Headed to Camp

The summer has arrived and camp is almost here!

I will be in transit from Tulsa to Cass Lake from Tuesday until Thursday. If you need to contact me, please call my cell phone which is listed on the camp's "Contact Us" page. I am not quite sure how often I will be able to update this blog during this summer because of our unreliable and slow internet connection. However, I will be sure to keep you posted on the plans for the blog once I arrive at camp. Check back soon.

I'll see many of you at camp in a couple of weeks!

Photos from Tri-City Challenge

In early May, Chippewa campers and counselors met in Sandwich, Illinois for a unique triathlon. Here are a few photos from the event. (For the complete story, read this post or for the results read this one.)

The Chippewa competitors prepare for the race.

Left to right are Matt Hudson, Sam Campbell, Mario Sgro, Adam Jeffers, Jonah Mueller, Thomas Beadle and Grant Campbell.

Sam and Thomas take their canoe to the start.

Grant, the organizer of the two Chippewa teams, arrives at the bike to run transition.

At the finish, Sam, Matt, Adam and Thomas await the remaining team members. Thomas took top honors among the Chippewa guys, followed closely by Adam.

From Far and Wide...

72 years ago, camp opened its doors for the first time, welcoming five boys from Tulsa, Oklahoma. For many years, Tulsa was the only source of campers. Jump ahead to 2007 and I am amazed at the number of states and even foreign countries from which our boys and staff arrive. In fact, over the last five years, campers and staff have come from 36 states and 12 countries around the world. This summer, we'll add a new country to the list, as two boys will be coming from China. Isn't it remarkable how far the Chippewa family reaches? I am just delighted to see Chippewa's diverse camper list grow to places as far away as Beijing.

Mary's Apple Butter

It's time for one of Mary's favorite recipes to be revealed...her famous Apple Butter spread! Be careful with this recipe, however, as it produces enough apple butter to feed a small army.

Apple Butter
1 1/2 gallons of apple sauce
6 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Mix ingredients well and pour into shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 hours. (Mary adds that you should remove it when it "turns to apple butter.") Makes 5 quarts of apple butter.

New Canoes on Order

Just as the sailors will be enjoying new equipment for their fleet, so will the canoeists. Just ordered from Wenonah canoe works are three Spirit II canoes. The Spirit II is a light-weight Royalex, has three ash thwarts and is an all-around canoes like the Penobscot, great for flat water or white water. No doubt these beautiful new boats will find their way to the Canadian trails this year.

And The Winner Is....

On Sunday morning, the Fox Valley Triathlon began on the shores of the Fox River and ended in the town of Sandwich, Illinois. In between, two hours of canoeing, biking and running. When the dust settled, it was Thomas Beadle who edged out Adam Jeffers for first place among Team Chippewa. It was a proud showing for the Chippewa campers, who took three of the top four finishes.

Following the race, the group retired to Brothers restaurant to sample the "World Famous Beef Roll" in the town of Sandwich.

It was a great race, and we'll be sure to watch the race website for final overall standings of Team Chippewa. Congrats to each of the triathletes (Thomas Beadle, Matt Hudson, Sam Campbell, Jonah Mueller, Adam Jeffers, Grant Campbell and Mario Sgro) for an outstanding race. Special thanks to Grant for organizing the team. As the camp director, it is wonderful to see the great camaraderie among the campers and staff of Chippewa, whether at Cass Lake or in Sandwich, Illinois. No doubt, many more "beef rolls" await our guys following the race next May.

Chippewa Team to Compete on May 6th

A year ago, two campers and two counselors from Chicago competed in the Tri-City Challenge triathlon near Sandwich, Illinois as Team Chippewa. Once again, Chippewa faithful will be canoeing, biking and running at the Challenge just southwest of Chicago.

Sam Campbell, Adam Jeffers and Matt Hudson will join returning triathletes Thomas Beadle, Grant Campbell, and Jonah Mueller at the 2007 event Sunday, May 6th. The first segment of the race is canoeing for 5 miles, the second is biking for 13 miles, and the final segment is running a 5K. If you are interested in joining the competition, be sure to contact Grant Campbell soon. If you need his information, please feel free to email or call me.

I'll be headed up to cheer everyone on and for a traditional stop at Sandwich for new t-shirts. Word on the street indicates that a few bets may have been made on the top finisher. My money is secretly on Thomas Beadle.

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.