This Blog was written by two long time campers and former staff members that are sad not to be here this summer but happy to know that what camp gives to everyone will always continue.  Enjoy.....

What We Will Miss, but Looking Forward to What Others Will Experience

Dear Campers and Families,

Greetings from the shores of Lake Michigan! Here in Chicago, we have the beautiful city at our fingertips, but also the shores of the lake, which remind us so much of our time spent at Agawak. Although we are saddened to say that we will not be back at camp this summer, we wanted to express how excited we are for the new campers, as well as the returning campers. You all are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Every summer is different, but one thing remains the same- you will make memories that will last forever with friends you will never forget. Whether you’re sitting at a Friday night cookout, enjoying Ducky’s famous pizza with your friends, jumping off the Blob into the refreshing water of Blue Lake on a Waterfront Day, or sitting around the campfire while MP sings the classics, you’re in for a real treat.
After spending 13 (Beth) and 21ish (Liz) summers at Camp Agawak, we think it’s safe to say that we know what we’re talking about when it comes to this magical place. We’ve created a list of the top 5 things that we think new campers should remember during their first summer at Agawak. We think the returning campers will agree on all of these.

5) Make new friends, and keep the old
When I came to Agawak for the first summer, I only knew two people, both from the town I grew up in. I left that summer with 10 new amazing friends – friends who I still talk to today, and some who I call my best friends. While some of you may feel comfortable with a friend you come to camp with, you’ll also meet campers who come to Agawak knowing absolutely nobody, from places you’ve never even been to before. Remember to keep an old friend but make new ones by “branching out”. You’ll get to experience camp for the first time with your new cabinmates, and learn about the traditions together. Be friendly, smile, and introduce yourself! Although camp will be a new, unfamiliar place, it will soon become your home away from home. When you’re back home after camp, counting down the days to return, you’ll be missing your new camp friends who you don’t get to spend the school year with.- Beth

4) You would trade the worst day at camp for any day in real life
Let’s be honest. Camp is utopia. Reflecting on the harder days at camp, I would trade any of those moments for even one of the best days in “the real world”. Of course there will be some drama and emotions running high from time to time. After all, you are in close quarters with a bunch of girls. When I reflect back to the dramatic moments, I laugh to myself and say, “Wow, I would love to live that moment again.” Because the reality is this: what is the real drama at camp? Who filled the water pitcher last time? Who took the grilled cheese I wanted? Someone forgot to sweep for inspection? Or my all time favorite; getting into a bit of trouble for giggling a little too loudly, a little too late at night. The moral of the story is that each moment at camp, no matter how good or bad it feels in the moment, will always end up being a good moment in memory. Savor them and mark my words: you will come to trade the worst day at camp for any day in real life.- Elizabeth

3) Hearing the screams from Blue and White will give you chills for the rest of your life
I can give myself the chills on command. Can you? If you are an Agawak girl, chances are the answer is yes. All you need to do is think of the moment you won treasure hunt, saw your team “Capture the Flag” or earning a standing ovation after your Lip Sync. Did you think of those moments? Do you have chills yet? Cause I do. Remember those moments of glory. They will give you the gift of confidence, the infamy from your time at Agawak and above all, give you the ability to be part of something that only a true Blue or White would understand. The bond between Fikey Ikus and Uh Ungowa will never be replaced and it is those moments that define an Agawak girl and strengthens our bonds. Always remember, though, the stadium will always be close to all our hearts, showing us the meaning of friendship from the start.- Elizabeth

2) Find something at camp that you REALLY love
For me, I loved being on stage, so Blue and White Lip-Syncs, Say-What Karaoke and the camp musical are some of my favorite memories. Agawak has something for everybody. Are you an artist that loves to paint, make bracelets or tie-die? Have you ever wanted to talk on the radio and interview campers and staff members? What about swimming or water skiing? Blue Lake has tons of water activities for you to try. From snorkeling to sailing to paddleboarding to canoeing to fishing. I still love fishing off the pontoon boat when I get the chance. Agawak campers can sign up for six activity periods on a rotation, so you get to try everything. With so many activities to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect fit for you! Who knows? Maybe you’ll even end up in the bullseye club in Archery like me!- Beth

1) Camp friends are the best friends
Seriously, the best friends in the whole world! Ask any age group who were former campers. Camp friends are the best friends. There is something about the time you experience together in “the woods”. You laugh, you cry, you perform, you grow, you are YOU. Camp friends love you for your authentic self. It doesn’t matter what you look like, what you wear or who you know. All that matters is that you are you. The most precious times to bond are those moments of nothing at camp; the rest hours, the laughs at night, the getting ready for inspection or the waterfront afternoons. All of these moments create something that no one can really explain, except you know it is rare, unique and special. Your cabinmates just might in fact turn into your sisters but you will be surprised with the other family you gain from Agawak. It doesn’t matter what your age difference might be...you will forever be connected through Agawak. You won’t realize it this summer, or maybe years down the line, but those who are around you at Agawak will be your biggest cheerleaders when you get the job of your dreams, the ones who wipe the tears after a heartbreak, the ones who call to say, “remember the time that...” so that you laugh so hard that you cry, the ones who you can truly share anything with and know that they will always have your back. I promise these friendships will be unlike any others you will develop in your lifetime and I am thankful for my Agawak family each and every day. Come to camp being that special kind of friend.  -Elizabeth

So, campers, old and new, enjoy the last few weeks leading up to your summers spent at Camp Agawak. Once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave. We envy those who will be experiencing camp for the first time, and for our returning campers, try to see if you can find examples for yourself when it comes to the above list. Whether it’s your first, fifth or 10th summer at Agawak, don’t count the days, make the days count.

Full Spead Ahead!
Beth & Liz