The Sari Diaries- Wednesday 8/12/15

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

Despite the fact that many a tear were shed in anticipation of Friday, it was a magical day here at #TheRanch2015. Here are the details of all of the excitement from the day’s happenings…

1. After a morning of regular activities, in which many campers passed levels and achieved goals, everyone got decked in their Tan and White gear to head to lunch. The spirit was out of control today as it was the final cheering session for Tan and White this summer. The noise level was awesome and the enthusiasm on the faces of campers both young and old was incredible.

2. Pony Express is the final Tan & White game each summer. It is a relay race throughout camp which involves a myriad of different activities. Runners pass a baton from event to event and it all ends at the waterfront with the Chief and Grand Sachems canoeing to “Watermelon Island” to search for a greased watermelon. The race today was fantastic as both the Tans and Whites were ahead at different points. In the end, Audree and Shim returned with their watermelon first and the Tans were victorious. I think the highlight for me was when I heard over a radio that Rachel R said to Ari K on their way back to camp, “I’ve had the best summer with you!” That is truly what Tan and White is all about. Sure, winning is great, but this intense summer-long competition helps us all to learn just what is important…creating relationships and memories with those we are fortunate enough to spend our summers with. All four sachems shined throughout this summer and we are lucky to have had such fabulous leadership for this very important program.

3. As I walked around during Pony Express, I loved watching as our campers were enjoying both participating in the activities as well as just hanging out and cheering on their friends (both on their team and not :)). I was able to capture a number of candid photos of Chippies giggling and loving life. Honestly, it was just a reminder of what is constantly happening on Dam Lake- campers, weather they know it or not, are soaking up the intangibles that camp offers each and every day.

4. After Pony Express was over, the Neutrals announced that the Tans had won the summer by a very narrow point margin. Additionally, the Village Directors announced that Rafter ^ X and Bowed Legs were the second session Honor Cabins. There was a great deal of excitement in the air and it was obvious that everyone was proud of their hard work.

5. As is tradition on the second to last night of camp, we had Request Night this evening. There are multiple parts of this program but in the beginning, campers and staff can request others to perform for the camp…it can be a talent, a dance or really anything that the camp might enjoy watching. One of her cabinmates requested that Sookie D demonstrate her skills with the Diabolo Yo Yo. It was awesome and there were cheers and shrieks as we all watched in amazement at her talents.

6. It was requested that Trailriders perform their first and second session lip syncs. They were both very good and I was impressed that they could remember all of the moves. As I sat there watching alongside Soph-Aloaf and LoLo, we commented on how special the performance was. Sure they are a talented bunch, but what really is so great is that we had twenty 14 year-olds on stage, carefree and literally having the time of their lives. I am not sure there are too many other (if any) places on the planet where this sense of comfort, safety and happiness can exist, but I just feel lucky that I get to live, work and play here!

7. The night ended with a video that Cliff put together…a Summer in Review movie which highlighted some of our favorite moments throughout this outstanding summer. We were excited to see faces of first session campers who we miss and as the classic Request Night playlist played in the background, tears began welling up in most of our eyes just thinking about the next couple of days. It was a wonderful video and the perfect way to reflect on our past eight weeks together.

That’s about all for tonight…if you can’t tell, I am feeling quite emotional/nostalgic/reflective. I am crushed to say that the next time I write The Sari Diaries, the grounds of CRC will be missing about 200 campers. Tomorrow you will hear from Soph-Aloaf and then I’ll be back on Friday. Thanks for reading tonight and just remember, there is still plenty of camping left!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari