Our Program
186
Days to Summer 2025
Overview
Camp Chippewa is an experience unlike any other. No matter where our campers come from, they learn to live among the trees, lakes, and rivers, guided by the sun and the stars. Each day brings a new adventure and with it, new opportunities to grow.
We’re proud to host a mix of boys from all over the world. Hailing from across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, and everywhere in between, our campers and staff represent over 30 states and 8 countries.
Our program encourages campers to tackle age-appropriate risks, reconnects boys with the beauty of nature, and fosters leadership, resilience, and character. From teamwork to self-sufficiency and from crazy fun to silent reflection, Camp Chippewa is a place for boys to live with their heads up, away from screens, taking in all the world around them has to offer.
Dates & Rates
Session | Dates | Tuition |
---|---|---|
Full Session | June 18 – August 11 | $13,250 |
Session I | June 18 – July 14 | $7,625 |
Session II | July 16 – August 11 | $7,625 |
Badger Camp I* | June 18 – July 1 | $4,575 |
Badger Camp II* | July 16 – July 29 | $4,575 |
CLT Session ** | June 18 – August 11 | $12,200 |
*Badger Camp is a 2-week introductory session available for boys entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade.
** The Chippewa Leadership Training (CLT) Session is a full-summer commitment for young men entering their senior year in high school. Contact the Camp Director for more information.
Tripping
Few activities at camp do more to build camaraderie and character than tripping. We strongly encourage each boy to take advantage of these unique opportunities—after all, the memories formed around a campfire can last a lifetime!
Camp Life
Between two lakes and surrounded by towering pines, Camp Chippewa is a spectacular place for boys to play, learn, and grow. Whether they’re living in lower, middle, or upper camp cabins, campers are at the center of it all with exciting activities at every turn.
Daily Schedule
Whether you’re spending a typical day at camp or taking a special trip, it’s important to know what’s in store! Take a look at our usual day itinerary for more information on what experiences await our campers.
Plan Your Day Exactly How You Want It
Our typical days are modestly structured, allowing campers to choose many of their own activities. Some things, like flag raising and dip time, happen every day, while special activities, day trips, tournaments, or other events are exciting breaks from the routine.
Daily Schedule
8:00am | Rise and shine |
8:10am | Flag raising |
8:20am | Breakfast |
9:00am | Inspection |
10:00am | First activity period |
11:00am | Second activity period |
12:00pm | Free period |
12:30pm | Lunch |
1:15pm | Rest period |
2:00pm | Third activity period |
3:00pm | Fourth activity period |
4:00pm | Fifth activity period |
5:00pm | Free swim, free period |
5:45pm | Flag lowering |
6:00pm | Dinner |
7:00pm | Evening activities |
9:00pm | Dip time |
9:30pm | Taps, lower and middle camp lights out |
9:45pm | Upper camp lights out |
What kind of training do the counselors receive?
All counselors attend an 8-day training period prior to the campers’ arrival. Many of our counselors are former campers who are knowledgeable and eager to carry on Chippewa’s timeless traditions. Completely new counselors to Chippewa work with our leadership team who will provide the knowledge, qualifications and energy to work with all campers. Primary to our training is to educate our counselors in providing campers with the joys of adventure in our wilderness surroundings while engaging in age and skill appropriate risks under their supervision. Weekly staff meetings are held to reaffirm our commitment, discuss successes and challenges and prepare for the week ahead. The key to our success is bringing in outside resources, speakers, who are experts in the field of child development. Their professional instruction helps prepare our staff to deal with the emotions, conflicts and challenges as they arise.
What if my son gets sick or injured?
A doctor or nurse is on staff and lives at camp throughout the summer. They are able to treat a wide range of minor wounds, injuries, and ailments. Severe injuries and illnesses require a 25-minute trip to the hospital in Bemidji. Emergencies are handled by calling EMS. Camp will contact you if an emergency arises involving your son.
What percentage of kids are returning campers?
Over the past 5 years, 75% of our campers return for another summer. That number is closer to 90% when considering the number of oldest campers who return to work on staff.
What if my son isn’t a strong swimmer?
Camp has qualified swim staff who are able to work with a wide range of swimming strengths. All campers wear PFDs when out on the water, and swimming is a required activity for all campers who have not completed ARC Swim Level 6.
Why can’t my son stay for a shorter period of time?
Camp is all about being engaged. Our in-camp program and canoe tripping program require at least 2 weeks for campers to completely immerse themselves in camp life. Current research shows that meaningful developmental changes in the brain take a minimum of 2 weeks to occur. Living without technology, spending meaningful time with friends, and learning from positive role models has the most beneficial impact on campers when they spend 4 weeks at camp. Many campers who sign up for 2 weeks choose to stay for 4 weeks after being at camp for a short time. The end of the 4-week session is full of large group activities, advancement in ranks, and closing ceremonies that campers do not want to miss.
How can I communicate with my son?
Please write letters to your camper! The USPS delivers mail 6 days a week. We recommend writing anywhere from 1-3 letters per week to your camper. Campers are required to write home once a week, and their counselor will write you a letter about your son once a week as well. To discourage homesickness, please do not write about how much you miss your son or all the fun and exciting events he is missing back home. Instead, write encouraging letters about what he may be experiencing at camp and how proud you are of him and what he is accomplishing.
How can I communicate with camp?
If you need to get ahold of the camp office, please email the directors. If it is urgent, please call the camp office. We, in turn, will email if we need information or to relay news to you about your son. Please read our email as soon as you can. We try to limit too many emails home, so when we do, the information is timely and requires your attention. During the summer, we will reach out weekly with a review of what’s happening at camp and a few pictures on our social media platforms to give you a taste as well. In the camping world, no news is good news!