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.

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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.


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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!