As the first full week of Summer 2026 draws to a close, it’s difficult to recall just how rainy and damp Day 1 actually was. Since our inaugural day of camp, the skies have cleared and a heat wave has settled on most of the Northeastern portion of our 250-year-old country. When we look back on the week leading up to July 4th, we will remember making new friends, trying new activities, taking new risks, eating new foods, and spending LOTS of time in the water!
Today, we were able to run a regular schedule all morning long. Bunk Sioux traveled out of camp on a river trip, and spent quality time together floating lazily down the Delaware! Those of us who stayed in camp had the pleasure of interacting once again with the misting station in Pioneer Village. Some campers are already petitioning to make this a permanent feature of camp! Heat wave or not, a little refreshing spray never hurt anyone!
After lunch, the Seniors signed up for a modified Choice period. Limited to choices like lake, pool, rocketry, archery, arts & crafts, and camp craft, everyone got to choose activities where they could stay relatively cool while still being active and having a lot of fun. The Juniors enjoyed another water extravaganza in the Village, with sprinklers, wet sponges, and the aforementioned misting tent. Have we sufficiently expressed just how universally beloved this thing is??? Sixth period was designated as an all-camp rec swim, with the added surprise of ice cream sandwiches to sweeten the deal even further!
The original plan during SFA was for campers to have the option of carrying their Crazy Creeks to the Upper Field for the annual USA vs. International counselor soccer game. But Mother Nature had something else in mind. During dinner, a thunderstorm rolled in and soaked camp in a (much-needed) downpour. Luckily, the storm moved out as quickly as it had moved in, and we were able to have a modified SFA period which included the soccer game. With all the World Cup hype right now, the spectators were extra pumped and excited to cheer on their favorite countries…er, counselors! The game ultimately ended in a tie, 1 – 1. Tomorrow’s counselor softball game will give each side another chance to declare victory!
The night concluded with the first divisional campfires of the summer! Everyone went back to bunks to put on sturdy shoes and “longs and longs,” then trekked out to their respective campsites. There were stories, songs, chants, and cheers, as we officially welcomed our new Owegans into the Brotherhood. Once you’ve attended an Owego campfire, after all, the flame burns bright in your heart for all time.
