Can you believe it is already approaching the end of April? In just about 7 weeks, our Staff will begin to roll into camp from all around the world.  This summer our staff and campers will represent the following countries; Mexico, Czech Republic, England, New Zealand, Australia, China, France, Ireland, Scottland, and Russia.  This great blend of cultures significantly enhances everyone’s camp experience. 

Last Sunday, Mary and I had the privilege of meeting with many of our new JC1s, as we had a brunch at Emily Gurner’s house. We began to go over many of the Staff training items, to help these girls transition from camper to staff member.  We are thrilled to have them joining our staff and bringing with them tremendous spirit and energy. Our new JC1s are: Samantha Bernsen, Gayle Bono, Megan Foler, Samara Haas, Marley Isaacson, Jordyn Kass, Marissa Lackman, Hannah Levitz, Morgan Lewis, Ryan Loeb, Jamie Pascal, Alexis Plotnik, Stacey Rhum, Nicole Rosenwasser, Alissa Warsh and Emily Wilensky.

Since our last director's diary, we have had several new staff members confirm they will be joining us for this summer. Nina Friend, Alison Grosky and Madison Winner will all be back to join our amazing group of JC2s who did an outstanding job as counselors last summer.  We are also excited that Lucie Venckova and Pavel will be back taking and posting pictures on our web site. They did a phenomenal job capturing all of the Agawak girls while out and about in activities and programming.  Valeriya Basharina and Zuzana Rohacova will be returning to the support staff team and we are lucky to have them back, as well! Melissa Granick, Claire Lister, Laura Meadows and Karissa Hamblet have also signed back on for another summer. It is always great to have retuning American staff but it is even more amazing when we have our International staff return from across the world. We are so lucky to have 9 International counselors returning this summer! 

Each summer it is always warming to meet the new Agawak girls that join our family. Since the last director’s diary, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole Walchirk and Skylar Rosenthal to the Agawak family. We know that they will be welcomed into camp with open arms!

And now, it is time for MANY anticipated announcements!! Drum roll please…..We are VERY excited to announce that the new Blue & White Commissioners for the summer of 2012 will be Jamie Gorchoff and Jen Rosenwasser. They are ready to retire their colors and step up to lead the long-standing traditions of Blue and White.  Also stepping up this year will be Melanie Pascal and Jenna Spathis, as they tackle the huge job of Evening Programs. With their love of camp and enthusiasm, there is no doubt that Evening Programs will be even better than years before.

Once again Rachel Schlechter will oversee our spirited second session Final Four competition.  Melissa Granick and Kaylie Denenberg will get the games rolling as they lead our troops during first session Olympic Day. I wonder what the 4 teams will be this year?

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Brandon and Mary have been planning for and preparing for the arrival of Agawak's 26 foot teepee. It's being custom designed in the Dakota's and will be raised on a parcel of land near the back entrance off of Streeter Road. Cabin groups will be able to spend the night cooking over an open fire, eating smore's and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. 

With the May 1st deadline fast approaching, please get all of your camp forms in and register at Walgreens, if you have not already done so. Cabin groups will not be able to be completed until 100% of all the forms are in. We spend many days putting together cabin groups and the earlier you get the forms in, the sooner we can start! Please do not email or fax your forms, including cabin request forms, as we need the original hard copy. Also, just a reminder that camp clothing and camping accessorizes can be purchased on-line through the links on our web site to A Branovan Company and Cloz Co.  We designed, with the help of counselor, Laine Kleifield, an awesome new Blue and White t-shirt design.  They are currently being printed and may be ordered from A Branovan Company, estore.abcgifts.com/agawak .  Make sure you check out all the other original and fresh apparel that is offered by A Branovan Company.

In just a few weeks, Liz Kramer and I will be driving up to camp to spend a weekend at our home away from home to continue our planning of an unforgettable summer. I am looking forward to walking down the blacktop path that leads to Blue Lake, seeing the beautiful waterfront and smelling the fresh camp air!  I hope your countdowns are well underway…I know mine is!!

-Becker