The Sari Diaries- Monday 6/25/18

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family, and Friends,

Whoever said Mondays are no fun has clearly never been to Chippewa on a day like today. It was seriously EPIC! But wait…before I jump into the juicy details, let me rewind and introduce myself. I’m Classic Jaksich (Jessica to some, Miss Jaksich to others), and this is my 11th summer at camp. Some of you may be wondering why you’ve never heard of me before, and the reason for this is my seven-year hiatus from CRC. Yes, sadly, it’s true. My last official summer working at camp was 2011 (shoutout eLeVen). I have done my very best to visit once or twice a summer since then, but it has certainly been a while since I’ve lived in a cabin with 32 of my bffs.

So, what am I doing back here this summer you may ask? Taking advantage of my teacher summer by spending a few weeks at my happy place. You can find me on the fitness courts teaching hip-hop boot camp, decorating the office bulletin board (be sure to stop by and take the Poll of the Week), taking pics around camp, and hanging in Lakeview with my amazing co’s Smoss, Zoe P, Rachel R, Ari K, and just Jaksich (my sister). A huge thank you to Cliff, Lisa, Sari, and Sophie for allowing me the opportunity to relive my glory days; I am eternally grateful. My favorite part of Chippewa is that no matter how old you get, or how long you’re away, you can always find your way back home. In fact, in the past few weeks, I’ve rekindled many relationships and made so many new friends, some of whom weren’t even born my first summer of camp in 2002 (insert grandma emoji here). The point I’m trying to make is…once a Chippy, always a Chippy.

Anyways…let’s get back to the epic Monday I spoke of before. It was truly a beautiful day in the Northwoods! I may have even gotten a little tan (read: pink) when monitoring the Boaty Board and riding a ski boat. The shining sun was also much appreciated by the trippers Lynsey and Turner who took the first round of cabins on their camping trips! As we speak, Rafter ^ X, Copper Stripes, and Wagon Ridge are living the tent life at Bond Falls; A-Frame, Boots, and Cactus campers are canoeing the North Woods seas; and C-C and Bowed Legs campers are enjoying the beautiful scenery of Copper Falls.

Back at camp, activities were in full swing. The sailors were sailing, the cookers were cooking, the archers were archery-ing, and so much more. Plus, Mondays call for picnic lunch, everyone’s favorite, where we get to build our own sandwiches and eat as many chips as humanly possible on the lodge patio. Again, perfect weather for picnic lunch today!!!

A flawless day like today might normally be hard to top, but our program directors Leah, Becky, and Elsie were up for the challenge. Tonight was the first ever…drum roll, please…. Chippy Fortnite! You might be familiar with the hit video game Fortnite that swept the nation by storm earlier this year. Not to worry, tonight’s evening program was completely screen and technology-free, and I would argue even more fun than the original video game. Campers were dressed in blank white tees and challenged with keeping their shirts paint-free throughout the entire game. This proved very difficult when faced with sponges soaked in paint, water balloons filled with paint, and water squirters filled with paint. Campers had to strategize, form alliances, and demonstrate agility and speed when searching for tools, staking out hiding spots, and trying to avoid being soaked with paint!

While everyone was beyond impressive, the last seven campers standing earned a trip to Cathy’s for a scrumptious scoop of ice cream and a chance to bond with fellow champions. Popular flavor choices tonight were White Choc Ras Truff and Pirate’s Booty. Huge congrats to Talia S, Cami W, Zoey B, Haley I, Dani G, Emma G, and Zoe G for achieving Victory Chippy Royale!

The rest of camp enjoyed the first canteen of the summer before heading off to bed. I’m sure we’ll all sleep well tonight! Which reminds me…it’s about time for lights out!

Thanks for reading and allowing me to achieve a lifelong goal of writing for TSD. Here’s to an amazing first week of summer 2018, and here’s to many, many more!

The Eternal Chippewa Girl,

Classic Jaksich