If the camp bus drop-off is a mass of sniffing dogs, colorful bungee chairs, and kvelling moms, the camp bus arrival is a boys’ paradise. High-fives, inside jokes, and shouts of “Knicks in Five!” as campers reunited for the first time in 10 months. Kyle and Freedo greeted each and every camper as they emerged from their cars and buses, clutching pillows and stuffed animals and lacrosse sticks. “Wow, you got tall!” seemed to be the refrain of the day. And yes, they ALL got taller.

As the buses pulled into camp throughout the morning, campers were greeted by a sea of Owego blue. Their bunkmates paused from unpacking, emerged from the cabins, and ran across the Lower Field, straight into the arms of their best friends. Sounds like heaven on Earth, doesn’t it? The boys swarmed around Kyle, eager to receive their bunk assignments, and exchanged playful sports-related banter with Freedo. Then they were whisked away by Unit Leaders and Counselors, who escorted each camper back to his bunk to drop off his belongings and head to lunch.

Traveling to camp sure works up an appetite, and everyone enjoyed pizza and pasta for lunch. Some campers were even spotted at the salad bar, but you didn’t hear that from us! Despite the dreary weather outside, the spirits were high inside the dining hall. The staff started a loud, raucous cheer, and pretty soon each division was playfully provoking one another with chants like “What’s your bedtime?” “Who’s your barber?” and “We keep Ramen.” Finally, Kyle and Freedo stepped forward to settle their Spring NBA Challenge, with Kyle grinning ear to ear as Freedo bowed down to a gathering of Knicks superfans.

The sun worked hard to peek out from behind the clouds all afternoon, and luckily the rain held off. Each division took turns in a rotation of swim tests at the pool, ice cream at Canteen, and health checks by our outstanding team of nurses. There were ice breakers and games inside bunks, and lots of spontaneous Gaga, Cornhole, KanJam, and Pop-a-Shot in Pioneer Village and on the Ridge. Heaven on Earth, for real.

After dinner tonight (General Tso’s Chicken, which is a camp favorite) the entire camp will gather at Scotty’s Stage for the annual first-night-of-camp counselor show. It’s usually quite a hoot, and gives the campers a chance to see their leaders in a different light. We came to camp to have fun, after all! The divisions will then split up for games and activities, followed by a bedtime snack.

We made it! We’ve now entered the “2” portion of “Living 10 for 2.” The 2026 camp season has officially begun, and we can’t wait to tell you about all of the exciting plans we have. Stay tuned!