There were tears flowing around the campfire last night as we said our final goodbyes.  Emotional key-logs were read around the fire.  The sound of crying, as our wish boats entered the water, could be heard across the lake. The following is what I shared with everyone at campfire last night:

Its true camp friends and the friendships formed at camp differ from those formed elsewhere. The people you’ve just spent your summer with far outpace in meaningfulness those you share ten or eleven months of your off season with. 

I hope the friends you’ve made at Agawak have become in many ways like your family. You have become friends with not only girls your same age but with those older or younger than you.  The feeling of always having somebody by your side should be a feeling all kids should get to experience. Be thankful you get to experience that feeling. There are many people who don’t have an army of friends by their side.
 

I’m proud of my youngest campers and my first time campers. I’m thankful I’ve been able to spend the summer with all of you. I’m extremely grateful for all my returning campers. My campers who come back year after year keep the legacy of Agawak alive.
 

Tomorrow when you leave it will be quiet again. I already feel an emptiness that makes me sad. I have to remind myself that there will be another summer and it’s only 9 ½ months away. The hardest part about my job is seeing each of you leave tomorrow not knowing if my goodbye is forever. Remember you’ll always be able to call Agawak you’re “home away from home”.
 

Remember all the things you’ve accomplished this summer without your parents by your side. Tomorrow you go home a different person than when you arrived. You are much stronger, wiser and more fulfilled. I hope the “afterglow” of memories, friends and achievements remains with you always. I hope Agawak will stay in your soul forever.
 

Thank you for an amazing and rewarding summer of fun and laughter. I care about each of you and remember if you ever need anything you know where to find me. I’m just an email away.
 

Take care. Be well. I hope to see you back on Blue Lake again next summer.
 

Mary