The Sari Diaries- Thursday 8/13/15

Dearest Chippies,

It is with a heavy chest, teary eyes, and a full heart that I come to you live from Sari’s futon with my final bout of TSD, #TheRanch2015 edition. Anyone who knows what it’s like to live ten months for two understands that tonight is the night we all dread from day one. The last night, when the summer shifts from present tense to past tense. From a reality to a memory. Well… An abundance of memories, actually. But nonetheless, as the nostalgia and sadness set in, I must remember the unfortunate irony in my current state of emotional turmoil—that this overwhelming sadness is the outcome of how incredibly fortunate I am to have spent my summer here. So while I am unsure of how we got to this moment or why time seems to move far more quickly at camp than just about anywhere else on the planet, one thing is for certain—8258 County O is forever my home. And for that, I am so incredibly lucky.

After a day filled with attempting to stuff our summer’s belongings back into two large duffels, we had our closing campfire, during which the cabin of Lakeview eloquently said goodbye to their camper experience. Their heartfelt speeches highlighted not only the activity accomplishments and accolades of personal growth that comprise the backbone of our summers at camp, but more importantly the in between moments of laughter and spontaneity and the everlasting happiness that results from them. It is clear that each and every member of Lakeview took full advantage of the opportunities being a camper here at Chippewa has to offer, and I have no doubt that they will be incredible CITs when they return to this special place next year.

Following the campfire, we had a fiesta-themed Final Banquet. It was full of toothy grins, great tunes and endless laughs, and it was without a doubt my favorite in recent history. Many deserving campers received activity awards, but I would like to give a special congratulations to our 2015 Honor Camper, Sydney M. Since you used to be my camper, I will take partial credit in your receipt of this honor… Just kidding, your awesomeness is 110% you and I am infinitely proud of you.

After banquet, we all headed over to the North Field and recited our final rendition of the creed while watching the burning CRC effogy. It was a bittersweet moment and the perfect way to end an amazing summer. As I watched the CRC burn through the camera of Sari’s Snapchat (crc8258), I took comfort in the knowledge that my impending physical absence from Chippewa soil has no bearing on the emotional bond I have with this place. That being a Chippy Girl is engrained in our character, not in our location.

Well, friends. It has certainly been an incredible eight weeks here at #TheRanch2015 and I am so thankful that I was able to share some of it with you. Tomorrow, as I attempt to reintegrate into my life back in the “real world,” I welcome the reverse culture shock that comes with remembering to shower regularly, that crocs and socks are not acceptable footwear to roam the grocery store, that I need an alarm other than Cliff’s seven wonders quiz, and so much more. If anything, it is standing proof that my summer(s) here at CRC have left a smidgen of a long-term impression on me. Thursday nights are forever changed for me, and at least the next 40 will certainly not be the same without The Sari Diaries… In a selfish way, it helps knowing that you all will be feeling the same sense of emptiness.

Lucky for you, this is not goodbye, but merely see you later.

Sincerely,
Soph-Aloaf