As we reach the midpoint of our summer here at Camp Agawak, our hearts are feeling both full and tender. Saying goodbye to our first session campers was emotional—for them, for their counselors, for us and their cabin mates. The tears, the hugs, the promises to write and reunite down the road… remind us just how deeply overnight camping connections run. In just a few short weeks, friendships were formed, confidence was built, and memories were made that will last for years and years to come. Watching our first session girls leave us…. a little stronger, a little braver, and a little more themselves is what Agawak is all about. However, it never gets easier to say goodbye.
This past weekend, we welcomed our full season camper families for Visiting Day, and what a joy it was to see so many familiar faces! I’m so grateful for the parents, siblings, and loved ones who traveled from across the country—many from far distances—for just a few precious hours at camp. Watching families explore the grounds, joining in on activities, snapping a few pictures, or simply sitting and soaking up time together was incredibly special. Thank you for making the journey and for supporting your daughters in their camp experience with such love and enthusiasm.
Despite a few intermittent sprinkles, the skies cleared, giving way to sunshine and warm smiles. And thankfully, that sunshine hasn’t stopped since our second session campers rolled off the bus on Sunday afternoon, greeted by our energetic crew of one hundred and fifty four full season campers, ready to welcome them into the Agawak sisterhood. The excitement was contagious—cheers, hugs, and wide smiles took center stage as we announced cabin groups in Happy Camper Hall.
Now, as the second session takes off, Agawak is again alive with laughter, movement, and that unmistakable feeling of summer camp magic. We are soaking up every moment—on the waterfront, in cook-wood with Karla, during Blue & White, and everywhere in between.
As I wrap up my typing, buses are pulling in for our midnight movie. On the big screen at the Lakeland Cinema tonight campers will watch… How to Train Your Dragon. After a full evening program of Blue and White (silent spelling bee) and midnight movie…. everyone will welcome a later wake-up time on Wednesday morning. Our wonderful CIT’s will head out tomorrow morning for their boundary waters canoe trip….a once in a lifetime trip. We look forward to hearing all about their camping and canoeing stories, often over exaggerated.
Thank you for sharing your daughters with us. Whether they are here for a few weeks or the full season, they leave their mark on Agawak—and we are better because of them.
With a full and grateful heart,
Mary