Stories of adventure, brotherhood, and growth from Camp Chippewa. Join us to learn more about the power of the outdoors, why summer camp matters, and much more!
Jacob's Five Favorite Things About Camp Chippewa
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Hello Reader, Welcome back to our series on the Top 5 things we love about camp. If you missed our previous Top 5 lists, you can view Sam's and mine (Ryan). Up next is the incredible Jacob Endres. You may have heard from Jacob recently in one of his gentle reminders about completing your camp forms by April 30th. You are not alone- I just finished mine last week. 🙂 He is also the mastermind behind our tripping program and ensures all of our boys have an incredible time on the trail. We hope you enjoy Jacob’s 5 Favorite Things at Chippewa! Living by the Lake I suppose it’s not too complicated why waterfront property is so expensive. It’s amazing. And we are so lucky to be on two lakes at Camp Chippewa. I get to take a dip in cool, clear water every morning and evening. I get to hear the loons call throughout the night. I get to wake up with the sunrise and go to bed with the sunset. I get to live in sync with the lake's natural rhythms. Moments of Community Camp provides time each day to gather together and share in something as a community. We sit down to a family-style meal three times each day. We pass food back and forth. We engage in conversations ranging from the deeply meaningful to the absolutely meaningless. We gather to share reports from each cabin’s canoe trip. We hear stories that bring back memories of trips when we were young, and we hear stories that spark dreams of trips we can’t wait to take when we are older. Gathering together strengthens our feeling of community. Spontaneous Play Camp offers opportunities for spontaneous play. Want to strike a few tennis balls before lunch? Want to toss a few washers during hamburger night? Want to get a game of pickup going on the basketball court? Want to throw the frisbee down in the Ivy Bowl? At camp, the answer can always be “Yes!” Pride in Performance Passing ranks at camp has been a tradition as long as I can remember. There is certainly a need for some activities without ranks, and I’m glad we offer them, but the ability to pass ranks affords each camper the opportunity to see measurable growth and feel genuine pride. It’s good to feel proud of yourself, especially when you accomplish something challenging. Passing your Bar 1 and beginning to shoot in the seated position, or earning your First Mate and skippering a boat by yourself, are both examples of how Camp Chippewa lets you have healthy pride in your growth and achievements. I have never been to another summer camp with fresh, delicious food made from scratch. The kitchen staff we have are second to none. I’m quite confident there isn’t a single camper or counselor who doesn’t have the food at Camp Chippewa on their list of favorite things at camp. If you have any questions or need assistance with your camp forms, you can connect with Jacob at jacob@campchippewa.com. Up next is Will Norris, and it will hit your inboxes next week. Mentally already at a family-style meal in Knutson Hall, Ryan P.S. I love chatting about all things camp. If we haven’t connected yet (or recently), feel free to grab some time on my calendar. |
Camp Chippewa for Boys
Stories of adventure, brotherhood, and growth from Camp Chippewa. Join us to learn more about the power of the outdoors, why summer camp matters, and much more!
Like most important moments at Camp Chippewa, a boy's last summer as a camper is marked by a rite of passage. For as many as ten summers at camp, he has launched his canoe from shore, venturing on a greater adventure each year. Now, before he begins his senior year of high school, he and his cabinmates will embark on a journey far to the north, paddling a waterway with deep historical ties to the voyageurs and first peoples before them. After being flown by floatplane to a wilderness lake,...
6:00 am. The alarm sounds, and I reach over to silence it. Before I even open my eyes, my mind begins to churn with all the tasks for the day ahead of me. I think through each meal and its many components: “Did I get the bread out of the freezer?” “Has the meat been thawed?” “Oh yes, I need to communicate with that trip leader and ask if he needs a frozen dinner for the first night of their trip.” I enter the kitchen and almost methodically open the various windows and doors and turn on the...
Camp Chippewa is special for more reasons than one can describe in a few paragraphs. In the shortest form, camp’s mission is focused around adventure, tradition, and character. They sum up camp beautifully. But I often feel a vital aspect is missing from that phrase. Adventure is found in every paddle stroke, every campfire, every morning dip, every arrow that finds its mark. Tradition flows from morning table grace songs to coveted tams earned, to Taps played each evening before lights out....