Another clear sunny day greeted us this morning. We all joined together to sing “Hip Hip Hooray” to the camper of the day (Sydney Lowell) and counselor of the day (Anita Racz). Our birthday girls Shelby Kroncke and Skylar Prizant hugged their birthday moose simultaneously as they smiled for the flagpole crowd.  

We are producing some strong skiers on Blue Lake. Brooke Riskind successfully got up on the boom today. Carly Kohen and Ava Silverglade conquered double skiing, making it look easy.  Olivia Metsa was the star fisher women of the day. Olivia has never fished prior to this summer. She caught 12 fish, leaned how to bait her own hook and even removed the fish from the hook. That’s a heap of progress in a short time. One of the greatest things about going to camp is the variety of activities to choose from. At camp there are a lot of first time experiences which create lasting impressions.

The CIT’s spent part of their afternoon practicing for the upcoming Boundary Waters trip. They worked on tip tests and portaging.  Tomorrow we have competition with Camp Chippewa. The older campers will be competing at Agawak and the junior campers head to Chippewa for the afternoon.

Campers have been receiving Gator loads of packages. Most of them LARGE is size. Please, please, please remember ONLY 8.5 X 11 envelope packages is allowed. I would hate to have to ban packages next summer however, so far it looks like we are headed in that direction due to parents, friends and relatives not complying with this simple camp rule.  

Tonight we are hosting a Jungle Club Agawak dance party in Happy Camper Hall. Campers will dance the night away in jungle attire as the staff serves up tasty hors d’oeuvres. There will be a VIP area for campers to enjoy special snacks and entertainment. 

For so many years now, one of my goals at camp has been to make girls feel more comfortable with who they are and how they feel about themselves as well as how they treat others. Every day we talk about being kind to others. I am trying to create a camp culture of acceptance and kindness. One of the best parts of my job is helping campers grow personally. From summer to summer I witness campers maturing and learning from the experiences they encounter at camp.

Why are camps more essential than ever? Because we all know that camp gives kids a world of good and camp gives the world good kids.  Thank you for believing in the importance of fostering an appreciation for the outdoors and for providing the opportunity for your daughter(s) to experience the wonder of overnight camping. Parents, I would like to thank you for choosing Agawak and trusting us with your most prized possession-your child.

Goodnight. Smile on.

Mary