Roof Trusses Arrive

Just as the first snows began to fly at camp, the large timber roof trusses arrived for installation in the main dining room. Wow!

Bemidji's Wintry Reputation

The town of Bemidji, our nearest neighbor from camp, has always had a reputation of being the nation's ice box. After all, the snow flies early there and the US National Curling champions call Bemidji home. Now, the outdoor gear company Patagonia offers a heavy duty jacket called the Bemidji Jacket. I'm glad to know that Bemidji's reputation is still solidly intact. Check out the jacket here.

More Photos of Knutson

Mike Endres and I just took a short weekend trip to check on the progress of Knutson. It's truly exciting to watch the developments.

Standing at the entrance, looking towards new fireplace.
A view of the new serving line behind the fireplace.
Standing near Hudson Bay looking at the back of the kitchen.

Standing near Archery Bunker looking at new kitchen.

Badger Camp Four?

Making plans for next summer? Have a younger camper who isn't quite sure that camp is for them? Or even a mom or dad who thinks four weeks is just too long? Or maybe just a hectic summer schedule? Then take a look at our Badger camps, two-week sessions. For 2008, we have added a fourth Badger camp session for our younger campers. The only problem? The two week session will fly by entirely too fast!

Logs Frame Knutson Hall Entry

These giant logs were harvested from camp land. Large red pines that died within the last year now frame the entry to the new Knutson.

Dawson and crew work to place the red pine logs in front of Knutson.

A view from the back of Knutson Hall, with roof nearing completion over the kitchen.

In Memory of Ward Cox

As many of you may know, longtime camper Ward Cox passed away unexpectedly on October 13th at the age of 16. He was a remarkable young man, an eager leader and always quick to smile. The attendance of more than 1500 family, friends and fellow Chippewa alums at his funeral is a testimony to his positive impact on so many lives. On behalf of everyone in the Chippewa family, our sincerest condolences to Tim, Anne, Chris, Curtis, Timmy and the entire Cox family who have been such dedicated supporters of camp through the years. We will miss Ward and his wonderful, mischievous grin.

Ward's Obituary

Coming to the Chicago Camp Fair

Camp Chippewa will again be attending the Chicago area camp fair. This year, the fair has been moved from January to November 11th. Planning to attend are blog contributors Grant Campbell and Jonah Mueller. Come on by to see us at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.

2008 Dates

Just in case you missed it, you can find the dates for 2008 by clicking here. You might notice that we added one more two-week session for the younger boys. I can't wait for next summer and hope to see everyone back at camp.

Knutson Takes Shape

With the walls now standing, the new Knutson Hall is truly taking shape. I have come up to camp with Grant Campbell and Jonah Mueller and we found some exciting views of the new building.

A view from the lakeside.
A view with the Oasis in the foreground. Inside the main dining hall.

Fencers Take Center Court

The Chippewa fencers have something new to be excited about. As plans progress for the reconstructed Bear Paw tennis courts, the addition of a regulation length fencing strip will be included on the sideline of the courts. Nearby, an electric outlet will power the electrical scoring system. Looks like the 2008 Fencing Tournament will have a new home...en garde!

The Walls Go Up

The New Knutson Begins...

Late last week, the foundation was poured for the new Knutson Hall. Soon, the walls will be going up. Be sure to keep checking back for photos, or subscribe to the feed by clicking the RSS icon.

*(disregard the dates on the photos) :)

Take The 2007 Surveys!

The campers and parents from summer 2007 are invited to take our short summer survey. Just follow the links below.

If you were a camper this summer, or a parent of a camper, please take just a couple of minutes to complete our survey. We are always trying to improve camp and your responses will help us find ways to make 2008 an even better summer than 2007.

Thanks!

1st Session Camper Survey

2nd Session Camper Survey

Parent Survey

"The Myth About Boys"

In case you missed it this summer, Time magazine ran an article called "The Myth About Boys" which refuted many recent theories, essays and articles describing the poor shape in which boys find themselves today. It was nice to see an article that echoes what I see developing at camp each year...a wonderful group of boys becoming young men. It only reinforces for me the validity of Chippewa's philosophy that strikes the right balance of structure, freedom and challenge in which boys thrive.

Back to Tulsa

The return trip from camp was as difficult as any, leaving while Cass Lake had a slight north breeze, sunny blue skies and a perfect temperature of 74 degrees. Paradise.

A few emails were waiting for me when I returned to Tulsa regarding dates. Good news for planning as the dates for 2008 have not changed from the 2007 dates. The website will be updated by the end of this week with the new enrollment information so stay tuned. In the meantime, be sure to check back here at the blog for frequent updates on Knutson Hall's reconstruction and other news!

Knutson Hall Comes Down

After 70 years of service to thousands of campers, Knutson Hall has come down. The final camper banquet was followed by an alumni event, Rendezvous 2007, which served the final meals in old Knutson. Now we look forward to the new Knutson Hall rising from the same spot over the next several months. We'll be sure to post pictures of the progress.

Mike Endres and JP with the Sign

The bell is removed from the top of Knutson.
Much of the floor has been saved to be reused in the new Knutson Hall.
Down it comes!

Second Session Photos III

My apologies for a short delay in posting more second session photos, but we had some internet difficulty here at camp. Here ya go...

Second Session Photos II

Second Session Photos I

First Session Photos III

The first session just flew by, but here are a few more photos from the session.

First Session Photos II

First Session Photos I