Enhancing & Beautifying Camp
For one whirlwind afternoon, dozens of alumni, donors, and staff toured all the exciting updates to camp during our annual First Flagpole event. By now, you’ve probably heard us talking about our newest camp program and area, The Lecker Family Outpost Village, as well as the continuing improvements to areas we began renovating in 2021. But there were some other additions to camp we’ve had in the works that we finally were able to unveil at the event this past weekend.
SIT Fire Circle
One of these updates is The SIT Fire Circle, dedicated in loving memory of Jerome D. Schiffman. The lakefront just behind our gym has long been a favorite spot for campfires, but the fire circle back there, long-known as “SIT Park”, had seen better days. With the generous help of the Schiffman family, incredible design of Peter Walton, and the hard work of the 2021 SITs, we now have a brand new, massive fire circle! Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Blass, The SIT Fire Circle is the perfect place for groups of any size to roast marshmallows and sing camp songs. And with westward facing views, we’re sure this is going to quickly become a premier sunset spot at Camp Chi. Our maintenance team upped the ante by designing and building a wooden stage that can go over the fire pit, so the space can host more than just a bonfire. We can’t wait for all the campfires and memories at The SIT Fire Circle for years to come.
Firsel Family Welcome Arbor
Another new addition is the Firsel Family Welcome Arbor at the Picnic Grove. The Picnic Grove is unique as it is one of the few places where all of camp gathers daily. It’s the place where we eat our meals together as a camp, plus a popular spot for staff meetings, and a great central spot for programs. Last year’s gift from Stephen Vozar to illuminate The Picnic Grove made it much more usable after dark. Yet this space was missing something. The spot where we ate all our meals last year and is bubbling with activity almost all day from breakfast to bedtime had an entrance that was just a gap in the fence. Now, thanks to Firsel Family, the Picnic Grove finally has an entrance that is as beautiful as the space is serves. The Firsel Family Welcome Arbor now stands at the entrance of the Picnic Grove, inviting all of camp into the wonderful space. The sprawling structure was hand-made by our own long-time Maintenance Staff, Billy Boles, and is intricately crafted with local lumber. The Picnic Grove now has the beautiful entrance it deserves to welcome in the Camp Chi Family.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we prepare for our 101st summer.