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.

Luggage 1, Luggage 2

As the summer approaches, you may have heard that Northwest Airlines will charge extra for a second piece of luggage. Currently the fee will be $25. This is certainly a potential pain for all of you parents out there. Please know that we are working with Northwest Airlines and Travel One (our travel agent) to come up with a process that is reasonable for both you and for camp. A meeting is scheduled today to discuss the fee. I will be sure to share information as it comes along. In speaking with Travel One, they will be sending out recommendations to the parents who book through them. I will also share those recommendations on this blog.

Stay tuned....

New Sailing Manual Coming

Sailors, you'll have a great new tool as you sail through the ranks this summer...no pun intended. Working with Phil, CJ and a couple of other dedicated sailors, I've been spending the last week creating a new Chippewa sailing manual for 2008. With the addition of the new sailboat last summer and the number of guys headed to the Apostle Islands each year to sail, it seems that the time is right to create a new manual.

Yet another exciting addition to the Chippewa program this summer...I can't wait!

The Chippewa fleet in port on Cass

To Build a Canoe

Simon's activity schedule will have a new activity this summer: Canoe building! One of our alumni, Dick Sattler, has arranged for an Ojibwa-style replica birch bark canoe to be constructed at camp. John Lindman of the Bark Canoe Store will be spending a couple of weeks with us, enlisting the help of campers and staff to help him build the 13-foot long canoe. It will be an exciting new project and a wonderful new addition to the Chippewa canoe fleet. John has a few other surprises for us as well. We look forward to welcoming him to Chippewa.

Passport Hints for 2008

I have been receiving calls and emails asking for the best advice in making sure that passports are not lost in transit to camp and while at camp. There have been some great questions, so let me share a few thoughts:

First, rest assured that keeping the passports safe while under our care is a high priority. We will be collecting all of the passports that come to camp either at the airport or immediately after arrival at camp. Please let your son know that we will be asking to keep his passport for him while at camp. Once collected, the passports will be safely stored in the camp safe. The only time they will be removed from the safe is when your son heads to Canada. At that time, the passport will be under the care of your son's counselor.

I would prefer that you send the passport with your son, as opposed to sending it by mail. While the mail is very reliable, it always seems that only the most important items become lost. If you would rather that your son not carry his passport, please use FedEx or other carrier to send it as a priority and traceable package.

The last helpful hint is to make certain that you keep copies of all the printed pages, as well as the outside cover, of the passport. If a replacement passport is required, having these copies will greatly speed the replacement process.

Please be assured that we will be taking great care to keep the passports safe until they return home. As border regulations have changed, we have had to adjust our policies to ensure quick a easy passage across the border.

As always, don't hesitate to contact me with any questions. I also encourage you to click the "passports" label below for more information.

(Not all campers are required to have passports. Please see the Parent Handbook for more information.)

Down the Home Stretch

A quick visit to camp finds plenty of snow on the ground...in May! But Knutson Hall is even closer to completion. Check it out!

A view from the archery range

The beautiful large timber trusses at the ceiling

The fireplace is impressive

Mary's kitchen looking sharp

Kopka River's Legacy

Check out the latest camp movie! It's a two-minute peek into the whitewater, portages and fishing on the Kopka River last summer. It's awesome!

Check out the Kopka!

Chippewa Dueling Society Formed

The fencers have some more exciting news for 2008. Not only will they be fencing on a new electronic strip on the new Bear Paw courts, but the Chippewa Dueling Society will convene its first meeting. On the agenda? Raising of the new Chippewa Dueling Society banner in Knutson Hall.

The Timbers Go Up

Knutson Hall continues to take shape as the giant timber beams for the main dining room are installed. Meanwhile, Mary's kitchen just lacks tile for the floor before the equipment moves in.

Podcasts Have Arrived

Want a few Chippewa movies for your iPod? Or even a recording of one of JP's stories? Check out our podcasts on the Chippewa podcast page.

Want a sample? Download the 2007 Highlights Mini Movie.

Also, be sure to subscribe to our podcasts by adding this link : http://feeds.feedburner.com/CampChippewa2go to your iPod subscribe window.

Plenty of more videos and audio to come!

Go Jayhawks!

Alright, so I admit that this has very little to do with camp, but the reality is that this camp director is a KU Jayhawk fan. In fact, Kansas basketball ranks directly behind Natalie, Camp Chippewa and Moby in order of importance. So for all of you Jayhawk fans out there...Rock Chalk Jayhawk, Go KU!

Shark Rapids

On a 1987 trip down the Bloodvein River, a set of rapids gained a reputation that earned it the name Shark Rapids. Here's a satellite view of the now legendary rapids. With any luck, someday you'll find yourself paddling down the 'Vein into the jaws of Shark.


View Larger Map

The Chippewa Council

The Council convenes for the first time this summer. Watch your mailbox for more information...

Canada and Passports

The summer is coming quickly, which means that our campers will soon be exploring the waterways of Canada. As a reminder, the regulations for entering and departing the United States from Canada have changed. Because of these changes, Chippewa has adopted the following requirements for our campers:

· If your son will be on a Canadian canoe trip (heading into 9th grade or higher in most cases), camp requires that your son have a passport for camp.
· If your son will participate in the Hook Island program (6th and 7th grades, and possibly 5th grade), camp asks that you send a passport if your son has one, otherwise to send an original or certified copy of his birth certificate.
· In all cases, a Canadian permission form is required. It can be found on our website.

Have questions? Be sure to give Michael a call - 800-262-1544.

The Mosquito Secret Revealed...

Brian Endres recently sent me an article of interest to our Canadian voyageurs. If you have ever paddled to Hudson Bay, you have seen a few mosquitoes in your campsite. Among your weapons: mosquito repellent with DEET.

Well, the secret of DEET's effectiveness has been revealed. Check it out at National Geographic online.

A Glimpse of Knutson

It strikes me that I have yet to share the 3D architectural renderings of the new Knutson Hall on this blog. So, take a sneak peek into what the summer holds...

Some Thoughts on Rain Gear

As the summer draws nearer, it's time again to start thinking about packing for camp. In particular, about the gear you pack. In the past, I've written posts about bedding and sleeping bags (see post links below). This time I thought I'd tackle rain gear.

The biggest hint I can give is to avoid ponchos. Ponchos don't seem to hold up well to camp wear-and-tear and don't provide much protection from the weather. A good jacket and pair of pants are far better.

Rain gear can be either a coated nylon (non-breathable) or laminated nylon (breathable). Gore-tex is a recognizable name for breathable shells (jackets), but tends to be more expensive, while coated nylon, non-breathable jackets tend to be cheaper, but not quite as comfortable.

If your camper is headed out on a Canadian canoe trip, I highly recommend a lightweight, breathable shell jacket and pants. If he is not, coated nylon shells work just fine. Some popular breathable jackets are made by Patagonia, REI, Sierra Designs and Marmot, with prices ranging from about $120 to well over $300. For coated nylon, Sierra Designs and REI has great jackets starting at about $30. You can also find great discount deals on jackets at Campmor or Sierra Trading Post.

Again, the key is to identify your camper's needs. If he is primarily in camp and will have only a few shorter trips or a trip to Hook Island, coated nylon shells are great. If your camper is headed out for a week or more on a Canadian canoe trip, however, I recommend waterproof breathable jackets for his comfort. These shells are more durable and offer better protection from the elements. These jackets will likely last for years (I've had mine for over 11 years now.)

Hope this helps demystify things a bit. If anyone has any specific jacket names to recommend, please share your comments below. Of course, since it never rains at Camp Chippewa, maybe we should all just pack swimsuits instead.

Coolest Places I Have Been With Camp. Part 3: The Paper Mill

Chapter 1

1. Sorry it has been so long since I last posted, I lost the "P" key on my computer and couldn't type "paper mill"

2. Sorry if you were present when I gave the trip report for the paper mill tour and are now reading this. This will not stack up. I would like to take this time to remind everyone that my trip report was the highlight of two camper's summer at the final campfire (yes counselors keep track of these things).

3. Sorry this will be so long.


For everyone who has packed up in a camp van and headed north to Canada, you have certainly passed the Boise Cascade paper mill in International Falls, MN. For those of you who have been, you know what I am talking about. For those of you who have yet to make the trip north, close you eyes and picture the biggest building you have ever seen. With your eyes still closed, take a deep breath and imagine the most rank smell ever (something like Athabasca cabin's laundry bags after a trip to the bay). So you get the idea, big building, bad smell, I've always wanted to go. Let's do it.

A few summers back, Charlie Kornman and I, were taking a group of campers (they will remain nameless to protect identities) to Hook Island, when we decided to fulfill our life long dreams of stopping at the paper mill. We pulled up just in time to catch a free tour, so we donned our hard hats, safety goggles, and those big ear cover things you see on the guys who guide planes to the terminal, and headed inside. As soon as you walk into the door you are struck by the strangest of sensations, it DOES NOT smell inside. Yes, you read that correctly, NO STANK on the inside. After getting over the shock of a clean smelling factory we proceeded to...

Color paper. Not much really happened here. Some big vats that you could look down in and see dyed pulp being stirred and prepped for the crazy process that turns a mushy mess into paper. Basically it was like looking into a washing machine. Next time your folks do the laundry, look into the machine and imagine it much larger, or you much much smaller, and you will get the idea.

Stay tuned...

Knutson Hall Progresses

Knutson Hall continues to take shape in time for the summer. As we await the new timber trusses for the dining hall portion, work continues around the building.

Native red pines frame the entrance

From inside the dining hall looking towards camp

A view inside Mary's kitchen

Teddy Mundt's Antics

Counselors sometimes do crazy things. Not surprisingly, counselor Teddy Mundt has chosen to jump out of a plane to fall a few thousand feet back to earth. Luckily, he landed in one piece since he plans to be back at camp again this summer. He sent these pictures.

Boys Being Boys, Girls Being Girls

A parent recently passed along an interesting article in New York Times Magazine by Elizabeth Weil. The article details a growing movement in schools that promotes teaching boys and girls separately . It's interesting given the all-boys philosophy at Chippewa. Check out Teaching Boys and Girls Separately at nytimes.com.

A Mother's Perspective

It's again the time of year when parents are considering sending their son to his first sleepaway camp. It is often difficult, however, for moms and dads to say goodbye for two, four or even eight weeks.

A couple of years ago, one of our camp moms, Deb Mallin, asked if she could write an article for camp. It turns out she wrote an incredible story about sending her first son to camp for the first time from a mother's perspective.

If you are considering sending your son to camp this summer for the first time, please take a few moments to read "Off They Go" by Deb. I know you'll enjoy it.

Houston Nostalgia

I returned last weekend from a wonderful trip to Houston and got to thinking a bit about the remarkable friendships that I have formed throughout my years at camp. Certainly my visits to cities around the country this winter share many of same qualities as this trip to Houston had.

On Thursday, I had lunch with a Houston alumnus who began camp in 1981 with me at ten years old. It's been over 25 years, this being the second time we had seen each other since 1983. Duncan Underwood and I reminisced a bit and talked about where our lives have lead us. His success professionally is obvious and inspiring to be around. Despite having been such a long time between meetings, I am amazed by the sincerity of friendship we shared. Perhaps that is the nature of the kind of relationships that form at camp. Shared experiences around a campfire, struggles and successes on canoe trips, and achievements in activities around camp truly form deep and enduring friendships. My friendships with much of this Houston crew (Jonathan Avery, Chris Knapp, the Cox family, and Pato Cano) only reinforce how shared camp memories among generations of alumni create wonderful friendships. Thanks to all of my Houston friends for a memorable trip.

Chippewa is Exclusively Yours

All of the Milwaukee folks may have seen the article about Camp Chippewa in the February 2008 issue of Exclusively Yours magazine, the local society magazine. It's a great article about Chippewa past, present and future, and includes interviews with local families like the Salaymehs and the Wigdales.

You can find the article here. It's a big file so it may take a moment or two to load. If you have trouble, head to our Archived News page and you can find it there.

Klay Monster!!!

The talent of Chippewa campers runs deep. Check out one of Alex Haft's claymation movies. Nice work, Haftinator!

Camping in Nashville

The camping universe has descended on Nashville as camp directors from the four corners of the universe get together to share ideas and to learn about educaton trends and child and staff development. Yes, we even discuss strategies to partner with parents.

Each year I come to this conference, it's exciting to find such a large group of folks who share a love for camping and for working with children.

So any new ideas from the conference? Plenty. Among them, look for video podcasts coming soon to the Chippewa website! It will be a great way to keep each of you more involved with all things Chippewa.

Progress As Promised

Knutson Hall is quickly returning to its original new form. Dawson Byler and crew have been working in temperatures well below zero to bring Knutson Hall back up and ready for the summer. As you can see, it's going well and it's moving along quickly. Simply exciting!

PS- Ignore those dates! Lonnie's camera isn't set up quite right.

The Buzz in February

It has been a very busy couple of weeks as I have hit the first four Open Houses of the season. Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and Phoenix are in the books. Joined by counselors like Sam Devine (Thiessen) and Sam Noel, it's been a fun time looking forward to the coming summer with all of the campers. Plus, the new Chippewa Highlights DVD is getting rave reviews from everyone.

Houston, you're next! Hope to see you all there on the 20th!

New Movie on the Website

Check out the new preview to the 2007 Chippewa Highlights DVD. The two minute video has some great highlights like sail races, a huge northern pike being landed and Vietnam Hill. Find it here or by clicking the link to the right of this panel.

If you have problems viewing the movie, make sure you have Adobe Flash installed on your browser. If you don't you can get it here...it will only take a second!

Score a Chippewa Blanket

Want to impress the inspectors each morning at camp this summer? Then grab yourself a new Chippewa fleece blanket for your bed! How do you get one? It's easy, just bring a friend to a Chippewa Open House and you'll be headed home with this blanket. Just in time for the cold winter months...and for camp!

Last Child in the Woods, Part II

Last December, I recommended that parents pick up a copy of Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. The book asserts that children today do not spend enough time outdoors, leading to what he calls "nature deficit disorder." I recently came across an interview with Mr. Louv in which he shared this interesting thought:

"But most of all, I think our plugged-in kids, who spend so much time in front of the TV and computer screen, are missing out on many chances to feel a sense of wonder. What I'd really like to communicate to fellow parents is that we shouldn't think about a child's experience in nature as an extracurricular activity but as a vital element for a healthy child's development. That's what the new research strongly suggests."

Perhaps the reason that overnight camps are largely found in wilderness settings is an inherent understanding of this need. Beyond the sense of wonder, the benefits of a wilderness setting can be seen daily around a camp.

Open House Dates

With the winter months in full swing, it's time to warm up with the new Chippewa Highlights 2007 DVD. You can watch the premiere at any of the open houses in a city near you! First stops? St. Louis and Kansas City. Click here to see a list of locations and times of all of our Open Houses, and be sure to stop by to claim your free copy of the DVD and a special gift from camp. See you there!

Knutson Hall Redux

I am sad to report that on Saturday morning, January 5th, the new Knutson Hall burned down as it approached completion. The fire was likely the result of a faulty fuel oil heater that was being used by our contractor, Dawson Byler. It was a purely accidental and unpredictable event. The loss of the building will be completely covered by the insurance company.

So what's next? Rebuild! Construction will begin almost immediately and the building will be rebuilt in time for camp this summer. The construction of the new building should proceed quickly since many of the major design decisions have already been made. In addition, our contractor will be bringing in more workers to move the project along quickly.

We are very excited about the summer ahead and look forward to Mary's first spaghetti dinner on June 19th in front of the new fireplace in the new Knutson Hall. It is an exciting time and I'll be sure to post pictures of the dining hall as it rises once again!

Only Six Months Until Camp

It's a new year and we are racing towards camp's 73rd summer. As we look ahead to the summer, don't forget to join us at the open houses around the country. Dates will be posted in the coming week, so keep an eye out. In addition to receiving a free copy of the 2007 Highlights DVD, we'll have a special gift for those who attend, as well as another gift for those who bring a friend to the open house. More details in a few days! See you soon!

Seasons Greetings

With the holiday season in full swing and family and friends in good cheer, Natalie and I take this time to wish you all the best this holiday and share the hope for good health and happiness in the new year.

Knutson Hall Moves Forward

From unbelievably cold Knutson, you can see that Dawson and his crew have been busy! A quick trip north found temperatures close to 20 below and 14 inches of snow on the ground, but work progressing on both the exterior and interior of Knutson.

A view from the lake side.
The front of Knutson looks great!
The grand fireplace nears completion, with original mantel in place.

Hook Island from Space

I couldn't resist adding the satellite image of Hook Island.

View Larger Map

Google Maps of Camp

This is pretty cool. I am sure many of you have already played around with the satellite image of camp, but in case you haven't, here it is.

Maybe I'll have to post a few from the Bloodvein, Seal or even Hook Island.


View Larger Map

Mary's Chili Recipe

With the cool weather heading in and snow flakes beginning to fly, this is certainly chili weather. Here is Mary's recipe.

1lb hamburger
1 quart of tomato juice
1/2 large onion
1/3 pint kidney beans or pork and beans
3/4 package of chili seasoning
Shredded cheddar cheese

Fry hamburger and onion together until brown. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Top with cheddar cheese

Meanwhile, Over on Bearpaw...

Construction is well underway for the new tennis courts and fencing strip. JP's heart be proud!

The old court has been removed and excavation begins.
A view with Chalet cabin in the background.
A view from the porch of Eagle's Nest cabin.

It's a Dining Hall....Almost!

With the roof now on and most of the windows installed, the new Knutson is beginning to look like a dining hall!

Happy Thanksgiving!

With cool weather outside and a warm turkey in the oven, Natalie and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

ps - Go Lions!

"The Dangerous Book for Boys"

On a recent trip to the bookstore, I ran across the book I had heard so much about: The Dangerous Book for Boys. After flipping through the book, stopping at a few pages about knot tying and even grammar, it became obvious that the book's popularity is rooted in the same principles that are at work at Chippewa.

Undoubtedly much has changed since camp began in 1935 and certainly boys have changed to some degree during that time. Whether due to societal shifts or technology, the culture in which children find themselves today is vastly different than that of 1935. However, many of our cultural values have remain unchanged.

During staff orientation, I spend time discussing the many notions about the current generation of campers. Many of these notions are readily evident when the boys arrive camp. Despite this, I conclude with an important thought: boys today, in this wilderness environment that we call camp, are little changed from the boys in 1935. Thus, the same values that we found so relevant then, are equally as relevant now. Values like self-reliance, teamwork, and discipline are inherent in our natural surroundings and achieved in the cabin group, on the activity front and through meaningful friendships. Camp Chippewa continues to thrive because of our steadfast belief in these values.

2007 Photos Posted

Just in case you missed it, the photos from 2007 have been posted on the Chippewa website. Photos from 1st Session, 2nd Session, the Seal River and other events capture our 72nd summer. Check them out by going to the Photo Albums page. Look for more photos from the summer, including photos from Rendezvous 2007, in coming weeks.

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.