The Sari Diaries- Thursday 8/7/14

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

This post is dedicated to the Chippy campers and staff who lived through an incredible summer at #CRC2014. It is truly unbelievable that the past eight weeks have flown by as quickly as they have, but here we are on the final day of camp. It is always a tough day- trying to spend quality time with friends, trying to enjoy the beauty of camp, and doing our best to cherish every waking moment, all while knowing that the inevitable is coming our way…camp will end tomorrow no matter how hard we wish it away.

This afternoon, we had our final campfire led by the Lakeview campers. Throughout this entire summer, this group of campers have been outstanding leaders. They have risen to a level that we hope for all of our oldest campers, but it is not an easy task. This is a group that makes us confident in the future of the Chippewa staff, and proves that incredible growth happens around here summer after summer. Tonight, Lakeview spoke about their camper years, about the incredible friendships they have formed, the skills they have learned, and the intangibles that are the essence of Chippewa. As the entire camp listened intently, they gave advice to campers and talked of their anticipation for the transition from camper to counselor. As each member of LV 2014 spoke, it became more and more apparent what a special group this is, and what a special place we are so fortunate to live in for these two months.

After the campers spoke the Lakeview counselors talked to their campers and expressed their pride in this crew of campers. As they spoke, I was reminded of these fifteen year-olds when they were first year campers. As some of the youngest and cutest in camp, they were constantly entertaining us. It is crazy to think that those eight, nine and ten year-old campers are now living their last night as campers under one roof together.

The campfire ended with our final keylog ceremony. It was a long one, but well worth it to hear all of the kind words going around. Campers were thankful for their camp experience…for those that made it possible and for the friends they had made. Staff were equally appreciative toward their campers, co-counselors and to the general camp environment.

Following the campfire, banquet began. This year’s banquet was led by Ruth Lissner, Kate Bradley, Meredith Epstein and Suzy Topel. It had a nautical theme and was done incredibly well. The food was fabulous and the tent looked amazing. The awards given out at the end were very cute, and it was cool to see the excitement campers had when receiving their awards. Each summer, the last two awards of final banquet are Miss Chippewa Rodeo and Honor Camper. These are awards that are chosen by the staff and are given to deserving campers who have shown at riding (for Miss Chippewa Rodeo) and all over camp (for Honor Camper) what it means to be a Chippewa girl. They live by the creed and are campers we hope all others will emulate. This summer’s Miss Chippewa Rodeo is Caroline H and the 2014 Honor Camper is Ari K. We are thrilled to give both of them these honors!

Okay, as I write this, I am in the process of saying goodbye to some of our Nashville and Atlanta Chippies. It is an emotional time for everyone, and while I never want anyone to be sad, this hugs and tears are proof of the wonderful summer we have had.

Thanks for reading- check back tomorrow for the final diary entry of the official summer of 2014 in Chippyland.

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari