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.
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!
Emily Williams, Activity 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 14 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!
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!
Stephanie Becker Tasman, Director of Cabin Life
A familiar face on the shores of Blue Lake, Stephanie is thrilled to return to Camp Agawak for her 25th summer. A former camper, counselor, and assistant director, she now steps into the role of Director of Cabin Life, bringing with her a deep love for camp and a commitment to supporting both campers and staff. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in Teaching from National Louis University, along with years of experience working with children of all ages. During the school year, she is the Owner and Director of Little Ones Preschool in Northbrook. A proud mom to Braden and Talia—both devoted Agawak campers—and wife to Shawn, she is excited to help create a summer filled with meaningful connections, growth, and unforgettable memories. Agawak is truly her happy place, and she can’t wait to share the magic with everyone!
Camp Staff
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Tayla B. - Counselor
Tayla is joining Camp Agawak from New Zealand for her first summer! She chose Agawak for its welcoming community and positive, supportive environment, and she was excited about the chance to be part of a team that truly cares about campers while building confidence, friendships, and fun. Tayla is most excited to form great connections with campers and staff, jump into new activities, and be part of all the fun! When she’s not at camp, she loves to draw and design, play guitar, sing, knit, stay active, and spend time outdoors—whether it’s water skiing, fishing, walking, playing squash, or exploring new places.
Millie T. - Counselor
Millie is joining Camp Agawak from Canberra, Australia, and this will be her first summer at camp! She chose Agawak for the wonderful people—everyone being so lovely and welcoming—and the endless activities that keep camp life exciting all summer long. Millie is super excited to meet everyone, create lasting memories, and have the best summer ever.
Grace C. - Counselor
Grace is joining Camp Agawak from Dorset, England, and this will be her first summer at camp! She chose Agawak because of its family-oriented and welcoming atmosphere, values that stood out to her and made it the perfect place to spend her summer. Grace is most excited to meet the campers and staff and dive into a summer full of friendships, fun, and unforgettable memories. She can’t wait to be part of a community where everyone feels included and has an amazing time.
Cassady G. - Counselor
Cassady is joining Camp Agawak from Auckland, New Zealand, and this will be her first summer at camp! She chose Agawak because of the many exciting activities, along with the epic waterfront and Tango Tower that make camp so special. Cassady is most excited to meet lots of new people and help create—and be part of—an unforgettable camp experience for everyone.
Olivia L. - Counselor
Olivia is joining Camp Agawak from Melbourne, Australia, and this will be her first summer at camp! She chose Agawak because of its positive atmosphere and strong sense of community. Olivia is most excited to meet everyone at camp and try new activities and experiences throughout the summer. She brings an open, enthusiastic spirit and is ready to make the most of everything camp has to offer.
Jessica R. - Counselor
Jessica is returning to Camp Agawak from England, and this will be her second summer at camp! Agawak has truly become her second home after an amazing first summer filled with lifelong memories, and she’s excited to be back for another season that’s sure to be just as special and full of laughter. Her favorite part of camp is the strong bonds built within the cabin—it means so much to her to watch campers grow in confidence, come out of their shells, and shine in their own unique ways. Jessica is also looking forward to being back on Blue Lake and lifeguarding.
Lauren G. - Counselor
Lauren is returning to Camp Agawak for her fourth summer, and she couldn’t be more excited to be back! From the very beginning, she was drawn in by the warmth and welcoming nature of Agawak’s leadership. Her favorite part of camp is, without a doubt, her campers, who she says are the best people ever. Blue Lake and the Northwoods also hold a special place in her heart, and she can’t wait to return for another unforgettable summer.
Aimee P. - Counselor
Aimee is returning to Camp Agawak from Manchester in the UK, and this will be her third summer at camp! Agawak has truly become a home away from home for her, and she can’t wait to spend another unforgettable summer in the Northwoods. She is especially excited for sunny days on Blue Lake, chocolate chip pancakes on Sundays, and music around the campfire.
Lily T. - Counselor
Alyssa J. - Counselor
Alyssa is returning to Camp Agawak from Australia, and this will be her second summer at camp! Agawak has become a second home for her—a place where she can meet new people, build friendships, and create the most memorable experiences with all her camp kiddos. She loves all the camp songs, swimming in Blue Lake, and taking on the challenge of the Tango Tower. Alyssa brings her enthusiasm and love for camp traditions to everything she does.
