The Sari Diaries- Friday 6/23/17

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

I love this place! We all know that we are fortunate to be a part of the Chippewa community but tonight’s program was a special reminder of that fact. It was our first Friday Night Campfire- a program which is near and dear to each Chippy’s heart- but this one was even more significant. The theme was “Love Never Ends,” an important message that was sent to us by an incredible little girl named Alexa.

It was an emotional night; there is no doubt about that. But those that spoke, specifically our campers and staff who were closest to Alexa, shared a message with us that I am confident will provide inspiration and hope that will last a lifetime. The campfire was led by Marni S who was Alexa’s big sister last summer. Sermonettes were given by her counselors and some of her closest friends. Alexa Radis, Melissa Spero, Talia S, Hope F, Sadie G and Sophie S spoke beautifully about the meaning of “Love Never Ends.” They articulated so well how Alexa embodied bravery, kindness and love. They talked about memories they shared with Alexa, and how she was a role model. They expressed the deep connection that Chippewa girls share with each other, and how they felt that connection with Alexa. They shared their excitement for the summer ahead, and reminded all of us sitting around the Center Fire Circle that we are so fortunate to be spending our summer on Dam Lake with one another. It is difficult to convey in words just how proud I am of these girls who had the courage to get up in front of the camp and express themselves in such a heartfelt, positive and honest way. They amazed me, and I know I am not alone in saying that I truly appreciate their thoughtful words.

The campfire also included songs led by the Chippy Choir. We sang, “For Good” from Wicked and “All My Life’s a Circle.” As we were singing, I looked around the circle and couldn’t help but feel honored to be surrounded by such an exceptional group of humans. From our youngest campers to our oldest staff members, we belong to a community that genuinely cares about one another. There is a support system built into our culture that we are lucky to be a part of. It is proven on a daily basis, and tonight it was undeniable!

After the keylog ceremony, Cliff introduced the Chippewa Compass. As you all know, dating back to 1946, Chippewa has been a community centered around a set of core values in an effort to “mold daughters who are moral and kind.” Those words are taken from the Chippewa Creed which we sing every Friday night at the end of our campfires. To further the CRC mission, we have created the Chippewa Compass, which focuses on a wide variety of qualities that we hope our campers and staff exemplify both in and out of camp. The idea is that the compass will help guide us all to be the best versions of ourselves. The compass’s four central characteristics include KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, CONFIDENCE and FORTITUDE.

To complement the Chippewa Compass, we have created coins that recognize over twenty different values. Aside from the four chief ideals, there are coins for everything from resilience to humility and from empathy to humor. Campers will be awarded these coins at the Center Fire Circle throughout the summer for extraordinary acts that exemplify these qualities. Lisa explained this program and awarded the first coin to Sadie G for SELFLESSNESS. Each new camper was then called up to receive a coin for GROWTH. Finally, we handed out the 2017 Annual Coin to every camper and staff member. The response was overwhelmingly positive to both the Compass and coin program. Campers and staff alike were excited to see and receive the coins- it was an awesome kick-off!

I think that’s all for now but I hope this gave you a good snapshot of our evening. Thanks for reading- don’t forget to check back tomorrow for an update on #TheRanch2017, and to read all about the fun we are bound to have!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari