August 11 - 13, 2006 – Highlights from the 2006 Chippewa Trail Reunion

Those wacky campers are still at it! Reunion 2006 got off to a lovely start on Friday night with a beautiful sunset. The reunionites ate dinner outside and sang songs after the meal, just like the old days. Well, actually not quite like the old days.  I couldn’t help but hear that Linnea Kettler Brunk kept singing Shorty’s part during ‘Hand Me Down.’ Still, Linnea earns an A plus for enthusiasm!

Later, Deb Jordan Bryan’s husband, Steve, built a roaring campfire in the pit next to the old Dutch Oven. The campers had a great night singing songs, sharing Chippewa memories, eating ‘Smores and getting doused with that unmistakable woodsmoke smell.  However, I’m sorry to report that while the Chippewa alums clearly know how to build a fire and keep a fire going, they are a little lax on putting a fire out. It seems that the next morning, the embers were still burning and smoke still rising from the firepit. Do you think Deb’s fellow cabin owners would have elected her Neighbor of the Month if the property had gone up in flames? 

During breakfast on Saturday morning, I heard some alums plotting future reunions and Lisa Schwartz came up with a great idea for ‘Chippewa Trail Fantasy Camp.’  In Lisa’s fertile imagination, you would drive down the hill at camp to be met by the counselor of your choice, clipboard in hand, who would make your Chippewa Dreams come true. Always wanted to be in Tonda? Poof! You’re in Tonda! Never got a Secret Part at Indian Council? Poof! You’re Medicine Man!  Feeling low because you were never picked to turn out the lights? Poof! Shorty is saying wonderful things about you and asking you to flip the switch at the end of Log. I think it’s a great idea and in Billy the Brown Bat’s fantasy camp, you girls are the ones sleeping upside down by your toenails from a 30 foot bell tower while I’m snuggled in a nice warm bed in the Lodge.

I felt a bit sorry for Renee Bator at the reunion. She awoke to the Million Dollar Morning on Saturday and decided to take a run over to Lake Skegamog. Upon her return, sweating and glistening with the glow of good health, she was subjected to the gentle teasing of her fellow reunionites who wondered why she would ever think to ruin a perfectly good morning by getting her heart-rate up.  They mocked and heckled her, all while stuffing their faces with glazed donuts. Ever wonder who the Last Chippewa Camper will be in years to come? I’m putting my money on Renee.