Update from Camp Chippewa - history, tradition and pizza parties in the Wisconsin wilderness…

Kate - Climbing co-director, Camp Chippewa

"I am so sorry it has taken this long to get back to you about Chippewa camp life but it has been crazy and internet access is scarce."

Getting here …
"Arriving at camp was exciting: driving 7 hours from Chicago to Eagle River Wisconsin with other international staff was a complete buzz. We bonded within hours because we were all in the same place with the same purpose: to share our time with young girls and give them the time of their lives."

Meeting the challenge of a lifetime…
"I’m sure many challenges I’ve faced at Chippewa are universal, but some are quite unique. I was promoted to climbing director as I had more experience than the girl doing the job. At times it is exhausting work! The camp directors and senior staff have supported me through the whole process and have been recognising the work I have been putting in. I am still able to get the time off I deserve and have the luxury of taking the camp van or car out to the local towns when we need to."

It’s not all ice-cream and pizza parties…
"Chippewa is a great camp with a lot of history and traditions. The programs they put on for the girls are wonderful and the staff members have just as much fun or even more fun than the campers! We are spoilt: taken out for ice-cream and meals, have pizza parties and are allowed to use any of the camp equipment we like."

Time flies when you’re climbing walls …
"Time has flown in the last week or so, and my girls go home on Thursday this week. I am then staying on to instruct for a two week Gymnastic camp, where the staff will get even more freedom."

What next? I’ll be back!
"I hope this give a bit of an insight into my experience so far. I’m planning on travelling on a Trek America tour after camp, and would love to return to Chippewa next year and travel on a world ticket before and after camp in 2007."

Kate
Chippewa Ranch Camp, WI

Camp life may be finishing for another year, but the memories will live on. Watching one last sunrise over Camp Chippewa’s lake, Kate reflects on her love of camp, the lessons she learnt and the trials of a secret camp romance…

"Full Camp experience- that’s an understatement! I will definitely get in contact with IEP when I get back to Australia in September. I won’t be overstaying my visa, I miss my family too much…"

Why did you decide to do Summer Camp USA?

"Summer camp is a chance to travel overseas and meet fantastic like-minded interesting people from all over the world. Spend time with kids of ages 8 to 17 and work with counsellors, some of whom you get along while others set you challenges. Teach children; share your passion for your favourite activities and the love of camp life. At camp you become part of a new family, with friends you keep for a lifetime. Good times can be found with your new mates at the local pub, watching your camper accomplish a goal, spending time with girls from other cabins, paddling down a river with your cabin, watching the sunrise over the lakefront, finding romance at camp and trying to keep it a secret or just getting involved with all the fun camp activities that are put on."

Why did you choose IEP and BUNAC?

"The support through the whole experience has been amazing. They have 24 hour help if required and a company representative visited me at camp to see how things were going. Always knowing that there is someone only a phone call away, is a great comfort. The staff members are excitable and enthusiastic about getting you over to the US and making the most of the experience. Thanks!"

Kate