The Sari Diaries- Wednesday 7/29/26

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

Our day here at #TheRanch2026 was really something…we did a little bit of this and a little bit of that…so much goodness! We celebrated two birthdays…a camper counselor duo in Lucky-X…Schuyler C turned 10 while Olivia R turned 16! As for the day, here’s how it went…

This morning after a wonderful cabin clean-up (yes Horseshoe got a perfect score again), we gathered at the Center Fire Circle to learn our Kahuna Day Teams. Kahuna Day is tomorrow and we are pumped! The teams include Wonder Woman, She Hulk, Black Widow and Bat Girl…don’t you love it?! After teams were announced, we had team meetings to learn cheers and sign-up for activities. It is going to be an epic day and we can’t wait!

Lunch initiated the start of a very, very special event- the celebration of Cliff & Lisa’s 20 Years of Owner and Directorship at CRC. The festivities began with the entire staff wearing commemorative t-shirts and welcoming Lisa & Cliff into the Adler Lodge with the whole camp singing, “We Love You Cliff & Lisa.” After a delicious grilled cheese lunch, we headed to the Center Fire Circle for a short but sweet ceremony. Ruth (Cliff’s mom) along with Audry and Viv (Cliff & Lisa’s daughters) spoke beautifully about Cliff & Lisa, and the impact they have had. We then presented the two of them with a Keylog Box, which had Keylog contributions from generations of Chippies and their families along with a plaque honoring their commitment to CRC, which now lives in the Office at the Top of the Hill.

Both Lisa and Cliff have been clear that they did not want some big show to celebrate this milestone, and so we did our best to tastefully honor their incredible dedication to our summer home without going over the top. That being said, I would like to take a moment in this post to get a little mushy and gushy about these two. Twenty years is a long time to do anything, but twenty years owning and directing a summer camp is next level loyalty. They have made it their life’s mission to help Chippewa campers and staff live and grow in a safe, supportive and fun community. They took the torch of a summer camp that meant so much to generations of Chippies and honored its traditions while keeping it cutting edge in every sense. They have fostered a true family feel in a community of over 300 people, while ensuring a sense of structure that allows campers to feel secure and cared for. On a personal note, I could not be more appreciative for Lisa & Cliff…their leadership has allowed me the opportunity to do exactly what I love in my very favorite place with people that I love. So, Cliff & Lisa- if you are reading this, please know that I am so grateful for the two of you…thank you from me and from Chippies past, present and future for making Chippewa what it is- a magical home away from home!

Fittingly at the end of the Center Fire Circle Ceremony, we learned the results of Realm! The Tans won Realm X and the top scorers included Maya G (Lakeview) in first place, Emma S (Horseshoe) in second place and Jenna W (Lakeview) in third place. This is a huge accomplishment- these three have mastered the game of Realm! One other quick Realm note and correction from a previous post…I indicated that Olivia W (A-Frame) found the Yellow Dragon, when in reality, it was Lexa T (Timber Walk) and Remi R (Copper Stripes). It was in fact true that Olivia had done a ton of research and she correctly predicted where it was hidden and she ran it back to the castle. That said, she realized today that I had given her acknowledgement for this and she wanted to make sure that Lexa and Remi got the credit that they deserved. Pretty cool of her…right?!

In honor of Lisa & Cliff’s 20 Year, this afternoon was filled with everybody’s favorite- ALL CAMP CATHY’S and tubing…campers were in heaven!

And tonight, Camp Timberlane joined us for a social and to watch the CRC production of Shrek Jr the Musical. The show was outstanding…like unbelievable. I am in awe that given the small number of rehearsals that we ended up having leading up to tonight that the performance was so entertaining a flawless. A huge shout-out to the cabin of Lakeview who very enthusiastically participated. So many of them have an impressive stage presence and some excellent vocal skills. Poppy D played Young Fiona and she was marvelous up on that stage. The entire cast had the crowd laughing and engaged…it was amazing!

As I made my way back to the office this evening, I was stopped by the cabins of Bowed Legs and C-C who were circled up around the “spinny thing” on the playground meditating. They had calm music going and campers were walking one another through breathing exercises. I stopped by to join them, and it honestly felt great. They are quite the cute and fun age group!

That’s about all for now…another busy and fantabulous day at CRC. Thanks for reading!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari