Something I Always Wanted To Do

Winter Camp!
That's right, after 10 summers of strolling Paul Bunyan Highway, driving the Beluga on Cass, and absolutely owning fish down at Buck Lake, I made it up to camp to see it in all of its winter glory.

What's the best word to describe camp in the winter? Quiet. Not just from the lack of people, but there is no water lapping up on the shore of Cass, no leaves being rustled by the wind, no White Truck rumbling down the road. I bet if tennis lessons were going on at Bear Paw you could hear J.P. hootin and hollerin all the way over at Star Island.

My highlight?

Walking out on the ice of Cass and Buck

Mary? You there? I'm hungry.



No diving

Happy Holidays!

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A Journey To Remember

Last summer, Charlie returned from the Little Churchill River trip completing a 19 day descent to Hudson Bay. This fall, in preparing college applications, Charlie wrote a wonderful essay about his trip and his many years at Chippewa. You can find the entire essay on the camp website. Here is a small excerpt.

"This past summer, a group of nine experienced trippers and I embarked on an adventurous and challenging 19-day voyage to the Hudson Bay. Canoeing 300 miles across pristine lakes and dense forests, we would paddle down roaring whitewater rapids and tell jokes around the campfire.....

Reaching the Hudson Bay after 17 days of paddling brought on a feeling of accomplishment I can’t explain. I had prepared for this moment for ten years of my life. Every year I went on progressively more challenging trips, starting with an overnight when I was nine years old, to a three-week trip in northern Manitoba when I was 17 years old. It was the culmination of my canoeing and tripping career at Camp Chippewa......

The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen lit the forest on fire, dyed the lake a dark orange and yellow, and stained the clouds a deep purple. I was completely at peace with myself for the first time in years. I had time to pause my stressful life and reflect on the natural beauty of my surroundings. I had the pleasure of looking at one of the most beautiful sights I will ever see with some of my best friends by my side....."

Anyone who has paddled the north country in a Chippewa canoe can relate to your sentiments, Charlie. Thanks for sharing.

75 Years and Still Fishing

(Jerry at the Final Banquet, 2007)

2010 will mark camp's 75th annivesary with exciting new canoe trips, fun special activities and an alumni rendezvous. Looks like Jerry Graham beat camp to the punch, however. Jerry recently celebrated his 75th birthday. Congratulations Jerry!

Jerry has been working with the men and boys at Chippewa since the 1950s. No doubt we'll be seeing him at age 76 back at Silent Isle, his Canadian getaway, and of course on Cass Lake. One of his friends In Miami, Oklahoma wrote a short homage:

Good gracious sakes alive,
Ole Jerold Graham is seventy five.
He has no hair to part
but has a kindly heart.
Behind him are birthdays galore.
Now is the time to wish him more.

(Jerry in Canada circa 1980)

Ice Fishing Begins

Winter has arrived in Minnesota. The temperature has not been above freezing for weeks and that means lakes are frozen over and ready for ice fishing. Last weekend I made a quick trip up to Bemidji and managed to spend a few hours on the lake. The crappies and sunnies were biting and in no time I had plenty for a great meal. If you haven't ever fished through the ice and would like to give it a try, email me and we can set something up (it helps if you live in Minnesota.....Peter). Bailey H. is first on the list! Who else wants to go?

Cookie Cook Comeback

Like Brett Favre or Roger Clemens, Ada Shrock has decided that retirement can wait. I am happy to announce that Ada will be back in the kitchen with Mary next summer. Following camp this year, Ada had decided that after more than 10 years as Assistant Cook and Head Baker to say goodbye to Chippewa. Luckily for us, however, she spoke with Mary last week to share exciting news...she will be back in Knutson Hall in 2009.

Cookie aficionados rejoice! Yes, she makes a great salad, fantastic pies and awesome banana bread, but seriously....it's about her cookies!

Welcome back Ada!

"Now Showing" Has a New Look

We have some awesome movies on the Chippewa website, so I thought it was time to redo the webpage to show them off. Check it out! The new Chippewa podcast site is better organized and works faster than before. Plus, it looks cool!

PS- Keep your eyes on the movies page for "outtakes" from the forthcoming 2008 Highlights Video.

Washers

Camp is full of simple pleasures and one of my favorite happens to be washers. This seemingly benign little game of tossing washers into a cup may appear at first to be so lacking in complexity that just about anyone could become a champion their first time out. On the contrary, to be great at washers requires skill and dexterity.

Cap Endres taught archers to throw darts with the knowledge that they would improve their hand/eye coordination and thus improve as archers. I would say that similarly, washers can help you improve at all sorts of sports for the same reasons. For this reason, I think we should all build ourselves a washer court in our own back yard.

All a person needs to do to enjoy washers (and exercise those fine motor skills!) is to follow these simple instructions.

1) Materials:
2 8' green treated 2"x6" boards ( ' means feet and " means inches - don't ask me why. It just does.)
2 6" long pieces of 3" ID (inside diameter) PVC pipe
4 2" OD (outside diameter) washers
1 10' to 16' long area in the yard that you have written permission from your mother to turn into a skill honing washers court.

2) Get help from mom or dad and cut the wood into 4 pieces that are 24" long and 2 that are 27" long. The two that are 27" become the backstops and the 24" pieces become the sides. Screw or nail them together standing on end to form a three sided box that measures 24" by 24" on the inside.

3) Mark out your courts location. The cups in the center of the boxes should be about 14' apart but anything 10' to 16' is perfectly acceptable. Bury the boxes, open ends opposing one another, halfway into the ground.

4) Bury the 2 pieces of PVC in the exact center of each box.

5) Remove the grass or wood chips or flowers or concrete from inside the box and replace with a nice bed of clay (check the local clay supply store) and you are ready to start being better at nearly everything you do.

6) Have fun and don't hurt yourself. And if you forgot to follow these directions to the letter and did not get permission, you're on your own.

About L.A. and Turkey

Just last weekend I made a trip to Los Angeles to introduce Chippewa to several new campers. It was a fun crowd and I'm looking forward to seeing some new guys from the West Coast next year.

While wandering the coast of southern California, I stopped in to say hello to a few alumni. Tony was a camper in the 1940s and Nick was a counselor in the 90s (hailing from England). Both are sailors, so I suspect that their love of sailing may have had something to do with their draw to southern California. Regardless, it never fails to amaze me to see the winding routes lives can take and the success that so many of our alumni have seen over the years. Yet, Camp Chippewa holds such meaning for them. Tony learned to sail on Cass Lake at camp, which lead to a life-long love affair with sailing. He and his wife are both still sailors in the San Diego area and they have a grandson at camp after sending three of their boys to Chippewa in the 80s. It is quite inspirational.

I trust that everyone had their fill of turkey and dressing yesterday. Natalie and I pass along our wishes for a happy Thanksgiving weekend...a welcome respite from our daily routine and wonderful time with family.

One last note to pass along. Just a few days ago, Allen "Moe" Sigoloff, the longtime director of Camp Thunderbird for Boys and an influential voice in the camping world, passed away in St. Louis after a battle with cancer. On behalf of the Chippewa family, I want to pass along our condolences to Carol, Shari and the entire Sigoloff and Thunderbird family. I will miss Moe's guidance and unfailing support of camping.

Official Word from the ACA

In late July, we were pleased to welcome visitors from the American Camp Association (ACA) for our periodic review for accreditation. Karen and Linda, our visitors, had wonderful things to say about Chippewa following their day-long visit and review of Chippewa and offered some insightful guidance for camp.

Today, official word from the ACA arrived stating that we had either met or exceeded the standards as set forth by the ACA. We have again maintained our ACA accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to a high-quality and safe program for our campers.

A big thanks to all of the Chippewa counselors, staff and campers for sharing their camp with the visitors in July. It was a fun visit!

Super Sundays

When I was a camper, I remember being excited when Sunday would roll around. First of all, back then we got to sleep in an extra half-hour. Like today, though, the counselors would inspect the cabins, my best chance to 'forget' to shake the sand from my sheets, or sweep under my bed. Of course, we all know Sunday means scatterball. No wonder I liked it so much.

I started to wonder, though, why everyone else likes it. So, check out the poll at the bottom of this page. What do you think? Is scatterball the best part of Sunday, or is JP grading your hot dog the best part? Vote for your favorite or vote for a couple if you can't decide.

2nd Session Photos Posted

Just in case you missed it, the 2nd Session photos from 2008 were posted last weekend. We still have more photos coming, but plenty of pictures to see right now! I'll let you know when more are uploaded.

Peter Rocks!

I've received a couple of emails asking for the lyrics that Peter Evans wrote for the Chippewa version of Nickelback's 'Rockstar', so here you go:

Chorus
"Because we all just want to be at Chippewa
Canoe all day and sleep under the stars
Take a dip in the morning and one at night
Inspection after breakfast, it'll feel just right

And we'll cook hotdogs in the open air
Run around all day without a care
Live in a cabin with all our friends
It's a shame that the summer must come to an end

....Hey, hey I wanna be at Chippewa
....Hey, hey I wanna be at Chippewa"

1st Session Photos Posted

Good news! The photos from 1st session have been posted to the camp website. Check out the Photo Albums page now to relive highlights from the summer 2008.

The pictures from 2nd session will be posted over the coming week, so be sure to check back. We'll also be posting some extra photos from both sessions and from some of the Canadians, fish trips and Apostle sail trip very soon.

Simon's Special Day

Actually, it was several special days. While Simon was in Tulsa for Greg Tatum's wedding, a photographer snapped this shot of him at one of the local museums. Turns out Simon made the Sunday paper. He was even wearing a Chippewa (and Kamaji) shirt!
The caption below the picture is informative, but I think it could be better. Perhaps it should read "Simon Taylor ponders the fancy wood frames---is that real gold?"

Any other suggestions?

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.

New Rifle Range in the Works

Plans are preliminary, but Mike Endres has been working to create a concept for a new rifle range. No doubt he mentioned this to you guys last summer since he is very excited about the project.

Much will remain the same and the location on Cass Lake will still be "home on the range," but the current structure will be replaced by new decking and roof along with a larger and more functional range house, rifle safe and backstop. A Chippewa alum has offered to help push this project through for next summer, so all of you marksman have something to get excited about. I'll keep you posted as the plans unfold. I might even have to sneak down there next year to finally pass my Sharpshooter!

A Chippewa Wedding

Natalie and I just returned from the wedding of Greg Tatum and his new bride Jennifer. What strikes me is the wonderful friendships that have been maintained by former campers and staff like Greg and his brother Nick as evidenced by his groomsmen being Chippewa friends, none of whom live in Tulsa. As camp director, it is an honor to see that Simon Taylor and John Olson make the trip to town to celebrate their friend's special day by standing with him at his wedding.

Congratulations Greg and Jennifer! Hope to see you soon at Cass Lake....now go have a great honeymoon.

PS- Happy Birthday JP!

To Be A Follower?

In this case, being a follower just might be a good thing. We have added the new "Follower" feature on this blog. You can find it by scrolling to the bottom of the right hand column. It's a great little feature that allows you to join this blog, making it easier to see updates when they are posted. Plus, it's just kind of cool!

Click the link that says "Follow this Blog" to join us.

Canadians for 2009

"What trips are going out next summer?" you ask. Great question!

It is a bit early to nail down all of our routes, but the plans are underway. In particular, we are still exploring the options for our longer trips. Three very exciting ideas, however, have come to the front. First, a possible return to the Missinaibi River. It has been over 20 years since our canoes made their way towards James Bay on this Canadian Heritage River, so we are thrilled about this possibility. We are also exploring river descents in the province of Saskatchewan...a first for Chippewa. Several routes have been identified, though we have not yet finished the logistical study for the trips. The grandfather of Chippewa's remote Canadian canoe trips, the Bloodvein, is also a likely candidate with its challenging portages and huge rapids. These are some amazing options for you guys.

For those of you who just completed your first Canadian last summer, plan on heading to the Wabikimi Provincial Park. Whether it be the Flindt, Allanwater or Kopka Rivers, true adventure awaits!

I'll be sure to keep you all posted. In the meantime, don't hesitate to email me or Sam with questions. It's going to be an awesome summer for Canadians.

Photos from the Summer

We are working on posting many of the photos from summer 2008 on the camp website. I am hopeful that they will be posted within a couple of weeks, but I'll be sure to let you know once they are up. In the meantime, here are a few fun ones to pass the time.

The Bannockburn Tam - A Study

Looks like Joe Margolies is up to his ears in school work. I recently received this interesting study of the bannockburn's color pallet. You may recall that this was the inaugural summer for the bannockburn tam. Does this mean you like A&W rootbeer, Joe?

Planning for Camp 2009!

The first enrollments for summer 2009 are arriving at the camp office. The first enrolled for next summer? Joe Margolies! Welcome back Joe!!!

It's not too early to make your plans to join Joe! The camp website and online enrollment form have been updated with next summer's information. Join the adventures now!

Chippewa Website Hits the Top Ten

A recent call from a fellow camp director shared news that Chippewa's website is rated among the Top Ten Best Camp Websites. Awesome!

Looks like we cracked the list at number ten. Not too bad, considering all the great websites out there. Of course, I'll need to get to work so we can claim that #1 spot.

You can check it out at the Ultimate Camp Resource website.

Late spring makes for excellent fishing all summer long!

Last winter had temps and weather patterns relatively close to historic averages here in Minnesota which led to a later ice out and cooler water temperatures throughout the summer. "What does that have to do with anything?", you may ask. Well the pictures should answer that for you! It led to what I can confidently say was one of the best fishing summers we have had in decades. From the first trips to Gull Lake for giant crappies, to the legendary exploits of Sam Kohler on Buck Lake dock and right on to the HUGE bass on the oddly named Little Bass Lake, it was a summer of spectacular fishing. The boys up at Hook Island caught record numbers and the first session Voyageurs trip managed a huge fish fry. It seemed no matter where you went the fish were biting. I was lucky to be there and happy to be a part of it. Let's hope next year is even better!

Dates for 2009

The dates are set for 2009! Make plans now and check your mail or email soon for early enrollment.

Full Season

June 18th to August 11th

First Session

June 18th to July 14th

Second Session

July 16th to August 11th

Badger Camp I

June 18th to July 1st

Badger Camp II

July 16th to July 29th

A Fond Farewell

It is with deep regret that I share the news of the death of Richard "Dick" Endres. Dick was one of Cap's sons and JP's brother. In the early years of camp, Dick was instrumental in developing the Chippewa sailing program and was the author of the first Chippewa sailing manual. Much of that original manual survives today in the new manual that was launched this summer.

As a successful business man, he still looked forward to his time back at Cass Lake. Most recently, Dick was proud of his work to help form Camp Chippewa Foundation to ensure the camp's legacy for future generations. Since the formation of Camp Chippewa Foundation in 1999, Dick was an active board member for camp, retiring in August 2007.

On behalf of the entire Chippewa family, I share my thoughtful condolences to Elaine, Rick, Holly and the entire family.

2nd Session News

What a wonderful session! Heck, what a wonderful summer! From the moment the campers arrived on the bus this session, the adventures have been memorable.

The weather this session has been outstanding. With warm days and cool nights, the boys found dip time a welcome part of the day and lights out at bed time a chance to regenerate for the next day's adventures. Camp was healthy and happy. I am certain that tonight's final campfire will reveal highlights of a remarkable summer.

Trips to Hook Island, Sanford Lake, Apostle Islands, the Quetico, Mississippi River and all around Minnesota returned with happy memories and pride of accomplishment. The wilderness challenges of the trail helped build the character of each trip and revealed the excitement of camping in the northwoods. Whether sailing for five days on Lake Superior or shooting whitewater in northern Ontario or even paddling six miles across Cass Lake to camp on Star Island, the adventures came alive.

Special activities around camp were a blast. Even Batman and Forest Gump made visits to camp this session with the creation of Batman and Forest Gump days to complement the traditional Pirate Day. Perhaps a highlight for the summer was during Waterfront Day when a dunk tank was created on Buck Lake to sink your favorite counselor, or even the director. It was fun and creative, if not a bit wet!

It was just a couple of days ago that we hosted neighboring Camp Kamaji for Girls, Camp Thunderbird for Boys and Camp Thunderbird for Girls in a regatta at Chippewa. We had a ball! Chippewa sailors found their way around the marks in light winds, crossing the line in first and second place. On both the archery and riflery range, the results were the same with the Chippewa campers demonstrating great sportsmanship while competing. The new Bearpaw tennis courts hosted the tennis players under a cloudless sky, with the all of the camps sharing success on the courts. While the friendly competition was a joy, the fun of the day was in hosting neighboring camps to our summer home.

I look back at the last eight weeks with a smile on my face. Many of the same traditions were strengthened, complemented by new ones. Unique trip pins for local canoe trips, a new Chippewa sailing manual, the new Knutson Hall and Bear Paw tennis court and fencing strip, and Black Tie Dinner were exciting additions to an already full and varied program.

In just a few hours, the final banquet will signal the conclusion of camp's 73rd year. As we creep closer to our 75th anniversary, I couldn't be more pleased with the summer of 2008. Thanks again for sharing in the adventures! See you next summer.

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.

Spot on the Sanford

Just like the first session, we have sent the new Spot device on a canoe trip. This time it is with the guys from Muir cabin on the Sanford-Elsie trip. Be sure to click on the map to zoom in or out to watch their progress.

View Larger Map

2nd Session Photos

Skit Night - 2nd Session

The campers found a hilarious evening in Knutson Hall during the second session Skit Night. Here a few clips starring campers Jacob G., David H.,Tommy K., Jack L., Matt H., Scott E., Jack Y., Ryan O., Gavin S., Jorge G., Davian T., Drew M. and Cooper S.

(Don't forget to subscribe to the Chippewa podcasts. Go here and all of the 2008 summer podcasts will be automatically downloaded to iTunes or your podcast software.)

Spot on the Churchill

This summer, we are experimenting with a new device called a Spot. It is essentially a satellite tracking device that allows us to watch the progress of our Canadian trippers while they are on the trail. We sent our first Spot along with the guys on the Little Churchill, our Hudson Bay trip. Below is a map that marks points at which they "checked in." If you click on the map, you can look back to their route and even see Hudson Bay looming ahead of them today. It is neat technology and we hope to expand its use in the coming years.


View Larger Map

First Session News

It has been a wonderful first three weeks of camp! I can't recall a summer with better weather to start the summer...blue skies, warm temperatures in the day, cool temperatures in the evening and plenty of blue skies! Perhaps no day better typified the fun of the summer than this previous Sunday. While five cabins were out on canoe trips, those still in camp found a sail trip to Star Island or a Sand Castle building contest on Cass Lake shore. Two boats sailed abreast across the lake for a day long cruise and swim break at Star Island. Meanwhile, four countries competed to host the 2016 Olympics by building sand castle venues on the sunny, sandy shore of camp. It was a fun day!

Throughout the past two weeks, the boys found success in the activity front. From tennis to archery, riflery to fencing, ranks have been passed and progress has been made. Traditions like Skit Night and Capture the Flag have been joined by new events like Chippewa's first Black Tie dinner. It may not have been the Ritz Carlton, but the new Knutson Hall was a fitting host, each of us looking quite dapper in our black bow ties.

Without a doubt, the new Knutson Hall and the recently completed Bear Paw tennis courts and fencing strip have been highlights. Both have added an exciting new dimension to the camp program. In addition, John Lindman, a master birch bark canoe builder, will complete an authentic birch bark canoe to be hung in the new Knutson Hall. Several of the boys have helped in the construction, no doubt a life-long memory that will still hang in camp many years from now.

I'm looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the first session. Trips will return from the far reaches of Canada and from a first-ever houseboat trip on Rainy Lake, a regatta with neighboring Camp Kamaji for Girls will put to center stage the boys' skills in archery, sailing and tennis and a final campfire will find highlights from the passing summer days. The time has passed to quickly, but the memories from a delightful summer will remain.

More photos and videos to come, so stay posted!

The New Knutson Hall

Nathan A. and Alex H. tour the new Knutson Hall.

(Don't forget to subscribe to the Chippewa podcasts. Go here and all of the 2008 summer podcasts will be automatically downloaded to iTunes or your podcast software.)

First Session Photos Part 1

WOW! (Part 2)

Canadian Permission Forms

I have received a few calls from parents wondering if a Canadian Permission Form is necessary for their son if he brings his passport to camp. The answer is yes.

The Canadian Permission Form is required for any of our campers who intend to go to Canada. The form indicates that you give permission for Camp Chippewa to bring your son across the Canadian-American border.

If you need the form, please head to the Chippewa Forms website.

WOW! (Part 1)

The new Knutson Hall is even more incredible in person! With only two weeks before camp starts, just a few minor details remain to finish it off.

Headed to Camp

Sounds like the ice is finally off of Cass Lake, so it's time for this camp director to head north to camp. I can't wait to drive down Cap Endres Road. What an exciting time of year!

The Chippewa Family Worldwide

We added a very cool map of the world to the camp website today. When you click on a region of the globe, the map zooms in and shows cities where campers, staff and alumni live. It's amazing how widespread the Chippewa family is...and it keeps growing. Check out "Our Chippewa World!" It's even better than a game of Risk on a rainy day...well maybe not, but it's still cool.

If you don't see your city on the map, email me and I'll be sure to add it.

A Thing of Beauty

Knutson Hall is nearly complete. Wow, what a wonderful new addition to camp! A few finishing touches remain, including the deck out front, but we are almost done. I can't wait to get to camp!

The fireplace is ready for its first fire.
A view of the new stage for Skit Night.
The view to Cass Lake is wonderful.

Something fishy at Chippewa

Grape nuts and tortillas are not what the Voyagers were eating! Fish people- FISH! That's what they ate. And perhaps blueberries. This summer I want to see you men of the north out there doing as those before us did- catching your meals. The waters we paddle in Ontario and Manitoba are without question some of the best fishing waters in the world. Walleye and northern Pike are so thick up there you can't possibly help but catch thousands (ask Jerry Malloy). There are sturgeon and perch and trout and even tasty delicious little greyling. It's a cornucopia of aquatic treasures and yet we eat canned tuna for lunch. No longer. It is time to start taking advantage of natures bounty. Fish a la Blueberry (that's Fish with Blueberries for those of who you don't speak French) for every meal- just like the voyagers.