The Sari Diaries- Monday 7/8/24

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

United Nations Day 2024 is over but the memories made today will last a lifetime. The spirit and sportsmanship levels were off the charts and the leadership displayed by the captains and advisors was amazing. From our youngest campers to our oldest staff, every member of the Chippewa Sisterhood was into the day. Here are the details…

Mia Friedland and Emma Goldberg were the UN Day heads and they planned an incredible day that began at morning wake-up. “United Nations on the March” was playing with cheers for each country heard all over camp. After breakfast and a short cabin clean-up, we all headed to the Center Fire Circle for the opening ceremonies. There was plenty of cheering before the UN Day torch made its way from across the world to our fire pit. Mia and Emma read us the preamble and teams cheered for their captains and advisors as they signed the plaque that will forever commemorate this day.

As tradition dictates, the actual competition began with leg wrestling in the South Field (yes, moving fields is actually contrary to tradition but it worked well). There were three age brackets competing in this unique sport. The youngest bracket included Rafter^X, Blackfoot, Silverspurs and the Tri-Cabin- it is always funny to watch these tiny humans participate in this. Sadie G was the winner of this bracket…she was strong to quite strong for sure! The next bracket was the intermediates- Copper Stripes, Timber Walk, Boots, Cactus, Horseshoe, A-Frame, C-C and Bowed Legs. In an impressive showing, Leni B was the intermediate champion! And finally, Trailriders, Lakeview and CITs competed. Spain really crushed in this age bracket- they had four people left standing after all other teams got out. A big congrats to Sophie B, Julia P, Andie G and Leah C. Female and Male Staff all had their own competition as well…the energy was incredibly high to start this day…Chippies were excited to get back on the mats and show their leg wrestling skills.

We then moved into first series, which was splendid. We had softball, bucket brigade, knockout, steal the bacon, waterskiing, trampball, climbing, kayaking and gaga. The spirit was high and the games were intense and full of sportsmanship. The skies above were perfectly blue, and despite the weather forecast for rain, it seemed like we were in the clear. After first period, we headed to lunch for quesadillas. Teams sat together, which was extremely cute- campers and staff of all ages who might not normally sit together enjoyed chatting, sharing stories of their mornings and getting hyped for the afternoon activities. Lunch concluded with an announcement of the current standings and team cheers. At that point, Australia was in first, Spain in second, Ireland in third and South Africa in fourth.

When lunch was dismissed, I walked the long distance race with the campers and staff slated for that race. We made sure everyone knew their path, where the transitions were occurring, and the order they should stand while they waited for their teammates. We had some extra Chippies join us just to partake in the afternoon walk…it was very lovely! But then, as we walked across the finish line, the dreaded rain that seems to join us daily arrived. Ugh! But do not fear, we persevered. We went straight into second series and had our fun in the rain. Teams competed in dodgeball, teatherball, four square, nucomb and archery…even in the rain. As second series was underway, we realized we had to be nimble and go into rainy day mode. We had the greatest rainy UN Day ever…we had UN Day Lip Sync! Each team had a Colt Village performance and a Wrangler Village performance, and the staff from each team split up to join in on the fun. I was lucky enough to participate in the Colt Village Australia dance and it was a blast. Being up on stage with my fellow Aussie teammates was wonderful…our dance was a little bit funny and a lot of bit energetic. And while I am biased as a member of team Australia, I must admit that each and every lip sync, from all four teams, was awesome!

Lucky for us, when the lip sync was over, the sun was back and we began 4th series- the waterfront series. There were swim relays, a blob competition and synchronized swimming performances…a perfect way to end the afternoon. A quick shoutout to Sophie B and Harlow R who had an outstanding showing at the blob competition- it was really something to see!

Finally, after a BBQ dinner, we had “rest-hour” activities, which consisted of all team tug-of-war along with running relays. Tug-of-war, as always, was a brilliant demonstration of team work. And the wheels on our campers & staff during the relays was remarkable.

Following “rest hour” in the South Field, we all headed to the theater for a final round of cheering and the announcement of the winners. Amazingly enough, after a full day of activities- and I mean even more full than normal- the cheers were bursting with spirit and energy…it was crazy! Ireland took fourth place while Spain finished third and South Africa came in second. Yes, it is true…that means Australia won UN Day here at #TheRanch2024.

The day was superb…it is always one of my personal favorites and today did not disappoint! I would like to personally thank Mia and Emma for all of the hard work and planning they put in. The day was enjoyed by all of us, and UN Day will continue to live on as an absolute favorite here at CRC.

Okay, that’s all I have to report from UN Day 2024 here on Dam Lake. Just in case I wasn’t clear, the day was extraordinary! Thanks for reading…talk to you all soon :).

Happy Camping and Love,

Sari