Scotland Coach and Captain Speech
7/17/2010

Scotland Speech

We are the proud nation of Scotland, known for the rolling hills of our Highlands, and the unmistakable sounds of our bagpipes.

Our strong sense of nationalism stems from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and 14th centuries against the Kingdom of England. The Wars were trying times for us, during which we suffered countless casualties and many other hardships. But we endured the bloodshed, thanks to our strong sense of Scottish pride and our will to survive as a free nation.

Like Owego, we Scots possess a strong bond with each other. “Our brothers.”

Both Scotland and Lake Owego were formed from the minds of brethren who wanted to create a place where everyone is free, equal, and working toward the same triumphs.

Yes, we are known for the bright-colored kilts worn by our men, the St. Andrews golf course, and of course, the Loch Ness monster.

But more importantly, we are a nation of free thinkers. A nation of great purpose. We stand here tonight to celebrate the pride, strength and independence of our great nation and the nations of our competitors.

As we Highlanders like to toast, “Scotland Forever!”

Scotland and Owego both have shared the same base traditions and cultures: pride, honor and determination. This is shown by the merging of our camp shield and Scottish crest. While we both share the colors Blue and White, we also share a sense of pride that has let us endure throughout the years. “We have pride.”

For 50 years, Lake Owego’s campers and counselors have been spending summers running through the forest of Greeley, Pennsylvania. Campers and counselors from all over the world, such as New Zealand and Argentina, which are both at opposite parts of the world, oh, and of course, Scotland.

With each passing summer, Owego has grown in numbers. Since the first year of our beloved summer home, only 3 counselors and 12 campers experienced what we have the joy summers at Owego. This summer, 187 campers made the trip up Route 6, where they found 52 counselors waiting to teach them. “Owego Lives On”

50 years old and still going strong. Lake Owego is living on just fine. Our home is going to live on for the next 50 years. It will continue to grow. And it will thrive on.

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