The grass is mowed. The bags have arrived. The Wibit is being inflated AS WE SPEAK!

Counselor camp is well underway.

They’ve come from near and far, from the United States and England, from Spain and Argentina, from Rwanda, Ghana, and Malawi. Though this list is not nearly complete, it IS an impressive sample of the diverse cultures coming together for the purpose of helping our campers have the best summer ever!

Camp is made of friendships, days spent at the lake or the HBC, bonfires for Frontier Week, and card games on the Junior Gathering Deck. Camp is also made by the bonds formed with counselors and Key Staff  — our “Brothers in Blue” with whom we spend 7 glorious weeks each summer. You would be hard-pressed to find a camper who doesn’t remember his very first Owego counselor. They are the heart and soul of camp, the ones who celebrate our accomplishments, dry our tears, and remind us to brush our teeth every morning (and every night, of course!).

On Monday of this week, the staff descended upon camp, eager to see old friends and meet new ones. They devoured their first camp meal, became acquainted with one another through an Ice-Breaker, and spent their first night sleeping in camp cots. By Wednesday, there was a raucous game of Bombardment and swim tests for all, followed by an ice cream soiree! On Wednesday evening, the counselors received their official bunk assignments and moved their belongings into the cabin that will serve as home for the remainder of the summer.

Thursday morning, the staff gathered for demonstration lessons — how to keep campers engaged in the activities, how to lead by example, and how to keep everyone safe and happy! The level of excitement is off the charts, and the morale is high. Camp is clean, prepped, and ready for our most valued assets — the campers! As everyone finalizes last-minute details at home (haircuts, doctor appointments, nail trims, etc.), the Owego staff works tirelessly to ensure that the campers have a safe, healthy, and FUN summer.

Whether they’ve grown up at Owego or are experiencing summer camp for the very first time, the 2024 counselors and staff members have spent this week settling into new surroundings, meeting new people, and learning about the wonderful world of Lake Owego. They have all worked hard to make the physical plant look amazing, but, more significantly, they have worked collectively to build a community of leaders and role models. The final piece of the puzzle arrives on Saturday — YOU!!!