Camp Chippewa For Boys

?? ?? ??? We’d love for you to come by and meet the directors of Camp Chippewa! You'll have a chance to hear from current camp parents and find out why our program could be just the perfect fit for your son. We can't wait to see you there! Summer 2025 is right around the corner! ?? ?? ???

? ?? ?? Camp Chippewa For Boys is #hiring! Know anyone who might be interested? I'm happy to chat and share more about the position.

Summer camp offers kids a fantastic opportunity to develop timeless skills like empathy, courage, responsibility, leadership, independence, and patience. It’s a long and inspiring list that can truly shape their lives! ?? ?? But what about the skills that don’t make it onto motivational posters? The ones that social psychologists are increasingly identifying as essential to well-being? Skills like the ability to do something, even when we don’t want to. For kids, it’s things like homework, chores, or getting ready for school. For adults, it’s paying taxes, showing up to work on time, answering emails, having difficult conversations, or enforcing structure at home. These aren’t just tasks—they’re the foundation of resilience, discipline, and personal growth. When we master the art of doing the hard things, we become better citizens, partners, and humans. And summer camp is where kids start learning this critical life lesson. Curious to learn more? Check out the full article on our blog. https://lnkd.in/efGK9m-x Here’s to raising stronger, more capable young people. ??

"You'll make friends and find people who like the activities that you like." - Peter At camp, connections flourish in every direction—from forging lifelong friendships around the campfire to discovering profound moments of peace in nature's embrace. These meaningful bonds, both human and environmental, remind us of what truly matters beyond our daily routines."

Last summer, a mother hesitated in the guest parking lot. ??? ?? ?? Her son had already run ahead to join his cabinmates, but she lingered, clutching his forgotten sweatshirt. Explore our blog post, where we revisit Dr. Thompson’s insights and share why separation is a vital part of growth: https://lnkd.in/eMXzeKqx?

It is true that?youth development is what we do at Camp Chippewa. ?? ??? It is also true that?parents are still the real MVPs.??? ?? ? We know the most important thing a child can have is at least one secure attachment to a caring adult. Rock on, parents! ? Here is a podcast episode about a game-changing parenting tool featuring our favorite youth development expert (and our very own?Staff Development Trainer!) Tina Payne Bryson, PhD ? The Secret Language of Children?comes from Ginny Yurich's "The 1,000 Hours Outside Podcast." Guests Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent are co-authors of the new book,?"The Way of Play." (https://lnkd.in/g39mqre5). It is all about how play helps kids develop and process emotions. It is the "why" and the "how" behind using play to build emotional resilience, self-management, and social skills. You'll also hear Camp Chippewa mention specifically how our program builds young people's brains!

At camp, life takes a breather, allowing boys to truly embrace their childhood. Amazing things unfold in this wonderfully intentional space as they blossom into confident, curious, and connected young men. Childhood is not a race; it’s a journey.???? ???

Last summer, Jack, a 12-year-old boy, struggled to start a fire in the rain for two hours. His hands were cold, the wood was wet, and his frustration was mounting, but he didn't quit. ?? When the first spark finally caught, and a tiny flame flickered to life, his face lit up brighter than the fire itself. That moment wasn't just about creating heat but about discovering his inner strength.??? ?? Resilience is something we grow through our experiences, not just something we learn from books or classrooms. It blossoms during those challenging moments when we step out of our comfort zones. ?? Pediatrician Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg calls this "The 7 Cs: The Essential Building Blocks of Resilience”— ?? Competence (mastering real skills)? ?? Confidence (not from praise, but from overcoming challenges)? ?? Connection (because we're stronger together)? ?? Character (knowing who you are and what you stand for)? ?? Contribution (discovering you can make a difference)? ?? Coping (finding healthy ways to handle stress)? ?? Control (understanding you can influence your outcomes)? ?? At Camp Chippewa, we don't just talk about these principles—we live them. Every canoe trip, rainstorm, homesick moment, and successful fire build becomes a building block of resilience.? ?? That boy with the fire? Two weeks later, Jack was teaching younger campers his hard-earned techniques. And isn't that the real magic—watching kids overcome challenges and grow confident enough to help others do the same?? ?? When did you first discover your resilience? We'd love to hear your story in the comments.?

Last summer, I watched a mother hesitate in the guest parking lot. Her son had already run ahead to join his cabinmates, but she lingered, clutching his forgotten sweatshirt. "Will he be okay without me?" she whispered.?? ? That question echoes through every parent's heart. We're wired to be present, to protect, to guide. Yet here's the beautiful paradox of childhood: some of the most profound growth happens in the spaces between our presence.?? ? Picture this:?? ?? A boy who's never made his bed learns to keep a tidy cabin.? ?? The picky eater tries new foods because his friends do.? ? The child who's always been shy discovers his voice around a campfire, telling stories that make others laugh.?? ? These transformations aren't accidents—they're the natural magic that unfolds when children step beyond the familiar shadows of home.?? Camps have witnessed this phenomenon countless times. We've seen boys arrive uncertain and leave, standing taller. Not because we taught them to, but because they discovered they could.?? ? In Homesick and Happy, Dr. Michael Thompson beautifully captures this paradox of growth: While secure attachment gives children roots, separation gives them wings. ? Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Some of your proudest moments of growth probably happened not when someone was guiding you but when you learned to stand on your own feet. ? The gift of letting go isn't just for our children; it's for us as parents, too. In these moments of separation, we often discover something remarkable: our children are even more capable than we ever imagined.? Curious about how time away from home can transform your child?? ? Explore our blog post, where we revisit Dr. Thompson’s insights and share why separation is a vital part of growth: https://lnkd.in/eMXzeKqx? ? How have you seen your child grow in ways you never expected after spending time away from home??

For Ajay and so many others, Camp Chippewa is more than just a summer camp—it’s a second home. ? ?? Nestled in the stunning Minnesotan wilderness??, it’s a place where boys grow physically and emotionally, discover the joy of adventure, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime. ?? Watch the video to see how Camp Chippewa helps boys thrive. ?? Enjoyed the video? Share this post to help spread the word about camp! ?? Learn more about Camp Chippewa at www.campchippewa.com.