Week Two!

Hi all,

What a first week this has been! Hopefully you’ve been enjoying camp along with us through our RECORD number of photos *-)

I would like to start by talking about my wonderful staff. I have to say that this group has been unbelievable in every respect! I have never been so confident about a group of counselors as I am this summer. They're creative, fun, caring, diverse in their geographic make up, and FULL of energy and enthusiasm. I knew from the start that this was going to be an all-star cast of characters (both new staff and returning "old-timers.") I hope and assume that your letters home are reflecting the same!

The past week has been a cacophony of rain, sun, cold and heat! Who’d have ever figured that the campers would require clothing for every weather condition within the first seven days of camp? One-day a puddle, the following day a wet mud hole, the next a dried up dirt patch… Then the cycle all over again! Regardless of the weather, the action has never stopped here! Below is a glimpse of the past week.

The first night was our friendship fire. We got through 90% of the program outside and then the rain chased us indoors to The Adler Lodge. No fun was lost though! The night went out with a bang. Tuesday night we did our traditional “Donny Quay” Tan & White kick off. All of the girls learned their teams and the spirit that evening was outstanding! Wednesday night was the 2010 first session Staff Show! I wish you could have seen the talent on that stage! Thursday brought Big & Lil Sister night, Friday evening Trailriders put on a great camp-fire highlighting the theme of being a new camper. Saturday evening brought a social with Kawaga, Sunday was the Tan & White game- Barn Yard Bedlam and tonight was the Camper Talent Show! The show brought singing, dancing and all sorts of fun entertainment!

During the day activities have been running strong. From the tennis courts to the waterfront, campers have been keeping busy learning, playing and having loads of fun in the process.

Stay tuned for more photos and updates throughout the week! All I can say is that camp is off to a roaring start and each day brings new surprises and adventures! Keep in touch.

All best,
Cliff
Cell- 312-593-0246

Opening Night!

Hello Friends,

Lisa and I are thrilled to announce that after an (almost) perfect bus send-off this morning, camp is in full swing! The girls arrived to an (almost) rain free Chippewa and made (almost) great time getting here. Campers were taken on tours, given their initial health checks -YES LICE CHECKS (P.S. there was none), and were served an amazing dinner of spaghetti with marinara sauce and our famous Head Chef’s gnocchi and "pink sauce"! I'm feeling pretty darn confident that you’re going to hear wonderful things about the food this summer 8-)

After dinner it started to rain… so it goes. The good news is that things are VERY dry up here and we actually needed a good rainstorm, the bad news is that it came tonight. I wont lie- it kind of looks like the lake washed up 1000 feet beyond the shoreline. Another storm like this and we're gonna need an ark. I think I was the only one who really seemed to notice though! We still ran our opening night “friendship fire” in the Adler Lodge and had a great time. The girls are all tucked in for the evening and looking forward to a fantastic first day tomorrow! The weather is supposed to be great (77 degrees and sunny) and the campers are going to have a ball!

Lisa and I are thrilled to be able to take care of your girls this summer. We take pride in the experience that Chippewa provides, and are confident that you will receive some great letters this week! You will also receive a “welcome” email shortly highlighting your daughter’s counselors for the summer. Stay tuned for daily photos, Tweets and blog updates. We look forward to being in touch with you all soon!
All best,
Cliff

Hello Chippies!

I thought I would take a moment to bring everyone up to speed on things in Chippyland! I know I’ve been a bad blogger these past few weeks (sorry), but things have been CRAZY getting camp set up. The first year staff arrived Saturday and began their new staff orientation. We’re extremely impressed with the group so far! Operations Manager James Stapleton and Tennis pro Reubs went down to Illinois to pick up our Chicago area returning staff TODAY! It’s hard to believe that camp is only a week away.

Our new Nautique ski boat arrived yesterday (see photo)! It’s being called “Evil-O,” Named lovingly after Olive the dog. Quiz question … Can anyone guess why “Evil-O” is a name for Olive the dog? Adding this third boat will maximize ski time and dramatically improve the efficiency of our program!

The theater is looking amazing and will be completed this week. Sari and the admin staff are getting the summer calendar and program ready. Other staff are hard at work putting in docks and boat lifts, mowing lawns, trimming trees, cleaning cabins, inflating inflatables and much more! Tomorrow starts lifeguard training and ski boat driver school. Later in the week our climbers will start their intense training, and throughout the week we will be teaching our staff to become the best counselors that they can be! We also have three wonderful trip leaders who went through a 9 day wilderness first responder training course. Busy times!

Get ready for another great summer ahead! Feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns and we look forward to talking soon!
All best,
Cliff

866-209-9322
cliff@chippewaranchcamp.com