The school bus pulls into camp, the school bus pulls out. The Tents are headed for Costas. Or are they? As the bus turns onto Route 6, the familiar opening chords of “Baba O’Reilly” pierce the air. Six flaming torches emerge from the Silverdome, carried by the tripping staff. Whistles blow and campers spill out of their bunks. It’s Frontier Week breakout!
Campers were given a number ahead of time, 1 through 6, and instructed to assemble as a team behind each torch. As the teams take shape, some campers look around in confusion. Why aren’t the Tents here? If this is the real breakout, where are our Chiefs? Some campers simply soak in the moment. This is what they’ve been waiting for all summer.
As if on cue, the school bus reappears on the lower road, and the Tents pour out. They run towards the torches, arms lifted triumphantly in the air. Though they were originally told they were going to Costas, the Tents actually headed for Timber Tops and picked up two of their beloved, former unit leaders: Adam Levey and Josh Clayman. Upon their arrival at camp, they are greeted with loud cheers from the campers and staff. The Chiefs join their teams and the procession begins.
Campers walk arm-in-arm to the upper field, following their respective Chiefs towards the flaming bonfire, with the tune of “Bittersweet Symphony” marking the processional. A semi-circle forms around the flame and campers await the official start of Frontier Week. Kyle steps forward and speaks about what will transpire over the next five days. He introduces Junior head-counselor Mike Simone, who spends a few minutes sharing his perspective with campers on the indigenous tribes who inhabited the land before us. Frontier Week not only acknowledges, but honors and pays tribute to the people who laid the groundwork for our enjoyment of the land and its bounty.
Then it’s time to get down to business. Dave Hannah steps forward and takes over, introducing each team by color, along with the Chiefs, Medicine Men, Warriors, and Scouts. Purple, red, Carolina blue, hunter green, black, and yellow – Chiefs receive personalized shirts and bandanas in their team color and hug and high-five their fellow team leaders. Head coaches are announced, campsites are chosen, and indoor meeting areas are selected. The Tribe names will be decided on later.
For the next five days, Owego will be divided into six tribes. Campers will compete in arts and crafts (banner creation and presentation), athletics (Overland/Overwater), campcraft (Rope Burn and shelter building), and cooking (meal prep and presentation). There will be a scavenger hunt (Medicine Man’s Mission), a quiet contest (Silent Meal), and a song and cheer competition. Five days of teamwork, sportsmanship, creativity, and perseverance. Frontier Week is truly unique, and it amplifies the bonds shared between our Brothers in Blue.
