As we approach August 1st, the air at camp is changing. It has nothing to do with the weather, although the evenings are starting to feel a bit cooler. The change we’re noticing reflects the knowledge among campers that the camp session is drawing to a close.
Frontier Week is coming.
By now, you have most likely heard about the excitement that descends upon camp at the start of Frontier Week. But what you may not realize is how much the atmosphere at camp shifts in the days leading up to the break. Aside from the anticipation and deliberation between campers on when the break will occur, there are a number of activities that have become more visible in camp in anticipation of Frontier Week.
While the Seniors and Hi-Seniors were out of camp last week on their trips, the Juniors participated in something called the Frontier Week Combine. Each night’s Evening Activity was designed to familiarize our youngest campers with all of the activities that make Frontier Week unique and wonderful. The entire Junior division was divided up in 6 “tribes,” just like they will be once Frontier Week breaks.
First up was Air Raid, which becomes “Owego Raid” during Frontier Week and is a highlight for many campers. Then Woodcutters Challenge, which is a series of mini games that mirror the events that will earn Tribes points during the actual competition. There was a mini version of rope burn. Each tribe designed and created a banner. For “Tool it Up,” each tribe was tasked with creating a tool out of natural materials. Rock hammer, anyone? During the actual Frontier Week competition, the Juniors from each tribe will be in charge of a special project at the campsite. Thanks to the Frontier Week Combine, they now know what to expect!
The day to day schedule at camp has shifted a bit as well. Camp Craft has begun to take center stage, in anticipation of what’s to come. The skills necessary to succeed during Frontier Week have been on full display. Today, for example, saw campers of all ages gather at Camp Craft to learn (and practice) the skill of starting a fire, cooking over an open flame, and lashing sticks together with twine. The fire-starting is essential to rope burn and campsite meal, and lashing is the key to building an effective free-standing shelter. Preparations are well underway.
Frontier Week is one of the elements that makes Owego so special. As we approach “Go” time, and the scent of campfire wafts through the air, everyone at camp eagerly awaits the opening chords of “Baba O’Riley.” And they wrap twine around sticks while they wait.
