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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Lower Camp
We're back with more ideas for the holidays. This time, it's down to Lower Camp we go. Many of these campers are in their first or second summer at Chippewa, so here are some fun things to get ready for summer 2012!
Nite Ize Bug Light - Not a whole lot to say here, except that this is a fun little light to have hanging around your area in the cabin. Since we don't have bugs in our cabins, this seems like a reasonable replacement. About $13 for cool factor.
Why Not Games - Knots aren't just for sailors or fishermen, they're for aspiring canoe trippers as well. This is a great kit to get a head start on knots. Great illustrated cards to help keep everyone busy for a while as they hone their skills. Just $5!
Plastic Fencing Training Set - Hey campers, you can thank me later for this! Yes, I may be the fencing master at camp and yes, I may be sympathetic to all things fencing, but these are pretty slick. What swashbuckling camper wouldn't want this! While it is very cool looking, it is also very practical if you have an aspiring fencer. In reading the reviews, you will see that this set helps develop proper skills in the sport of fencing, unlike a random nerf set of foam swords! I'm a fan. And if you are real enthusiastic, opt for the wireless scoring option that will make it even cooler and more accurate for true fencers. Mask and foil set (two color choices) starts at $68 and is on sale!
Don't forget to read last year's suggestions for more great ideas, like the Eyeclops!
Nite Ize Bug Light - Not a whole lot to say here, except that this is a fun little light to have hanging around your area in the cabin. Since we don't have bugs in our cabins, this seems like a reasonable replacement. About $13 for cool factor.
Why Not Games - Knots aren't just for sailors or fishermen, they're for aspiring canoe trippers as well. This is a great kit to get a head start on knots. Great illustrated cards to help keep everyone busy for a while as they hone their skills. Just $5!
Plastic Fencing Training Set - Hey campers, you can thank me later for this! Yes, I may be the fencing master at camp and yes, I may be sympathetic to all things fencing, but these are pretty slick. What swashbuckling camper wouldn't want this! While it is very cool looking, it is also very practical if you have an aspiring fencer. In reading the reviews, you will see that this set helps develop proper skills in the sport of fencing, unlike a random nerf set of foam swords! I'm a fan. And if you are real enthusiastic, opt for the wireless scoring option that will make it even cooler and more accurate for true fencers. Mask and foil set (two color choices) starts at $68 and is on sale!
Don't forget to read last year's suggestions for more great ideas, like the Eyeclops!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Photo album and Smugmug updated with lost photos.
While putting together this years photo album I happened across some photos that did not make into smugmug. Needless to say I added them immediately. I also couldn't help but notice just how many great photos we have from 2011! It was a special summer and we have a lot of pictures that capture that fact beautifully. If you haven't seen them yet you need to go check them out.
I will be finished with the 2011 photo album in a few days and will post a link both here and on our Facebook page that will you allow you to view it or get yourself one. It sure has been fun reliving last summer.
I will be finished with the 2011 photo album in a few days and will post a link both here and on our Facebook page that will you allow you to view it or get yourself one. It sure has been fun reliving last summer.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Upper Camp
Let's move right up the line to Upper Camp. These guys will be spending less and less time in camp as their trips get longer in Canada. So, I'll again be focusing on what the guys might like if they're on Canadians.
Cabela's Digital Fish Scale - I like this small scale. There are some giants lurking in the depths of the Canadian lakes and rivers and if you want proper bragging rights, then this little gadget should do the trick. Nice price at just $13.
GoPro HD Hero2 - I can almost hear the phone ringing after I post this suggestion. By far the most expensive item I have ever recommended and no doubt I may be pandering a bit to the campers on this one. But the reality is that this is an awesome video camera that has a million uses in and out of camp, especially for the active ones in the family. There were two of these cameras in camp during 2011 and the videos were great. We have some wonderful footage of shooting rapids and portaging that could only be captured with a device like this. And yes, a camper brought one of them to camp. It's lightweight and easy to operate. Though ti costs more than most things I'd recommend, it's less than other great video cameras, so it makes the final cut. This one is listed at $299, but shop around for the best price.
Fred Senior Cardboard Moosehead - Hanging above the door of Knutson Hall is a moose rack brought back to camp in the 1970s from the Bloodvein River. The name of that moose rack is the tam-a-rack. As you know, tams are a big deal at Chippewa. They are earned only on Canadian trips and it is with great pride that, upon entering Knutson Hall, a Chippewa camper or counselor reaches up and hangs his tam on the moose rack. The tam-a-rack is reserved only for tams. I realize that some moms may not want a dead carcass on their walls at home, so this is a great substitute. Grab the cardboard moose rack, hang it on the wall and each tam can hang happily in his room. It's about $50 and they get to put it together!
Don't forget, you can also find last year's ideas for Upper Camp by clicking the "shopping guide" label below.
Cabela's Digital Fish Scale - I like this small scale. There are some giants lurking in the depths of the Canadian lakes and rivers and if you want proper bragging rights, then this little gadget should do the trick. Nice price at just $13.
GoPro HD Hero2 - I can almost hear the phone ringing after I post this suggestion. By far the most expensive item I have ever recommended and no doubt I may be pandering a bit to the campers on this one. But the reality is that this is an awesome video camera that has a million uses in and out of camp, especially for the active ones in the family. There were two of these cameras in camp during 2011 and the videos were great. We have some wonderful footage of shooting rapids and portaging that could only be captured with a device like this. And yes, a camper brought one of them to camp. It's lightweight and easy to operate. Though ti costs more than most things I'd recommend, it's less than other great video cameras, so it makes the final cut. This one is listed at $299, but shop around for the best price.
Fred Senior Cardboard Moosehead - Hanging above the door of Knutson Hall is a moose rack brought back to camp in the 1970s from the Bloodvein River. The name of that moose rack is the tam-a-rack. As you know, tams are a big deal at Chippewa. They are earned only on Canadian trips and it is with great pride that, upon entering Knutson Hall, a Chippewa camper or counselor reaches up and hangs his tam on the moose rack. The tam-a-rack is reserved only for tams. I realize that some moms may not want a dead carcass on their walls at home, so this is a great substitute. Grab the cardboard moose rack, hang it on the wall and each tam can hang happily in his room. It's about $50 and they get to put it together!
Don't forget, you can also find last year's ideas for Upper Camp by clicking the "shopping guide" label below.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Chippewa Gets A Mention On Intentional Parent
Great thoughts from the panel about being creative with your children. Look for the Chippewa mention at around 35:20. Also a few gift ideas in here!
Thanks for the shout, Tina!
Friday, December 02, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Middle Camp
Ah, Middle Camp! Seemingly always in the middle of the heap when it comes to lining up for camp store (e.g. "Lower Camp, you're first and head right up the line" or "Let's start with Upper Camp and come down"). Well, let's break the routine and begin this year's shopping guide with the guys from Chalet.
Last year's guide had some great ideas for this age group, especially since they are really beginning to build their skills in so many activities. I thought we could take a slightly different tack with this year's ideas. So, for all of you Mom's and Dad's, here it goes, Chippewa's guide to what dudes want for the holidays:
"Don't Die Out There" Playing Cards - As campers enter Middle Camp, their canoe trips get longer and generally they spend more time out of camp at Hook Island or on the Apostle Sail Trip. A favorite past time is playing cards in your tent in the evening, so why not add a little survival silliness to the whole thing. Very fun!
JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback Lamp - I like JOBY products, like the Gorillapod that I recommended last year. This is a slick light set that is a combination lamp and head light. Great in camp and on the trail since it packs small. I have the WestMarine listing for about $39, but it's also on Amazon for all of you Prime-timers out there.
Portable Ping Pong Set - As any Chippewa camper knows, we play table tennis, not ping pong, at Chippewa. With that said, I can't imagine why this isn't the greatest thing ever. Ever hear the words "I'm bored!" Not an issue with this set...instant ping pong, er table tennis, anytime, anywhere. Not as high quality as the Chippewa tables, but not bad in a pinch. (It's worth adding that I've assumed that your nice china or Waterford crystal is well stashed and has been for many years.)
That's it for Middle Camp. Next up? Just like unwrapping gifts, it's a surprise!
Last year's guide had some great ideas for this age group, especially since they are really beginning to build their skills in so many activities. I thought we could take a slightly different tack with this year's ideas. So, for all of you Mom's and Dad's, here it goes, Chippewa's guide to what dudes want for the holidays:
"Don't Die Out There" Playing Cards - As campers enter Middle Camp, their canoe trips get longer and generally they spend more time out of camp at Hook Island or on the Apostle Sail Trip. A favorite past time is playing cards in your tent in the evening, so why not add a little survival silliness to the whole thing. Very fun!
JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback Lamp - I like JOBY products, like the Gorillapod that I recommended last year. This is a slick light set that is a combination lamp and head light. Great in camp and on the trail since it packs small. I have the WestMarine listing for about $39, but it's also on Amazon for all of you Prime-timers out there.
Portable Ping Pong Set - As any Chippewa camper knows, we play table tennis, not ping pong, at Chippewa. With that said, I can't imagine why this isn't the greatest thing ever. Ever hear the words "I'm bored!" Not an issue with this set...instant ping pong, er table tennis, anytime, anywhere. Not as high quality as the Chippewa tables, but not bad in a pinch. (It's worth adding that I've assumed that your nice china or Waterford crystal is well stashed and has been for many years.)
That's it for Middle Camp. Next up? Just like unwrapping gifts, it's a surprise!
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