The Sari Diaries- Tuesday 6/17/25

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

I am happy to report that we had a fantastic first full day at #TheRanch2025 and I am excited to tell you all about it…

Meals
-Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs & Bacon
-Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup and Tater Tots
-Dinner: Tacos!

Birthdays
-Payton E turned 10!
-Jayden E turned 10!
-Noa C turned 11!
*These three birthday girls enjoyed a joint birthday party in the Gold Center Theater- the very first birthday party to ever take place in this new and incredible building…the cabins of Cactus and Wagon Ridge were pumped and loved the concessions, the comfy couches, and of course, being together!

What Else Happened Today?!
-This morning, age-groups walked around camp for the official activities tour. They learned the procedures of each activity, took a swim test and got to try their skills around camp. The weather was perfect…well maybe a little bit hot but everyone enjoyed being out in the sun!

-After lunch, we convened at the Center Fire Circle for the opening of Tan & White. The program began with our incredible Neutrals, Emma Goldberg & Camryn Farbman, explaining our summer long color war- its history, the associated energy and their hopes for the Tan & White summer ahead. New campers then each bit into a cupcake to discover either red or white icing inside indicating their lifelong team affiliation.

-This afternoon, we signed up for activities for the first two weeks. Each age group was called down to the Adler Lodge where the tables were set up with different activities. There were staff members located all around to remind campers to sign-up for activities they love and/or want to try and to help them navigate the process. As I looked through the camper schedules, it became clear that we have a ton of well-rounded campers…interests range from landsports to watersports, and from the arts to adventure…I love it!

-While sign-ups were happening, there was plenty of other action around camp. In the South Field, campers played Wall Ball…a Chippewa created dodgeball game. And on the north end of camp, cabins designed cabin flags- they were awesome, and will be proudly displayed in cabins this summer. There were also nucomb games happening on the beach, which were quite competitive (and a little bit silly). All across camp, Chippies were enjoying their time together.

-And this evening, we had the official opening ceremonies of Tan & White. After meeting at the Center Fire Circle, the Tans headed to the South Field while the Whites headed to the North. Each team learned & practiced their slogan and cheers. Sachem speeches were read, and then votes were submitted. When we all met back at the Center Fire Circle, an incredible rendition of “Scarlett Snow” was performed by the Second Year JCs. This is the annual skit portraying the character, Scarlett Snow, who brought the competition and spirit of Tan & White to Chippewa many, many years ago. It was hysterical, and despite the fact that the actual story is the exact same as it has been for ages, the excitement of seeing a new group of performers acting as Scarlett Snow was entertaining for us all!

-To end the evening program, the Neutrals announced the 2025 Tan & White Sachems. A huge congratulations to Brave Sachems Charlie M (White Team) & Winnie K (Tan Team), Hunter Sachems Leni B (White Team) & Ellie C (Tan Team), Warrior Sachems Kedzie Z (White Team) & Emmy R (Tan Team), Chief Sachems Katie M (White Team) & Julia E (Tan Team), and Grand Sachems Sophie B (White Team) & Lucy W (Tan Team). We know that this crew of leaders will help bring an outstanding summerlong competition at CRC!

-The night concluded with some cabin hangs. As I walked around to do “goodnights,” I was so happy to see cabins sitting in circles chit chatting, playing games and talking about their goals for the summer ahead. Cliff, Lisa, Sophie & I went into Lakeview to have our annual meeting with them- to discuss 4th of July, their leadership around camp and how much we believe in this group. It was amazing to listen to their ideas, enthusiasm and passion…we are confident this group is going to rise to what it means to be in Lakeview…we have no doubt that this is an opportunity that they are going to really lean into.

I guess you could say today was pretty awesome…at least through my eyes! The impact of the summer of 2025 is very clearly continuing to develop- partially because it is the natural course of how things go, but mostly it’s because the CRC staff team is doing a truly unbelievable job of helping our campers find connection, challenge, structure and love…it is everywhere around here!

Thanks for reading- check back tomorrow night to read all about our first day of regular activities!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari