Camp Chippewa for Boys

Great Work in the Great Outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 23:56:00 +0000

Here's a great short video from Stomping Ground about the benefits of working at summer camps. After many years working for and around camps in just about every capacity, we can say they're absolutely right. Whether you've gone to camp as a kid, or never attended one in your life, the joy of camp continues on staff. Learn leadership, problem solving, and how to work with people - while having a great time to boot. Find out more about joining our team at http://campchippewa.com/join/staff.

A Difference of Opinion: New Authority Figures at Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 23:37:00 +0000

Camping legend Dr. Michael Thompson (no, not that Michael Thompson) wrote a great article about the benefits kids can receive from different authority figures in their lives. Dr. Thompson praises the ability of camps to provide a wide variety of role models for kids – from counselors to CLTs and older campers – and gives kids a chance to learn outside of the (often tired) environments of school and adults. Check out his take on new role models here.

First Times at Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 03:16:00 +0000

First time campers open the door to a whole new world of experiences. Cody Hill’s account of his first year at summer camp illustrates the profound effects of a child’s first exposure to camp. Even years later, Cody vividly recalls his first days at camp, and the way his counselors and fellow campers helped turned his anxieties into successes. The “secret ingredient” is simply camp’s role as an enabling force in the lives of children. Chippewa brings boys into the woods of Cass Lake and Hudson Bay, and lets them find the wonder of the world around them, and ability they didn’t know they had. You can read more about his experience here, and to learn about how to start the journey, please visit our website at www.campchippewa.com.

150 Days and the Importance of Play

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 23:44:00 +0000

In just 150 days, Cass Lake will be open for business, and the first group of campers will be taking a dip after the opening game of scatterball. Get excited: Summer '17 is on the way!

As we look ahead and plan for the summer, we're finding more and more research that supports what summer camps do. Take, for example, this article from the American Camping Association:

http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/imagine-child-tree-fertilize-unstructured-outdoor-play-character-development

This article from the ACA describes the benefits of unstructured playtime as researched by the Let’s Inspire Innovation n’ Kids (LiiNK) project. LiiNK found that increasing the time children had for free play during school hours, socialization, emotional maturity, and creativity were all increased, along with stronger physical development and appreciation of the outdoors. The multifaceted benefits of free play translated into more efficient classroom environments and students who were more open to learning STEM material.

Chippewa delivers a concentrated, extended dose of free play and problem solving for our campers, chasing the same goals as the LiiNK project. Inspiring campers to play freely from Cedar Island to improvised golf courses on the Canadian trail, Chippewa helps create more creative, confident boys, well equipped for the years to come.

For more information on the LiiNK program, you can check out their website here. And for more info on how you can come and play with us in Summer '17, please visit our website at www.campchippewa.com.

It's All About the Story

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:17:00 +0000

81 years of offering boys the opportunity to discover adventure and discover themselves at Camp Chippewa, has given master story teller JP plenty of material. Clearing the Ivy Bowl. Digging the Cass Lake-Buck Lake canal. Climbing the Sentinel Pine. Paddling through, or around, Lake Winnie. Or crossing the Atlantic in a troop transport ship in WWII. Whatever the story, each passing year, these stories become even more legendary. Whether it's around a campfire (grading hotdogs), in Cass'L, or in Knutson Hall, JP will always be ready to tell a story.

Show your support with Amazon Smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 23:24:00 +0000

As the holiday season kicks into full gear this week, we'd like to encourage you to consider Camp Chippewa when you do your online shopping. Camp Chippewa participates in Amazon Smile, a program where a portion of your proceeds is donated directly to the charity of your choice. When you shop on Amazon Smile, you get access to all of the same great things you'll see on Amazon, plus you get the added benefit of supporting great causes like Camp Chippewa. It's super easy to setup! First, go to smile.amazon.com, then select "Camp Chippewa Foundation" as the organization you'd like the support. Once you've done that, shop to your heart's content knowing that a portion of every purchase you make will go to supporting the wonderful place that is Camp Chippewa.

We appreciate your continuous support of camp, and we hope you'll take this one small step to continue to support what we do. Thank you!

A busy week for camp!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 21:57:00 +0000

This week is jam packed with exciting things for camp!

First, on Tuesday, November 15th, it's International Camp Shirt Day! Wear your Chippewa gear and proudly represent camp wherever you are! Snap a picture and share it with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Make sure you use the hashtag #camptshirtday!

Then, on Thursday, November 17th, it's Give to the Max Day, a great opportunity to support nonprofits who really make a difference in our lives and communities. Find out more information here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/campchippewa.

Also on Thursday, Mike and Mary and one of our current families will be hosting an open house in the Lincoln, Nebraska area. Stop by, say hi, relive the fun of summers past, and make plans for the summers yet to come!

Finally, on Friday, November 18th, come and visit Mike, Mary, and some of your favorite friends from camp out in Lawrence, Kansas! Share the memories of last summer, and start making plans for the next one!

You can keep up with these and all of our other events by visiting our website, http://www.campchippewa.com/events, and by checking out our Facebook page.

Polls show shift in Cookie mood

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 20:07:00 +0000

Chocolate Chip’s Lead Shrinks; Iced Maple and Monster Support Swells

Associated Press – August 6^th, 2016

CAMP CHIPPEWA – With just one day left before official polling, a sudden upswing among two trailing candidates indicates all is not certain in the Great Cookie Vote of 2016.

According to the NBC News poll of upper camp, support for Chocolate Chip stands at 34%--the lowest thus far leading up to the election. Overall, this number marks a 16-point drop from initial polls, suggesting that while still strong, support for Chocolate Chip is fading.

Meanwhile, support for two trailing candidates shows a marked upswing. Iced Maple and Monster each polled at 18%--double the amount of support found in the most recent poll.

“The numbers say it all,” said Iced Maple Campaign Manager Karl Maher. “The Iced Maple has always been there for us, and people are finally starting to realize it.”

Write-ins inconsistent and controversial

While previous polls have shown a low but consistent support for unofficial candidate Cereal cookie, supporters could not be found in this poll. Instead, a small group of potential voters indicated their favorite cookie to be Snickerdoodle.

“Even though Snickerdoodle’s campaign is struggling, I know there are people out there who like Snickerdoodle the best,” said self-appointed Snickerdoodle Campaign Manager Jack Deneen. Snickerdoodle has not declared any official candidacy.

Another unofficial candidate receiving votes is the Mars Bar. However, many question whether or not Mars Bar could officially be named the Best Cookie in Camp should it win the election.

“Official rules state that only cookies qualify for the title of the Best Cookie in Camp,” said Election Commissioner Sutton Stewart. “If Mars Bar receives the most votes, a panel of officials would have to decide whether or not Mars Bar meets the qualifications. If [the panel] finds that it does not, then the candidate that receives the next highest vote total will be named the winner.”

Crinkle faces questions

While polls indicate minimal support for the controversial Mars Bar campaign, one of the leading candidates is facing a similar scrutiny.

“A lot of people think the Crinkle Cookie is really a brownie,” said Unofficial Chocolate Chip Fanboy Ryan Scheibmeir. “I’d like to see its birth certificate to prove otherwise.”

The Crinkle campaign has so far refused to share any documents but assert that the cookie meets all the requirements for candidacy.

In the NBC News poll, Chocolate Crinkle received 13% of the vote, and Peanut Butter received just 3%.

Voters will make their official decision on Sunday.

Camp Chippewa Cookie Vote August 7

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 02:34:00 +0000

All-Staff Poll Shows Continuing Support for Chocolate Chip

Associated Press – August 4^th, 2016

CAMP CHIPPEWA – A poll of all staff at Camp Chippewa shows strong support for the Chocolate Chip cookie.

Among the five main candidates, chocolate chip maintains a healthy lead, polling at 45%. This compares to 35% in the CBS/Sentinel News poll from just a few days ago. This number has fluctuated widely, and with a margin of error at ±10%, it is hard to tell exactly what numbers Chocolate Chip can expect in the poll.

“It’s possible that we are being lulled into a false sense of security [with Chocolate Chip’s lead],” said Elections Expert Will Norris.

One number that has remained fairly constant across all polls is the level of support for Chocolate Crinkle. Crinkle polled at 17% among All Staff. This compares to 18% in the CBS/Sentinel News poll and 19% in the Reuters/CC poll from earlier this week.

Write-in campaign takes shape

The CNN All-Staff Poll indicates continued support for the unofficial candidate Cereal Cookie. Despite not having declared candidacy, Cereal polled at an all-time high, earning 13% of the vote on its own. Only one ‘other’ unofficial candidate received any votes.

“The cereal cookie is one of my favorites,” said Camp Baker Paula Snow. “I know everyone likes chocolate chip, but I think people should give cereal another chance.”

Finally on the board

The CNN All-Staff Poll revealed the first instance of support for the Peanut Butter cookie. While receiving just 4%, the support provides enough stimulus to quash rumors that the candidate will drop out of the race. Even so, Peanut Butter faces an uphill battle if it hopes to topple the front-runner, Chocolate Chip.

“It seems Peanut Butter supporters are finally coming out of the woodwork,” said Election Commissioner Sutton Stewart. “It will be crucial for them to show up on Election Day if they hope to make a stand.”

Supporters of Iced Maple and Monster will likewise have to deliver votes if their candidates are to do well. Poll numbers for each are at 9%--the lowest amount of support yet for either cookie.

“I’m confident that we can turn things around,” said Iced Maple Campaign Manager Karl Maher. “We want to continue spreading the word, and we know that more undecided voters will come around to support us.”

With just days left ahead of Sunday’s election, it’s clear that each of the campaigns will be ramping up their efforts to secure as many votes as possible.

CNN All Staff Poll, 8/4/2016

Counselor Blog 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:12:00 +0000

Last week, Wednesday afternoon, as dark ominous clouds swarmed the sky, the first local canoe trip of the year took to the waters of the Crow Wing River. Through lashing rain and searing sun, the boys of Sooner Cabin paddled defiantly, all the while keeping a count of the turtles for which the river is famous.

Having missed the second night's campsite, we pushed on, tackling many miles and countless rapids before falling exhausted around a campfire. As the flames gave way to ambers, a pack of wolves howled on the far bank. Their somber song piercing the night's silence and signaling the end of the heroic day.

-Will Bowes-McTear

Counselor Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:12:00 +0000

One week into the 2016 camping season and Chippewa is alive with the joyous cries of campers being launched from the thrill matt, chased among the pine of lower camp or locked in a painfully close game of table tennis. There is a buzz—a hum of liberation: of elation about camp, an irresistible mist of gleeful anticipation which seeps through the cracks in the weathered wooden walls of the cabins, engaging all who feel its touch.

The wealth of talent and more notably, of potential, is tangible with not a single meal going by without the announcement of some new feat of excellence. As the sun sets in the west, the moon casts its soft glow over the shimmering waters of Cass Lake and the “dipper” within. Its conquest across an ocean of stars counts down the hours of another day which promises to be rife with opportunity. The ship has set sail, but this journey is only just beginning.

-Will Bowes-McTear

Camp Is Under Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 03:00:00 +0000

Preparing for Little Churchill

Excitement mounts as campers from Athabasca cabin prepare for Sunday morning's departure. I'm already looking forward to hearing stories when they return--proudly wearing their Black Erskine tams.

2016

Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa

Hey Chicago!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:34:00 +0000

Come join us for pizza tonight!

Talk with some of our counselors, relive the memories of camp, and get excited about the upcoming summer. Haven't been to camp yet? Come and meet us to see what we're all about!

Where:

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

1050 E Higgins Road

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

When:

Tonight (Saturday, April 9) at 6 PM

Please let us know if you're coming!

Reply below or (even better!) reply on our facebook page!

Hope to see you there!

Bucks, Brewers? Nope, just Boys Bound for CC

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:31:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in Milwaukee WI

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Maxx Brown's Home

When: Sun., March 6, 2:00-4:00pm
Hosted by: Brown Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, alumni, friends & interested families
Where: 815 E Glen Ave
Whitefishbay WI

Why: Camps are key to developing resiliency

Please RSVP; contact Mike

2016

Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa

CC Blowin' into the Windy City

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:23:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in Evanston IL

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Jack Patterson's Home

When: Sat., March 5, 3:00-5:00pm
Hosted by: Patterson Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, alumni, friends & interested families
Where: 8909 Lincolnwood Dr
Evanston IL

Why: Camps are key to developing self confidence

Please RSVP; contact Mike

2016

Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa

Badger Cabin in Badger Land

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 00:36:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in Madison WI

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Prof. Paula Niedenthal's Home

When: Fri., March 4, 7:00-9:00pm
Hosted by: Niedenthal Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, alumni, friends & interested families
Where: 2411 Norwood Pl
Madison WI

Why: Camps are filled with Adventure
Meet: Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Best selling author of
Whole Brain Child &
No Drama Discipline

Please RSVP; contact Mike

2016

Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa

A Moose wears many Tams

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 01:07:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in Stony Brook NY

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Alumnus Roger Thompson's Home

When: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Hosted by: The Thompson Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, alumni, friends & interested families
Where: 71 Hollow Rd
Stony Brook NY

Why: Camps are filled with Adventure

Please RSVP; contact Mike

Let's take a closer look at a great summer.

Camp Chippewa

2016 Year of the Campfire

Being in Edmond is OK with us!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:51:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in Edmond is OK

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Max Myer's Home

When: Saturday, Jan. 23, 7-9pm
Hosted by: The Myer Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, alumni, friends & interested families
Where: 3325 Findhorn Dr
Edmond OK

Why: Camps are filled with Adventure

Please RSVP; contact Mike

Let's take a closer look at a great summer.

Camp Chippewa

2016 Year of the Campfire

I'm Climbing Higher! How 'bout You?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:38:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa in The Woodlands

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Andres & Mauricio Lazalde's Home

When: Friday, Jan. 22, 7-9pm
Hosted by: The Lazalde Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, friends & interested families
Where: 39 Liberty Branch Blvd
The Woodland TX

Why: Camps are filled with Adventure

Please RSVP; contact Mike

Let's take a closer look at a great summer.

Camp Chippewa

2016 Year of the Campfire

Looking for Sunshine!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 19:14:00 +0000

At Camp Chippewa

Things are Looking UP!

Join Directors Mike and Mary in
Austin TX

When: Wed, Jan. 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Hosted by: Ratliff Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, friends & interested families
Where: 3700 Hampton Rd
Austin TX

Why: Camps are good for the brain

Please RSVP; contact Mike or Mary

Camp Chippewa

See you there...

2016 Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa's Last Minute Gift List

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 06:06:00 +0000

The big day is now less than two weeks away! Got all of your shopping done? If you don't, you're in luck! We've got some great ideas for gifts to buy your favorite camper. And because 2016 is the Year of the Campfire, all of our gifts have something to do with fire (it's okay, mom--they're also all safe).

There's nothing quite like sitting around a campfire. The warm glow of the flames, the friendships made and the fun had. There's nothing more magical. Unless, of course, that campfire starts changing colors! No, it's not Harry Potter tapping into the floo network--it's our first suggestion for a gift.

Mystical Fire Campfire Color Packets - $11.49 (Amazon)

Maybe colored fire isn't your thing. Or maybe your camper isn't so little anymore and is ready to hit the Canadian wilderness. Maybe he's even developed his own taste for adventure away from camp. Any outdoor adventurer needs to have a good fire starter in his or her possession, and that's exactly what we have for our next suggestion:

Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter - $11.23 (Amazon)

One of the best parts about campfires is sitting around them and making s'mores. If you don't have a campfire, though, making the perfectly toasted marshmallows for really good s'mores is a difficult task--until now! With this next suggestion, you can have s'mores right at your dining room table. Check it out:

Casa Moda S'mores Maker - $44.99 (Amazon)

Back to that "sitting around a campfire" idea, since we've mentioned it a lot. When you're out on the trail, there really aren't many good places to sit: a log, a rock, a log on a rock. Wouldn't it be better if there was something a little more comfortable? Wouldn't it be great to bring a chair along? Lo and behold, just such a chair exists, and it's perfect for bringing on any trip.

TrekUltra Camp Chair - $69.95 (Amazon)

A campfire is something truly wonderful. It's the one place at the end of the day that any camper looks forward to. It means food and friendship and fun and rest. It's the place where accomplishments of the day are reflected upon and the goals of tomorrow are forged. When it comes down to it, there's no replacement for the real deal. Why not bring a little campfire home?

Landmann USA Wildlife Firepit - $106.22 (Amazon)

We hope you've enjoyed our gift suggestions! Maybe we've inspired you, or maybe we haven't. Whatever gifts you choose to get, we hope you have the best of luck in your searching. And remember, when you shop, please help support Camp Chippewa by shopping on Amazon Smile. You can sign up for Amazon Smile by visiting smile.amazon.com.

Happy Holidays!

Summer 2016, the Year of the Campfire, is just around the corner! Have you signed up for camp yet? Visit www.campchippewa.com to reserve your spot or to find out more!

Did you know...

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 04:34:00 +0000

...that you can help Camp Chippewa just by shopping?

It's true! Thanks to Amazon Smile, you can help support Camp Chippewa just by shopping on Amazon.com. Some of you are already using Amazon Smile since we set it up at the end of last year, and we sincerely appreciate your help! Every little bit helps to sustain the experience that is Camp Chippewa, and for each purchase you've made through Amazon Smile, we thank you.

Not using Amazon Smile yet? It's very easy to enroll! Here's how:

1. Go to Smile.Amazon.com and login with the same username and password you have with Amazon.com or if you don’t already have an account, you can create one here.

2. Upon logging in, the screen below will appear. A number of charitable organizations already registered with Smile are shown. Type “Camp Chippewa Foundation” in the field and click Search.

3. Once you find Camp Chippewa Foundation, click Select.

4. You will be taken to the AmazonSmile page (smile.amazon.com). You can see that you are supporting Camp Chippewa Foundation at the top of the window.

5. You will also receive a confirmation email from Amazon telling you that 0.5% of your eligible purchases with be donated to Camp Chippewa.

6. Ensure each time you wish to purchase something from Amazon that you are logged into smile.amazon.com. Bookmark it!

Happy Shopping, Camp Chippewa family! And thank you for your support!

Thrill and Chill

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:24:00 +0000

Thrill Mat and Chill Mat

Cass Lake is just about the perfect body of water for so many activities. From sailing, skiing, and canoeing, but nothing beats free swim. Thrills on one mat and chills on the other. Whose your buddy? Everyone has one. Look carefully as life guards are on duty.

Camp Chippewa

See you there...

2016 Year of the Campfire

CC Climbs Higher

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:02:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa Aims to Climb Higher

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
George Mason University

When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4-5pm
Hosted by: Kara Danner

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, friends & interested families
Where: 4400 University Drive
Student Union Bldg 1 (Sub 1)
Room 4210
Fairfax, VA

Why: Camps are good for the brain

Please RSVP; contact Mike or Kara

Camp Chippewa

See you there...

2016 Year of the Campfire

Camp Chippewa Under the Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Thompson) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 21:42:00 +0000

Camp Chippewa and Villanova Vibe

Join Directors Mike and Mary at
Cooper Neel's Home

When: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7-8pm
Hosted by: The Neel Family

Who: Chippewa campers, staff, friends & interested families
Where: 725 Church Road
Villanova, PA

Why: Camps are filled with Adventure

Please RSVP; contact Mike

Camp Chippewa

2016 Year of the Campfire