The Sari Diaries- Friday 8/14/15

My name is Sari Hirsch and this is my twenty-third summer. I throw this keylog in for…

Every single person who spent their summer at CRC. Without each individual the perfect bubble that we had the privilege of living in for eight weeks would not quite have been the same. I know I have said it before but I would like to say it again- the magic that was the summer of 2015 at Chippewa was beyond words and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.

I would specifically like to thank the staff. This group of counselors amazed me each and every day in the compassion and motivation that they demonstrated toward providing a memorable and successful summer for their campers. Our staff was outrageously camper centered and in a world where it is perceived that this generation might be selfish, this group has shown that their priorities are exactly where they should be. Each night, a group of staff (ranging from one staff member to ten) walked me back to my cabin. These “walk-backs” originated because I was a bit scared to make the trek all the way to my cabin alone. They have now evolved into a wonderful staff bonding session where we each tell our roses from the day and just hang out. I love how without fail, every night, the counselors’ roses revolved around a camper interaction or accomplishment. They take such pride in their role as caretaker to our campers and I am delighted to hear their stories each evening. I truly feel such a connection to this group of counselors and am so grateful for their loyalty and friendship!

I would next like to thank the happiest and most enthusiastic group of campers that I have ever encountered. They want to ski regardless of the weather, they can’t wait to practice their lip sync that they have been working on all session and there isn’t an evening program that they don’t go all out for. We always say that Chippewa attracts really nice campers and I love that each day this fact is proven to me. This is a legit judge-free zone and there is not a doubt in my mind that our campers are the very best versions of themselves while they are here. If the Chippewa campers of 2015 are any indication of what youth across the country are like, I am confident that our future is in good hands.

And to Lakeview- you are fantastic! You have proven your love and dedication to this camp and throughout the summer have displayed resilience and passion. Over the last week, you each had the opportunity to speak in front of the whole camp. The words you spoke and advice you gave was evidence of the value you place on your camp experience. You have been incredible role models and I thank you for the positive climate that you helped create this summer in Chippyland!

I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Soph-Aloaf. Not only is she an amazing Thursday guest blogger (I mean seriously, did you read last night’s post?!), she is also a fabulous friend and my favorite co-worker. Sophie works when nobody is watching and always notices the little things. At any given moment, she can be seen with a handful of Colt Villagers sitting on her lap and giggling. I am pretty sure there are more than a couple of campers here who consider her their BFFAC (best friend forever at camp). Despite being ten years my junior, the bond that we have formed while working together is so strong. I am thankful that I get to work beside her each summer and even more thankful that I get to call her my friend all year long!

I could honestly go on and on thanking people for all that they did throughout this summer. In order to save some time though, I will continue my appreciation-fest on an individual basis :).

I really do not know how this is the final TSD of the official camp season. With a blink of the eye, this summer flew by. For some reason, I feel less prepared than normal for this horrible day when campers and staff flood out of the CRC gates. As I got on the buses to say goodbye to our campers, I got a lump in my throat and tears welled up in my eyes. I definitely recognize that this sadness is a sign of the incredible summer that we spent together, but I am just not ready to accept that the best two months of the year are over. As I sit in the office wishing I were at a Friday Night Campfire, my mind is racing through memories of the newly closed summer. In this state of physical and emotional exhaustion that I am currently in, I am having trouble finding the perfect way to close my keylog. I guess the bottom line is that I want to thank all of the Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends who shared #TheRanch2015 journey with me- it has simply been the best.

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari