The Sari Diaries- Monday 7/1/19

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

As week three at #TheRanch2019 is beginning, I am happy to report that things are still going magnificently! Each day of the past two weeks has been uniquely amazing and today fell in line with that pattern. From the weather mostly cooperating with the camp program to the incredible popularity of the new gaga pit and from cabins bonding beautifully to campers loving their camping trips, I would give this summer an eleven out of ten to this point. So here are the deets from 7/1/19 on Dam Lake…

We had a day full of regular activities that were anything but regular. At outdoor cooking, campers enjoyed s’mores cones which looked delicious. And at skiing, per usual, levels were being passed left and right. Haley I dropped a ski, Izzy S got up for ten seconds and Lily H got up and around on two skis! Dylan B told me that SUP was her favorite part of the day- she loved hanging on the lake with her friends. The first day of second sign-ups was a clear success :).

After lunch, the entire camp headed to the new ninja warrior course to watch a demo by Dan “Dude” Delano (an actual American Ninja Warrior!). He was amazing and we cheered him on as he showed us how to conquer each and every element. Just when it seemed like it was time for everyone to head to third period, Cliff made a suggestion that I try the Salmon Ladder. While I did not feel the least bit confident, who was I to turn this down…it was an opportunity to either show off my unexpected skills OR an opportunity to remind everyone that it’s okay to try something new around here even if success isn’t a guarantee. Just as I was about to begin, Cliff upped the ante by letting the camp know that if I was successful in getting the Salmon Ladder bar up one notch, we would all go to Cathy’s. The pressure was definitely on! I got a bit of advice from the pro about technique and then I went for it. It’s all kind of a blur at this point but after a couple of tries, with support from the crowd surrounding me, I got half of the bar up one notch. Everybody went silent because nobody was sure if that counted…and it didn’t…I didn’t get the full bar up. After a couple more tries, we decided to call on Maddie Szackamer for some help. Sure enough, she got on that Salmon Ladder and successfully moved both halves of the bar to the next notch. The crowd went wild- Maddie saved the day and secured an ALL CAMP CATHY’S!

Following an afternoon full of awesome activities, and after a quick dinner, we began the shuttles to Cathy’s. Campers and staff alike were ecstatic for what was most of our first taste of that coveted ice cream in 2019. As campers returned, they headed to the South Field for a spectacular Unity Carnival which was farm themed. Campers dressed as farmers (and in other fun costumes) and participated in activities ranging from throwing a ring around a horse to cup stacking to croquet and more. There was, of course, some food involved as well. Campers Alex G and Sabrina B helped their counselors make sno-cones. And cooking instructor, Taylor Finley, led a cupcake decorating station, where they decorated the cupcakes to look like sheep. In addition to all the food and activity, naturally, there was a dance party…and a whipped cream fight. I thought I was going to make it through the night completely free of any whipped cream but just as the evening was ending, I was attacked by Brooke R, Jenna W, Alexis R, Emmie D, Maddie K, Jillian M and Harper F. While I escaped their chase for a few minutes, they tracked me down and I was soon covered in whipped cream.

So there you have it, our day in review. The happiness continues to be spread throughout CRC and the magic is definitely still in the air…you know, it’s just a feeling. That’s all for now- thanks for reading!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari