The Sari Diaries- Thursday 7/14/16

Dearest Chippies,

I write to you this evening feeling overly-sentimental. As I sit here typing—sad that first session is coming to an end WAY too soon and wondering why time seems to pass more quickly on Chippewa soil than anywhere else on earth—I am feeling especially lucky. Lucky that I had the opportunity to grow up at camp. That at 23 years old, I can still spend my summers here—learning, growing, laughing, and watching others do the same… Isn’t there such a satisfying irony in the fact that this little piece of paradise—my forever favorite escape from the real world—is better preparation for “real life” (whatever that even means) than anything else? In true Aloaf fashion I am rambling, I know. But basically what I am trying to say is that while I do feel like I spend a lot of time in these posts talking about how much I love this place (I have tried not to… But I just can’t seem to help myself), today was another one of those days that made me appreciate—yep, you guessed it—juuuust how much I love this place.

So anyways… On to the good stuff. Today started out with a morning of normal activities. The sun was shining down on County O as some campers had their final opportunity this summer to participate in activities. Both 4-weekers as well as 8-weekers, however, took advantage this chance, putting in the extra effort to achieve their goals before the session comes to a close. No one was taking anything for granted this morning, that’s for sure!

Tonight we had our First Session Banquet. The whole camp gathered in the lodge in their fanciest outfits to enjoy a gourmet meal of gnocchi and pink sauce. Campy songs played in the background as campers and counselors reminisced about the past four weeks, recalling their favorite memories and laughing alongside their new friends… Speaking of new friends, it’s amazing how quickly four weeks can fly by, yet at the same time how it feels like we have all known each other forever. Just another reason this place is pure magic.

After dinner, we had an awards ceremony where all of the four-week campers received awards for activity achievements. Campers cheered on their cabinmates, and—as always—it was cute to see the proud smiles that spread across the faces of kids as they accepted their awards. Congratulations to our Ranch Queen, Landyn S, and our Four-Week Honor Camper, Rebecca V. Both of you exemplify the morals and values of a true Chippy Girl, and we are lucky to have you as a part of our CRC community!

And that, my friends, sums up the events of today at #TheRanch2016. I am excited to see many of you tomorrow and look forward (as long as Sari doesn’t steal this coveted Thursday night spot back) to sharing the next four Thursdays with you all.

Sincerely,
Soph-Aloaf