The Sari Diaries- Thursday 7/29/21

Dearest Chippies,

WOW—what a day it has been here at CRC. Ever since this morning’s Realm-inspired Seven Wonders Quiz, camp has been buzzing with excitement. I know you’re sitting there at the other side of this screen chomping at the bits to find out the details of this wonderful day. And lucky for you, I won’t keep you in suspense with one of my random rants tonight. For once, let’s just get right to it…

Today was a full day of regular activities—a rarity during second session due to all of our special programming. Wheel-thrown mugs were glazed in Pottery, Oreo Rice Krispy treats were baked in Cooking, and smiles were seen all across camp. Per usual, there were also LOTS of skiing achievements today. Sloane M, Sadie S and Charlotte H all got up on two skis for 10 seconds, and Taylor G dropped and crossed the wakes on one ski. Campers spent their swim periods learning the ins and outs of Realm Season 5: Secrets of the Round Table, and as understanding of the complex rulebook builds, so does anticipation for the impending game. Realm doesn’t officially begin until Sunday evening, but all this preparation is sure to lead to a fantastic competition!

We rounded out the day with one of the biggest Tan and White games of the summer: Songfest. Songfest is one of Chippewa’s longest standing Tan and White traditions; and tonight—after a great deal of planning, creativity and dedication—the Billboard Top Tans and the Whites in Wonderland took the stage and performed their hearts out. In preparation for tonight’s performances, Lexi G and Lila K of the White Team as well as Sam G and Summer W of the Tan Team (with the help of the rest of the CITs) poured countless hours into making skits, songs, murals and medallions. From where I sat in the audience this evening, what was just as noticeable and impressive as the performances themselves was the immense pride that campers young and old displayed as they sung their respective cheers. Preparing for Songfest is no easy feat. And it was clear tonight that both teams’ preparation prioritized not only a good performance, but also team morale and pride. Tonight, the White team won the game of Songfest, but in the leadership and sportsmanship departments, both teams walk away as winners. Thank you to all Tans and Whites, but specifically Sam and Lexi, for your leadership and commitment to the tradition of Tan and White. Tonight’s many successes were a direct reflection of your hard work as the Grand Sachems.

So… now do you see what I mean about it being an amazing day?! It was a good one. And lucky for us, there is no shortage of those around here.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely, Soph Aloaf