Owego’s Fourth of July festivities are a feast for the senses. Summer after summer, we celebrate America’s birthday with patriotic costumes, music, food, and fun. Today, in honor of our country’s 250th, we turned up the volume and threw a party that would make even Miley Cyrus proud.

The Hi-Seniors kicked things off early this morning, after staying up late last night to decorate the dining hall. As is Owego tradition, they challenged the International staff to a good, old-fashioned water balloon fight! While the rest of camp slept soundly in their beds, the 9th and 10th graders hurled water balloons at the International counselors and got pelted by plenty in return! Yes, everyone got wet. And yes, it was a great way to wake up and start the holiday!

Once the International staff dried off, they boarded a bus and headed down the road to America’s favorite restaurant, McDonald’s! Nothing like making our overseas visitors feel welcome by soaking them with water balloons and then stuffing them full of Egg McMuffins and Hash Browns!

At precisely 7:45, the rest of camp was awakened by the sound of “Born in the USA” blasting from the speakers. Bleary-eyed campers brushed their teeth and grabbed the patriotic gear that had been lovingly packed in their trunks. They emerged from their cabins like a red, white, and blue tsunami. Flags, beads, hats, face paint, and Phillies jerseys (yes!!!) marched to lineup like an Olympic parade. Some of the costumes kicked it up a notch, as expected. There were a few hot dogs, a lobster, a prime USDA steak (really), and a banana (that one always confounds me). Well done, Owegans! Actually, more like medium rare…

Sorry, I had to say it.

After Dave inspired us with his declaration, “Please respect our Nation!” as the flag was raised, we got goosebumps from Whitney Houston’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As everyone entered the dining hall for breakfast, Scotty played our favorite 4th of July tunes and we bopped along as we helped ourselves to eggs, French toast, and cereal. Kyle stood like a sentry at the end of the buffet line, armed with a whipped cream canister in each hand. Eager campers and counselors stepped up for a dollop on their plates and a small drop into their mouths!

As the opening chords of “Sweet Caroline” reverberated through the dining hall, the counselors paraded out of the kitchen, carrying boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts. The sugary treats were handed out and campers licked the icing from their lips as they joined in the chorus with an enthusiastic, “So good! So good! So good!” Those donuts are a 4th of July highlight every summer. One camper apparently saw a Krispy Kreme store out in the wild and asked his Dad for a “4th of July donut!” Owego never leaves us!

The morning continued with a double SFA period, leading up to a delicious grove lunch of B’s and D’s. These weren’t just any D’s, however. These were All-American, foot-long, bigger-than-your-arm hot dogs! The only thing better than a cookout on the 4th of July is a cookout in perfect summer weather! Last night’s storm brought us much more comfortable conditions, and the slight breeze felt heavenly!

Tonight’s festivities took place at Timber Tops. While it initially seemed as though Mother Nature might intervene, everything went off without a hitch! The Owego Juniors enjoyed games and ice pops with the CTT Juniors, while the Seniors and Hi-Seniors gathered on the basketball courts for a Social with their CTT peers. Everyone came together for a spectacular fireworks display to end the evening. Owego celebrated with patriotism and spirit from sunrise to sundown! Nobody does the 4th of July quite like camp!