Director Transition
Continuing Strength in Leadership
Since its founding more than a century ago, Camp Agawam has been led by five extraordinary directors, all of whom have left an indelible mark on Agawam while maintaining constancy that allows alumni from decades ago to feel right at home. Over the past 105 years, Agawam has helped shape and guide young people to various paths of success, discovery, and growth.
Camp Agawam’s success is due not only to its talented leadership, but also to the passion and support of its community of alumni, families, and friends. This page will be updated regularly throughout the process of identifying Agawam’s next generation of leadership.
From Director, “Chief” Erik Calhoun
October 29, 2024
Dear Agawam Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I share with our community that the summer of 2025 will be my 17th and final season as the director of Camp Agawam. This is not a decision that I take lightly. Transitions are never easy, but I have given this a lot of thought and the timing feels right. It will be hard to leave, but it is time for a new chapter — both for Camp Agawam and for me.
Being the director of Camp Agawam was never just a job for me — it has been my identity. It has been all-encompassing and has meant more to me than I can adequately express. I started my Agawam career as a camper in 1981 and was a seasonal staff member for many, many years before becoming the director in 2009. I transitioned from an “Erik” to a “Yeoman” and finally to “Chief.” Beyond that, my father “Bos’n” was a camper and counselor in the 1950s and 1960s, and my son “Ranger” was also a camper and counselor. I love this place deeply — its mission and its people. I owe a lot to Agawam, which is why I can say that it is time to pass leadership to a new and energetic generation.
When I became director, I recall feeling an enormous responsibility stewarding Agawam into its second century. I knew our greatest challenge would be maintaining the unique spirit and culture of Agawam in a rapidly evolving world. Agawam always has been a camp that emphasizes character development, leadership, and interpersonal growth, and it is obvious that these values are even more important today than they have ever been. Over the past 17 years, we have seen so much change at Agawam and in the world in general, yet our core mission and values have remained the same. This is something in which I take great pride.
Agawam today is more inclusive and welcoming, and more open to diversity. I am enthusiastic to watch the continuation of that important work. We have made critical modifications to our programs, specifically our Council Fire ceremony, which have improved the camper experience. Our physical plant has changed and grown significantly for the better. And I am most proud that the spirit and traditions of Agawam remain strong, as integral to the Agawam experience as they ever have been. Any alumni visitor will recognize camp as the place that they remember and love.
One of the things that makes Camp Agawam so unique is its constancy amidst the blowing winds of change. Navigating today’s environment requires a different set of skills than the ones I brought to Agawam 17 years ago. As someone who cares deeply about Agawam, I recognize that my directorship is but one era in our long and storied 105-year history. I am honored to have been the steward of this special place for so many years, and my love for it will endure. I will be sad to leave, but it is time for the next generation to tend the Great Central Fire.
While this decision is certainly bittersweet, I step away with the knowledge that Agawam is as strong as it has ever been and will remain in great hands. Our leadership team is excellent, the Agawam Council is outstanding, and our alumni and friends base is unparalleled in their dedication and passion. As difficult as it is for me to leave, I am also energized by the prospect of new and dynamic leadership for Agawam and look forward to the next chapter.
In Agawam spirit……
“Chief” Erik Calhoun
Director
From Agawam Council President, “Chips” Alex Cobb
October 29, 2024
Dear members of the Agawam community,
“Chief” Erik Calhoun has just shared a letter announcing that 2025 will be his final summer as Agawam’s director. On behalf of the Agawam Council, we want to express our deep gratitude for his tireless commitment and extensive contributions to this organization we all love.
Chief’s legacy will endure far beyond his tenure. His trademark energy and joy have been the heartbeat of the Agawam experience for 16 years. Leading us into our second century, he has balanced the history and evolution of this remarkable community. He was instrumental in updating our traditions and practices to ensure that our cherished values continue to be instilled in the next generation of Agawam boys. Chief led the implementation of the strategic plan adopted by the Agawam Council, which sharpened our focus on the seven-week program, enriched our Senior Club program, and strengthened financial support for the Main Idea program and camperships. During his tenure, Agawam completed the largest capital campaign in our history, which enhanced the camper and staff experience through major improvements to our physical campus and the strengthening of our financial resources.
The Agawam Council is active, engaged and fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The Council is the non-profit board of directors responsible for the stewardship and governance of Agawam, which led the searches that resulted in the hiring of Chief Nelson in 1985 and Chief Calhoun in 2008. We have already begun the process of identifying Chief’s successor, with a goal of identifying a group of finalists by early spring. The search committee will be led by “Skipper” Jon Sprole, who will be stepping into the role of President of the Council in February of 2025 when my three-year term concludes. He will be joined by “Bos’n” Frank Anthony, “Sparks” Chrissy Barnard, “Slugger” S.J. Baxter, and “Commissioner” Noah Faison, representing former staff, parents, Main Idea volunteers, and long-time board members. The committee is actively interviewing firms to run the search.
This will be a thoughtful and thorough process, which will draw upon feedback from our vibrant community of parents, alumni, and friends. We will share periodic updates on the process and welcome your input on the qualities that we should be seeking in Agawam’s next leader.
We encourage you to join us in celebrating Chief’s remarkable tenure and accomplishments. Over the coming year, we will have opportunities to honor his contributions and wish him well as he embarks on his next endeavor.
Thank you for your unwavering support and love for Agawam. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally during this time of transition.
In Agawam spirit,
“Chips” Alex Cobb
President, Agawam Council
From Agawam Council President, “Chips” Alex Cobb
October 29, 2024
Dear members of the Agawam community,
“Chief” Erik Calhoun has just shared a letter announcing that 2025 will be his final summer as Agawam’s director. On behalf of the Agawam Council, we want to express our deep gratitude for his tireless commitment and extensive contributions to this organization we all love.
Chief’s legacy will endure far beyond his tenure. His trademark energy and joy have been the heartbeat of the Agawam experience for 16 years. Leading us into our second century, he has balanced the history and evolution of this remarkable community. He was instrumental in updating our traditions and practices to ensure that our cherished values continue to be instilled in the next generation of Agawam boys. Chief led the implementation of the strategic plan adopted by the Agawam Council, which sharpened our focus on the seven-week program, enriched our Senior Club program, and strengthened financial support for the Main Idea program and camperships. During his tenure, Agawam completed the largest capital campaign in our history, which enhanced the camper and staff experience through major improvements to our physical campus and the strengthening of our financial resources.
The Agawam Council is active, engaged and fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The Council is the non-profit board of directors responsible for the stewardship and governance of Agawam, which led the searches that resulted in the hiring of Chief Nelson in 1985 and Chief Calhoun in 2008. We have already begun the process of identifying Chief’s successor, with a goal of identifying a group of finalists by early spring. The search committee will be led by “Skipper” Jon Sprole, who will be stepping into the role of President of the Council in February of 2025 when my three-year term concludes. He will be joined by “Bos’n” Frank Anthony, “Sparks” Chrissy Barnard, “Slugger” S.J. Baxter, and “Commissioner” Noah Faison, representing former staff, parents, Main Idea volunteers, and long-time board members. The committee is actively interviewing firms to run the search.
This will be a thoughtful and thorough process, which will draw upon feedback from our vibrant community of parents, alumni, and friends. We will share periodic updates on the process and welcome your input on the qualities that we should be seeking in Agawam’s next leader.
We encourage you to join us in celebrating Chief’s remarkable tenure and accomplishments. Over the coming year, we will have opportunities to honor his contributions and wish him well as he embarks on his next endeavor.
Thank you for your unwavering support and love for Agawam. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally during this time of transition.
In Agawam spirit,
“Chips” Alex Cobb
President, Agawam Council
The Search Committee
The Search Committee is made up of members of the Agawam Council and committee members, who are committed to identifying Camp Agawam’s next director. They are actively interviewing search firms to assist in the process and are also working closely with the Leadership Team and community members to ensure a thoughtful and thorough process.
“Skipper” Jonathan Sprole
Search Committee Chair/Board VP/Fundraising Lead
“Bos’n” Frank Anthony
Advancement Committee
“Sparks” Chrissy Barnard
Advancement Committee Chair
“Slugger” SJ Baxter
Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
“Commissioner” Noah Faison
Governance Committee and Young Alumni Lead
“Major” Brent Locke
Governance Committee and Standards of Excellence Lead