Friday morning eager swimmers took off across Blue Lake for our second session lake swim. For 96 summers, girls have been challenging themselves and encouraging one another to take the plunge. As they swam, rounds of various Agawak songs were sung. It  requires a lot of energy to swim a mile but clearly there was enough extra energy packed inside most of our swimmers who were able to sing their way across the lake. 

There were a few campers who took the lead early and had no clue there was a chorus behind them. Norah P. took and kept the lead early followed by Wescot, Friedman, Shaprio, Levitan, Routh, Picala and Stein. Later, 66 other swimmers crossed into the swim area with shouts and cheers of motivation coming from those on land. Hot chocolate, Ducky's waffle sticks and oatmeal were additional motivators.

Yesterday was a full activity day. Several campers went to Camp Timberlane for a climbing competition and represented our camp well. Last night our talented evening program coordinators organized a new camp event called "CIT Bachelorette". All the CIT's were hilarious and quick-witted.  Caroline B. took home the final rose as "Mr. Kim" who heads our Tango Tower.  After being thoroughly entertained by our CIT's another tepee trip headed out for s'mores and cabin bonding (cabin 5). The fun never stops!!!

This morning, 70 campers rose, had breakfast and loaded the vans for the Mary Mile fun run in Minocqua. Williams and Dyner finished first for Agawak. 

With all the fresh air and daily activities we tackle, it's easy to see why we go to bed exhausted. Fresh air and being outside clearly promotes healthy living. It's no secret that today's kids don't seem to spend nearly as much time playing outside as their parents did growing up. There are fewer kickball games with neighborhood kids and fewer walks through the woods. As we all know many kids today are glued to their cell phones and computers. The more time our campers spend running, jumping, swimming, skiing, sailing and discovering outside fun the more they learn to appreciate nature and the healthier they will be. Camp has many benefits and being immersed in the great Northwoods of Wisconsin is one of them.

We are such a "huggy" and "lovey" camp. Everywhere I go and every corner I turn I see a mountain of friendship. At camp you don't need a reason to hug. It's a beautiful thing. The next few days are going to be rough as we start to think about goodbyes. It's hard for me to think of the lodge being empty, quiet and lifeless again. The only good thing about summer ending will be some much needed sleep. Be ready come Wednesday for "camp feet", dirty laundry and happy campers to arrive home with endless stories. 

Smile on,

Mary