The Sari Diaries- Sunday 7/16/17

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

It feels good to be writing The Sari Diaries live from the second session at #TheRanch2017. I truly do not know where the time went over the last four weeks but the good news is that we have four more. Soph-Aloaf is working on a mechanism to slow time down, so hopefully that will work and we can make this second session last for awhile. Even if that doesn’t happen, I am confident that we will have a spectacular time and create memories that last a lifetime over the course of the next 25 days. Today was a good indication of the fun that is to come, and I am excited to tell you all about it!

This morning, as we loaded the buses at Highland Park High School, most of the staff were back at camp getting things ready for the start of second session. Job charts were being made, bunk beds were being moved and counselors were getting hyped to meet their new campers. There were drop-offs throughout the morning, and as campers arrived, they made puppy chow and played games. Then at about 3pm, the buses arrived! We sang “We Welcome You to Chippewa” as campers excitedly exited the buses. Once cabins were announced, it felt like everything was officially rolling.

Walking around camp, I had the chance to play basketball with Cameron B, Dylan B and Mckenzie S. The cabin of Cactus was enjoying some good hammock time…apparently the hammocks are their favorite place to hang! I then ran into some campers and staff from Copper Stripes. Joslyn A and Chandler S were giving a tour to their new cabinmate- Vida C. They were ecstatic to show her all around her new home away from home!

At dinner, we had the traditional first night meal (spaghetti). Lakeview went from table to table helping cabins sing their cabin song…energy was high- that’s for sure! After dinner we had our Opening Friendship Fire. There was a talking contest in which Sarah D and Samantha G competed. It was one of the more impressive showings that I can remember. It ended in a tie after a whole lot of constant talking from both of them! For the keylog ceremony, Leah R had the very important responsibility of holding the microphone for every person who threw in a keylog to bond the city they are from with CRC. It was cute and very sweet!

The night ended with s’mores, cabin bonding and some much needed rest. I walked around camp looking for the perfect s’more sticks with Lily A, Maddie B and Audry L. Eventually we found some, and everyone enjoyed their first s’more of second session! Then, Soph-Aloaf and I wandered through the South Field cabins to find many happy campers getting ready for bed. There were some great camper-counselor interactions happening and friendships are clearly already being formed!

So that’s the deal for us from 8258 County O. It was an incredible start to what is sure to be an incredible final four weeks for us! Thanks for checking-in…talk to you all tomorrow.

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari