Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, February 13, 2009
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!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Monday, February 02, 2009
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!
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!
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