Camp Blog

A Special Day at Agawak

by: 
Camp Director

Agalog was a longtime Sunday night tradition at Agawak, a time when the Camp Director Oscar Siegel would sit in a rocking chair in the lodge, and read aloud stories and poems campers had written.  During those summers decades ago there were only about 100 to 140 campers so they could all fit in the lodge, and the girls would sit in their pajamas and robes on the floor, laying in each others’ laps, warmed by the heat of the crackling fireplace. Yes, there used to be a fireplace in the lodge.


The peace and reflection that took place during Agalog was a highlight of the week. The girls would be so excited to have their writings and their voices heard by the whole camp! The woman running the Agalog activity is a former camper who has now written six books and she was first published here at camp, in Agalog, at the age of eight in 1963! So you never know where your Agalog stories will lead you in the future!


Now the Agawak family has grown so large we meet at the campfire site next to our serene Blue Lake. This season we have resurrected the tradition of Agalog, and I am thrilled to share with you some of the work of campers, which I will do each week at campfire. Agalog is now a regular camp activity, and will be sent to parents in an online edition. At the end of the summer all of the campers’ writings will be published in a print magazine.


The theme of Agalog this week is: First Impressions. Below is a sampling of a few of our talented Agawak writers.


By Ava Reed, Cabin 5:


When I got to camp the sun was shining through the trees. The eight-hour drive was long but worth it once I got here. It is beautiful here. My first impression was that I wanted to explore this beautiful place.  I have already made good friend with the girls in my cabin and know that their spirits and souls will mold and shape my life forever.


One important goal I will try to achieve this summer is to fit in with the other campers. A lot of girls struggle to fit in, and sometimes those girls try and be someone they are not in order to be that person they think others will like. They forget that it doesn’t matter what others think of you as long as you are your real self and you like who you are. And if someone doesn’t like who you really are, then it is their loss.

 

By Zoe Rosenstock, Cabin 3:


Fragile green leaves whispering with the wind
Branches reaching out for the sun
And though this is my second year
Nervousness conquers me
A light switch goes on in Cabin 3
I hear the pleasant buzzing of girls and a bee
And through and through
Happiness conquers you and me

 

By Terra Mass, Cabin 1:


When I walked into Camp Agawak this place seemed special to me
The lake was shining blue, the trees were as green as ever
When I saw all of the CITs and counselors jumping for joy to see us
It made me feel like I was meant to be at Agawak
It made me feel like a true Agawak girl

 

By Lexie Paull, Cabin 2:


As the rusted old car pulled up on Agawak Road I jumped out fast than a rabbit. The tall pine trees were pointy and scratchy. Old wooden cabins were cramped together like a flock of birds.
As I walked through my cabin, I saw girls  cramped in small little groups, chatting. I felt very nervous. The girls then all said their names and we found that we had a lot of sports in common. I knew that all of these girls would teach me about the kindness of friends, and how friends help you feel better when you are down. These friends will change my heart and soul for as long as I live.

 

Two Poems by Zoe Rosenstock, Cabin 3:


Rain storm
A moonlit sky
In which you lie
A storm is coming
The wind is humming
As squirrels scurry up their trees
And buzzing are the yellow bees
Dark clouds, people run to their cabins
For some fun

Shining Star (about her grandfather)
A shining star
Up in the sky
An empty bed where he used to lie
And of all kinds, he always shines
In the dim lit blue

By Hadyn Revell, Cabin 2:


As I walked into an extremely sandy camp, all the excited Agawak counselors were jumping three feet high, ready to have a great summer! Mary picked up the microphone and she was so thrilled to have her campers back, old and new, that she was glowing with excitement.
When I finally met my cabin mates I was as thrilled as Mary was. But unpacking was overwhelming.



Two Writings By Ava Levine, Cabin Oakwood:


Trees. That was all I could see
Trees as tall as Chicago buildings
       Blocking all light in sight
      There was more shade than sun
More dark than light
I hid behind my golden hair
As I walked to my little cabin
Painted as dark as the night sky
I chose my bunk and made my bed
These sheets were dark purple
And though everything was dark
Mary made it all bright
Even at midnight

 

By Ava Levine, Cabin Oakwood:


The way to fit in is to be different
Because everyone is different
No two people are the same
That’s why we all deserve to be loved
The way to fit in is to be yourself
Don’t pretend to be someone else
Don’t use makeup to be who you’re not
The way to fit in is to try not to

 

Today was a very special day at camp.  From our white polos and blue bottom day, to lazy breakfast, to the resurrection of Agalog, to the emotional and moving campfire, it has been a very good day indeed.

Sleep well,


Mary and staff :)