwind tour. The camp fair gave us an opportunity to catch up on what some of the other camps in our area are up to and to meet some great prospective campers for summer 2009. Immediately following we raced off to the largest rock climbing gym I have ever seen. We enjoyed excellent instruction and our own private section for climbing. Gyde, Ethan, David and myself all did our best not to be shown up too badly by Gyde's sister Elizabeth. Everyone made it to the top of several different runs. Later that evening we enjoyed a less than quiet few hours of rook with the Finns and Lunds. Mary had better watch out because we are all practicing!

With more rock climbing, bocce, curling and even snow tubing yet to come, this new Rendezvous format has campers everywhere all abuzz. Check the website for dates and events in your city. You never know which counselors might show up to teach you a thing or two about some exotic sport. Start practicing!

2008 Movie Trailer

Want a sneak peek at the Chippewa 2008 Highlights DVD? Check it out the trailer on the Chippewa movie page, then join us at a Rendezvous to pick up your copy of the DVD.

A Rendezvous Near You

It's time for me to hit the road, bringing a few hours of 'camp' to your city. I'm excited to see everyone at each of the Rendezvous, so I hope you can join us.

So what exactly is a Rendezvous? What do you do? Who's invited? When are they?

Well, a Rendezvous is a chance to reconnect with your Chippewa friends while doing something fun, like curling or bocce. We'll have some food and we'll also be debuting the Chippewa Highlights 2008 DVD. Plus, we have some random Chippewa stuff to give away.

Anyone who is a camper or was recently a camper is invited and we encourage you to bring a friend or two. It's a great way to introduce Chippewa to friends. (Remember, if you bring a friend, you will receive a Chippewa fleece blanket. Check it out here.) The more the merrier.

I'll be on the road along with some of your favorite counselors (Sam Devine, Teddy Mundt, Sam Noel just to name a few). You can find the dates here. Also, an invitation will be on the way to you soon, if you haven't already received one.

It's going to be a great month of fun and games. See you soon!

A New Tool for Counselors

The days of the famed and mystical "counselor hole" may soon be a distant memory during Counselor Hunt. A recent news story on Discovery Channel online reports that an invisibility cloak may soon be reality.

Campers....be wary! Counselors...2 minutes!!!

An example of invisibilily technology "hiding" a bump.