29 summers, 1,624 days, 38,976 hours. These figures represent my summer time at Agawak.

The time I’ve spent at camp has given me the most unforgettable moments and I have meet the most amazing children and staff. I’ve had the opportunity to watch and help those at camp grow and to be able to be a part of that means the world to me and fuels my soul. My time here has been incredibly rewarding. Growth does not happen quickly. It happens slowly, day after day, summer after summer. It’s the growth I see day after day, summer after summer that keeps me coming back for more.

People often ask me how I’m able to do what I do and keep up the pace. My reply is easy…It’s because I love what I do and to be able to watch all of you grow and develop in positive ways is priceless. I see some of you coming to camp as shy girls but by the time you leave you are a bit more outspoken and confident. I see boisterous girls come to camp and I see them leave with more self-awareness and a willingness to share the stage with others. I see over bearing campers arrive and I see them depart more gentle and modest. I see homesick campers who have become stronger and more independent due to their camp experience. Camp is powerful and it WILL change you forever for the better. The person who left home at the beginning of the summer will not be the same person coming back home in a few short weeks. I guarantee, you will arrive home a better version of yourself after camp is over.

At home, you may be popular, the class clown, sporty, have difficulty learning, or forever tagged by an embarrassing event that took place in school. What I love about Agawak is that labels are removed at camp; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new community. “That’s the beauty of Agawak: each of you get to define who you are and who you want to be,” You can shed the personality traits you don’t like about yourself and adopt healthier ones. Agawak is a place where “you can recreate yourself and become a better person. Agawak is a place where you CAN grow and where you WILL grow.

I want you to know that your Agawak community cares about you and that we believe in you and all that you can become. At Agawak you are free to discover who you are. Try new activities, take risks and do things you have never done before. Be a good friend to others in your cabin, in your age group, in your activities and all around your camp community. Be humble and caring and don’t let camp pass you by without putting your best foot forward.

I feel extremely fortunate to have all of you as my campers and I feel equally as fortunate to have such a talented and caring staff. Thank you all for being here, thank you for your hard work and for keeping the spirit and energy of Agawak alive so that each of us can continue to grow together, regardless of how many summers, how many days or how many hours we are given the chance to be here.

Love and hugs,

Mary