It’s that time of year again! We have been working hard all year long to make this one of the best summers ever and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of campers in one week. Our wonderful staff has arrived, and we are bonding, learning, setting up program areas and preparing camp physically for the busses to roll into camp on June 22nd.

The counselors have begun training, and getting acquainted with one-another. When the JC1s and International staff arrived on Sunday night, we all went up to the lodge to feast on Ducky’s homemade pizza, which we all missed over the winter. Veteran staff members have happily reunited and our new counselors (which are proving to be outstanding) are already enjoying the views of Blue Lake and starting to feel the magic of Agawak. We can’t wait for you to meet them all!

Today we’re ready for another full day of pre-camp. The tango tower and zip-line staff finished their two-day training. We will be going over emergency procedures and protocol, discussing ways to be an effective counselor, addressing homesickness, learning how to use an Epi-pen and learning how to run superior activities. On Thursday, we look forward to having Dr. Chris Thurber, clinical child psychologist, author and educator, work with our staff for our annual “Thurber Thursday”.  He is also the co-founder of Camp Spirit and Expert-on-line training which my staff has used for many, many years.

As you begin to pack for camp, please look at the provided packing list for a guide on what to pack. Keep in mind that laundry service is once a week, so you don’t need to pack more than necessary. I cannot emphasize this enough as most campers bring an excessive amount of clothing and other items that are never used. You can find the packing list on the Agawak website under "Current Familes - Packing for Camp", here is the link to that page, Packing Page.   Please make sure your daughter’s bags weigh between 75-80 lbs. Camper duffels coming from IL will arrive here on Saturday evening. Thank you in advance for making sure your campers bags are not overweight.

If you are beginning to get anxious about sending your daughter off to camp remember that this is an incredible growth and life-changing opportunity that you are providing your child. Camp is an opportunity for your daughter to be exposed to the best of human character. We have carefully selected the finest staff that is dedicated to showing your child how to have fun, learn from each other, try new experiences, and grow as an individual in more ways than imaginable. Camp gives kids a chance to practice being the best they can be. They experience a place uniquely designed to encourage self-expression and independence. They have the opportunity to climb towers, ski across Blue Lake, shoot an arrow, feel the wind in their hair while sailing and experience the special sisterhood of Blue and White and so much more. Camp is a gift you are giving your child and they will continue to reap benefits beyond adulthood. If your daughter or you are experiencing anxiety about coming to camp, which is completely normal, here is a link to some helpful tips to keep in mind, Childmind .  As always, we are here for any guidance you may need or questions you have!

Every year as that first bell rings it brings new opportunities for growth and friendships. The campgrounds are already starting to fill with sounds of cabin doors shutting, ski boats crossing Blue Lake and the laughter of staff. I’ve missed those noises. On behalf of the entire Agawak staff, we are excited for another summer of camp filled with unlimited laughter, echoing Blue and White cheers, and endless memories that only a summer spent at overnight camp can create. As we go into another incredible summer we are confident, as always, that this will be the BEST of them all.