Annual Appeal Letter

November, 2009

Dear Agawam Friend,

The celebration of Camp Agawam’s 90th Anniversary in 2009 is a reminder of the powerful and enduring spirit of the institution, and the thousands of young lives that have been shaped by its wonderful traditions and values.  At the 90th reunion in August, hundreds of Camp alumni and their families returned to enjoy the beauty of Crescent Lake, camaraderie, fun and, of course, the cool Maine nights. 

As we all know, 2009 was a year of great change and challenges for many in our country and throughout the world.   Despite all the upheaval and uncertainty, Camp Agawam and the Agawam Council are on very solid footing, thanks to the outstanding leadership of our staff, the dedication of our very capable Board of Directors, and the generous support of many of you in the alumni community.

For our organization, it was a year of transition.  At the staff level, it was “Chief” Erik Calhoun’s first summer as Camp Director, after “Chief” Garth Nelson moved to a full time role as Director of Development and Council Operations and Consulting Camp Director.  Despite the severe global economic downturn, our camper rolls were oversubscribed and we had a full complement of highly qualified and enthusiastic seasonal staff.  The traditions and values, that many alumni sought to revisit at the Reunion, remain vital and central to the Camp.

Every year, we rely on you and other friends of Agawam to help us maintain two very important aspects of Agawam’s Mission:  the Camp Agawam Campership Program and the Main Idea at Camp Agawam Week for our Maine neighbors.

We eagerly look forward to the 40th Main Idea Week in 2010, when over 100 Maine boys will attend a tuition free summer camp experience they otherwise could not enjoy.  At that time, we also welcome many Agawam alumni, who volunteer their time to assure the finest experience for these boys.

The 2010 Camp Agawam season will also benefit from attendance by as many as 25 campers, who join us due to full or partial tuition assistance from the Camp Agawam Campership Program.  Over the years, boys who started as Main Idea campers and others recommended to us by various educational institutions or church related programs, have added substantially to the quality of our camper group.  They have brought valuable new perspectives, performed in outstanding leadership roles and have earned the highest recognitions from Agawam.

None of this would be able to happen without your continued generosity.  I invite you to join me in supporting our 2010 Annual Appeal, which ensures these proven programs at Agawam.

I look forward to meeting many of you over the months and years ahead.  Let’s work together to maintain and grow this extraordinary organization we love so much.

Warm regards,

“Ranger” Jim Carroll (81-83)

President, Agawam Council