Costa Rica, Taiwan, Canada, Kenya, Wales, Djibouti…Owego Olympics are here!!!

4:45 pm. Torrential rain. Campers cozy in their cabins. The air horn sounds. Everyone pours from their bunks, running with glee across the Lower Field. As they approach the Silverdome, dozens of miniature basketballs come pouring down like the rain. Red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, black. It’s Olympics break-out!

As the campers get closer and begin to examine the balls more closely, they notice that each ball is etched with an individual camper’s name. For the next ten minutes, each camper gathers on the field and searches for his ball. Some pick up a ball, look at the name, and toss it aside. Others call out to a friend, arm extended with the friend’s ball. As the balls are claimed, campers run up to the HBC where each color gathers together and waits for further instructions. There are hugs, hi-fives, and a few confused-looking Junior campers. 

Once the teams are assembled, Kyle introduces Olympics 2023 and the crowd goes wild. He emphasizes that we are 6 teams, but one camp. Olympics take place on the fields and courts, but not inside the bunks. Then he turns it over to Dave, who begins the suspenseful process of announcing captains, head coaches, and of course, the countries being represented this year. Big cheers from the campers as each flag is unveiled and each team assembled.

Over the next three days, campers will compete in their colorful Olympics shirts as the flame burns brightly. There will be athletics, art (in the form of a banner contest), singing (team chant and team song), and a hearty team meal. Rain or shine, it’s Olympics time!



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