My “Hagan Days” were some of the most memorable and life shaping of my youth. I could write a book about my experiences there, but short of that I will only touch on a few highlights. Several decades after the 12 summers I spent there, I still maintain close friendships with many of the girls I “grew up” with there. And those friendships are the first and most precious thing that I remember about Camp Hagan. We were campers, CIT’s, JC’s and staff members together and developed a bond that has lasted all these years. We worked together, were silly together, worshipped together, shared our hopes, dreams, joys and fears, and cried when we had to part at the end of the summer, waiting 9 months until the next camp season. I’m a better person because of the women with whom I shared the Hagan experience.
The second impact Hagan had on my like was being outside and learning to understand and appreciate God’s world around me. A towering mountain on one side, a strong flowing river (in which I learned to swim) on the other, the smell of pine trees, the glow of candlelight and campfires (soon learned to manage without electricity for the most part), the dew on the morning grass-these are images and sensations I will never forget. I learned more about nature at Hagan than any in any science class I ever took (most importantly, the difference between poison ivy and Virginia creeper!) Evening Vespers in the outdoor chapel gave special meaning to one of my favorite hymns “This is My Father’s World”. And even when the elements turned extreme, like having to take salt tablets when it was blistering hot or preparing for evacuation when continuous rains brought the river level almost up to flood level, it taught me to respect the power of nature.
The highlight of the summer, of course, was Hagan Christmas. Yes, Christmas CAN be celebrated in August. Hagan formed its own traditions, which were just as much fun, if not more, than those of a snowy December Christmas. Handmade gifts and cards could be just as meaningful as the store bought variety. Caroling in the morning in your bathrobe and pajamas, sitting on the roof of Great Hall and making a banquet of camp food and candlelight made it all the more memorable.
Lastly, the “Hagan Way” taught me character, sportsmanship and the value of hard work. I learned that people from all walks of life deserve the same treatment and chance in life. Earning 4 award ties and a Sr. Life Saving certification were challenging, but attainable, goals when approached with perseverance. I learned that competition was not necessarily about winning, but the fun, skills and camaraderie learned along the way.
The Camp Hagan I knew and loved is really only in my mind and heart now, but those memories will always bring a smile to my face and I thank God for them. Camp Hagan was a very special place.