Countdown: 1 Month

Summer 2014 is almost here!  Just one month left to the start of First session.

Get excited.

Camp Chippewa Summer 79

Sign up for the adventure

www.campchippewa.com

Faces of Camp: Gone fishin'

Spring is well underway, and soon Summer will be here.  One of the traditional signs of summer in Minnesota is the opening of fishing season, which happened this past Saturday.  Not only that, Summer 79 at Camp Chippewa will be the Year of the Angler.  So prepare yourself for this month's edition of Faces of Camp--Gone Fishin'.

 

 Camp's prime fishing spot is down on the Buck Lake waterfront, and you don't need to fish far from the dock to land a catch.

 

AJ tends his line from the dock

 

Avi holds up his latest catch.

 

Fish come in all sizes, but each one counts during camp's annual Fish-a-thon.  Great catch, Emiliano!

Some minnows end up as bait, but others get the chance to compete in Minnow Races.

 While Buck and Cass Lake are great fishing hot spots, nothing can compare to the remote waters on the Canadian trail.  And there are few fishing guides better than Zach.

  Pucker up!

Summer 79 is just weeks away!  Are you ready?

Sign up now! Keep connected!

www.campchippewa.com

 

Remember 2013?

One of our great counselors, Simon Taylor, has been hard at work during the off-season collecting and editing the videos from last summer into a fantastic set of highlight videos.  Here's highlight video #1:

Summer 2013 was a blast.  Summer 2014 will be even better!  Sign up now!

www.campchippewa.com

Countdown: 2 months!

The final stretch to summer is here!  Just two months from today, the first session of Summer 79 kicks off with the traditional spaghetti dinner, chocolate cake dessert, and the first game of Scatterball of the summer.  Are you ready?

Summer is just around the corner.  Have you signed up for camp yet?  Do it now!

www.campchippewa.com

Faces of Camp: April fools!

In a little over 2 months, the bus will be rolling into camp for first session, and when you step off the bus, JP, Cammy, Mike, Mary and the rest of the staff will be there to welcome you back for summer 79.  Who knows what fun you'll have!  Who knows how many adventures you'll go on!  And who knows just how silly some things will get!  For April Fools Day, enjoy some of the silly faces from last summer.  Maybe some of them will be there this summer too!

 

 So serious!

 

 Say what?

 Silly and in costume

 Funny faces on the trail, too!

 Peace!

 Make a face, Camp Chippewa!

Summer 79 is just a few months away!  Have you signed up yet?

www.campchippewa.com

Camp Chippewa Loses a Friend

Vaughn Epperson

Camper and Counselor

Camp Chippewa has lost a friend. Vaughn Epperson recently passed away. 

JP and Cammy will attend his funeral in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Friday March 28.

Most of you will know Vaughn as the guy who owned a cabin on Elsie Lake. He fell in love with this part of Canada when he was a camper while he paddled the Sandford Lake trip for the first time. 

In this photo, Vaughn proudly wears the original Bloodvein red tam. He also is a voyageur of the infamous Berens River trip. 

Vaughn was a big supporter of all things Chippewa. He is survived by his mother Eva and brother Peter. 

Camp Chippewa will plant a red pine this summer in his memory. 

95 days to go...

It's hard to imagine that the bus will be rolling into camp in just 95 days.  As Spring arrives and the world awakens from the cold winter, the light of adventure returns bigger and better than ever before.  How will you satisfy your thirst for adventure?  What journeys will you go on?  What will you explore? Summer 79 awaits. The adventure starts here.
 

 Camp Chippewa for Boys

Register now for Summer 79!

 

Read All About It!

Exclusively Yours Magazine 

Lessons from Camp 

Journalist Mary Murphy highlights Camp Chippewa after an interview with director Mike Endres and past director Michael Thompson focusing on his Lantern Camp initiative.

Camp mom Dr. Tina Payne Bryson validates why camps are good for today's youth.

Click to read the article

Camp Chippewa for Boys

Chippewa Hits the Slopes!

It's a bird! It's a plane! 

It's a Chippewa counselor?

President's Weekend--Come Join US!

The annual Chippewa ski Rendezvous is being held at in Breckenridge Colorado. Last year the boys let gravity do its thing. Always a good time--skis, snowboards, lots of snow and Chippewa friends. How good is that!

When: February 16, 9:30 AM

Who: Chippewa camper, staff, friends and family

Why: Adventure

What: Tradition

Food: Pizza

Chippewa's Winter Olympics don't need to be in Sochi! Go to Colorado and have a blast.

For more information, contact Mike

Camp Chippewa

I remember...

It seems like summer was ages ago--especially considering the cold snap!--but here we are just a little over 5 months away from the start of first session.  Many of those memories are still fresh in our minds, even the ones from many years ago.  Some memories are more vivid than others, and among those most vividly recalled are the memories from canoe trips.  One of the highlights of a summer at Camp Chippewa is a canoe trip in Canada, and for most boys the first Canadian trip is through the Quetico.  Boys come to camp year after year waiting for the day they too can paddle the waters of the Quetico and earn the right to wear their first tam.  

No Quetico is ever the same, and the Quetico from Summer 2013 went a little bit like this:

An Ode to the Quetico

Olson Cabin’s Trip Report Poem
First Session 2013

The seven boys in Olson cabin left last week for the trail.

With Sutton and Zach at the helm their confidence would prevail

O’er all the challenges of the Quetico—the bugs, the mud, the wind.

And on the trip indeed they did succeed!  Here’s how the tale begins:

Day 1 – “Good morning” came the call, and we loaded up the van.

Farewell to Buck and Cass—to French Lake was the plan.

And there we set off paddling and on Pickerel met a gale.

We named the wind Veronica (ask Tommy for the tale).

The wind, it blew so long and strong, but we did reach a site

Where we would set our tents up for the first Quetico night.

Next came fire, then came food, and what glorious food it was!

Bacon-flavored chips and burgers served on tortillas.

But normal burgers these were not, for beef and sausage had been mixed

With jalapeno peppers and some spices for extra kick.

Throw on chipotle cheddar, and behold a taste to taste!

These spicy, juicy, savory burgers definitely did not go to waste.

A camp tradition came up next: making s’mores around a fire.

Then we trippers, with our stomachs sated, to our tents retired.

A final check inside the tent for any mosquitoes or ticks.

The distance thus far on the trip: five miles point six.

Then came day 2 in with a long paddle ahead.

We emerged from our tents and stowed our Thermorest beds.

We had a breakfast of GORP and a lunch of PB & J

Perched out on a rock in the sun—we could have spent all day!

As we paddled onward, Veronica continued to blow,

But through the wind and waves and gale-blown spray, to the campsite we did go.

We arrived ten miles later with our heads held high and dry,

And after mac’n’spam’n’cheese we all went beddy-bye.

We woke up on day 3 knowing a challenge lay ahead.

We had to keep positive in order to keep our heads.

We’d have many portages and lots of paddling, too,

And though the rain was falling, we finally met up with Manitou.

It took us 17 miles, and it took a lot of work,

But a dinner of chicken pasta pesto made us go berserk.

After lots of laughter, jolly ranchers, and chase games,

Off to bed we went, and sleep to us easily came.

Awaking to day 4 with lots of water on the ground,

We packed up all our gear and not too soon were water-bound.

Paddling on Sturgeon with the wind at our backs

From the lake to the Maligne River we swiftly made our tracks.

Portaging ‘round rapids and arriving at Tanner Lake,

We found a grassy island, and our campsite we did make.

The clouds were still persistent, but into the water we did go.

And it made everyone feel better—everybody said so!

After spam, peppers, onions, and breadsticks, we’d had enough

For we went to bed mostly well-fed.  The 45 miles thus far had been tough.

As we travelers woke up on Day 5, the bugs were swarming ‘round.

And despite the slaps and swatting, the muffins proved profound.

We portaged past the Ogichi girls, we trudged on down the trails.

We carried on, keeping calm, putting carry-overs at our tails.

The sun broke through and on we flew south to Rebecca Falls.

The campsite there was AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, SO MUCH FUN FOR ALL!!

The two sets of roaring waterfalls made for much aquatic fun.

Just make sure you can swim back in before you take the plunge.

We awoke day 6 to the pounding water coming over the falls,

But to the USA was the order of the day for each one and for all.

We paddled along and sang the song—“The Star-Spangled Banner”

And it didn’t take long ‘til we arrived at the last site in great tripping manner.

We set up camp and made it nice, then we climbed up Warrior Hill.

From the top you can see for miles and miles—it was such an incredible thrill.

Back to the campsite in wind and rain we quickly made our way.

Pizza and no-bake provided the end to a fantastic last full day.

Day 7 came fast, with strawberry lemonade, it’s taste was not too lame.

We paddled and paddled, and paddled some more; around each bend we came.

At the last portage, we were drained—our energy we were squeezing.

Zach came running down the trail shouting, “This trip don’t end easy!”

And after the drive we’re standing here, glad to be back in camp.

We came back safe and we came back sound, glad to no longer be damp!

And so we present our Quetico—one of Chippewa’s best

For this group accomplished quite a feat.  They were definitely put to the test.

It’s a great distance that they covered, and one that you should know.

The total mileage for this trip: it’s the big number 8-0.

 - - - - - - - - - - - -
 Summer 2014 is coming quickly.  What memories will you make?
Sign up now.
Camp Chippewa

The Annual Chippewa Holiday Shopping Guide

The holiday season is already well underway.  Hanukkah has come and gone, and Christmas is only one week away!  Have you given all your gifts yet?  If not and you're still looking perfect gift for your Chippewa camper, check out this list!  There are two sets: one for time spent in camp, and one for time spent on the trail.

Bronze Level - Around camp
The official start of winter may be just a few days away, but the experienced Chippewa camper knows just how hot the summers can be.  Why not harness the power of the sun to keep cool?  Try out the Solar Hat, available from Kotulas for $19.99.

Kotulas.com -- Solar Hat




Bronze Level - On the trail
There are many obstacles you can encounter on the trail, and one of the most valuable tools you can have is a reliable multi-tool, such as the Leatherman Sidekick Multi-tool, available from Cabellas.com for just $29.99.

Cabellas.com -- Leatherman Sidekick Multi-tool


Silver Level - Around camp
Lions and tigers and bears--oh my!  That's what those big scary monsters wandering around camp will think when you've got a bright light on your side.  Do you want a lantern?  Or do you want a headlamp?  You get to choose!  The Joby Switchback Light comes with a gorilla grip tripod, too, and for a price of $59.95.  

Boundary Waters Catalog -- Joby Switchback Light


Silver Level - On the trail
After a long, hard day of paddling, it's nice to have a comfortable place to sit down or lay down and relax.  But up in Canada, comfort can be hard to come by.  For your silver level camper, might we recommend the ENO SingleNest Hammock. Available at REI for $59.95.

REI.com -- ENO SingleNest Hammock 

Gold Level - Around camp

On a calm open evening, it's almost a given that someone is trying their hand at stand-up paddleboarding.  But maybe the open evenings aren't enough to satisfy your craving for the sport.  This holiday season, get your own Cruiser ECO Dura-Max Paddleboard Set for $749.  

Paddleboard Direct -- Cruiser ECO Dura-Max Paddleboard 

Gold Level - On the trail

Be it the first Canadian in the Quetico or a strenuous, two week paddle to Hudson Bay, there are indescribable sights at almost every turn.  The Canadian wilderness is incredible, but only those of us who take the trips really get to experience it.  When we bring back images, those words come to life.  For the gold level gift, I recommend a great camping camera such as the GoPro HERO3+ available at REI.com for $399.95.

REI.com -- GoPro HERO3+

Camp Chippewa Visits Milwaukee

Open House in Milwaukee

It that JP or Paul Bunyan?

Come to the open house and find out! 

Hosts: The Guequierre Family
Where: 4832 N. Newhall St., Whitefish Bay
Who: Campers, alumni, family and friends
When: Saturday, December 21
Time: 6 PM to 8 PM
Why: Share the warmth of Friends, Camp, & The Holidays

Come join JP, Cammy, Mike and Mary at Felix Guequierre's home for some Camp stories, games and receive some cool camp stuff. 

Email Mike

Camp Chippewa

It's Cold Outside! Let's Play Inside! Chicago...

Chicago Rendezvous

Let's Play!

Sunday, December 15, 11 AM - 1 PM

285 Center Drive, Vernon Hills

Take a break from studying, shopping and football. 

Join JP and Mike for fast action and pizza.

Get some cool camp stuff too!

Please RSVP Mike

Camp Chippewa 2014

Faces of Camp: Thanks for the Food!!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we consider all of the things we are thankful for.  We are thankful for our families, for our friends, and for places to call home.  We are also thankful for all of you in the Chippewa family: those of you who are still coming to camp, those who came years ago, and those whose time at camp hasn't yet begun.  

Thanksgiving is a time we come together at the table, too, and celebrate with a meal.  At Camp Chippewa, we are lucky to have some of the finest cooks in the country, and we are thankful for all of the hard work that they put in to make each meal a treat.  For this month's edition of "Faces of Camp", we're taking time to say thanks for the food!!

 Gina and Laura, hard at work preparing grilled cheese and tomato soup

 Margie prepares the fruit to go with the meal

 Waking up to a nice hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast

 If you're lucky enough to have your birthday at camp, you'll get a homemade birthday cake!

The kitchen works hard to provide food for everybody--

 

 even packing lunches for our boys when they hit the road for canoe country.

 Thank you, kitchen crew!

Fantastic food and amazing adventures are waiting!  Sign up now for Summer 79!

www.CampChippewa.com

Stand Up Paddleboards in LA

Come join Mike Endres and Zach Kramer in LA!

Let's have fun, get wet and talk about summer 2014!

Sunday, November 24, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

14130 Marquesas Way, Marina del Rey

Let's hit the water before the winds start blowing. 

Please click here to RSVP 

Here Are Your Winners!

Camp Chippewa Trick or Treat Drawing

Everyone who enrolled before midnight, October 30, was eligible for this year's drawing. 

Names were put into a jack-o-lantern and drawn out one at a time. 

The first five names have won a CC water bottle. 

All prizes will be awarded at camp when you arrive.

Here are the first 5 winners:

Isaiah Behnke

Finnegan Junkermann

Avi Ross

Mac Trigg

Sean White

Next 3 names won a water bottle filled with cool CC stuff!

Matan Diemeier-Lazar

Conor McLaughlin

Jacob Shapiro

And this year's GRAND PRIZE winner of all the stuff above and a CC fleece blanket and $50 campstore credit is:

Evan Hanson

Thank you for enrolling. 

There are more neat things to come so stay tuned. 

Our next promotion is just around the corner. 

Enroll Now

Camp Chippewa Halloween Drawing!

The Trick: Enroll by October 30th

It's easy. Just enroll before midnight on October 30th and you'll be entered in the drawing. Already enrolled? No worries. You are automatically entered in the drawing.

The Treat: Win Cool Camp Stuff!

On Halloween, go to the Camp Chippewa Blog to see if you are a winner.

Five campers will win a Camp Chippewa water bottle. Three campers will win a Camp Chippewa water bottle filled with Cool Camp Stuff. Hey! How did those Sweetarts get in there? One lucky camper will win a Camp Chippewa water bottle filled with Cool Camp Stuff and a Camp Chippewa fleece blanket. Plus a $50 camp store credit certificate.

Faces of Camp: Costume Edition

It's mid-October, and here in the northwoods that means two things.  One, the colors of fall are in full array.  And two, it's almost Halloween.  Maybe you've got a costume picked out, or maybe you're still undecided.  If you're still looking for ideas, take a look at some of these dressed-up faces from camp last summer.  Can you recognize them all?

 You could be a minion.

 Or a superhero!

 Rock stars have some crazy get-ups and wild hair

 Of course, nothing's more classic than the zombie

 For something more unique, how about a viking?

 If all else fails, you could always go as Evan Tomer!

Summer 79 is coming.  Sign up now.  Be a part of the adventure.

CampChippewa.com