The Sari Diaries- Wednesday 6/19/19

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

I am writing to you this evening after an incredible first full day of activities. Campers and staff alike were excited to get into the daily routine- to get back in the saddle at riding, ski around Dam Lake, jump on the tramps and shoot golds at archery. As I walked around camp today, the enthusiasm toward every single activity was amazing…thus far, everybody at #TheRanch2019 is taking full advantage of the Chippewa experience. And here are the details…

During morning activities, I had the privilege of being visited in the office by Emma H, Danielle K, Maddie L, Sam S, Halle S, Charlie K, Alex G and Mia F. They requested my presence outside and I had the honor of witnessing their performance of “Shallow” with instruments they made at Random House. Their creativity was impressive and the fun that they were having together was even better!

Another important part of the morning was the very first CRC Guitar Class. Vivien L, Sadie G, Hope F, Sasha G and Alexis R were part of the inaugural class and it was awesome. While some of them have had a couple of lessons before, some haven’t and they all are legit already making progress. Guitar instructor, Lauren Hill, is very impressed with these girls and was raving about how into the lesson they each were!

There was tons of excitement again this afternoon as Lindsay F crossed the wakes on water skis for the first time, Random House campers made time machines (which were outstanding), and sailors were sailing across Dam Lake. During third period, we piloted Recess as an activity. Campers who signed up hung out in the North Field creating some of their own fun. Some options included Spike Ball, Kick Ball and Badminton. The idea is to give campers a chance to have some structured-unstructured time. While there is a counselor present and participating, she isn’t steering the ship…campers can be creative during this self-directed play time. So far, the reviews are positive and we are looking forward to seeing how this activity evolves!

Today was also an important day for big and little sisters. After lunch, many big and little sisters enjoyed some rest hour time together and then tonight we had a big and little sis barbeque. The sibling pairs had the opportunity to get know each other a bit better, and began preparing for Big and Little Sis Night…which is tomorrow. As Rachel B mentioned last night on the podcast, everyone is looking forward to tomorrow night’s program. More than that though, both big and little sisters are excited to have another connection in the camp community. It is so sweet to see how the little sisters look up to their big sisters and it is equally as sweet to see how much care the big sisters give to their little sisters.

Tonight’s evening program was Opening Staff Show. While it may have been a “you had be there” experience, I will do my best to relay to all of you just how talented #TheRanchStaff2019 truly is. The show began with the entire staff on stage singing a song written by Sara Moss with help from Emily Jaksich. The mood was fantastic as counselors belted the words and campers cheered them on. After the opening number, staff members performed dances and songs…some of which displayed their outrageous skill and others which demonstrated their willingness to be silly on stage in front of a large crowd. At the end of the Staff Show, we had our very first Chippy Dance Party of 2019. Everybody danced like crazy- the theater was booming!

I love Staff Show because on so many levels, it is a symbol of what we are hoping campers will achieve throughout their summers at CRC. For some staff members, these performances require them to step out of their comfort zones…definitely something we want our campers to experience. For some staff members, these performances highlight talents that they have acquired through their camp careers. For some staff members, these performances demonstrate just how comfortable they are being who they are- dancing how they feel with zero inhibition. And for some staff members, these performances demonstrate the unbreakable bonds they have with those they are performing with, and the years and years of camp memories that these performances represent. To most people, it just seems like another goofy night at camp…but in reality, it’s much, much more.

Okay, I think that’s about all for now. A couple other of today’s highlights include fifteen campers stuffed into my tiny-ish office after dinner, Georgia Lupton telling me about Summer K’s archery skills, Turner’s excitement about campers catching fish today, Mia W giving Lilah K (Blackfoot camper) her extra life in a tennis game, staff giggling during staff show prep, Annabelle K and Olivia S joining staff in a game of Spike Ball on the front lawn and Lakeview being obsessed with their little sisters. I could go on and on and then on some more…I wish I could capture every moment- share all of the little miracles that happen here each and every day. Each time I step out of the office, without fail, I am reminded by our campers and staff that this place is like none other- the goodness that is within each member of this community shines brightly here.

Now I’m really done- at least for tonight. If the above didn’t make it obvious enough, I will spell it out: things are off to a great start on Dam Lake. Thanks for reading tonight!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari

PS One more reminder about our new photo platform…
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2. Waldo Photos Facial Recognition Photo Delivery + Photo Gallery + High Resolution Downloads + Waldo App (Paid Subscription):
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