In the summer time when the weather is hot I’m sure I’ll forget about the clump of snow I passed by as I was walking the property yesterday afternoon. It’s the middle of May and there are remnants of snow still here. Our spring has been cool with little sunshine but we are going full speed ahead as we physically set up camp.
Last week the trampolines were put in and we’ve been bouncing up and down on them ever since when weather permits. This week the ski docks went in. Is anyone up for a quick ski run? Today Brandon is lining up the swim docks which will go in and by the weekend we should have several boats ready for summer action. We have put in a new outside electrical box next to the trampolines in hopes of shinning some light on the tramps. Does a game of night trampball sound fun? Cabins 3 6 7 and 8 have been prepped and are ready for painting. There’s a large amount of sprucing up which occurs every year and this spring is no different.
I’ve hired a talented group of counselors to work with campers again this summer. Please feel free to check out staff profiles and pictures on the website. Have you been wondering who is in charge of Olympic Day? Wonder no more……Jessica Filler and Dani Sutker are stepping up to take over this program. Both of them have heaps of energy and will do a great job. Experienced counselors Melissa Granick and Rachel Schlecter will be in charge of Final Four. Let the games begin!
Emily Gurner and Liz Kramer will be working closely with the CIT program. They are eager to begin working with our 25 lovely CITs. The camp forms are coming in daily but we are still waiting on many forms. Please I can’t stress the importance of getting your forms in on time. The due date for all camp forms and final payments was May 1st. If you haven’t returned your forms…. Oops. They’re already late! If you are waiting on your daughter’ s health history (HH) form please send the other forms in rather than waiting to send them all together. I am thrilled so many of you have remembered to attach a recent photo of your daughter (s). I find myself shaking my head in disbelieve at how fast everyone is growing up. I find myself starring at the pictures wondering where the past 22 years have gone. Little Sarah Heilbronner was tiny when she first began her camping days now she is completing 10th grade and her final summer as a camper. Sometimes this makes me feel old then I find a picture of a first year camper and I’m happily reminded of the many camping days I still have left. I wouldn’t trade all the experience and grey hairs for anything but I always look forward to igniting the love of Agawak and the outdoors in new campers.
For all of you first time campers I hope you’re ready to spread your wings a little and try new things. I want all of my veteran campers to give our new campers a warm and friendly Agawak welcome. This summer we will be pairing a CIT or a PA with a first time camper on the very first day of camp. Each CIT and PA will help ease the transition (with the help of counselors) for new campers.
Has everyone registered at Walgreens? If not shake a leg and get registered. This will make filling and refilling prescriptions quicker and easier. After 20 years as our head nurse Sandy Bowen is retiring. Thank you for your many years of dedication and care you’ve given to hundreds of campers. It is rare to have a head nurse for 20 consecutive summers. All of us here wish you a happy well deserved retirement. Enjoy those grandchildren. The torch will be passed on to RN Casey Mairiley from Texas. Casey is a school nurse who also has experience working at other camps. We welcome her into the Agawak family.
Parents please remember the bus departs from Northbrook Court at the start of camp however; all other pick up and departures will be at Deerfield High School. Due to summer school beginning at Deerfield High School the week camp starts we had to use Northbrook Court for our initial departure. For all my campers flying please make sure we have your itineraries well in advance so we can coordinate staff for airport pickups.
Big News for Family Post Camp Week! With kids going into high school and hectic sports schedules some families are unable to come for Family Camp. So for the first time in over a decade we have openings! Family Camp begins with dinner on August 12th and concludes with breakfast on August 19th. Guests can enjoy all the great activities and facilities Camp Agawak has to offer not to mention all meals prepared by nonily programs are offered each evening. Please contact the office if you or anyone else you know is looking for a wonderful place to spend a week in beautiful northern Wisconsin.
I hope everyone is looking forward to a special Agawak summer. I cherish every moment I have with all of you and I am eager to hear the silver bell ringing on opening day.
Smiling on as we go full speed ahead
Mary and staff
