This summer, we offered the very first “Agree Outpost Camper and Staff Reunion” at Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp, just outside of Wawa, Ontario. I had the joy and privilege of being the Agree Director for 21 years, and through this reunion, I was once again at the helm to provide two wonderful weeks of stories, outpost life, and comradery for 42 alumni.
Participants spanned the decades from the very first Agree Director in 1969 to staff and campers who enjoyed their Agree experience as recently as 2019. Despite each participant having their own memories and experiences from their own camp generations, we were all bonded by our love and commitment to Agree and the outpost experience; it was as if we had all gone to camp together.
Throughout the reunion, we immediately connected over stories of wild rapids, picking up the trail that had petered out, tales of muddy and rocky portages, memories of being barraged by the blackflies, bizarre trip meals, and remembering the special feeling of watching the sunset over Lake Superior.
Some of the best moments were singing in the Family Room and around the campfire, taking a sauna (or 2 or 3), making meals, making fresh Challah for Shabbat, the sound of the “gong,” listening to the loons and dipping a paddle into Kabenung Lake.
Activities included making paddles, beautification projects, canoe overnights, day hikes in Lake Superior Park, beach day, and visiting Wawa and the surrounding falls. Saying goodbye to new and old friends was an emotional moment for everyone. One last look at the lake, a few more hugs, and L’hitraot to all.
If you were an Agree camper or staff and would like to be included in future updates and events, be sure to visit the Tamarack Alumni Hub. Also, don’t miss another reunion and memory-making opportunity during our Alumni Shabbat at Camp Maas on August 18-19.