We are off and running. The buses pulled into camp at 2:12 pm with sunny skies above.  The thrill of watching the buses roll into camp is like no other.  Campers one by one jumped off the bus. Hugs, kisses and long embraces were flowing in all directions.   Quickly we sent campers and staff to the campfire area for staff introductions and cabin placement.   Camp songs could be heard across Blue Lake and the spirit and enthusiasm could be heard beyond the tennis courts. I watched closely as I announced cabin placements, checking for reactions.  I am ecstatic with how the summer has begun. Yesterday was the easiest first day of camp that I can ever recall. Parent’s you should be relaxing at home knowing your camper is going to have an amazing camp experience at Agawak.

Yesterday afternoon I spent a considerable amount of time popping my head into individual cabins to check on each group. I was greeted with big smiles and genuine happiness. Campers spent the afternoon unpacking, getting to know new cabin mates, reuniting with old friends, getting their physicals, tubing, settling in and camp tours.  At 6pm last summers’ camper of year, Blair Morris, and veteran staff Stephanie Nagel and Emily Gurner raised the flag as rain drops were falling from the sky. Don’t worry…the rain will never damper our get-up-and-go attitude.

Ducky and the kitchen staff served up spaghetti and homemade cookies for dinner.  Immediately after dinner the staff headed to Happy Camper Hall for the annual opening staff show.  Our experienced CIT’s were paired with individual cabins to watch over watch over them and get them “pumped up” for the evening program. Last night’s show was a parody on the popular show “The Voice”.  Evening program directors, Pink, Meadows and Sam Soloway put on an entertaining evening for all. Zara organized an all staff dance video which was shown on the big screen in between skits and songs.  Campers headed back to their cabins following the staff show to take showers, complete physicals, head checks and enjoyed night time cabin bonding.

This morning it’s over cast with open skies expected this afternoon.  Our camper of the day from Ohio, Carmen Merkel, proudly put on her Blue and White camper of the day bracelet as we sang to her.  Counselor of the day, Meredith Leon, was delighted to get her new Agawak staff carabineer key chain.  After morning announcements we marched into the lodge for yummy pancakes.

I want all of you to know that we are a very happy camp. Every one of my rookies has been the life of the party as they are all smiles. There have been a few homesick tears from various campers but nothing that is chronic or what I would call severe. What I am seeing is all well within normal limits. If you have a first year camper at Agawak this summer please expect a few homesick letters. Remember those same letters will become keepsakes down the road.  

Tonight is the start of Blue and White.  CIT Captains will be selected and all new campers will be placed on their team for life. Mascots, our 2 youngest campers will be chosen and we will end our night with a traditional game of tug-of-war on the beach.

Wishing all of you a happy day although I’m quite sure it won’t be as happy as a day at Agawak can only bring.

Smile on. Full Speed ahead.

Mary and staff