Happy 2011! May the camp season ahead be filled with happy times good health and the sound of Blue and White cheers. Camp looks like a winter wonderland right now but in a few months we’ll be bouncing on the trampolines and tubing Blue Lake again. In mid November I traveled to Indiana to visit all our wonderful campers from Indy (Jessica Cohen Kate Milazzo Rose Siegel Molly and Abby Frank Sydney Glazier Elyse Goldberg Lia and Sarah Mossler Alexis and Samantha Sinder and Gabrielle Zuckerman). The only Indiana campers we were missing were Sylvia Siegel and Madeline Wynkoop. We had a great time watching the Indiana reunion video hanging out reminiscing and browsing through camp memory books. I’d like to say thank you to the Frank family for hosting this fun reunion and fitting this event into their already busy weekend schedule. Staff member Emily Gurner who attend Indiana State University graciously chauffeured me around all weekend and was a huge help.
In December camp purchased two new sail boats to add to our fleet of Sunfish boats. Sailing has become even more popular over the past few years. Now we’ll be able to accommodate a few more Agawak sailors. Our Agawak birthday girls of the day will be getting a new present this year to celebrate their birthdays at camp. I searched high and low for a cuddly stuffed animal all of you will give thumbs up to. Sorry I can’t divulge the secret. You’ll have to be patient and wait for your birthday.
I’ve been busy gathering a quality staff for all of you this summer. I’m pleased to announce the following staff will be returning to share their love of camp with you. Rachel Schlechter Marissa Cherner Daniella Mayer and Beth Grosky are just some of the senior counselors who have committed since my last correspondence. Tim Larkin will be assisting Ducky in the kitchen again. Did you know Tim got engaged recently? Speaking of engagements Brandon head of maintenance also got engaged. Congratulations to both of you. Ashley Kirby will be back heading up the waterfront swim program. She’s thinking of bringing water polo to camp. Would anyone be interested? Amy Brickheimer will once again be back as our Wilderness Trip Director. Josh Abraham will be assisting her in the tripping program as well as taking the CITs on their wilderness camping trip. Old time campers will be happy to hear Melissa Granick and Kaylie Denenberg are ready to make more memories with all of you. MP Wes Gabel and Lisa Krause will be pulling skiers through the waters of Blue Lake. Chris Garcia Nagel and Liz Kramer will man the office. We will again rely on Stephanie Becker’s strong leadership as she is returns for her 17th summer and 3rd year as my Assistant Director. Claire Lister is back for her 3rd summer all the way from England. Andrew McFerrin and Pavel will be back to assist with maintenance. Brittany Curtis will be coming back as Division Head Director. Stay tuned for more staff updates. Next week Agawak goes down under to hire a few Australian counselors. American or International the staff can’t wait to get here for Agawak’s my “heaven” in 2011!
For all you first time campers from the Chicago area I’d like to remind you of our new camper orientation meeting on February 13th at 11 am at the North Shore Renaissance on Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook Illinois. Parents and first time campers are invited to attend this meet and greet session. Following the new camper orientation session our annual Chicago reunion will take place from 1:30. Although it won’t compare to Ducky’s famous camp pizza refreshments and pizza will be served. I hope to see our Illinois campers in full attendance as well as many of you who will be traveling from out of state to reunite with old friends. Currently I’m working hard on the reunion DVD which I’m sure all of you will enjoy watching. When I pour through all the footage I am quickly reminded of how much fun we had and how much character was built last summer.
I am excited to introduce our new camp outfitter Lands’ End Camp. I’m confident Lands’ End will make it easier than ever for you to get your daughter ready for camp. In March Lands’ End will be launching our custom clothing website for easy ordering. Agawak families will be able to get their camp essentials all in one place with exceptional value and fast shipping. In past summers I was not thrilled with the amount of time it took families to get their items. All Lands’ End Agawak orders will be shipped within 7 to 10 business days. More information will be sent to you in early March. If you have any questions you may contact Lands’ End directly at 1/camp.
Precamp packets will be sent out in March to everyone so keep an eye open for all the camp forms soon headed your way. Our camp nurses would like to remind parents to register their camper(s) at Walgreens before arriving at camp. This will allow prescriptions to be filled quickly and easily if any camper would need a prescription for anything.
To all our new campers and families I want to thank you for choosing Agawak. Remember to check out our website from time to time. Important news flashes and diary entries are posted at various times throughout the year. We are full first session except for one or two specific age group openings. I can’t remember a time ever when first session had a few more campers than second session. I attribute this to our outstanding program and our exceptional staff. Whether you’re a new camper or an old timer Agawak will leave an impression on your heart and a smile on your face. Until next time I wish all of you good health and happiness.
Smile on Full Speed Ahead
Mary and staff