Just two weeks ago...

...the second session of camp came to a close, the boys returned home, and Lonnie, Jesse, and the staff began preparing camp for the off-season.  As some of us return to school, camp sits quiet and waiting.
 

Summer 78 has come to an end.  

Summer 79 is just around the corner.

Will you join us and keep the campfire burning? 

 

North of the Border

Hook Island & Silent Isle Visit

Many of you have traveled north of the border to stay a few days at Hook Island. Not far away is the summer home of Jerry Graham. We hope that next year you'll be able to join the fun on Hook Island--blueberries, games, fishing and swimming just to name a few.

Below: Cammy and JP listen closely to one of Jerry's fishing stories. Jerry has been associated with Camp Chippewa since the early 1950's. 

 Lonnie relaxes on the deck at Hook Island. He is an old hand at putting the place to sleep for the winter. Mary, Jacob, Cammy and JP listen to one of his tall tales.

 Jacob fillets a nice northern pike. This pike turned into a fine meal of fish tacos. 7 Canadians will hone your skills when is comes to filleting a fish. 

Camp Chippewa for Boys

Camp comes to a close

The campers are on the bus and on they're way home.  Bon voyage!  We'll see you next year!

It's been a whirlwind of excitement, fun, and adventure these last 24 hours, though, including a banquet to honor two people who will be leaving Chippewa after this summer: our head cook Mary Keely and our head of maintenance Lonnie Harmon.

 The dining hall is dressed in pink 

 Lonnie and Jane sit at the head table as guests of honor

Lonnie was recognized at the banquet and received with a resounding round of applause.

Congratulations, Lonnie, and thank you for all that you have done for camp!

 Following dessert, it was Mary's turn to be recognized.

 JP and Cammy brought Mary up on stage and presented her with 22 points of 'contention'--one for each year of her service at camp.

 Congratulations, Mary! Camp won't be the same without you!

Camp Olympics

Rio de Janeiro is the sight of the next Olympic games. Camp Chippewa hosts its own kind of Olympics and the teams had fun competing. Countries entered Knutson Hall Stadium to the Olympic Anthem. Let the games begin!

Minnow Races

Camp was full of fun and excitement last night for minnow races on the deck of Knutson Hall!  Campers and counselors each selected a minnow, and then off to the tracks they went!

 Knutson Hall became the Minnow Speedway

 Six tracks stand ready for the racers

 The technique is to blow bubbles behind the minnows to get them to swim faster

 In the end, Sam took first place with his minnow named Flash and won the golden spoon.  Great job, Sam!

Good as Gold

Every so often Chippewa sends out trippers on exploratory routes to test waters we've never paddled, and this session camp's canoes explored the waters of the Gold Rock route.  Located just south of Dryden in northwestern Ontario, the Gold Rock trip traverses cold, deep lakes with water as clear as crystal and portages that are seldom used.  The route is remote, and only the hardiest canoeists and fishermen make the trek into this wilderness.

The eight boys in Marshall cabin left last Wednesday not knowing exactly what lay ahead, but after seven days of adventure and exploration, they're back better than ever and as good as gold!

 Cold, clear water pours over Minnehaha Falls

 Paddling in the sun on Washabeimaga Lake

 Bright sunny days yield to crisp, clear nights. Ben and Blake tend the fire to keep everybody cozy

 Everybody contributed to the portaging

 Under sunny skies, we sailed on the west wind while Karl strummed the guitar

 The proud and accomplished young men of Marshall cabin

Solar Motion

It takes only a breath of air to move an X-boat. Air moves because of differential heating of earth's atmosphere. Watching a well skippered boat move across the clear waters of Cass Lake is a thing of beauty. The art of sail racing is like a game of chess played with a tiller, main sheet and a plan. 

Sailing is one of the crown jewels of Camp Chippewa. 

Way to go sailers!

Picture Perfect

Archery at Camp Chippewa

Cap Endres spent countless hours working on arrows, bows and sights. Archery is one of the signature activities here at camp because of Cap's love of the sport. Nick M., displays excellent form as he aims for gold. CC instructors preach the importance of form before scoring targets. Consistency is the key to passing ranks. 

Camp Chippewa for Boys

EXPERT down on THE RANGE

Final 40 in Offhand!

It's not often we produce an Expert in Riflery. So today, August 3, 2013, we recognize our latest camper to achieve this prestigious rank. Jacob E., calmly fires off his last target with an even 40. Who is next? It won't be long because there are several campers in offhand!

Camp Chippewa for Boys