Nestled deep in the Northwoods of Lake Superior, Charles N. Agree Outpost Camp became an outpost of Tamarack Camps in the mid 1960s and has since fostered life-changing summers for thousands of young adults. During a five-week session, a small band of campers and staff make northern Ontario home and, surrounded by decades of history and tradition, embrace summer in its purest form.
Learn more about the profound impact of a summer spent at Agree Outpost Camp through the reflections of former Agree camper — and current Tamarack parent — Sarah Baruch Platt:
Why Agree Outpost Camp is More Important Than Ever
There’s no shortage of concerns for children growing up in today’s world — technology overload, busy schedules and constant stimulation. Even when I was younger, life felt fast-paced, but today’s world is even more intense. Enter Agree Outpost Camp, a place where time slows down, and teenagers are given a rare opportunity to unplug, tune into themselves and reconnect with nature.
Agree is a hidden gem. There’s no electricity and none of the usual comforts of home, but that’s exactly what makes it extraordinary. Campers aren’t just “roughing it” — they’re learning to be self-reliant, contribute to a group and push themselves in ways that everyday life rarely allows. Whether preparing for a canoe trip or handling daily camp chores, they gain confidence, strength and a true sense of independence.
Growing Into Independence
As a parent now, I understand the tendency to shield our children from discomfort and smooth out every challenge. But if we constantly remove obstacles, how can they grow? At Agree, I cleaned out the outhouses, hauled trash, shopped for groceries, cooked meals and cleaned up afterward. These responsibilities, taken on as a teenager, helped me realize I was capable of far more than I ever imagined. Agree taught me to take pride in my contributions and gave me a deep sense of ownership over my experiences.
On hiking and canoe trips, I learned to lean into my strengths, recognize my weaknesses and appreciate the unique talents of my fellow campers. These lessons weren’t just about survival —they were about life, teamwork and resilience.
The Gift of Unplugging
In today’s world, where the latest technology is often seen as the ultimate gift, the real gift is the chance to unplug from it all. At Agree, there’s no WiFi or screens — just friends, the beauty of nature and the freedom to explore it. Kids face real challenges: crossing lakes by canoe, navigating tough hiking trails and learning to work collaboratively. These experiences build character, adaptability and confidence. Every paddle stroke, every mile hiked, every task completed becomes a part of who they are.
A Place for Reflection and Growth
Decades later, I still reflect on my time at Agree and the impact it’s had on my life. I can still close my eyes and feel the calm of overlooking the crystal-clear lake.
To close, I’d like to share a part of a letter I wrote to myself while I was a camper at Agree. Perhaps hearing it directly from 13-year-old me is the best testament to the camp’s impact:
“Over the past 3 weeks, I have learned a tremendous amount about myself. Responsibilities are key if you want to live a happy, stress-free life. I’ve learned to appreciate all the good in my life that I often take for granted. Coming to Agree has changed my life in the most positive way. I wish more people could experience it. The lessons about respect, community, power, responsibility and appreciation are beyond belief. Staying calm, taking deep breaths and short naps help, too. Never forget to exercise and be the best you can be — no goal is too big, no mountain too tall. I used to just say it, but now I believe it and know it’s true.”
This letter captures the transformation that campers experience at Agree — a journey that builds confidence, resilience and self-awareness. A summer at Agree isn’t just about campfires and canoe trips; it’s about shaping young people into independent, thoughtful individuals who carry those lessons with them for life.
A day in the life at base camp
Campers sleep in rustic cabins (built by former campers and local French Canadian handymen), and each morning make their way up wooded paths to the lodge for a breakfast planned and prepared by their fellow campers. Most days, announcements and morning jobs come after breakfast, followed by blissful hours of unstructured time that campers are free to spend as they wish.
Campers might choose to bake something from scratch in “Mindy’s Kitchen,” play board games in the lodge, read in a hammock, play guitar on the couches in the family room, organize a Euchre tournament, chop wood (with staff supervision), pick raspberries, play twister or SpikeBall in the game room, paint paddles at the picnic tables outside or take a canoe out to explore nearby islands.
More often than not, campers can be found hanging out on the dock and swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding in our beautiful lake until the gong rings for lunch. Some days, everyone hops on the bus for a hike, a beach day on Lake Superior or a visit to the town of Wawa. Most nights, after dinner, everyone gathers for an evening program or song session around the fire.
Trips
Agree campers spend two full weeks on backcountry trips. During the six-day canoeing trip and eight-day hiking trip, campers hone essential camping skills surrounded by the beauty of Lake Superior Provincial Park, which features world-class hiking and paddling and spectacular scenery including waterfalls, white sand beaches, diverse animal and plant life and, of course, Lake Superior herself.
The length, setting and small group size of these trips foster deep bonding and challenge campers physically and mentally in a safe and supportive environment. Though nerves are common at first, trips tend to be a favorite part of the summer and what campers remember for many years to come.
Once back at Agree, they’ll unpack and shower before relaxing in the moonlit sauna with their trip group.
