On Olympic Day 2023, Horseshoe, Kawaga, Menominee, and Ojibwa came together to compete in a series of games. The theme this summer, chosen by commissioners, Molly Fisher, Annabelle Garelick and Talia Zazove, was north-woods boys’ camps. For opening ceremonies, each team created a colorful banner, skit, team song and cheer. Ojibwa took home the win for their banner and opening ceremonies. After opening ceremonies, teams ran relay races on the upper athletic field sprinting from one end of the field to the other as teammates encouraged them on. We quickly headed to the tennis courts for an all staff dodge-ball game. Team Kawaga commanded the dodge-ball game. The afternoon was filled with tennis, triathlon, soccer, ultimate frisbee, paddle board races, gymnastics, skiing, archery, swim relays, cross country, ballon stomp, newkum and more. Tonight Olympic Teams teams played Commando. Teams ran around camp tackling different tasks as quickly as they could. When the task was successfully completed a letter was handed out. The goal was to be the first team to collect all eight letters and spell out the word COMMANDO! The reward of ice cream for the winning team generated lots of additional enthusiasm.
Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, we will plunge into Blue Lake for our biannual lake swim. Lifeguards, staff and approximately 70 campers will be transported to the other side of Blue Lake for the swim back to Agawak. Hot chocolate will be waiting on shore for swimmers along with cheering campers and tons of high fives. Monday we will be in full activities with our annual Blue and White Spelling Bee to top off the night. First session is nearing an end all too fast. I can sense a big difference though from our first few days at camp.
Campers are more relaxed and are fully embracing camp life. For most of them, this is not their first year at Agawak. Most here have a deep understanding of what Agawak is all about. They know its rhythms, the freedom and opportunities, the boundaries and the familiar pattern of activity days. Campers instinctively know what to do and where to go. Camp life is easier for them now compared to when they first arrived. Camp is more meaningful because Agawak has become their camp, their special place, their second home, a place they can play, be goofy, dig deeper into their interests, be themselves, and feel stronger waves of confidence everyday.
Even more significant, however, is the warmth of friendship glowing among these kiddos. Spending twenty-four hours a day together has brought us all closer. Campers are talking together more casually, laughing together more frequently, and helping each other out more spontaneously. They’re being sweeter to one other, kinder and positive as they realize their first session sisters are about to head home in a few short days. Everywhere I look there are pairs, threes or groups of girls enjoying each other’s company. It’s wonderful to see them hugging more, walking arm and arm, sharing chairs just so they can sit close together. These girls love each other, and also Agawak (yes, in that order, I’d say), in surprising and marvelous ways.
With Blue and White Lip Syncs just around the bend their is an undeniable excitement in the air. We have so much more to pack in. Stay tuned for all the fun that’s about to happening this coming week.
Smile on and full speed ahead!
Mary