page_title: Camp Agawam
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Camp Agawam / History
caption_attribution_description: English: AA Mason, Tulane
context_page_description: Camp Agawam is a boys' camp located on Crescent Lake in Raymond, Maine, U.S., and is one of the oldest summer camps for boys in the United States. The camp was founded in 1919 by Appleton A. Mason, and remained in the Mason family until 1985. The Boston Globe described the camp in 1988 as "an old camp with old ideas." However, in 2009, Senator Susan Collins described its program as "unique and exciting." It is noted for its award-winning charitable program, Main Idea, which enables underprivileged boys to attend the camp. The camp is run as a non-profit organization, directed by Erik Calhoun.
context_section_description: Camp Agawam was founded in 1919 by Appleton A. Mason, known as "The Governor", an American football player, coach of football and basketball, and physical education instructor. The camp was run by him until his death in 1938, and then taken over by his sons, Appleton Mason, Jr (1939–56) and David W. Mason (1957–85). Since David Mason's retirement, it has been managed by Agawam Council, a non-profit organization, whose board is composed of former campers. The camp in the late 1980s was still run along traditional lines, according to Peter Anderson of the Boston Globe, writing in 1988, who calls it "an old camp with old ideas." He describes traditions such as bugle calls for reveille and retreat, when the camp's flag is lowered, candle-lit processions, and former campers being remembered with flat stones and totem poles dating back to 1934.
caption: Founder Appleton Mason, Sr
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