The Bannockburn Tam - A Study

Looks like Joe Margolies is up to his ears in school work. I recently received this interesting study of the bannockburn's color pallet. You may recall that this was the inaugural summer for the bannockburn tam. Does this mean you like A&W rootbeer, Joe?

Planning for Camp 2009!

The first enrollments for summer 2009 are arriving at the camp office. The first enrolled for next summer? Joe Margolies! Welcome back Joe!!!

It's not too early to make your plans to join Joe! The camp website and online enrollment form have been updated with next summer's information. Join the adventures now!

Chippewa Website Hits the Top Ten

A recent call from a fellow camp director shared news that Chippewa's website is rated among the Top Ten Best Camp Websites. Awesome!

Looks like we cracked the list at number ten. Not too bad, considering all the great websites out there. Of course, I'll need to get to work so we can claim that #1 spot.

You can check it out at the Ultimate Camp Resource website.

Late spring makes for excellent fishing all summer long!

Last winter had temps and weather patterns relatively close to historic averages here in Minnesota which led to a later ice out and cooler water temperatures throughout the summer. "What does that have to do with anything?", you may ask. Well the pictures should answer that for you! It led to what I can confidently say was one of the best fishing summers we have had in decades. From the first trips to Gull Lake for giant crappies, to the legendary exploits of Sam Kohler on Buck Lake dock and right on to the HUGE bass on the oddly named Little Bass Lake, it was a summer of spectacular fishing. The boys up at Hook Island caught record numbers and the first session Voyageurs trip managed a huge fish fry. It seemed no matter where you went the fish were biting. I was lucky to be there and happy to be a part of it. Let's hope next year is even better!

Dates for 2009

The dates are set for 2009! Make plans now and check your mail or email soon for early enrollment.

Full Season

June 18th to August 11th

First Session

June 18th to July 14th

Second Session

July 16th to August 11th

Badger Camp I

June 18th to July 1st

Badger Camp II

July 16th to July 29th

A Fond Farewell

It is with deep regret that I share the news of the death of Richard "Dick" Endres. Dick was one of Cap's sons and JP's brother. In the early years of camp, Dick was instrumental in developing the Chippewa sailing program and was the author of the first Chippewa sailing manual. Much of that original manual survives today in the new manual that was launched this summer.

As a successful business man, he still looked forward to his time back at Cass Lake. Most recently, Dick was proud of his work to help form Camp Chippewa Foundation to ensure the camp's legacy for future generations. Since the formation of Camp Chippewa Foundation in 1999, Dick was an active board member for camp, retiring in August 2007.

On behalf of the entire Chippewa family, I share my thoughtful condolences to Elaine, Rick, Holly and the entire family.

2nd Session News

What a wonderful session! Heck, what a wonderful summer! From the moment the campers arrived on the bus this session, the adventures have been memorable.

The weather this session has been outstanding. With warm days and cool nights, the boys found dip time a welcome part of the day and lights out at bed time a chance to regenerate for the next day's adventures. Camp was healthy and happy. I am certain that tonight's final campfire will reveal highlights of a remarkable summer.

Trips to Hook Island, Sanford Lake, Apostle Islands, the Quetico, Mississippi River and all around Minnesota returned with happy memories and pride of accomplishment. The wilderness challenges of the trail helped build the character of each trip and revealed the excitement of camping in the northwoods. Whether sailing for five days on Lake Superior or shooting whitewater in northern Ontario or even paddling six miles across Cass Lake to camp on Star Island, the adventures came alive.

Special activities around camp were a blast. Even Batman and Forest Gump made visits to camp this session with the creation of Batman and Forest Gump days to complement the traditional Pirate Day. Perhaps a highlight for the summer was during Waterfront Day when a dunk tank was created on Buck Lake to sink your favorite counselor, or even the director. It was fun and creative, if not a bit wet!

It was just a couple of days ago that we hosted neighboring Camp Kamaji for Girls, Camp Thunderbird for Boys and Camp Thunderbird for Girls in a regatta at Chippewa. We had a ball! Chippewa sailors found their way around the marks in light winds, crossing the line in first and second place. On both the archery and riflery range, the results were the same with the Chippewa campers demonstrating great sportsmanship while competing. The new Bearpaw tennis courts hosted the tennis players under a cloudless sky, with the all of the camps sharing success on the courts. While the friendly competition was a joy, the fun of the day was in hosting neighboring camps to our summer home.

I look back at the last eight weeks with a smile on my face. Many of the same traditions were strengthened, complemented by new ones. Unique trip pins for local canoe trips, a new Chippewa sailing manual, the new Knutson Hall and Bear Paw tennis court and fencing strip, and Black Tie Dinner were exciting additions to an already full and varied program.

In just a few hours, the final banquet will signal the conclusion of camp's 73rd year. As we creep closer to our 75th anniversary, I couldn't be more pleased with the summer of 2008. Thanks again for sharing in the adventures! See you next summer.

News About JP

As many of you may have heard, JP was recently hospitalized for an infection in his right knee. After a short stay at the hospital in Bemidji, he and Cammy decided to transfer to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota to receive a more thorough assessment and treatment for the infection.

As I write this, the news from the physicians is positive. While JP has a recovery period ahead of him that will prevent him from being at camp the rest of the session, he is in good spirits. His positive outlook and great physical condition are certainly allies to his recovery.

Cammy has set up a guestbook and journal at CaringBridge.com for JP. If you have a minute, please visit the site and leave a message. I know he'll enjoy hearing from you.

Spot on the Sanford

Just like the first session, we have sent the new Spot device on a canoe trip. This time it is with the guys from Muir cabin on the Sanford-Elsie trip. Be sure to click on the map to zoom in or out to watch their progress.

View Larger Map

2nd Session Photos

Skit Night - 2nd Session

The campers found a hilarious evening in Knutson Hall during the second session Skit Night. Here a few clips starring campers Jacob G., David H.,Tommy K., Jack L., Matt H., Scott E., Jack Y., Ryan O., Gavin S., Jorge G., Davian T., Drew M. and Cooper S.

(Don't forget to subscribe to the Chippewa podcasts. Go here and all of the 2008 summer podcasts will be automatically downloaded to iTunes or your podcast software.)

Spot on the Churchill

This summer, we are experimenting with a new device called a Spot. It is essentially a satellite tracking device that allows us to watch the progress of our Canadian trippers while they are on the trail. We sent our first Spot along with the guys on the Little Churchill, our Hudson Bay trip. Below is a map that marks points at which they "checked in." If you click on the map, you can look back to their route and even see Hudson Bay looming ahead of them today. It is neat technology and we hope to expand its use in the coming years.


View Larger Map

First Session News

It has been a wonderful first three weeks of camp! I can't recall a summer with better weather to start the summer...blue skies, warm temperatures in the day, cool temperatures in the evening and plenty of blue skies! Perhaps no day better typified the fun of the summer than this previous Sunday. While five cabins were out on canoe trips, those still in camp found a sail trip to Star Island or a Sand Castle building contest on Cass Lake shore. Two boats sailed abreast across the lake for a day long cruise and swim break at Star Island. Meanwhile, four countries competed to host the 2016 Olympics by building sand castle venues on the sunny, sandy shore of camp. It was a fun day!

Throughout the past two weeks, the boys found success in the activity front. From tennis to archery, riflery to fencing, ranks have been passed and progress has been made. Traditions like Skit Night and Capture the Flag have been joined by new events like Chippewa's first Black Tie dinner. It may not have been the Ritz Carlton, but the new Knutson Hall was a fitting host, each of us looking quite dapper in our black bow ties.

Without a doubt, the new Knutson Hall and the recently completed Bear Paw tennis courts and fencing strip have been highlights. Both have added an exciting new dimension to the camp program. In addition, John Lindman, a master birch bark canoe builder, will complete an authentic birch bark canoe to be hung in the new Knutson Hall. Several of the boys have helped in the construction, no doubt a life-long memory that will still hang in camp many years from now.

I'm looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the first session. Trips will return from the far reaches of Canada and from a first-ever houseboat trip on Rainy Lake, a regatta with neighboring Camp Kamaji for Girls will put to center stage the boys' skills in archery, sailing and tennis and a final campfire will find highlights from the passing summer days. The time has passed to quickly, but the memories from a delightful summer will remain.

More photos and videos to come, so stay posted!

The New Knutson Hall

Nathan A. and Alex H. tour the new Knutson Hall.

(Don't forget to subscribe to the Chippewa podcasts. Go here and all of the 2008 summer podcasts will be automatically downloaded to iTunes or your podcast software.)

First Session Photos Part 1

WOW! (Part 2)

Canadian Permission Forms

I have received a few calls from parents wondering if a Canadian Permission Form is necessary for their son if he brings his passport to camp. The answer is yes.

The Canadian Permission Form is required for any of our campers who intend to go to Canada. The form indicates that you give permission for Camp Chippewa to bring your son across the Canadian-American border.

If you need the form, please head to the Chippewa Forms website.

WOW! (Part 1)

The new Knutson Hall is even more incredible in person! With only two weeks before camp starts, just a few minor details remain to finish it off.

Headed to Camp

Sounds like the ice is finally off of Cass Lake, so it's time for this camp director to head north to camp. I can't wait to drive down Cap Endres Road. What an exciting time of year!

The Chippewa Family Worldwide

We added a very cool map of the world to the camp website today. When you click on a region of the globe, the map zooms in and shows cities where campers, staff and alumni live. It's amazing how widespread the Chippewa family is...and it keeps growing. Check out "Our Chippewa World!" It's even better than a game of Risk on a rainy day...well maybe not, but it's still cool.

If you don't see your city on the map, email me and I'll be sure to add it.

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.