We have exciting news from Agawak and Maryland.  I am thrilled to let everyone know Iris Krasnow, former Agawak camper 1963-1973, former Blue Team captain, well known author, professor of journalism and women’s studies at American University in Washington and mother of four boys is heading back to Agawak this summer to teach writing and reflections to all interested campers.

Iris was born and raised in Oak Park, IL. A graduate of Stanford University, she became the fashion writer for the Dallas Times-Herald then moved to United Press International in Washington, D.C. to become the national feature writer.  Iris is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Surrendering to Marriage, Surrendering to Yourself and I Am My Mother’s Daughter. Her writing has been featured in many national publications, including Parade, The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. I’m not sure who is more excited about her return, Iris or me. Campers this will be a rare opportunity for those of you who enjoy writing or want to improve your writing skills.

This past summer was an exceptionally good one. I feel strongly that we must do what we can to make sure more children experience camp and have the opportunity to spend time in natural environments, be physically active and grow from authentic human communication. I believe it’s more important today than ever before due to societal changes. Over the past 25 years, I have witnessed substantial personal growth in thousands of Agawak campers. I have seen camp significantly change campers, molding them into who they were meant to be. The meaningful friendships that form because of camp become an anchor. Our camp friendships give us security, encouragement and a sense of belonging in a world where people seem less connected.

Since the last bus pulled out of camp we have been making several improvements around camp. Check out a few of improvement pictures also posted on our website. You’ll notice outside the front doors of cabins D and J we added some massive stone platforms. They look much nicer than their wood predecessors. Campers bunking on the “hill” near cabin 12 will now have smoother walking to the lower athletic field as Brandon and Timmy added a brand new set of stairs on the backside of cabin 15. Years of erosion exposed large tree roots creating an obstacle getting down the hill quickly and safely. The new forest staircase is beautiful. I look forward to seeing many happy campers pass safely down them over the years to come.

Some of you may recall the wood retaining wall located near the shoreline at campfire. This wood wall was slowly eroding and inching its way toward Blue Lake. I decided to pull it out and replace it with large boulders. There will not be a need to repair it ever again in my lifetime. We do an excellent job of updating our facilities which should be evident to anyone who steps foot on Agawak soil. I want my campers and their families to be very proud of their camp and be able to recognize we put a lot back into camp for everyone’s enjoyment.

I would like to welcome the following new campers into our camp family. We are thrilled to announce that the following campers are officially Agawak Girls and will be tops where ever they go: Haylie Blumenthal all the way from Maryland, Madeline Gallinson and Marissa Strauss from Chicago,  Lexi Rootberg from Veron Hills, IL, Cece Batt from Highland Park, IL & Tori Yoblan from Deerfield, IL.  All of us here at Agawak can’t wait to show you around and share the magic of Agawak with you.

Do any of you remember Dani Baez? She was a counselor in cabin 10 last summer. She will back to share her warmth and kindness with all of you again in 2014.  We are excited to say, Stefani Gutmann from cabin 6 will be back for her second summer on staff.  Chris Garcia will be back for her 7th summer. Next summer marks, assistant director Stephanie Becker’s 21st summer. WOW!!!! MP will be back for his 19th and sweet activities director Suzi will be back for her 7th amazing Agawak summer. 

This past weekend I headed out to visit our Ohio Agawak families.  The Fisher family from Cincinnati hosted our Agawak gathering on Sunday, November 3rd.  Friday night was spent in Columbus and Saturday in Cincinnati visiting new and old Agawak families. A BIG THANK YOU to the Fishers for providing a venue for this fun reunion.

The children and I headed to Tucson, AZ in October for Emma Platter’s Bat Mitzvah. The weather was gorgeous and we were all so proud of Emma. All my little campers are growing up too quickly. Snow has already graced the ground up north. I guess it’s that time of year but it doesn’t mean I’m ready for it.  Wish there were more days of camp and less of winter. I hope everyone is doing well in school. Don’t forget to stay connected to your camp friends during the off-season. 

Wishing all of you a fun & fast approaching holiday season as well as a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by the ones you love.

Smile on. Full Speed ahead!  -Mary

November Birthdays!

Monique Taylor – 1          Tatum Rudman – 15          Rachel Rosen – 25
Jamie Pascal – 2                Bryn Grossman – 17         Sydney Kalter - 25
Morgan Millstein – 2         Stephanie Rush – 17          Brandon Komarek - 25
Pavel – 3                          Stella Kassof – 19             Phoebe Patinkin - 26
Carly Kohn – 4                 Halle Michael – 20           Casey Hughes - 27
Hannah Vigran - 7             Samara Michael – 20         Ryan Metz - 28
Taylor Bondy - 9               Avery Sherwood – 20       Lilly Waters - 29
Nicole Walchirk – 10        Oliva Baker - 21              Alexa Frumm - 29
Stacey Rhum – 11              Sydney Cohen - 21           Ilana Spitz - 29
Alexis Aronin – 12             Jessi Garland – 22            Anna Brady - 29
Samantha Cummins – 12    Hannah Solk – 23             Amanda Berk – 30
Ava Levine – 12                Meredith Rudman – 23
Emily Williams – 14          Ellie Kraus – 23

If you would like to see this blog in "Agazine" style click here  Agazine 11-1-13