Chippewa Partners to Combat Child Abuse

I am pleased to announce that Camp Chippewa recently sponsored on-air public service announcements to help shine a light on the problem of child abuse. The PSA's were broadcast on KKWB radio, 102.5 FM "the Coyote" in Bemidji, Minnesota.

It's important that we all learn to help those who may be living in fear and support those organizations that reach out with a helping hand.

Tweeting Chippewa

Follow us on Twitter!

@campchippewa

The Adventure Begins Here

A Fond Farewell to Sunny Moore

It is sad to report that Sunny Moore, longtime director at Clearwater Camp for Girls, passed away quietly last night. Sunny was a dedicated camping advocate and a source of wisdom and energy for camping professionals. She was also a firm supporter of Camp Chippewa, for which we will always be thankful.

We'll miss Sunny's enthusiasm and friendship and pass along our sympathies to the Clearwater family. You can read more about Sunny on Clearwater's website.

Reflections from the Arctic

In the last issue of our CHIPS newsletter, I published an excerpt from the journal kept by the crew on last summer's Arctic canoe exploratory, the Coppermine. The excerpt was written by one our the campers, Wil Gehl, who shared some wonderful thoughts, not only on the journey to the Arctic Ocean, but on his journey as a camper during his many years as a camper.

You can find the journal entry on our website. Take a look!

Thanks Wil! (pictured shooting some rapids on the Coppermine)

New Brochure to be Released

After six years of faithful service, the Chippewa brochure is being retired to the archives, long to be considered a collector's item. Soon to be released, the new Camp Chippewa brochure! Details are a secret, but be sure to check your mailbox in the coming weeks for a couple of copies. Then be sure to share it with family and friends. You'll be proud of what's ahead!

Chippewa Earns Award

For the second year in a row, Camp Chippewa has been recognized for its commitment to safety by earning the distinguished Safety First Award from Markel Insurance. The Safety First Award recognizes those camps with exceptional commitment to the health and safety of their campers and staff. I am proud to announce that Chippewa has again earned this award. Thanks to Markel and the Chippewa staff!

A Buck Lake Dream

Just ordered : the new Buck Lake dock system! The new Buck Lake dock will match the Shore Station style that is over on Cass Lake and will fully enclose the swim area, providing a more effective teaching environment. Plus, we'll have more space to fish from!!!

This improvement is a continuation of our An Enduring Legacy capital campaign supported by generous donors and foundation grants. Thanks to our loyal donors for their commitments to Chippewa.

Chippewa is Exclusively Yours

I was recently interviewed for an article in Milwaukee's Exclusively Yours magazine regarding the concept of free play time for boys. Andy Patten, the magazine's editor, has written an excellent summary of the debate that we have heard over the past few years. Thanks to Andy for highlighting the issue and for an excellent article.

I've posted the aritcle and interview on our website. Here's a link to In Defense of Play, or you can find a link on the Chippewa News page.

If you'd like to check out the magazine, head over to their website.

Houston Rendezvous

We painted the city red...or was it orange? Regardless, it was a fun day of paintball with the Texas crew!

Canoe Class?

Parts of a Canoe

There will be a test at camp. Or maybe not, but it sure is handy!

Jolson to Space?

Not exactly, but he may be taking his first step. John Olson, longtime (and current) Chippewa counselor, was recently selected as one of 38 teachers nationwide to be chosen for the prestigious Space Foundation Teacher Liaison program. John is a teacher in Evergreen, Colorado and Chippewa's archery guru among other talents.

A big time congrats to Jolson! For a man who loves moon rocks, Marvel comics, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, it's hard to imagine a more fitting honor! Seriously, John, great job!

Ski Rendezvous in Breckenridge

It was a Chippewa first: a ski Rendezvous in Breckenridge. The guys had a great time skiing on Sunday over Presidents' Day weekend. A pizza party followed at the Milligan condo. Among the notables in attendance were Zach S., Joe M., Ben N and Will N., along with several counselors like Huggins, Jerry Malloy, Sam Noel, Luce, Jolson, Teddy, Simon Taylor and a few more. Ken and Marshall H. were also lingering about, as was Bo and John Norris. Natalie and I had a blast with everyone and plans are already underway for another ski rendezvous during Presidents' Day 2012. Thanks to everyone who turned up and look forward to a repeat next year.

Milwaukee Rendezvous

It was another curling extravaganza in Milwaukee last weekend.

Kansas City - Lawrence Rendezvous

So it turns out that taking photos of WhirlyBall is a bit of a challenge, but the guys from KC and Lawrence had a blast. Great turnout and great fun, essentially playing lacrosse in bumper cars.

St. Louis Rendezvous

Wanna play scatterball on trampolines? The guys in St. Louis did!

Phoenix Rendezvous

Nothing quite says Camp Chippewa like a good game of LaserTag....unless, of course, you are actually at Camp Chippewa. We had a great turnout and a fantastic time, though! Nice job, PHX crowd! Now here we come, St. Louis. It's time for scatterball on trampolines!

Chippewa Highlights 2010 - Part 1

Chippewa 2010 - Part 1, Summer Highlights

Episode 1 in a 7-part video series we're releasing weekly on the blog and our Facebook page. Check back soon and relive last summer's adventures...and maybe even to take a sneak peek into summer 2011.

Cold As....Well, Just Darned Cold!

In case you missed it, it's been cold at camp....very cold. Last Friday, it reached -38 degrees, while up at Hook Island it was -46 degrees. Check out the Weather Underground info for Cass Lake. Just amazing!

Lonnie Strikes Again

Lonnie, camp's maintenance director, wet his line again. This time, he was out ice fishing and snagged a monster walleye. It looks like he was just as surprised as we are.