Philosophy

The essence of Agawam is our rustic, uncomplicated environment with much opportunity for fun, challenge, and growth. Campers enjoy sunshine, cool breezes off the lake, woodlands, rolling open fields, lots of wildlife, starry skies at night and the memorable cry of the loons. An important guideline for our community is to "be the best, whatever you are."

During the summer, Agawam boys discover much about themselves and the effort required to become good community citizens. As Agawam campers learn about themselves, we encourage acceptance and respect for individual differences.

The unique community at camp promotes independence while also learning the value of counselors and fellow campers for companionship, friendship, entertainment and support.

High standards are set for behavior, character, sportsmanship, leadership, and mutual respect. Focused on outdoor activities, Agawam campers gain a sincere appreciation for the natural beauty of their surroundings. Our program attempts to balance pure recreation with acquisition of skills and knowledge. We seek a balance between competition and cooperation. Balance exists between structure and freedom, as we teach the relationship between privilege and responsibility, and the decision-making skills needed to make productive use of free time and elective activity.

Katiaki

Beyond the opportunities for physical growth and skills development, Agawam places central emphasis on creating an environment for discovering and enhancing the personal and interpersonal skills of each camper.

Each week, every camper is assigned a "Katiaki" (ca-TIE-a-key) – a goal to work toward that is related to his character, personality, or skills in relating to others. The task of determining and assigning these goals is a major responsibility of the camp staff and is addressed with great care. Equal emphasis is placed on reinforcing positive traits and behaviors, as well as addressing areas of relative weakness.

Frequent feedback is provided to campers and, at the end of the week, the staff gathers to determine if each camper has made a conscientious effort to attain his Katiaki goal. The emphasis is always on the effort, as the goals themselves can often be very challenging. If a camper does work hard on his Katiaki, he is honored publicly in the special candlelight ceremony at the end of our weekly Council Fire.

Normally, in excess of two-thirds of our campers are successful each week; all are aware of the importance of this highly visible attempt to encourage them to "Be The Best, Whatever You Are." The staff and campers of Agawam have recognized the great benefit of the Katiaki system since 1942. Many find it has the most enduring impact of their Agawam Experience.

Woodcraft Laws

Compiled by Ernest Thompson Seton in the early 1900’s, the Woodcraft Laws form much of the basis for Agawam’s philosophy.

Beauty
Be clean, both yourself and the place you live in.
Understand and respect your body, for it is the temple of the spirit.
Be a friend to all harmless wildlife. Conserve the woods and flowers, and especially be ready to fight wildfire in forest or town.

Truth
Word of honor is sacred.
Play fair; foul play is treachery.
Be reverent; worship the Great Spirit and respect all worship of him by others.

Fortitude
Be Brave. Courage is the noblest of all attainments.
Be silent while your elders are speaking and otherwise show them deference.
Obey. Obedience is the first duty of the Woodcrafter.

Love
Be kind. Do at least one act of unbargaining service each day.
Be helpful. Do your share of the work.
Be joyful. Seek the joy of being alive.