Wednesday, February 22, 2012
We're Live!
The new CampChippewa.com has just launched! Make sure to test drive it and let us know what you think!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chippewa Earns Safety Honor for 2011
Once again, Chippewa is proud to have achieved the Safety 1st Honor from Markel Insurance Company. This is our third consecutive year to earn this designation for our "proven safety record, which demonstrates (our) superior commitment to safety." Congrats to the Chippewa staff and campers in helping to achieve this honor!
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Chippewa Featured on Intentional Parent
Dr. Tina Bryson interviews me about the value of sleep-away camp, the idea of resilience and a few more Chippewa ideas. Thanks Tina and Intentional Parent!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Chicago Rendezvous - Broomball
The guys had a blast playing broomball in Chicago! A great night of action for the Chippewa crowd. Meanwhile, Sam was in St. Louis hanging with that crowd. Next stop? Houston!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A New Chippewa Website
As launch dates nears for the brand new Chippewa website, I thought I'd post a little teaser. I'm excited about the redesign! We should be live in just about two weeks or sooner!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
ACA Results
I recently received official notice from the American Camp Association (ACA) that Camp Chippewa passed with flying colors during our ACA accreditation visit last summer. We are proud to have again earned this distinction by having met or exceeded the rigorous standards laid out by the ACA.
Congrats to the Chippewa campers and staff for a successful visitation last August!
Congrats to the Chippewa campers and staff for a successful visitation last August!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Chippewa Goes Primetime
The holidays found a few of the Chippewa crowd on primetime TV. The Pattons made waves at the Packers game with their cheeseheads while an anonymous alumnus donned his Royal Stewart tam for a Christmas Day Lakers basketball game. Both were caught on national television.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
A New Year Has Arrived...
and along with it, a short email from a camp mom :
"It's New Year's Day and thoughts turn to my son's upcoming and long anticipated adventure to Hudson Bay. The winter winds are swirling outside when all of a sudden a very large section of our backyard fence begins to collapse. I call in the "troops" and within 10 minutes my son has tied a most secure set of sailing knots (learned at Chippewa) to brace the fence until we can replace the rotten posts. Once again Camp Chippewa has proven its worth. One never knows!"
Sincerely, Grateful Camp Chippewa Mom
Happy New Year!
"It's New Year's Day and thoughts turn to my son's upcoming and long anticipated adventure to Hudson Bay. The winter winds are swirling outside when all of a sudden a very large section of our backyard fence begins to collapse. I call in the "troops" and within 10 minutes my son has tied a most secure set of sailing knots (learned at Chippewa) to brace the fence until we can replace the rotten posts. Once again Camp Chippewa has proven its worth. One never knows!"
Sincerely, Grateful Camp Chippewa Mom
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Lower Camp
We're back with more ideas for the holidays. This time, it's down to Lower Camp we go. Many of these campers are in their first or second summer at Chippewa, so here are some fun things to get ready for summer 2012!
Nite Ize Bug Light - Not a whole lot to say here, except that this is a fun little light to have hanging around your area in the cabin. Since we don't have bugs in our cabins, this seems like a reasonable replacement. About $13 for cool factor.
Why Not Games - Knots aren't just for sailors or fishermen, they're for aspiring canoe trippers as well. This is a great kit to get a head start on knots. Great illustrated cards to help keep everyone busy for a while as they hone their skills. Just $5!
Plastic Fencing Training Set - Hey campers, you can thank me later for this! Yes, I may be the fencing master at camp and yes, I may be sympathetic to all things fencing, but these are pretty slick. What swashbuckling camper wouldn't want this! While it is very cool looking, it is also very practical if you have an aspiring fencer. In reading the reviews, you will see that this set helps develop proper skills in the sport of fencing, unlike a random nerf set of foam swords! I'm a fan. And if you are real enthusiastic, opt for the wireless scoring option that will make it even cooler and more accurate for true fencers. Mask and foil set (two color choices) starts at $68 and is on sale!
Don't forget to read last year's suggestions for more great ideas, like the Eyeclops!
Nite Ize Bug Light - Not a whole lot to say here, except that this is a fun little light to have hanging around your area in the cabin. Since we don't have bugs in our cabins, this seems like a reasonable replacement. About $13 for cool factor.
Why Not Games - Knots aren't just for sailors or fishermen, they're for aspiring canoe trippers as well. This is a great kit to get a head start on knots. Great illustrated cards to help keep everyone busy for a while as they hone their skills. Just $5!
Plastic Fencing Training Set - Hey campers, you can thank me later for this! Yes, I may be the fencing master at camp and yes, I may be sympathetic to all things fencing, but these are pretty slick. What swashbuckling camper wouldn't want this! While it is very cool looking, it is also very practical if you have an aspiring fencer. In reading the reviews, you will see that this set helps develop proper skills in the sport of fencing, unlike a random nerf set of foam swords! I'm a fan. And if you are real enthusiastic, opt for the wireless scoring option that will make it even cooler and more accurate for true fencers. Mask and foil set (two color choices) starts at $68 and is on sale!
Don't forget to read last year's suggestions for more great ideas, like the Eyeclops!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Photo album and Smugmug updated with lost photos.
While putting together this years photo album I happened across some photos that did not make into smugmug. Needless to say I added them immediately. I also couldn't help but notice just how many great photos we have from 2011! It was a special summer and we have a lot of pictures that capture that fact beautifully. If you haven't seen them yet you need to go check them out.
I will be finished with the 2011 photo album in a few days and will post a link both here and on our Facebook page that will you allow you to view it or get yourself one. It sure has been fun reliving last summer.
I will be finished with the 2011 photo album in a few days and will post a link both here and on our Facebook page that will you allow you to view it or get yourself one. It sure has been fun reliving last summer.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Upper Camp
Let's move right up the line to Upper Camp. These guys will be spending less and less time in camp as their trips get longer in Canada. So, I'll again be focusing on what the guys might like if they're on Canadians.
Cabela's Digital Fish Scale - I like this small scale. There are some giants lurking in the depths of the Canadian lakes and rivers and if you want proper bragging rights, then this little gadget should do the trick. Nice price at just $13.
GoPro HD Hero2 - I can almost hear the phone ringing after I post this suggestion. By far the most expensive item I have ever recommended and no doubt I may be pandering a bit to the campers on this one. But the reality is that this is an awesome video camera that has a million uses in and out of camp, especially for the active ones in the family. There were two of these cameras in camp during 2011 and the videos were great. We have some wonderful footage of shooting rapids and portaging that could only be captured with a device like this. And yes, a camper brought one of them to camp. It's lightweight and easy to operate. Though ti costs more than most things I'd recommend, it's less than other great video cameras, so it makes the final cut. This one is listed at $299, but shop around for the best price.
Fred Senior Cardboard Moosehead - Hanging above the door of Knutson Hall is a moose rack brought back to camp in the 1970s from the Bloodvein River. The name of that moose rack is the tam-a-rack. As you know, tams are a big deal at Chippewa. They are earned only on Canadian trips and it is with great pride that, upon entering Knutson Hall, a Chippewa camper or counselor reaches up and hangs his tam on the moose rack. The tam-a-rack is reserved only for tams. I realize that some moms may not want a dead carcass on their walls at home, so this is a great substitute. Grab the cardboard moose rack, hang it on the wall and each tam can hang happily in his room. It's about $50 and they get to put it together!
Don't forget, you can also find last year's ideas for Upper Camp by clicking the "shopping guide" label below.
Cabela's Digital Fish Scale - I like this small scale. There are some giants lurking in the depths of the Canadian lakes and rivers and if you want proper bragging rights, then this little gadget should do the trick. Nice price at just $13.
GoPro HD Hero2 - I can almost hear the phone ringing after I post this suggestion. By far the most expensive item I have ever recommended and no doubt I may be pandering a bit to the campers on this one. But the reality is that this is an awesome video camera that has a million uses in and out of camp, especially for the active ones in the family. There were two of these cameras in camp during 2011 and the videos were great. We have some wonderful footage of shooting rapids and portaging that could only be captured with a device like this. And yes, a camper brought one of them to camp. It's lightweight and easy to operate. Though ti costs more than most things I'd recommend, it's less than other great video cameras, so it makes the final cut. This one is listed at $299, but shop around for the best price.
Fred Senior Cardboard Moosehead - Hanging above the door of Knutson Hall is a moose rack brought back to camp in the 1970s from the Bloodvein River. The name of that moose rack is the tam-a-rack. As you know, tams are a big deal at Chippewa. They are earned only on Canadian trips and it is with great pride that, upon entering Knutson Hall, a Chippewa camper or counselor reaches up and hangs his tam on the moose rack. The tam-a-rack is reserved only for tams. I realize that some moms may not want a dead carcass on their walls at home, so this is a great substitute. Grab the cardboard moose rack, hang it on the wall and each tam can hang happily in his room. It's about $50 and they get to put it together!
Don't forget, you can also find last year's ideas for Upper Camp by clicking the "shopping guide" label below.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Chippewa Gets A Mention On Intentional Parent
Great thoughts from the panel about being creative with your children. Look for the Chippewa mention at around 35:20. Also a few gift ideas in here!
Thanks for the shout, Tina!
Friday, December 02, 2011
Holiday Shopping Guide - Middle Camp
Ah, Middle Camp! Seemingly always in the middle of the heap when it comes to lining up for camp store (e.g. "Lower Camp, you're first and head right up the line" or "Let's start with Upper Camp and come down"). Well, let's break the routine and begin this year's shopping guide with the guys from Chalet.
Last year's guide had some great ideas for this age group, especially since they are really beginning to build their skills in so many activities. I thought we could take a slightly different tack with this year's ideas. So, for all of you Mom's and Dad's, here it goes, Chippewa's guide to what dudes want for the holidays:
"Don't Die Out There" Playing Cards - As campers enter Middle Camp, their canoe trips get longer and generally they spend more time out of camp at Hook Island or on the Apostle Sail Trip. A favorite past time is playing cards in your tent in the evening, so why not add a little survival silliness to the whole thing. Very fun!
JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback Lamp - I like JOBY products, like the Gorillapod that I recommended last year. This is a slick light set that is a combination lamp and head light. Great in camp and on the trail since it packs small. I have the WestMarine listing for about $39, but it's also on Amazon for all of you Prime-timers out there.
Portable Ping Pong Set - As any Chippewa camper knows, we play table tennis, not ping pong, at Chippewa. With that said, I can't imagine why this isn't the greatest thing ever. Ever hear the words "I'm bored!" Not an issue with this set...instant ping pong, er table tennis, anytime, anywhere. Not as high quality as the Chippewa tables, but not bad in a pinch. (It's worth adding that I've assumed that your nice china or Waterford crystal is well stashed and has been for many years.)
That's it for Middle Camp. Next up? Just like unwrapping gifts, it's a surprise!
Last year's guide had some great ideas for this age group, especially since they are really beginning to build their skills in so many activities. I thought we could take a slightly different tack with this year's ideas. So, for all of you Mom's and Dad's, here it goes, Chippewa's guide to what dudes want for the holidays:
"Don't Die Out There" Playing Cards - As campers enter Middle Camp, their canoe trips get longer and generally they spend more time out of camp at Hook Island or on the Apostle Sail Trip. A favorite past time is playing cards in your tent in the evening, so why not add a little survival silliness to the whole thing. Very fun!
JOBY GorillaTorch Switchback Lamp - I like JOBY products, like the Gorillapod that I recommended last year. This is a slick light set that is a combination lamp and head light. Great in camp and on the trail since it packs small. I have the WestMarine listing for about $39, but it's also on Amazon for all of you Prime-timers out there.
Portable Ping Pong Set - As any Chippewa camper knows, we play table tennis, not ping pong, at Chippewa. With that said, I can't imagine why this isn't the greatest thing ever. Ever hear the words "I'm bored!" Not an issue with this set...instant ping pong, er table tennis, anytime, anywhere. Not as high quality as the Chippewa tables, but not bad in a pinch. (It's worth adding that I've assumed that your nice china or Waterford crystal is well stashed and has been for many years.)
That's it for Middle Camp. Next up? Just like unwrapping gifts, it's a surprise!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sailors' Secret Revealed
If you've been on the Apostle Island Sail trip, you know one of camp's best kept secrets. Yes, the Canadians are exceptional trips, but every once and while, a diversion might be good. In this case, it's aboard a 30 foot sloop or 40 foot cat.
Now, Yahoo Travel has posted one of the secrets. It's one of their top 10 "secret" islands to explore.
Take a look, then make sure to sneak away to the Apostles in the next year or two!
Now, Yahoo Travel has posted one of the secrets. It's one of their top 10 "secret" islands to explore.
Take a look, then make sure to sneak away to the Apostles in the next year or two!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A Thanksgiving Recipe
I'm going to assume everyone has the turkey and stuffing handled. However, if you're looking for an outstanding "comfort food" kind of dessert, check out the Apple Crisp from Mary and Ada's Cookbook (and yes we have a few remaining copies if you'd like to buy one. Just email me!)
Apple Crisp
12 apples sliced and placed in 12"x14" pan
Sprinkle apples with 3/4 cup of sugar
Crumbs to put on top of apples
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup melted margarine or butter
1 tsp cinnamon
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until done.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Apple Crisp
12 apples sliced and placed in 12"x14" pan
Sprinkle apples with 3/4 cup of sugar
Crumbs to put on top of apples
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup melted margarine or butter
1 tsp cinnamon
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until done.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Chippewa Wanderings
It struck me on the flight back from NYC how remarkable it is that the Chippewa family, begun more than 76 years ago with just five boys from Tulsa, now represents countless US cities and more than 15 countries. Certainly it hit me like a brick wall when I landed in Beijing earlier this month (thanks to Calvin W. and his family!) that the world is truly shrinking. Just this week, I mailed three brochure to St. Petersburg, Russia. Our one camper from Moscow a few years ago may have been just a hint of what's to come.
For three decades now, Mexican families have been trekking north to Chippewa. JP visited Mexico City not too many years ago. Now, even the small island state of Martinique is home to a Chippewa camper. Simply Amazing! Most remarkable is how relevant the Chippewa experience is across cultures. Bring boys to Cass Lake, remove technology and immerse them in an adventurous and rewarding wilderness experience, and what remains are boys who grow together.
To of our many international campers, staff and alumni, thanks for making the journey and for widening the reach of our unique camping philosophy. In honor, I attach a photo from 1981 of Ricky G., our first Mexican camper with his very first fish caught in Lake Windigo. (Turns out, his first summer was my first summer. And yes, we were cabinmates in Bunkhouse Cabin. Howdy Ricky!)
For three decades now, Mexican families have been trekking north to Chippewa. JP visited Mexico City not too many years ago. Now, even the small island state of Martinique is home to a Chippewa camper. Simply Amazing! Most remarkable is how relevant the Chippewa experience is across cultures. Bring boys to Cass Lake, remove technology and immerse them in an adventurous and rewarding wilderness experience, and what remains are boys who grow together.
To of our many international campers, staff and alumni, thanks for making the journey and for widening the reach of our unique camping philosophy. In honor, I attach a photo from 1981 of Ricky G., our first Mexican camper with his very first fish caught in Lake Windigo. (Turns out, his first summer was my first summer. And yes, we were cabinmates in Bunkhouse Cabin. Howdy Ricky!)
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
The Chippewa Train arrives in London - briefly.
Last month a brief, but fun, unofficial Chippewa rendezvous hit the shores of our Island Nation.
Long-time Chippewa Alum, Charles B (1990's) stopped off on his way from doing business somewhere in Europe for a couple of nights of fun in London - meeting up with Roger C (1990's), Jim F (2000's) and me (2000's).
As with all good Chippewans, the theme of the weekend had to be sport and competition - Friday night saw us in Central London for a spot of cricket - always a fun sight to see England winning, even more fun when trying to explain the rules of cricket to a foreign guest - apparently several 'ground rule doubles' were scored? We even managed an appearance on live TV.
Saturday brought more sports - following a morning of rugby (another England win), we headed to north London for a football match (ok, ok, soccer match) courtesy of Roger C.
So wherever you are in the world, have a look, you might find a Chippewa Alum or two
Submitted by SJT
Long-time Chippewa Alum, Charles B (1990's) stopped off on his way from doing business somewhere in Europe for a couple of nights of fun in London - meeting up with Roger C (1990's), Jim F (2000's) and me (2000's).
As with all good Chippewans, the theme of the weekend had to be sport and competition - Friday night saw us in Central London for a spot of cricket - always a fun sight to see England winning, even more fun when trying to explain the rules of cricket to a foreign guest - apparently several 'ground rule doubles' were scored? We even managed an appearance on live TV.
Saturday brought more sports - following a morning of rugby (another England win), we headed to north London for a football match (ok, ok, soccer match) courtesy of Roger C.
So wherever you are in the world, have a look, you might find a Chippewa Alum or two
Submitted by SJT
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Camp Counselor or Internship?
An interesting post on USA Today over the summer argues that working at camp is more valuable than becoming an intern, especially if you are looking for professional skills. I have to say that many of his points are right on the money, in particular his summary :
"Working at {camp} has taught me perhaps the most important skill for any job: grit."
Is grit a key component as a counselor? Read his thoughts. Then come work at camp!
"Working at {camp} has taught me perhaps the most important skill for any job: grit."
Is grit a key component as a counselor? Read his thoughts. Then come work at camp!
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