Outside my office window bright and early was Ava S. (from cabin 2) eager to ring the breakfast bell.  When I told her she could ring the bell she couldn’t stop jumped up and down. The entire camp quickly headed up to flagpole to announce camper of the day (Emma P.) and counselor of the day (Lauren C.).   We all enjoyed a camp favorite of eggs, bagels and bacon. Don’t worry parents, there’s always lots of fresh fruit too especially strawberries. The lodge is once again filled with happy faces. Although, I haven’t heard a knit one pearl two yet I’m sure they’re on the way.

The mighty CIT’s (counselors in training) showed their leadership skills, during breakfast, as they taught younger campers a few classic Agawak songs.  I think we may have woken up the entire lake with our singing voices echoing across Blue Lake.  New campers are already learning the ways of Agawak.  This summer we have a wonderful group of first year campers who seem thrilled to be here.  Alexis A. (in cabin 13) told me she knew camp was going to be fun but she had no idea it was going to be this fun.  Comments like that warm my heart and bring a smile to my face.

Our first full day of camp was spent finishing some red tape items such as physicals, swim tests and the entire camp signed up for activities.  When activity bells ring tomorrow we’ll be able to go full speed ahead. The weather forecast is for good weather the next few days. I hope for once the forecast is correct. Regardless of what the weather brings it won’t slow us down. Even when it’s cool or rains at camp it just doesn’t matter. Sure I’d love for it to be sunny and bright everyday but the campers don’t always feel the same way.  Campers look forward to time spent in their cabins just hanging out enjoying each other’s company.  

Where oh where have the homesick campers gone?  My administrative staff and I have been waiting to help them but they‘re not showing up?  We had our ears and eyes on one particular first time camper but today she did a complete reversal. In all my years of camping I have never seen such a swift recovery.  She’s caught the staff’s attention and I think she LOVES it.  Some of you back home may receive a homesick letter but do not be the least bit concerned. If I was worried about any camper being homesick I would have called you by now.  Cabin groups are solid and the staff has been truly amazing. We are off to a grand start and I couldn’t be more pleased with the overall happiness of the whole camp.

Let the 2011 Blue and White games begin.  Blue and White Leaders Dana Glink and Megan Miller officially placed rookie campers on their perspective teams as the entire camp watched on. Mini-volcanoes erupted either White or Blue “lava” signifying what team they were on.  Campers then hurried down to the beach to watch 2 CITs, from each team, being pushed into the water.  They emerged as Blue and White Team Captains and will be responsible for leading their team throughout the summer in many different competitions and traditions. This summer the White Team will be led by Marley Isaacson and Hannah Levitz.  Ryan Loeb and Stacey Rhum, along with their fellow Blue CIT’s, will guide the Blue Team.  A massive Blue and White tug-o-war (by divisions) ended the day.  White Team came out on top but I’m sure not for long.

I want all of you to know we have a happy camp. I’ve never had so many campers thank me for putting them in the cabin I did. That’s a wonderful sign don’t you think? Sleep well knowing we are all safe and sound here at Agawak.

Camp hugs to all,

Mary and staff