Director and Staff

As any good camp director will tell you, the key to a successful summer is the caliber of the staff. Implementing a dynamic program and maintaining a beautiful facility is only meaningful if our staff supports the mission of providing a safe and nurturing camp environment for our campers. The selection of quality staff is given top priority. We look for the “cream of the crop”……the best of the best.

At Agawak we select sensitive, enthusiastic, exceptional people who are dedicated to working with children. Our staff is composed of undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, coaches and high school students who love camp, the outdoors and working with children. Agawak staff members are high spirited, passionate individuals from around the country and world who want to make a positive difference in the lives of our girls.

In addition to the vast amount of rigorous, on-site training that our staff receives during pre-camp, they also go through intensive online training with industry professionals from Expert Online Training. 

Administration Staff

Mary Fried, Owner & Director

With over 30 years of camping experience Mary is a committed and seasoned director. Mary is only the third owner of Camp Agawak. Mary brings passion, hands-on leadership and incredible warmth to a camp culture that is as extraordinary as it is fun. Mary’s master’s degree in educational psychology along with a background in school counseling makes her a highly skilled and compassionate director. She has dedicated her life to working with children. Since 1989, Mary has helped thousands of young campers transition successfully to overnight camp.

Mary has 3 children Jaclyn, Jacob, and Joshua.

 

 

 

Chris Garcia, Associate Director

Hello! I am the associate director and have been working at camp year round for 13 years. I am the face behind many of the emails and phone calls camp families receive. I grew up in Minocqua, left for a few years but came back with my husband to raise our 4 kids in the beautiful northwoods. During the winter months I also coach swimming at the high school and club level. I cannot wait for Summer 2021!

Sara Mervis, CIT Director

Hi everyone!! It's Sara aka Merv....I am excited to be a member of the Administrative staff who will be here to share another summer at camp with you. This is truly my happy place! I have spent every summer of my life here at camp for at least a week, during post camp, and have had the pleasure of working at camp for over 17 years. While at camp, I work with the oldest campers, as the CIT Director, and Division Head for some of the senior cabins. During the school year, I am a 3rd grade special education teacher in the suburbs of Chicago, and am the proud mom to one camper and one counselor here at Agawak.

Ducky, Camp Chef

Hi. I’m DUCKY. I have been running the kitchen at Agawak since 1994. Over the years I have enjoyed preparing many foods from Grilled Cheese, Pizza, Pasta Bar, and Hobo Hash and many other favorites. I try to keep the menu at camp flavorful and exciting. Making meals that please everyone is difficult, yet I encourage them to give meals at camp a try. Who knows, they may really like it. But aside from the main dishes we have many other choices. Every breakfast has 8-10 different cereals and fresh fruits. Besides the hot meal at lunch, we have a full salad bar with toppings such as garbanzo beans, edamame, hard boiled eggs, baby carrots and much more with five to six different salad dressings and at least two fresh fruit choices. A few days a week lunch also includes homemade soups. There is also a sandwich bar where we offer flat bread wraps, sliced turkey and the fixings for a wonderful sandwich. At dinner time the same full salad bar is available along with the hot meal of the evening. Camp offers many choices daily and I always make sure the campers are taken care of. I am also familiar with a variety of medically approved diet restrictions from Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Diabetic Restrictions, and other allergy accommodations.   

Jacob Fried, Director of Operations & Camp Experience

Hey everyone! My name is Jacob Fried and I’m so excited for this summer! I’ve lived at camp my entire life and I love helping and working with our wonderful campers and staff. You can find me all over camp helping with activities programming and everything else that goes on here at camp. Smile on and FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!

Kiley Isaacson, Activities & Program Director

Hi campers! My name is Kiley Isaacson and I have been a part of Camp Agawak since 2007; first as a camper and since 2015 on staff. I’m so excited to be back; time flies when you’re having fun! Last summer, I got the opportunity to be a division head and help out in the office. This summer I will be your Activity and Programming Director! I can’t wait to be running around camp watching our favorite games unravel and maybe even introduce some new awesome ones. I love laughing and having fun with all of you campers! During the year I am a third grade teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. I can’t wait for this summer to come and for the buses to roll in to the most special place. Here’s to 101 years of fun! :)

Sort by Last Name:

Ximena G

Hello everyone! My name is Ximena, I'm 22 and from Mexico. This will be my first year at camp Agawak, you can find me in the kitchen! I'm so excited to meet everyone and spend an amazing summer together.

Lauren G

Hey everyone! I’m Lauren, I’m 18 and from Australia. This will be my first year at camp and I’m so excited to meet you all! You can find me doing drama or on the hockey fields.

Maddy G

Hi!! My name is Maddy Gallinson and I am SO excited to be back on the beautiful shores of blue lake! I’ve been a camper at Agawak since 2014, and on staff since 2022. I am from Northbrook, Illinois, and I currently attend the University of Michigan. This summer you can find me on the ski docks, fishing boat, or leading our blue and white program! Can’t wait!

Annabelle G

Hi! My name is Annabelle Garelick. I am 18 years old and from the City of Chicago. I'm currently a freshman at the University of Michigan. I've been a part of Camp Agawak since 2014 and this will be my third summer on staff. I can't wait to spend my summer with all of you!!!

Emily G

Hey everyone! My name is Emily and I am from Deerfield, Illinois. I have been part of the Agawak family since 2000 when I started out as a camper. After being a camper and counselor, I made my way over to the office. You can find me in the camp store, sorting mail, and running errands for programming. I am beyond excited for summer number 21 and meeting all of the new Agawak family members!

Karen G.

Hello there! I'm Karen, I'm 25 and from México. This is my fourth sumner in Camp Agawak. I'm so into arts and crafts and I'm excited for another wonderful adventure!

Leah H

Hi everyone, my name is Leah. This will be my first year at Camp AGAWAK on beautiful Blue Lake. I was born and raised right here in Minocqua WI. I am a certified ACCT Level 2 Challenge Course Facilitator and a full time adventurer. I can’t wait to be a part of the Agawak family!

Jenna H

Hi, I'm Jenna Harris! I am from Chicago, IL and next fall I will be a sophomore at Tulane University. This will be my 10th summer at camp, and 3rd year on staff! At camp you can find me kickboxing, leading our amazing blue and white program, and spending time on Blue Lake. Counting down the days!

Karen I

Hi everyone! My name is Karen, I'm 23. I'm from Mexico and I'm so excited to join this year to Camp Agawak! I love traveling and make new friends. I can't wait to have and amazing summer!

Annie I

Hi everyone! My name is Annie. I'm from Highland Park, IL. I've been an Agawak girl since 2014. I can't wait for summer 2023!