Camp Blog

October - News from our Asst. Director/New Mom

by: 
Camp Director

Hi Everyone, it’s Stephanie “Becker” Tasman, your happy Asst. Director.  It is hard to believe it is officially fall and we are already in the month of October!  By now, you have all settled back into the routines of school and all of your different activities. While it may seem we were all gathered on the shores of Blue Lake a long time ago, we can find happiness in knowing that with each passing day, it means we are 1 day closer to being back at our summer home!


I know many of you have heard all about the Agawak Alumnae Reunion which took place in August but I wanted to just reflect again on this exceptionally amazing experience. The furthest person traveled all the way from London and Joan Lieb, from Chicago, who attended Agawak in 1944, was the oldest camper. For me, I have been privileged to have never had to say “goodbye” to my second home. However, for over 100 women, they were able to come back to the place they continue to love and made lasting memories at. I was able to connect with and talk to women of all ages and hear how the traditions of camp have been carried through generations of Agawak campers for 93 years. While some have changed, the core of Agawak remains the same and the stories and songs I took away from that weekend will hold a special place in my heart. I cannot wait to celebrate Agawak’s 100th birthday with all of these bright and strong women (and heaps more) in 2021!


Many of you may be interested in checking out the Alumnae weekend photos posted on our website.  There is also an article that was published in the Lakeland Times, that we have uploaded onto our website under the “News and Events” section.  In order to see all of the wonderful pictures, you must have an Agawak account or register for one.  If you do not yet have an account please click on the link “Sign In” and follow the directions to gain access to our media gallery and other information.


Camp registration is in full force and it is exciting to hear about the forms coming in.  Did you know Talia Marcus was the first to register for 2014? We have already started planning for next summer and brainstorming new and exciting activities. Mary and I have been busy meeting with potential new campers and connecting with current campers and staff.  If you and your camp friends have any new fun and creative ideas, we encourage you to send these in!

 

Each summer brings wonderful new families and campers to Agawak. We are very excited to welcome many new campers into our family. Please join me in welcoming Jenna Harris, Ava Novak, Julia Johnson and Avery Tassone from Chicago, Ally Werstler from Ohio, Lily McSheffery from Indiana and Stella Kassof, Terra Mass, Maggie Montgomery, Olivia Stamas, and Erin Larner from various Chicago Suburbs.


This summer, we are excited to be offering two Rookie camps this summer, one each session.  The dates will be June 18th – 22nd and July 13th – 17th.  We already have some new Rookies signed up that are very eager and ready to go! We can’t wait to see Jasmine Freid, Elizabeth Jones and Danielle Gichner dive into their first camp experience at Agawak!


We are also thrilled to have the following staff contracts already signed and sealed for the summer of 2014! Emily Gurner, Claire, Brownie, Pink, Alyssa, and Dia will for sure be back and we cannot wait! Sandy Easley will again be in the infirmary and Abraham will be back to assist Ducky in the kitchen.  Of course, Brandon will be here making camp beautiful and has already been busy with several maintenance projects.  Who will be the next to send in their contract?? Campers, it’s time to start contacting your counselors and letting them know how much you want them to come back for the summer!


EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it! We have very exciting news from one of our former amazing counselors. Ashley Kirby, from Australia, got engaged last month in none other than…TIMES SQUARE! Ashley, we are thrilled for you and your new fiancé and wish you all the best. If you have not seen the video yet, you can copy the following link: http://youtu.be/jcFu0m9AmXg

 

While February may seem far away, it will be here before we know it and you know what that means…AGAWAK REUNION TIME!! Our Chicago reunion will be held at the North Shore Renaissance Hotel on February 9, 2014. As always, we will be holding our new camper orientation before the actual reunion.  For all our rookie campers we will host a get-together in early spring (location yet to be determined). Stay tuned for more information regarding dates and times to these fun camp events.


And don’t forget; keep sending in your pictures from prior summers. We love the “# throw back Thursday pictures” we have seen thus far, and know there are more great ones to share! Please email campagawak@gmail.com with your pictures.
Sending lots of camp hugs to each and every one of you!


Love,
Becker