The first campers to arrive at camp today were Emma and Sophie Plattner from Tucson, Arizona.  Shortly after the Reed sisters, from Iowa, were dropped off for their first overnight camping experience.  Our campers being dropped off come from as close as Eagle River and as far as Hawaii.  We will be a camp family representing 21 different states and 6 countries.  As I watched the campers race off the buses to hug their counselors and lifelong friends I’m quickly reminded that (on most days) I have the best job in the entire WORLD!  I’m excited for all our new campers to discover the magic of Agawak.  Knowing that each camper will grow personally in ways unimagined is moving.

After we announced cabin groups, everyone headed to their assigned cabin to select their bunk and the unpacking began.  Tubing, camp tours for new campers, physicals, and swim tests were a part of the afternoon routine as well. Lots of giggles and laughter could be heard outside my office window. Screams from tubers could be heard across Blue Lake. The swim tests always seem to produce their own high pitch sounds.  Remember, the water is always refreshing here but NEVER cold.  

Weather-wise, it was a sunny afternoon…a perfect weather day at camp for all the "red tape” that we had to get through.  I want my parents to know we have a very happy camp. There will be a few homesick tears shed I'm certain as there should be. It's 100% normal. In 25 years, I've seen hundreds of homesick campers overcome their homesickness only to return full season the following summer.  Everything I'm seeing so far is typical and there are no "red alerts"!!

The rookies are an amazing group of young campers.  The older girls can't seem to get enough of them. Rookie parents…please beware!  Several of my rookies have already asked me what they need to do in order to stay for the session.  One of my returning campers told me today that she is no longer nervous about camp like she was last summer when she was here for her first summer.  I told her this was her second home now. Her reply was, "Actually, Mary it's like my first home."  We hugged. She ran away with a smile on her beautiful face.  Camp is powerful!!

Tonight, the staff put on a funny and very entertaining staff show performance. Our EP (evening program) coordinators Lainie, Marissa and Alissa did an outstanding job organizing this fun event. Claire W. from Australia, who is our videographer for the summer, did an OUTSTANDING job with the staff video and the ending staff music video.  Campers were clapping with enthusiasm.  If time would have allowed, I would have hit the replay button, but our little campers had enjoyed a long day and it was time for showers and bedtime.

Camp is quiet now. Lights are out, even flashlights. I have never heard camp this still this time of night on opening day!!!  It’s been one incredibly rewarding day as a camp director. I go to bed proud of my staff and I look forward to seeing every single one of my campers when the bell rings at 8:15am tomorrow morning.  Sleep well everyone. I know I will sleep good tonight.  Everyone is back home. The nest is full once again.

Until the next blog,

Mary :)