Agawak Girls Don’t Give Up!

        By Iris Krasnow

        As our Agawak summer is swiftly rolling into full swing, I am reminded of the lifelong lessons I learned here when I began as a camper, at the age of eight, in 1963. Along with learning how to pitch a tent, drop a ski and adjust to communal living, Agawak girls learn the power of failure. You are in good hands!

        We learn the importance of getting back out there and trying again and again until we achieve our desired goals. Perseverance turns into the crucial character traits of resilience and leadership. And at the age of 62, I can say these qualities gained at Agawak more than a half century ago are part of my DNA. This is also what is developing in your girls. I see it every day.

        When I returned after a 40 year hiatus to resurrect our camp magazine Agalog, I noticed a few differences from my ten years as a camper and counselor that ended in 1973. For one we wore uniforms, powder blue shirts and navy shorts by day; white shirts and navy slacks by night. And we wore one piece navy blue bathing suits and rubber bathing caps, in colors to match our swimming expertise. We couldn’t wear bikinis until I was 15 and in Cabin 15.

        What hasn’t changed is that our girls are engaged in activities and sports they are trying for the first time. And when they fail, they don’t give up. Just yesterday some of the campers breathlessly shared how they hit a bullseye for the first time, how they got up on a slalom ski for the first time, and how after numerous attempts on the climbing wall they ascended to the top of the Tango Tower.

        Resilience means you don’t get toppled by failure. The achievement of success after rounds of hard work bolsters self-esteem. And the combination of resilience and strong self-esteem are components that build a leader. Although “Leadership” is not an official camp activity, everything our campers do at Agawak is contributing to their growth as leaders.

        My mom and dad used to tell me when I got back from camp that I was a changed girl. First off, I knew how to fold hospital corners when I made my bed and I was highly skilled with a broom from being responsible for daily cleaning of our cabin. Most importantly, they noticed I took the initiative to make my own choices without asking what I should do.

        I gained confidence and your girls are, too. And as they mature they will know what I know – that failure is a powerful tool if we use it right, if we use it as incentive to try and try again. Failure means we need to get better and the only way to achieve our personal best is through hard work and perseverance.

        The national and international leaders we admire didn’t just get there with a snap of the fingers. People who are the heads of companies and countries never let failure stop them. It strengthened their determination to keep pushing onward to get it right.

        Agawak is a breeding ground for the resilience that transforms into leadership skill, character traits that pave the way for a grounded and successful adulthood.