Camp Blog

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Camp Director

Today is a gorgeous bright sunny day at Agawak.  The past few days we have been busy in activities, signing up for a new series of activities, teepee trips, crazy evening programs, Blue and White tenathalon, campfires and learning a bit of history from some old alum. Last night, after campfire, the alum serenaded the cabins on the hill. Old camp songs could be heard echoing through the tall pines as campers listened carefully with wide-opened eyes. It’s obvious to see that 50 years later the love they feel for this place remains unbroken. In years to come current campers will be the ones clinging on to old memories and coming back for a chance to relive the best part of their youth.

I’m happy to report that our magnificent CITs arrived safe and sound into Gunflint Lodge late yesterday afternoon. They will arrive back at camp later today with a few more bug bites, some nice tans and oodles of tall tales. The stories they will share about their adventures in the remote wilderness will linger with them forever. I can say with confidence that very, very few of them will ever take such a trip again in their lifetime! The confidence they gain from spending time in the “rough country” helps them to realize that they can accomplish much more than they thought possible. We look forward to listening to their boundary water songs at the next campfire.

As I walk around camp I chuckle as I see so many campers who have their wrists covered in bracelets. They didn’t arrive at camp wearing all of the bracelets I see. For some of my full season campers I don’t think their wrists have seen sunlight all summer because of these bracelets. I guess anyone who has ever gone to sleep-away camp is all too familiar with the “bracelet tan”. Our arts and crafts room is well stocked with beads, lanyard and just about anything else that campers can make into a bracelet. At Agawak bracelets are BIG. They are not just wearable art. They’re a symbol of friendship. Few campers or staff actually keep the bracelets they make for themselves. Instead they give them away or exchange them with friends and other special people at camp.  Look for your camper to arrive home with a few of these bracelets that they won’t want to take off!!

The old silver camp bell is ringing in the background. I’m off for another day of camp fun! Have a wonderful day!

Smile on,

Mary