Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Keep Your Fires Burning
Hello everyone,I thought I would take a moment to touch base with all of you as the camp season has ended, and summer is winding down and coming to a close. This time of year I love to reflect on the experiences, relationships and good times that Chippewa has given to so many campers and staff. It never ceases to amaze me how so many people from all over the world and country manage to find their way to our small slice of paradise in Eagle River, WI. Lisa and I were exceptionally proud of a number of individuals this summer. I would like to express some recognition with this blog posting.
To the staff- You were second to none. Simple as that! It really is hard to comprehend the workload associated with summer camp counseling, without experiencing the daily responsibility first hand. Morning, noon and night these individuals dedicated themselves to not just providing the campers with a fun and rewarding expe
rience, but also making certain that they were safe and healthy (both mentally and physically). My own former camp director (Sue Lebby- North Star Camp) used to assert that being a camp counselor was “the hardest job that you could ever love.” She couldn’t have been wiser with that sentiment, but it still impresses me to see a counselor in action. Consider the average camper day- wakeup, eat, play, learn something new, eat some more, relax during rest period, play some more, learn some more, play again, eat more, sleep, do it all again the next day. Now take that same day and view it through the lens of a camp staff member. Just insert the word “supervise” in front of each activity. Then remove anything that involves rest or sleep almost completely. Add an invariable smile and a remarkable degree of patience. Throw in a lice outbreak, thunderstorms, occasional homesickness, social conflict resolution, hygiene issues, swarms of mosquitoes, constant spirited loudness, and camp directors that expect the programming to run without a hitch! Now you see what life is like for the average camp staff member at Chippewa. Lisa and I commend the staff of 2010 for giving us 110%, and making the responsibility of youth development among their top priorities this summer!
rience, but also making certain that they were safe and healthy (both mentally and physically). My own former camp director (Sue Lebby- North Star Camp) used to assert that being a camp counselor was “the hardest job that you could ever love.” She couldn’t have been wiser with that sentiment, but it still impresses me to see a counselor in action. Consider the average camper day- wakeup, eat, play, learn something new, eat some more, relax during rest period, play some more, learn some more, play again, eat more, sleep, do it all again the next day. Now take that same day and view it through the lens of a camp staff member. Just insert the word “supervise” in front of each activity. Then remove anything that involves rest or sleep almost completely. Add an invariable smile and a remarkable degree of patience. Throw in a lice outbreak, thunderstorms, occasional homesickness, social conflict resolution, hygiene issues, swarms of mosquitoes, constant spirited loudness, and camp directors that expect the programming to run without a hitch! Now you see what life is like for the average camp staff member at Chippewa. Lisa and I commend the staff of 2010 for giving us 110%, and making the responsibility of youth development among their top priorities this summer!To Lakeview 2010- What a group! We always put quite a bit of stock into our oldest campers. Why? Because they carry the camp flame and keep it burning for eight straight weeks of summer. There is no better way to illustrate that observation. The summer camp experience depends heavily on this group's attitude, behavior and motivation to make camp the fun and exciting place that it is. We were so unbelievably impressed by these girls. Not just because they organized two HUGE special
programs (one of which spanned over an entire day, and the other of which had the whole camp bouncing off the theater walls before it was over), they also demonstrated an enduring passion for Chippewa that seemed to run straight through their veins. It was so inspiring to see a group of young teenagers (especially these days), showing such an interest in the lives and welfare of camp's younger girls. They were phenomenal role models and great leaders. All of this while reminding everyone to have fun and... well... DANCE! "Dynamite," by Taio Cruz without question became the theme song for the summer of 2010. Introduced to camp by the cabin of Lakeview of course! Their self-choreographed and timelessly memorable dance had the entire camp on their feet on numerous occasions throughout the summer (including the writer of this blog it should be noted). Not to mention the fitting lyrics- "I want to celebrate and live my life." A song about having a great time and leaving your troubles behind… perfect! You can see bits and pieces of this dance during the outtakes at the end of our new promotional movie, which will premier on the website next week. Be on the lookout as it also contains footage exclusively from this past summer!
To the parents- We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your trust in us, and your willingness to make Chippewa your daughter's summer home away from home is a responsibility and honor that we never take lightly. From the second that your most prized possession steps off the bus (or plane), to the moment of your first embrace at summer's end, Lisa and I bear no greater privilege than that responsibility. We look forward to many more wonderful summers to come!
To the campers- When you find yourselves down, weary, anxious or just bored this winter, take a moment to remember the best of times from this past summer! Remember running toward the South Field at the start of Barnyard Bedlam. Remember dancing the night away after evening programs in the theater. Remember that feeling just before riding down the zipline, or the thrill of shouting "hit it" in the middle of Dam Lake, or the excitement of capturing the flag from the circle of cones and opponents guarding it. Remember the male staff doing their ridiculous dances, or the relentless cheers for Jen's amazing brownies (which inevitably had me thrown in the lake for some reason). Keep the smaller gems close to your hearts too- Remember late night talks and early morning walks. The site of a thrown keylog overshooting a Friday night campfire. The indisputable sound of a loon bird singing as it gently paddled across the lake. The creak of a screen door, the rev of a boat engine or the smell of the BBQ pit heating up on a Wednesday night. These are the kinds of recollections that will undoubtedly take you back the furthest. The best part though, is that camp will always be there for you. Frankly, whether you return or not.
So, what is the formula for all of this magic? First take an extraordinary staff that was led by a notable administration. Add in program, activity and assistant directors who worked indefatigably to make sure that everything ran without a hitch. Throw in an enthusiastic group of diverse and exciting campers... and wallah! The recipe for a perfect summer camp season. It's all in the people. Simple as that...
We look forward to staying in touch in the coming months. Lisa and I (along with Sari) will be scheduling reunions this week, and plan to visit (among others) Florida, Nashville, Atlanta, Ohio and Chicago this winter. We hope to see many of you then! Keep up with my blog updates, and be sure to email us some inside information that we can add to our September Chipchat! If you find yourself in the Milwaukee area this off-season don’t be a stranger… unless you are a stranger… then maybe call first *-) I look forward to talking soon.
All best,
Cliff
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