Owego’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the most eagerly-anticipated spectacles of the summer. Campers plan their patriotic costumes well in advance, and typically have no trouble figuring out what to wear on Fourth of July morning.
This year’s style choices did not disappoint. After a late wake-up at 8:45, campers emerged from their bunks in their best red, white, and blue garments. Some added accessories like sequined hats, LED-glasses, and beaded necklaces. Others went the simple route of a blue Owego official and red shorts. Kudos to them for their clean, classic lines. There was a banana, a hamburger, an Air-Force pilot, and more than a few Phillies jerseys. One thing everyone brought to line-up was their holiday spirit.
Following a recording of the National Anthem (Whitney’s version, of course), chants of “USA! USA! USA!” reverberated throughout the crowd. Campers proudly showed off all the cool swag their parents packed for this special occasion, including headbands, face paint, and flowered leis. A few bunks did the wave. A Scottish counselor stood proudly in an authentic kilt. It was a glorious display of national pride.
As campers entered the dining hall for breakfast, the familiar chords of “Born in the USA” blasted from speakers. As Owegans know, French toast sticks are always a popular meal. The holiday addition of Kyle’s double whipped cream extravaganza, however, really upped the game. Our steadfast director held a Reddi-Whip canister in each hand, embellishing passing campers’ plates with a dollop of whipped cream (and occasionally aiming directly for their mouths). It IS America’s birthday, everyone. We all get a little carried away.
About halfway through breakfast, Miley took over. It’s Owego tradition to “Party in the USA” as counselors pass out Krispy Kreme donuts. By the first chorus, a sizable mass of campers had gathered in the middle of the dining hall. As Miley belted out, “So I put my hands up…” the sugar kicked into high gear and everyone sang along. The party continued with a patriotic Conga line that weaved its way out one door and back into another, all set to a soundtrack of “Kids in America,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “God Bless the USA.” By the time Scotty queued up “Sweet Caroline,” even the Key Staff could be heard shouting “So good! So good! So good!”
Then breakfast ended. All before 10:00. Whew!
Campers scattered in a red, white, and blue blur back to bunks for Inspection, which was followed by a double-SFA period. The Seussical cast rehearsed at the stage. Fishing lines were cast. Canoes were paddled. Many a game of Magic was played. Tennis balls were volleyed. Which is to say, what followed a chaotically delightful breakfast was a pretty typical Owego Thursday morning.
In the afternoon, following a lunch of B’s and D’s (what were the longest hot dog’s ever to grace the Owego buffet), the staff limbered up for the annual counselor softball game. American staff took batting practice as International staff accepted tips on such fundamentals as grip and stance. To their enormous credit, they gave it their all. In the end, Unit Leader Ben Broker’s grand slam coupled with the Soiferman brothers’ precise defense led the Americans to a 6-1 victory. All counselors garnered high marks with their exemplary sportsmanship and impeccable sense of humor!
An all-camp rec swim was a refreshing exclamation point on an already sensational day. But it’s not over just yet.
Following dinner, Owegans will be shuttled over to TimberTops for more Fourth of July fun. At dusk, all of Owego and TimberTops will gather on the tennis courts to marvel at the fireworks display. As campers gaze upon the exploding colors with wonder and awe, they are sure to reflect on just how great of a day this was. And just how much sugar they actually consumed.
