Dear Campers,

Well, summer has finally caught the last plane for Florida and we are smack-dab in the middle of my favorite time of year. Yes, campers, it’s Halloween! I love it all – the crisp fall air, the bright orange and red leaves, and all that free candy.

I’m madly working on my costume for this year’s Chippewa Trail Camp Halloween party. I had a few stops and starts. My first idea was to go as Paris Hilton, but the blond wigs really impaired my flying ability. Then I thought I’d go as Suri Cruise, but the diapers kept riding up. So, I opted for the tried and the true. I’m going as…wait for it… Batman! What? You’ll never know it’s me!

I hope all you former campers and counselors had a wonderful summer. As you know, a CTC reunion was held in August and a wonderful time was had by all. This year’s reunion featured a wide variety of activities. Linnea Kettler Brunk brought her original, vintage Chippewa Trail Camp canoe back to the shores of Elk Lake. An arts and crafts session included something that I don’t recall being a part of the Chippewa Trail experience back in the day – cocktails! And a group of intrepid reunionites made a valiant effort to relive their horseback riding days. A local ranch offered horses and riding trails. Unfortunately, our alums have lost a step when it comes to reading a compass or a map. Seems they got lost and missed their appointment with the ponies. I’m thinking a refresher course in orienteering is in order for the next reunion.

And speaking of the next reunion, I want to remind you all that next year marks the 80^th anniversary of Chippewa Trail Camp for Girls, the Finest Camp in Michigan. I remember that first summer of 1927 – the camp looked a little different then, there weren’t as many campers as would come each subsequent summer, but we knew then that we were on to something special. T Morgan had a vision; Shorty, and later, Susan, carried that vision to new and wonderful heights, and all of you campers and counselors gave Chippewa that special spirit that carries on to this day.

I don’t know if there’s going to be a formal 2007 CTC reunion, but I hope you’ll all plan to drop by the camp property and toast Chippewa’s 80^th birthday in whatever way you can. Remember that Deb Jordan Bryan now owns the Lodge and she has created a wonderful home filled with CTC memorabilia. Contact Deb if you’re interested in renting the Lodge for a mini-reunion with your pals-good-old-pals. Stop by the Chippewatrailcamp.com site for details on getting in touch with Deb.

Well, that’s all from the Belltower. Have a happy and safe Halloween and don’t be surprised if you see a mini-Batman at your door yelling Trick or Treat!

Your friend,

Billy