The 2014 Final Four Trophy went to Colombia! Only 5 points separated the second place team (Cornell) and Penn. Northwestern came in fourth place, but their spirit was top notch.
At flagpole this morning, we surprised CIT Jenna Lachman with the camper of the day honor and Christine Gates from Ohio was given her Agawak car magnet as a reward for being selected as counselor of the day. 

Last night, we assembled at our weekly campfire to reflect, sing and listen as our campfire girls shared their personal thoughts and emotions on the topic of camp. Campfire girls Kaci Ericson, Claudia Siegel, Shayna Rudman, Nikki Sheinkop and Jessie Allen revealed their love of Agawak to all of us in words written from the heart. Although their speeches are too lengthy to share in their entirety, I would like to impart some of their thoughts with all of you at home.

Written by Kaci E.
“I throw this keylog into the fire for the love of camp. Stepping off the bus I could see that everyone who was here thought of camp as their second home. Camp has been an experience I’ll never forget.  Without camp I wouldn’t have gained independence. I have had so many “firsts” since I came here. I climbed up the Tango Tower, got up on skies and I even got blobbed.  All of these firsts and all of the friends I’ve made have helped me love camp more and more each day.”

Written by Shayna R.
To everyone here, with only one week left cherish every second you have at this amazing place. Remember not to fight over the little things. If it’s cold..go skiing. Loose your voice cheering for your favorite color because before you know it you’ll wake up without your sisters, without the bell and without Blue Lake being a few steps away from your window. Words can’t describe the feeling that camp gives me. Whether it’s just sitting with my cabin on a simple day, cheering for the Blue Team or being surprised for midnight movie, there’s something about this place that I just can’t put into words. Overtime, I’ve been lucky enough to see Agawak change. Camp has managed to add new ideas and activities while still keeping the same traditions it has help for over 90 plus years. Not only has camp changed but I’ve changed. Being a shy camper made reaching out to and meeting new people one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Because of the special place this is I was able to reach out and meet new people who along my 7 summers have stopped being my friends and started being my sisters. So, I throw this key-log into the fire for sisterhood! NO matter where I go I know these girls will always be there for me.”

Written by Nikki Sheinkop
“Eleven years ago the summer before 4th grade, I decided to come to camp. To say the least I was a homesick wreck every single day. I cried to everyone and everyone that would listen. I couldn’t imagine how campers were enjoying camp so much, when I was so miserable. So, I throw this keg-log into the fire for the feeling camp gives you that people on the outside just don’t get. I am constantly trying to explain this place to others, who can never seem to understand why I am still standing here 11 years later. One thing I’ve learned is that camp friends are your best friends. These are the people that know me, care for me and look out for me. There is nothing that I wouldn’t tell them and there is nothing that they don’t know. Although I “get it” after 11 years, I still struggle to put into words what this place truly means to me. So, everyone your last week surrounded by the people who get it because in just one week you’ll be surrounded by the people who don’t.”

I’m always impressed with how well campers are able to express themselves at campfire. No matter the age, there is a common thread that weaves its way through all of us. I’ve always said that you can’t come to Agawak and not be forever changed.  One thing is very obvious… no one wants camp to end.  We are savoring every single moment together rain or shine.
Last night after campfire, we also snuck in another midnight movie.  At 11:35, campers were woken from a deep sleep and guided through the woods down to the yellow Lakeland buses awaiting them in the parking lot.  With popcorn, water and sprite in hand, campers enjoyed a late night movie with their camp friends.   Planes and So It Goes were our featured movies.  Happy tired faces strolled back into camp around 2:35 am. Have no fear parents, the bell didn’t ring until 9:45 am this morning. Believe me when I tell you not a “mouse” was stirring.

Today campers signed-up for their last series of activities and part of the afternoon was spent creating a spectacular display of cupcakes in our annual Blue and White Cupcake Wars. Both teams were split into Junior and Senior divisions, and then competed in mini groups against another team. Our theme, Disney, included components like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Cinderella’s Castle, and Splash Mountain. Teams were given frosting in various colors, candies, and sprinkles to decorate with in order to best represent their mini themes. After their individual components were completed and judged, the teams were challenged to combine their designs into one overall display of Disney World. A camp favorite included a CIT cupcake, or frosting, war – and cleanup afterwards, and needless to say, the camp spent the rest of the afternoon on a sugar high.

We are still going full speed ahead and cannot believe the summer is almost over.  There are still many more activities coming up and we have lots more in store!  The CITs are preparing for their evening program of “Mario Party.”  They have been working very hard and are excited to lead us in their evening program!

 
More to come tomorrow!

Smile on,
Mary and staff