The Sari Diaries- Tuesday 8/4/15

Dear Chippies, Parents, Family and Friends,

We have had quite the day up at CRC and to say our bellies are full would be an understatement! Below are the highlights of our exciting and food-filled day…

1. Before I tell you about today, I must go back to yesterday. The Senior Sailing Team headed to Kawaga for their annual regatta. It is always a good time and our sailors look forward to this event each summer. Yesterday our team came in third place! The girls came back so excited and our Sailing Director, Samantha Schwartz, was very proud of them!

2. At lunch today we surprised Assistant Director, James Stapleton, with his Ten Year celebration. Over the past ten summers, James has dedicated an exorbitant amount of time, energy and care to this camp. He is a person who has demonstrated what it means to think outside yourself and to constantly put others first. James has held a number of jobs around this place and in each position he filled, he made a huge impact on that area of camp and the greater camp community. He brought fishing to Chippewa and I am confident that he was the main reason it became an insanely popular activity so quickly. Soon after that, he became head of male staff and our Operations Manager. James was also Waterfront Director and he definitely brought a new element of safety to our waterfront. Last summer, James came to the rescue and was also a Trip Leader. This was awesome for us as a camp because he is incredibly responsible, but it was also wonderful for the campers and staff because he planned trips that were well organized and fun for everyone. Now, as Assistant Director, he continues to have a hand in all of these roles. He is still the guy the male staff look to for advice, work or support. I can say with confidence that this fantastic group is so cohesive in large part to his leadership. On a personal note, I have had the privilege of “growing up” with James at camp. While we met when we were both adults, over the last ten years, we have definitely changed quite a bit. I feel so lucky to have a friend in James who I get to live and work with four months a year and who I trust beyond words. He means the world to this camp and to me as well :).

3. Tonight we had a little twist on Night Club Night and had a faux-Bat Mitzvah party for Lizzy LoGrande. The theme was LizzyPalooza and the campers absolutely loved it! Lakeview got so into it and it definitely rubbed off on the rest of camp. There was music blasting, Chippies dancing and lots of snack eating (at the dessert table of course). There was a sign-in board and speeches, and everyone was entertained by the whole event. The campers in Boots made black ties out of duct tape in order to dress for the occasion. It was all very cute!

4. At the end of the night, there was a bit of Chippy Theater which ended in the entire camp going to Fudd’s for James’ Ten Year. Fudd’s is a delicious ice cream shop at the end of County O and we decided that it would be fun to change things up and bring #TheRanch2015 there for a late night treat. A good time was had by all and our taste buds appreciated the frozen dessert.

So that’s the story around here today. In addition to all of this, there were tons of sweet moments today between cabinmates, counselors and family members. The feeling of love is definitely in the air in Chippyland and I am so happy to be a part of it!

Okay, thanks for reading…goodnight!

Happy Camping and Love,
Sari