Research and the NFL

A couple of years ago, I wrote a short reaction to NFL Play 60 campaign.  Now, some researchers are actually studying the impact camps can have on a sedentary lifestyle for children.  A summary of the research paper suggests that camp is (as we already know intuitively as camp families) 'an antidote to the summer sedentary behaviors of young people'.

Now that my Detroit Lions may actually have a team, I see more and more of the Play 60 campaign ads.  Now get out there and play....then come to camp for some 24/7 sloth-busting!

Chippewa Hits the Road

Dates for our 2011-2012 Rendezvous events are already being set, including surfing in Los Angeles next weekend.  Sam and I are excited to see as many camper families as we can, so if you'd like to host a fun event in your town, let us know!  We'll bring along one or two of your favorite counselors to join the fun as well!

In the meantime, take a look at our current plans and check back as the fall and winter months unfold.

PS- We'll have tons of cool Chippewa stuff to give away to everyone who joins us.  Plus check out the new t-shirts for anyone who brings a friend to the event.  Just introduce a new friend to Chippewa and you can snag your choice of one of these sweet shirts.

   

Does Sasquatch wander the woods at camp?

First Deadline for Raffle is Today!

The first deadline for our October 31st raffle is today.  Remember, by enrolling by September 30th, your name will be entered twice for the raffle.  A free session of camp is up for grabs, along with five other prizes and a special limited edition early enrollment t-shirt!

The final deadline to enter the raffle is October 15th, so you still have time.  But why not double your chances!  Enroll today!

More details about the raffle are on our earlier post.....

"The Meaning of Summer Camp"

Just in case you missed this Time magazine article a while back, I thought I would post it for you.  It provides a wonderful perspective for parents who are considering sending their son (or daughter) to camp.  A few excerpts to tempt you:

"So I wasn't looking for some fancy culinary camp or robotics camp or whatever is fashionable now, just for someplace that teaches the appropriate interactions of sticks, weenies and flame."

"This defies what I suspect is now the whole point of sleepaway camp: if 19th century campers were meant to retrieve lost survival skills--trapping, fishing, gunnery--21st century campers need to work on their social skills......For kids who are allowed to text during dinner, who have their parents on speed dial for whenever they get in trouble or need a ride, who communicate using more acronyms than a four-star general, a little autonomy is probably long overdue"

And maybe my favorite:

"Maybe it wouldn't be bad to practice distance, not just physical but psychological; let our kids take a walk alone in the woods, maybe do the same ourselves, and relish the fresh conversations we'll get to have when we are together again come summer's end."

Take a look!

Even More Photos from 2011

I posted just about 1000 more photos from summer 2011.  Among them are some great pics from the North Knife and Gammon Rivers.  Some unbelievable photos from both those trips make me eager to get back out on the trail.

Check them out on the Camp Chippewa SmugMug site.

Win Big by Enrolling Now!

Our big drawing for a free four-week session is underway.  To be entered, just enroll by October 15th and your name will be included in our annual Halloween drawing.  Don't forget, you can double your chances if you enter by the end of September...two entries for each enrollment!  Plus, even more prizes are possible, including a camp store credit or tuition credit.  Michael has all of the details if you haven't received the special email or mailing.

And....everyone who enrolls by October 15th will receive this sweet special edition Chippewa t-shirt, only available for those who join camp by the October 15th deadline.  Don't wait!  Enroll now!!!

Summer 2011 Photos Posted

It was a spectacular summer and some spectacular photos share the story.  We have just posted more than 2000 photos from the summer with more on the way in just a few days.  What a year!

Check them out on the Camp Chippewa SmugMug site. You can order copies, have pics printed on coffee mugs or t-shirts or just download your favorites. Have some fun by clicking through the galleries.

Special thanks for Craig Slutz, Sam Devine and a few campers who helped capture the summer with their lenses.

Dates for Summer 2012 Set

It's time to think summer 2012!  I'm already excited for next year, so make plans now to join us.  It's a summer of true adventure!

Check out the dates now!

New Brochure Released

Over the summer, the new Chippewa brochure arrived at camp.  Now it's headed your way.  We are excited to announce that the new Chippewa brochure is on its way, so check your mailbox soon.  It's awesome!

Chippewa Bees Grab First Place

For the second year in a row, CJ's Chippewa honey took first place at the Beltrami County Fair. Congrats to CJ and his many busy bees who make their home just down Cap Endres Road. Will it be a three-peat in 2012?

Every Ending......

....is a new beginning. But for now, we say goodbye to summer 76! Wow, what a year!

Safe travels home, campers and staff, and we'll look for you in 2012 when it begins again!

Lightsaber Fencing at Chippewa.

Down on the Range

Fabulous Hook Island!

Some More Second Session Photos

Camp Chippewa Is The Place To Be

This is camper Tommy R. writing from the camp office. This year at Camp Chippewa has been great. I haven't done every activity here at camp but I really look forward to them. My favorite activity here at camp has got to be sailing. The sailing instructors are really nice and they're really experienced and its so fun learning about parts of the boat and knots and learning how to sail the boat. A close second would have to be Riflery. Learning how to shoot the rifle, hold it, and safely operate it. For those who not know the cook, Mary, sorry Moms but you have to move out of the way. Mary mastered the culinary arts just as Cap Endres mastered the perfect camp. There's the best cookies in the world made here and best food. And to the kids that are coming you're gonna love this place. I was a bit touchy about coming here for four weeks for my second year but I am glad I did. Last year I stayed for two weeks and trust me, I made a bad decision for not staying here two more. There's all sorts of activities to do from fencing to water skiing, from riflery to archery and way more. And you're gonna love the staff, Mike Thompson, the Director of camp, is awesome. Anyways, I'm already excited for next year. Don't choose language camp, or archery camp, or anything else because Camp Chippewa is the place to be.

submitted by Tommy R., camper in Olson Cabin

Come Sail Away

Another Session Update...

The weather is fine, and the wind is blowing. Yet another perfect day on the shores of Cass Lake. Over the last few days we couldn't have asked for better camp weather. The sailors were happy with their breeze, the canoeists were delighted with a few waves to negotiate, and the swimmers were glad of a slightly warmer Buck Lake.

The last few days have seen the departure of several trips to destinations throughout the North Woods - just this morning we waved off Olson Cabin who were heading to the Crow Wing River, and Eagle's Nest - destination Canada and the Quetico.

With all these trips heading out, camp is much smaller (but not necessarily quieter), though a smaller camp is an opportunity not to be missed. A bright, warm Super Sunday was the perfect excuse for the whole camp to relocate to Cedar Island for the afternoon, spending several hours swimming on the sandbar and exploring the dropoff.

Today there is a new challenge ahead. The boys will be competing in Camp Chippewa's own version of the 'Amazing Race', and I am sure there will be some intense competition to be the first team to solve the puzzles and unlock the prize.

That's the news for now.


Chippewa update submitted by Simon T.

Scenes from Second Session

The crew from "Battle of Cass Lake"

Fishing Second Session

Photos from Second Session IV

ACA Visitation

Earlier this week, we welcomed two visitors from the American Camp Association for our standards accreditation review. Every three years, the ACA visits member camps to assess program quality, health and safety and site facilities. Camps must meet the minimum standards to maintain their accreditation.

I am proud to announce that Camp Chippewa has again renewed its accreditation by passing with flying colors. I was delighted by the response by the two visitors who enjoyed their visit to Chippewa. Congratulations campers and staff!

Here is more information about accreditation by the ACA.

Stellar Start to Second

With the two-weekers preparing for their final full day at camp tomorrow, I thought an update on all things Chippewa was in order. By now, hot dog letters should have arrived home, as well as the staff notes from our counselors, sharing news of Capture the Flag, archery ranks passed, a camper-counselor doubles tennis tournament and canoe trips down the Mississippi or the Crow Wing.

The first few days were hot ones and most of us bid a hasty retreat to Cass or Buck Lake as often as the schedule allowed. In fact, this first morning of camp found what must have been a near record number of dippers. Before too long, however, the heat headed East and we were left with clear blue skies, cool evenings and warm days. Perfect camp weather.

Early in the season, Bearpaw tennis courts welcomed the girls from nearby Camp Birchwood for an afternoon of tennis. All ages and tennis skill levels had a chance to hit the ball and we had a blast. The Chippewa tam included Ben C., Tommy K., Hunter H., Jake E., Steven L., Robert T., Grant A. and Miles A.

The trip house swung into action by the end of the first week. By the end of the session, four Hook Island fish trips, three Crow Wing river trips, three Star Island explorations, Kopka River and Quetico Canadian canoe trips and several other day and overnight paddling trips will pack out and return to camp. As I type, the guys from Manitou are preparing to leave for a six-day Canadian prep trip to Voyageurs National Park. Even with all of the activities in camp, much of the adventure for our campers can still be found on the trail. Case and point was Cody O.'s 32" northern pike caught at Hook Island, as well as Mick M.'s monster from the deep...the one that got away. I'm excited to hear more stories as the trips return.

Today's activity updates after dinner reported ranks passed and progress in everything from fencing to trap shooting. Some examples? Ben M. got up on skis for the first time, while Stephen S. was cutting rooster tails in slalom. Down at the Potato Patch, Sam Ch. and Charlie M. took a few shots at the clay pigeons, while Robert H. passed his ProMarksman on the riflery range and Phillip P. earned his Able Seaman in sailing. It was indeed a busy day around camp.

Yes, it's been a wonderful couple of weeks at camp. And yes, many of our time-honored traditions will be replayed in the final two weeks of summer 76. Whether it be the Counselor Hunt or a secret tam ceremony somewhere in the remote wilderness of Canada, something exciting is just around the corner. It will be fun to watch the adventure unfold.

More to come.....

Update submitted by MKT

Spot on the Kopka River

The guys from Marshall and Muir cabins have begun their journey down the Kopka River. Keep track of their progress by following this map.


View Kopka River 2011 in a larger map

Photos from Second Session III

Demonia cabin is ready for a trip down the Crow Wing River

Out to swim class, but not before a quick quiz.

Mississippi River trip for the guys from Kamaji cabin, with a visit to Vietnam Hill on the agenda.