The Sari Diaries- Thursday 7/13/17

Dearest Chippies,

Surprise!!! It’s Soph Aloaf once again. Two days in a row… How lucky are you?! I will cut right to the chase tonight—after a very exciting day at #TheRanch2017, I have a lot to talk about.

This morning, we ran regular activities. It was a balmy 55 degrees and cloudy, but you never would have known from walking around camp. Campers definitely took advantage of (some of) their final chances to climb the wall, ski, ride, etc.… Where warmth was lacking, enthusiasm certainly was not!

Right after lunch, we had a horse show. The entire camp went down to the stables and watched campers show off all that they have learned over the past four weeks. They competed in relay races that included balancing an egg on a spoon… Friends cheered on friends, and overall it was very entertaining and quite impressive!

Later this afternoon we had our final First Session campfire. Along with singing some Chippewa favorites and honoring a handful of campers with well-deserved Compass coins, the two Lakeview girls that are leaving—Ari S. and Grace D.—gave speeches. They were honestly two of the best Lakeview speeches I have ever heard. So incredibly eloquent, honest and insightful. Listening to these two speak made it abundantly clear that they take away from their camper years the values of kindness, community, and appreciation, amongst much more. Chippewa is so clearly an intrinsic part of who they have become, and I felt proud listening to them share their final camper words with the entire Chippewa community. That being said, I would also like to share some of those words with you:

“At camp, you can feel safe standing up in front of 300 people to do anything, and you know that whether your performance is serious or goofy you will always get overwhelming love and support from every single person in this community. There could not be a better place for overcoming fears and other obstacles that life throws at us, and camp is one of the safest places in the world which should never be taken for granted—because time here runs out faster than it seems.”
—Grace D.

“My 9-year old self originally chose Chippewa for its horseback riding program and candy from the Hirschy Bar. But fast forward 6 years and I have learned that camp is so much more than all of its fun activities. What makes camp so special is all of the people. My advice to you is to embrace each and every second you have here with your camp friends. There will always be times for laughing and crying but at the end of the day, when you are blowing out the lights and laying in your camp bed looking up at the rafters, we remember all the little moments in life or the way someone else’s company makes us feel… The friendships you make at camp will last a lifetime but your time at camp will be over before you know it. So take in everyday and always remember to live 10 for 2.”
—Ari S.

Following this incredible campfire, we all headed straight to the lodge for Banquet. It was decked in red and white, and we all ate a delicious meal of gnocci. There were laughs, smiles and awards galore. I want to give a special congratulations to the 2017 First Session Honor Camper, Dani G. You are a true representation of a Chippewa Girl, and someone that I personally look up to. This is not only an honor that you deserve, but one that I am certain you will wear with pride and continue to uphold well beyond your years at CRC.

As the day comes to a close, there is a mixture of sadness and excitement in the air. The past four weeks have come and gone entirely too fast, but I am confident that every single camper and counselor has taken advantage of all that their time on Chippewa soil has to offer. There is still plenty of camping left, and Second Session has a lot to live up to.

Sincerely,
Soph Aloaf