Much has transpired since the morning of August 6th when we said our summer goodbyes.  Another post camp has come and gone. This summer, Post Camp was more special than ever before with the return of many former campers and staff members.  Watching these once upon a time campers turned parents makes me feel old. It also warms my inside knowing Agawak is still as special for them as it was when they were little. The cycle of new post camp families and campers continues and it is this cycle that allows our strong traditions and history to continue for generations to come.

More than ever I feel camp helps make our girls more resilient to stress and daily school pressures. Agawak is still that perfect place to help girls optimize their physical, personal and social development.  There are the simpler camp challenges of learning how to build a fire, conquering a sailboat or getting to the top of the Tango Tower.  Then there are more complex challenges of getting along with a dozen girls in a small cabin, or learning how to ask for help from others, or taking risks without a parent by your side to guide you.  This summer was a remarkable one for me.  I hope my campers remember the lessons learned each and every summer. No two summers are ever the same. I’m confident the Agawak experience will help them to be more resilient, to believe in themselves and to make good decisions throughout their lives.

This past Thursday a significant storm tore through camp producing 55-65 mile an hour winds, hail and heavy rain. I was very thankful all of you were at home safe and sound. Camp lost approximately 40 large trees, which consisted of pine, oak, and maple trees.  One of these fell on the corner of the cottage, another was found hanging over our zip line and an enormous oak tree crushed the red canoes and trailer up on Siegel Park.  The majority of the trees fell perfectly without causing structural damage.  Now it’s “clean up” time, which will last for several weeks. This storm reminds me of the “micro burst” of 1999 when we lost power for 5 days and sent campers and staff to Rainbow Falls Waterpark for the day so we could concentrate on the clean up.

By now campers should have received your priority registrations for next summer. Please make sure you enroll before October 1st to take advantage of the early bird discount. Staff, be on the look out for your 2015 contracts. They will be mailed out this week. Claire Whittle is working hard to complete the 2014 highlight reunion DVD. I’m anxiously waiting its arrival all the way from Australia! I have no doubt it will be unique and evoke many fun memories.

Again, I want to give a big THANK YOU to my campers, parents and staff for such a smooth, happy and healthy camping season. Enjoy your fall. Please stay in touch.

Smile on,
Mary xoxo