The Sari Diaries- Sunday 7/30/17

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

This morning began with our White Caps doing their annual Lake Swim. They swam from camp to Watermelon Island and back. They loved it and were rightfully so very proud of their strength! We also had our traditional Sunday breakfast. The only difference between this morning and most Sundays was that there were less than ten people in line when I arrived at the lodge…typically, we can count on a loyal 15-20 who wake up early to get into line. I was a little bit offended and nervous that our product wasn’t meeting people’s expectations…but then, as the morning progressed, we had a line out the door and we had many, many happy campers eating pancakes and eggs to order!

After breakfast, we had a Fudd’s Challenge for Cabin Clean-Up. Campers worked extra hard for a double points cabin clean-up…the highest scoring cabin from both Colt and Wrangler Village won a trip to Fudd’s…what could be better?! Cabins looked amazing, and Bowed Legs and Blackfoot were the big ice cream winners!

This afternoon we had our last sign-ups of the summer. It is legit crazy that this is happening- that the summer is coming to an end. We have so few days left of regular activities yet so much to look forward to over the next week and a half. Campers were excited to sign-up and are eager to get their last couple of days in skiing, climbing, riding, fishing and more!

Tonight was Songfest….the night so many have been waiting for. And let me tell you, it was incredible. This summer, more than ever, it really seemed like the mood was high going into tonight. Campers were excited to perform- they have worked hard but have had fun in the process. As the Neutrals, Soph-Aloaf and I walked to each field to learn the themes and wish each team luck, we were super-impressed with the enthusiasm from the Braves all the way up to the Chiefs. The White Circus and Tan PD really put on a show to remember. The new songs were amazing, the slogans were powerful, the skits were hysterical and everyone had big smiles plastered across their faces. After a lot of deliberating, the Neutrals got on stage to announce the winning team. Tans locked pinkies on the left side of the theater while Whites did the same on the right. The poem ended with, “The Winners are the Whites!” It was an emotional time but all of the Sachems congratulated their team for their hard work and fantastic performances…both the Tans and the Whites have a lot to be proud of!

We are constantly talking about character here at CRC- how important it is to be a good, kind, compassionate person. We talk about who we want our campers and counselors to be at the end of their camp careers, and we talk about how to make that happen. Tonight was yet another indicator to me that it is happening- that we have leaders in our community who are demonstrating those qualities. Dylan S and Emily C along with Sarah S and Sydney M displayed an impressive amount of integrity and sportsmanship…they showed their teams how to both win and lose with grace. It was heartwarming to watch them in action- we are lucky to have them as role-models for our campers!

And that does it for me tonight. It’s been a long and wonderful day at #TheRanch2017. Per usual, I am looking forward to waking up tomorrow to see what the day brings at the best place on Earth. Thanks for reading- enjoy your night!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari