Hello Reader,

Today, I (Sam) was texting with a staff member who recently moved to Los Angeles. His exact words: “LA is great, but it’s missing a Cass Lake.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. There really is no place like Cass Lake in the summer.

After reading that text, I was daydreaming about all the things I have been missing—and am now looking forward to—at camp.

With the “Year of the Woodsman” beginning in just a couple of months, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite things about Camp Chippewa. Granted, it is impossible to pick one favorite thing. These are just the first five I thought of.

My Five Favorite Things at Camp:

1. Dip time, which takes place at the beginning and end of every day. There is nothing like jumping into the clear, fresh water of Cass Lake. It is invigorating in the morning and cleansing in the evening. No wonder so many boys never miss a dip!
2. When someone drops a tray of food or dishes in the dining hall. Every time, you expect to hear a chorus of public humiliation like you would in a school cafeteria, but at Camp Chippewa, no one laughs, claps, or jeers. Instead, you see staff and campers alike immediately heading over to help the boy who dropped the tray. It is an impactful lesson for the new campers, showing them that Camp is a place where we look out for each other. What happens after a tray is dropped embodies our community.
3. Playing sports in the Ivy Bowl in the evening.
4. When a younger camper stands up to be recognized in Knutson Hall, but is still shorter than the older boys sitting around them, the nearest counselor encourages them to stand up on top of the bench. Looking at the little guy while the whole camp applauds their accomplishment, you can see their sense of joy and belonging from a mile away.
5. Hearing the call of loons out on the lake while falling asleep.

Later, you’ll hear Ryan, Jake, and Will’s Top Five lists. Maybe this will inspire some dinner table conversations for your family!

Kindly,

Sam

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