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

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

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

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

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