Leadership
Our Leadership Team
Camp Agawam has had a positive impact on generations of campers and families. Agawam’s Leadership Team has a breadth of experience and a history with camp that is unmatched. Our team is honored to be entrusted with the management and stewardship of this special place.
Erik Calhoun
Director
“Chief” Erik Calhoun took over as Camp Agawam’s fifth director in 2009, but his long history with camp began in his first camper year in 1981. Erik holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Eckerd College and master’s degrees in education from Boston College and in history from Wake Forest. Prior to serving as camp director, Erik was a teacher and admissions director, most recently at Elgin Academy where he was head of admissions. Erik enjoys hiking, canoeing, reading, and music. He particularly loves Agawam’s emphasis on the individual within the context of the community.
Diehl Estes
Assistant Director and Director of Operations
“Capt” Diehl Estes first attended camp in 1973 as a Main Idea camper, and he has been a fixture on Agawam’s campus ever since, teaching virtually every activity at Agawam and serving in roles ranging from cabin counselor to chef to unit head to head of the Sr. Club program to head counselor and now as assistant director. Diehl is Agawam’s primary facilities manager and is responsible for the care of our beautiful campus. He is also an American Camp Association accreditation visitor and serves on the Crescent Lake Watershed Association.
Karen Malm
Assistant Director and Director of Programs, Alumni Relations and Council Operations
“Mander” Karen Malm joined Agawam’s summer staff in 1995, serving as head of tennis and challenge course. Before that, Karen was a camper and counselor at Camp Wawenock for 14 years. In 2008, after 18 years teaching at the Kent Place School, Karen joined Agawam’s year-round staff. Karen is an American Camp Association accreditation visitor and a licensed American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor. She graduated from Princeton University and holds a law degree from Boston College.
Aric Walton
Director of Advancement
“Guide” Aric Walton joined the Camp Agawam team in 2022. Aric graduated from the University of New Hampshire, majoring in recreation management. Prior to Agawam, Aric worked at Bowdoin College for 12 years in development and alumni relations, serving in numerous positions within annual giving and as assistant vice president for the division. A native Mainer, Aric is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with his wife and two children.
Judy Webel
Camp Manager
“Major” Judy Webel joined Agawam’s summer office staff in 2005 and has been a member of the year-round team since 2012. Judy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human development from Colby College and a Graduate Teaching Certificate from Central Connecticut State University. Prior to working at Agawam, Judy worked in early childhood education as a teacher and a director of curriculum and staff development. Judy’s four sons attended and worked at Agawam.
Agawam’s Summer Staff
Agawam’s stellar staff hails from around the world. Many of them began as campers and became counselors to give back. Every member of our staff is dedicated to providing Agawam campers with a magical summer.
Agawam Council
Camp Agawam is under the leadership of the Agawam Council Board of Directors. Formed in 1985 to ensure that Agawam would continue to thrive as a summer camp after the retirement of former directors and owners Dave and Peg Mason, our board helps oversee the camping programs we provide. They work with our camp director to ensure an outstanding camp experience for our campers.