As they say in show business, “You’ve arrived, kid!”

Nights spent dreaming of our summer home have led us to this day, and this day did NOT disappoint. Cars and buses streamed in all morning long, bringing big smiles, hugs, high-fives, and the occasional weeping parent. Kyle, Freedo, and a sea of staff shirts greeted our campers as they stepped onto the Lower Field and into the Owego Brotherhood. Bunks were reunited, first-year campers greeted as if we’ve known them our whole lives, and everyone escorted to their respective cabins by energetic counselors.

After a hearty lunch of pizza and pasta, campers finished unpacking and headed to the pool for swim tests and ice cream! In that order, of course. Our wonderful lifeguards took to their posts for their first official shift of summer, and each camper demonstrated his ability to be self-sufficient in the pool. The cool water was a welcome respite from the bright Greeley sunshine! As each bunk finished the swim test and got the “thumbs-up” from our heads-of-pool, they skipped over to the Canteen porch for a delicious treat. Two scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream, plus the topping of your choice. The rainbow sprinkles were a popular option!

Each division rotated between swim tests at the pool, health checks by our amazing nursing staff, and fun icebreakers that allowed our campers to begin to not only get to know one another better, but also their counselors and division leadership. All over camp, you could sense the excitement. We waited 10 long months to be here, and the day had finally arrived! Campers played spirited games of gaga, tossed frisbees through the air, and shuffled their Magic Cards as if their hands were touched by divine intervention. All was right with the world.

For tonight’s evening activity, our campers will be treated to the First Night of Camp Staff Show at Scotty’s Stage. Each area of camp (tennis, pool, arts, etc.) will perform a skit about camp that is sure to leave our campers rolling in the aisles. If previous summers are any indication, there will be a “breakout” star among the staff. Who will it be this year?

The sun will set on the first day of camp and everyone will sleep under the vast Pocono Mountain sky. Tomorrow is another day filled with friends and fun, and we hope you will follow along with us as we journey through Summer 2025. Check our Instagram and Facebook regularly, and be sure to read this blog. We will post daily about all things Owego, and we can’t wait for you to experience what makes Owego so very special!

We’ve arrived.