Alumni Spotlight- September 2024

This month’s Alumni Spotlight features Beverly (Shulman) Ross and Emily (Shulman) Marder- sisters whose love of CRC hasn’t faded over the years! This summer, they brought their families to Family Camp, where they were able to experience the magic of Chippewa through a new lens. A big thank you to Bev and Emily for your continued enthusiasm about camp and dedication to the CRC community! Read a bit about Bev and Emily below- both their memories from their time at camp as well as some information about their lives now.

What years were you at CRC?
Bev: 1994-1999 and 2002.
Emily: 1997-2009.

Which summer was your favorite and why?
Bev: My favorite summer was my CIT summer. It was awesome to be a counselor and create new friendships with co-counselors from other age groups. That summer was also super special because many of my cousins came to camp that year.
Emily: 2000. I was in Horseshoe and our cabin had the best time and laughed all day, everyday.

What is your favorite camp memory?
Bev: Being in Lakeview, sitting on the floor of the cabin making decorations for Chippy Awards and 4th of July. So much glitter! I loved painting those huge gigantic murals with paint pucks and the endless creativity that went into creating themes for events.
Emily: There isn’t one memory that sticks out but a few that just bring back the feeling of camp- that feeling of butterflies in your stomach, a full heart, an ear to ear smile… the morning wake up of pots and pans on the 4th of July, UN Day, being a counselor with the same girls for their entire camper journey and surprising them at the cabin assignments their Lakeview summer that I was back for their final summer as campers, being with my sister and cousins at camp, playing jacks or stationery blackjack, and sitting on the Daisy.

What was your favorite activity at camp?
Bev: My favorite camp activities were waterskiing, climbing wall, and arts & crafts. I also was a lifeguard for many summers.
Emily: The climbing wall, I was obsessed! I climbed so fast as a camper I one time had to wear my harness to the mess hall for lunch!

Were you a Tan or a White?
Bev: We’ve got the might!
Emily: White, and then a neutral!

Where do you live now?
Bev: Highland Park.
Emily: Deerfield, IL.

What do you do?
Bev: I am a recruiter focusing in the design space.
Emily: I am an event planner. In my last role I used to say I was a camp director with a corporate budget :)

You both attended Family Camp 2024. What was you favorite part?
Bev: Family Camp was magical. Getting to experience camp with my husband and kids, my sister, brother in law and nephew might be my favorite experience at Chippewa to date! Watching the kids fall in love with all things camp from waterskiing, horseback riding, archery, arts & crafts, campfires, and more was truly the best.
Emily: My favorite part was getting to see camp through my son, Abe, and my nephews and niece’s eyes. You could see the magic and love for camp the moment they stepped “off the bus.” It brought me back to the beginning of my camping experience and filled me with so much joy. Getting to experience that with my husband, sister and brother in law was something I will always cherish and hope to continue doing!

What do you miss most about camp?
Bev: The feeling of losing track of days and being totally uninhibited.
Emily: Being carefree and spending the summer with my family and best friends, no responsibilities, no worries.

Anything else you want to share with your Chippy family?
Bev: Camp is the best we are so lucky to be a part of such a unique shared experience. I cherish it and I hope you do too!
Emily: Being at camp as an adult is always rejuvenating for me. it allows your inner child to come alive and reminds you how important it is to live in the moment. I am so grateful for Chippewa and for the lifelong friends I’ve made and those that are now here in spirit.