The weather up north continues to be humid muggy and hot. During first session we had several cases of swimmers itch which I wrote about in one of my blog’s closer to parent’s weekend. Since then we have experienced a decrease in swimmer’s itch until late this morning when several campers were practicing for our annual swim the lake. Once in awhile we experience a summer so hot the warm water temperature produces swimmer’s itch which although is not harmful can be extremely itchy for the first 24 hours. This is nothing new to Camp Agawak. We have been advising campers to rinse off and towel dry immediately after exiting the water. Also applying sunscreen and a unique mixture of swimmer’s itch cream before entering the water can help prevent swimmer’s itch. Your camper may have written home about this annoying itch so I just wanted to make sure you understand we’re addressing this concern just as we have in similar summers. I have personally prepared a few lavender Epsom salt baths for a few campers which has been successful in helping to ease the itching. We only have 8 days left to enjoy our summer here and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We won’t let any swimmer’s itch keep an Agawak girl down.
I am also well aware that cases of the whooping cough were confirmed in some local camps in the north woods this summer. We have been watchful and when in doubt we have aired on the side of caution and taken campers and/or staff into the clinic to be examined. Those with colds and coughs who were taken to the clinic have been diagnosed with various things such as sinus infections asthma and bronchitis but we have NO cases of whooping cough. I repeat…… as of today at 7:44 pm we have zero cases of the whooping cough. Frankly the idea of ANYTHING contagious ever going around camp always lingers in my head and has me on edge. I am hyper sensitive to this issue since there have been reported cases up north as well as across the nation.
Every summer it’s something new. I recall several summers ago I think it was the summer of 2009 everyone becoming hysterical regarding the H1ade me exceedingly nervous all summer long. That summer I did plenty of worrying for everyone and in the end we escaped it. I hope the results will be similar for Agawak with the nations increase in the whooping cough. Please know our nurses are working very hard doing their very best to keep our campers your daughter(s) healthy. I will certainly notify parents if our present situation changes but let’s keep our toes and fingers crossed together. Regardless we will have to tackle anything that comes our way. I will keep you posted as needed.
I’m off to sit around the campfire and sing my favorite camp songs. Enjoy your evening of peace and quiet. It won’t be long until your household becomes much louder.
Smile on
Mary & Staff
