Agawak’s nurturing, fun and professional staff of educators, college students and coaches encourages our campers to develop new interests, gain valuable skills and discover their strengths in an inclusive and welcoming community. Camp Agawak is about making lasting friendships, building self-confidence and creating unforgettable memories.
Mary Fried, Owner & Director
With over 30 years of camping experience Mary is a committed and seasoned director. Mary is only the third owner of Camp Agawak. Mary brings passion, hands-on leadership and incredible warmth to a camp culture that is as extraordinary as it is fun. Mary’s Master’s degree in educational psychology along with a background in school counseling makes her a highly skilled and compassionate director. She has dedicated her life to working with children. Since 1989, Mary has helped thousands of young campers transition successfully to overnight camp.
Mary has three children Jaclyn, Jacob, and Joshua.
Chris Garcia, Associate Director
Introducing Chris Garcia, the dedicated associate director of Camp Agawak, who has devoted 15 years to year-round camp operations. As the key communicator for camp families, Chris is the friendly voice behind countless emails and phone calls, ensuring a smooth experience for all. Born and raised in Minocqua, she left to pursue a Masters Degree in Business, then returned with her husband to raise their four children in the Northwoods. In addition to her camp responsibilities, Chris passionately coaches swimming at both the high school and club levels during the winter months. With her commitment and enthusiasm, she is eagerly anticipating an unforgettable Summer 2025!
Jacob Fried, Assistant Director
With a lifetime of camping experience, Jacob Fried is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Camp Agawak community. Holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business from Marquette University, Jacob brings valuable skills to his role. Having lived at camp his entire life, he has a deep passion for helping and working with the wonderful campers and staff. His energetic presence can be felt throughout the camp as he assists with activities, programming, and everything that makes Agawak special. Jacob’s commitment to fostering a positive camp environment is evident in all that he does. He is eagerly looking forward to another exciting summer ahead, always with a smile on and ready to go FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Sarah Mervis, CIT Director
Meet Sara, affectionately known as Merv, a valued member of the Administrative staff at Camp Agawak, who is thrilled to share another summer with everyone. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University, which enrich her contributions to the camp. With a lifelong connection to this camp, she has spent every summer here for at least a week and has enjoyed over 17 years of dedicated service. As the CIT Director and Division Head for some of the senior cabins, Sara works closely with the oldest campers, fostering their growth and development. During the school year, she brings her passion for education to her role as a 3rd grade special education teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. A proud mother, she is excited to have one camper and one counselor in the Agawak community, making this truly her happy place!
Emily Williams, Activities and Program Director
Meet Emily, a beloved member of the Camp Agawak community, who is thrilled to embrace another summer of joy and adventure. With 12 years of experience at Agawak, she has journeyed from camper to counselor, served as Blue and White Commissioner, and is now part of the office staff. Emily graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a business degree, which enhances her role in coordinating activities for both staff and campers, ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. Her passion for camp shines through in everything she does, and her dedication to creating memorable experiences makes her an invaluable asset to the community. Emily truly loves Agawak and can’t wait to make this summer unforgettable for everyone!
Camp Staff
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Skye G - Photographer
Skye is from Northbrook, Illinois, and this will be her 7th summer at Camp Agawak! During the year, she works as a 4th grade teacher and photographer. Her favorite part about Agawak is spending the summer on Blue Lake and capturing memories that will last a lifetime. She’ll be back behind the lens again this summer as one of our amazing camp photographers!
Paola A - Kitchen Support Staff
Paola is from Mexico and currently in her 6th semester at Universidad Veracruzana. This will be her first summer at Camp Agawak! She’s excited about working in an industrial kitchen and, of course, meeting incredible people along the way. Her favorite food is strawberries!
Lauren G - Counselor
Lauren is from the Central Coast of Australia and is in her first year at the University of Sydney. This will be her 3rd summer at Camp Agawak! She loves the North Woods and Blue Lake and is so excited to see everyone again for another amazing summer.
Marian G - Kitchen Support Staff
Marian is from Mexico, and this will be her 5th summer at Camp Agawak. She’s excited to be back on Blue Lake and soak up all the beauty of nature. If you need anything, you can find Marian in the kitchen, ready to help with a smile!
Noa C - Counselor
Noa is from Highland Park, Illinois, and is a rising sophomore at The Ohio State University. This will be her 10th summer at Camp Agawak and her 3rd on staff. Some of her favorite things about camp are Blue and White and pasta bar! This summer, Noa will be one of our Evening Program coordinators, and she can’t wait for all the fun ahead!
Vianca D - Division Head
Vianca, also known as Ms. Davis, was raised in Puerto Rico and moved back to Chicago in her mid-20s. She graduated with her Master’s in School Social Work in 2021 and currently works as a high school social worker. This will be her first summer at Camp Agawak! Vianca is excited to try something new and looks forward to spending her summer surrounded by nature and like-minded people who love the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, swimming in the ocean, paddleboarding, and even relaxing on the grass with a blanket and pillow. In her downtime, she loves expressing her creativity through pottery and spending time with her family.
Maya K - Counselor
Maya is from Highland Park, Illinois, and will be a sophomore at Vanderbilt University in the fall. This will be her 10th summer at Camp Agawak and her 3rd on staff. Some of her favorite things about camp are the lifelong friendships and amazing memories she’s made. Maya loves sailing on Blue Lake and leading dance and kickboxing. She’s also excited to lead evening program this year and be a CIT counselor. She can’t wait for another unforgettable summer on Blue Lake!
Lili G - Counselor
Lili is from Wales, UK, and is currently in her first year at Swansea University. This will be her first summer at Camp Agawak. She is most excited about meeting everyone and getting to be part of the Agawak community for the first time!
Elise M - Counselor
Elise is from Western Australia and graduated from Karratha Senior High School last year. This will be her first summer at Camp Agawak. She’s so excited to learn new skills and make lifelong friendships! Elise brings her adventurous energy and love for the outdoors to everything she does and can’t wait to dive into all that camp has to offer.
Courtney G - Counselor
Courtney is from Australia, and this will be her first summer at Camp Agawak. She is most excited for the lifelong memories she’ll make and all the fun daily activities camp has to offer. You’ll find her jumping into every adventure with a big smile and lots of energy!
