The past few days have been a whirlwind of events. I’m still not sure I’ve fully recovered from Treasure Hunt. I can’t stay up all night like I used to. It’s past midnight as I type this after a tearful night around the campfire. We launched our wish boats in calm waters and said our final goodbyes with twinkling lights scattered across the waterfront. There has been an enormous amount of tears shed.  The other night the staff sang their farewell song.  After the last candlelight was blown out I saw this sea of love unfold before my eyes. I saw campers and counselors sobbing as they embraced one another.  Very few of us are willingly packing our bags. More than any other summer we don’t want the magic of the summer to end.

 Camp Agawak will contribute to the quality of our campers lives even after they leave camp tomorrow. Each of us has been changed by one another and we’ll never know for sure where that influence will stop. Friendships have been formed that will never be broken, challenges have been overcome, many fears have been dissolved and our lives have been forever changed for the better.

We have all grown an incredible amount.  Once homesick campers now have smiles on their faces and leave here with new friendships and a new self that is more independent, strong and confident. I’ve always said you can’t come to Agawak without forever being changed. I was lucky to have such a dedicated staff.  I am grateful for the extraordinary summer we had.  

Many who come to camp for the first time don’t realize how connected they will become to this place & others by the time they leave. They are connected to a warm and caring community that encourages them to be the best they can be.  We have helped shape one another and we have shared many unforgettable moments. I have been humbled by the kindness and caring displayed this summer.  

Saying goodbye is hard but I consider myself fortunate to have been able to spend the summer with such special people.  Everyone here with their distinct personalities makes saying goodbye that much harder. Thursday everyone will wake up in his or her “other life”. I hope everyone remembers the lessons they learned and the strength they found within themselves.

As I say goodbye I want to remind you that farewells are not forever, nor are they the end. I wish you happy adventures, amazing experiences and enough hardship to make you strong and resilient. I hope our paths will continue to cross again.

Until we meet again, remember that all the mountains and valleys in the world cannot separate true friends whose souls are as one. We are bound to this special camp called Agawak. We share a love of this place, which I hope you will always consider your “home away from home. When the buses pull out there will be an empty void and the singing will stop but what makes it tolerable is knowing that there will be many more Agawak summers, many more dance parties, many more Gonzo relays and many more beautiful Blue Lake sunsets.

Thanks for the memories. My countdown to summer 2016 has already begun.

Camp hugs,

Mary