Summer has come! The staff has arrived in all their glory.  Camp is finally alive. Last night, Blue and White staff cheers echoed through camp.  After 25 years, I still get goose bumps every time I hear the intensity of those traditional songs & cheers, which have been a part of Agawak’s rich history since 1921.  GREAT things never seem to lose their magic.

Yesterday we woke up early and headed to the lodge for oatmeal.  Then, board certified clinical psychologist, Dr. Chris Thurber swooped the majority of the staff away for training while another group headed up to the “Tango Tower” for a full day of training on our brand new climbing structure.  It was a full day (and night) of learning and working together as a team.  I’ve been pleasantly impressed with my counselors. They are a wonderful group of young ladies. They are attentive, enthusiastic, motivated and boy can they sing.  The opening song they are learning for the staff show is packed with energy.

Did you know this summer Camp Agawak will proudly present, “Saturday Matinee”, directed by Nikki Sheinkop and Sydney Salit? This hilarious one act comedy portrays typical teenagers waiting for their movie to begin. It covers everything from proper movie seating, courtesy to how to deal with loud movie chewers, and cell phone users. The play is loaded with quirky characters.  I’m pretty confident our campers will enjoy their trip to Happy Camper Hall to view this enjoyable comedy.

Has your daughter had her lice check done?  If not, you are “behind the eight ball” as the saying goes.  Remember all campers need to have their head checked for lice prior to camp by a reputable lice company in your area. The company should give you a note stating that at the time of your check your daughter was lice free. This note needs to be brought to the bus stop or mailed!

Again this summer we will be using Debbie Presser from Buffalo Grove, who owns Hair Mobile.   If you live in the Chicago area she can be reached at (312)-731-7890.  If your camper is traveling from another state please utilize a reputable lice company in the city closest to you. Who would have thought 25 years ago that this would ever be a significant issue at camp?  Who would have thought 25 years ago I’d need to employ a lice specialist.

Have you officially registered on our website to view the hundreds of pictures that will be posted daily? If not, please sign in and create a password so you’ll be able to see your daughter’s smiling face, her campmates, and counselors while she’s here with us.

Kindly respect and remember our NO package policy.  Your precamp packet has loads of useful information regarding important camp policies.  Only standard envelope size is permitted, anything bigger will be returned.  This policy prevents a “package war”.  We don’t want campers concerned about who gets the most packages or who gets the biggest one.  I think you get this simple picture. Don’t forget to remind relatives too!

Mosquitos are bad this summer.  Arm your daughter with an extra bottle of bug spray.  If you didn’t pack an extra bottle don’t panic. We have tons of it in the camp store for purchase.  I’m hoping the dragonflies will be extra hungry this year and come to rescue us from those pesky insects.  Please have a discussion with your camper about the importance of not scratching mosquito bites. This will help us prevent any unwanted skin rashes.

Throughout the summer we will have someone answering our phones from 8am until 8pm Monday through Saturday.  On Sunday our office hours are 10am until 8pm. Please, please be respectful of these hours as staff live in the office. It’s impossible for them to get proper sleep when the phone rings in the middle of the night or early in the morning.  During non-office hours, shoot us an email.

Electronics.    Again, leave them at home and refer to your precamp packet Remember to pack a lunch for your daughter on bus day.  The first three rows of each bus will be designated as a peanut free zone. 

In the Chicago area our buses depart first session from the Costco parking lot in Glenview. All other departures and returns will take place at Deerfield High School in Deerfield, IL.  One bus will be stopping in Milwaukee at the intersection of Hwy 100 & Hwy 41/45 at the Radisson Hotel for a quick pick up.

Parents make sure your daughter arrives with her medications and they are handed to counselor, Marley Isaacson during check in.  Please call the nurses line at 715-358-7772 with any questions or concerns you may have throughout the summer concerning your daughter’s health.  I have assembled what I believe to be my finest infirmary staff ever.

All first year campers will meet in a designated area with returning staff members, Jordan & Spencer Weiss, and Dia Chaimovitz.  They will be wearing tye dye smiley face t-shirts.  All rookies will be given a name tag at check in.

The excitement of camp is everywhere.  The moment we all have been waiting for is “right around the corner”.  So buckle your seat belts and get ready. It’s almost time to go full speed ahead!

Smile on,
Mary & staff