Camp Blog

Home Stretch

by: 
Camp Director

Yesterday, we said goodbye to some of our Rookie 2 campers while others stayed on for the remainder of the summer. It was sad to see our rookies leave. They were a pleasure to have and many new friendships were forged. We hope to see them on the shores of Blue Lake next summer.

All of them learned new things this summer. Maybe it was reaching the top of the tango tower for the first time? Maybe they skied for the first time or went sailing for the first time. Maybe they sang at campfire for the first time, slept away from their parents for the first time or comforted a friend. At camp, you learn many things and achieve things you may never thought possible but the most important thing, to me, that you will ever accomplish is learning to treat those you meet with respect and a caring heart. I want each of our campers to become strong, confident and caring human beings who never forget that strong is building people up, not tearing each other down.

Last night’s campfire was filled with our very own talented singers. Even our CIT’s gathered around the campfire to sing their Boundary Water songs concocted as they paddled onward. Our campfire was an emotional one as campfire girls expressed what camp means to them as their camp family listened with open hearts.

Monday, was a scorcher with temperatures shooting up into the upper 80’s. We had fun in the sun on the waterfront and on land as campers took advantage of one of their last remaining activity days. While we are in the “home stretch,” the activity level and pace of camp intentionally ramps up as we dive into the last week.

Final Four tank-tops will be in full view at flagpole Tuesday morning. Maryland, Arizona, Colorado and Texas will go head to head the next several days as they compete for the Final Four Trophy. The famous Final Four Gonzo Relay is right around the bend. Campers will be preparing for Friday’s lake swim and the Mary Mile. Cabins will be cashing in their Agawak dollars for cabin prizes, several more Blue and White games are left to be played, a few more teepee trips will venture out and staff will start organizing awards and begin rehearsing for the final staff show. Soon, individual cabin plaques will be created for each cabin and names to be etched on. Every summer, since I’ve been here, alum pass by to glance quickly at their cabin plagues. Former campers will always be able to take a step back in time and reminisce about their camping days long after they are gone. Some are so old the ink is barely legible. Our cabin plaques are an important part of Agawak history. They each tell a story of a summer gone by and a cabin full of girls and the memories they shared.

Smile on,

Mary