I live and learn each day at Camp Agawak from campers and staff that come from all corners of the country and around the world. They teach me each day about compassion and patience and empathy qualities that build leaders qualities that build strong and kind human beings. I feel very blessed to be part of such a vibrant and caring camp community.
So much happens here daily which makes it hard for me to keep up with my blogs. One moment it’s 8 AM the next thing I’m at evening program. Days go by too quickly at camp. We have 9 days remaining with so much to accomplish before we say our final goodbyes.
Our CIT’s have returned safely back on camp ground with a mountain of memories and stories from their Boundary Water Canoe trip. They had great adventures and tackled the elements without the comforts of home. They were greeted coming off the bus with enormous hugs and tons of smiles. We are proud of them and delighted to have them back home.
Our wonderful PA’s have recovered from a night of walking and running during Relay for Life which took place Friday night. All of them successful completed a marathon and although they arrived back at camp more stiff than they thought possible the entire group completed 26 miles….the fastest time in Agawak history. Maybe it helped that at 12:30 am Bill and I dropped off loads of McDonald’s french fries and some tasty chicken nuggets. It was just what the doctored ordered to get them through the night.
Bright and early Saturday morning campers hit the Bear Skin Trail for the annual Acquaa Run formally known as the Mike Ross Memorial Run. Alex Two Caroline Routh and Laura Pacala were the first campers to cross the finish line. Next week runners will participate in the Mary Mile.
Camp Kawaga was here for a dance party on the basketball courts. Kasper K from Monster Entertainment pumped up the music as campers perfected their dance moves. Our girls experienced a messy food Olympics Thursday night after a full day of activities. Between human sundaes and tipper was nearly impossible to find. Hot showers and soap were a necessity to get campers back to a hygienic state. With a morning of full activities we were able to squeeze in an afternoon town day.
We had to say goodbye to our rookies this morning which was hard to do. As I boarded the bus to say my last goodbyes the eyes of our most homesick camper were filled with tears. We had done our job. She had grown enormously on the inside and went home stronger and more selfp is powerful! It changes lives.Tonight we will end our week with our traditional campfire. With only one campfire of the season left reality is setting in and the thought of camp ending is not something anyone of us wants to come to terms with. I guess all we can do is continue to sing our “We Don’t Wanna Go Home song” until the very last day.
Smile on
Mary
