Camp News

Now that July 4th has come and gone, and the first heat wave of Summer 2026 is finally abating, we can officially move into the next phase of camp: Getting into the groove!

The first week of camp is a time for orientation, adjustment, practice, and “testing the waters,” so to speak. Our campers have become acquainted with one another, adapted to the camp schedule, tried some new foods, and settled into a predictable routine. By the time the July 4th holiday rolls around, pretty much every Owegan can tell you what happens after breakfast (Inspection), where they go for Canteen (under the dining hall), and how to play Magic the Gathering (good luck understanding those instructions). We’ve emerged from our trial period and are entering the experiential part of the summer. What happens from here on out is the meat and potatoes of life as an Owegan.

Starting today, every Sunday will feature a “sibling” visitation at Timber Tops. Those campers with sisters/cousins/parents at CTT will eat an early lunch and then board the bus to head down the road for some quality family time. Later this week, both the Junior and Senior divisions will visit Costas Family Fun Park, where they will ride Go-Carts, play mini-golf, hurtle down waterslides, and eat yummy ice cream! Also this week, the 10th graders will embark on the Grand Owegan — a 3-day overnight adventure where they will canoe, rock climb, hike, and camp out under the stars like real outdoorsmen!

Rounding out this week’s calendar of events is the return of our Tents from Costa Rica, several Teen Canteens, numerous intercamp competitions as part of the “Greeley Games,” and even pen-making! Ryan will be back with his tools and wood samples, and campers will be sanding and shaping to their hearts’ content! This is just a sampling of the activities on tap for this week. Stay tuned to the blog for much, much more!

Today was a welcome “reset” after the excitement and overstimulation of yesterday’s celebration. Owego returned to its usual pace, without all the loud music and streamers and crazy costumes (though there was a banana spotted walking around the Village this morning). The campers and staff are starting week two with a fresh outlook and a sense of familiarity. We’ve got this. We know what to expect when we open our eyes each morning, and we’ve grown accustomed to life at camp.

But be aware: Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, along comes Olympics to shake things up a bit. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, we will settle comfortably into each new day and immerse ourselves in the Owego life. This is summer.

 

 

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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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning’s late sleep could not have come at a better time. After last night’s thrilling victory for the USA in the World Cup knockout round, our campers and staff were pumped up and exhausted from a combination of the extreme heat and all that cheering! Upon waking at 8:45, we were ready to face another hot day! The addition of a misting tent in Pioneer Village gave everyone the added incentive to march forth and make the best of the day. It was certainly an incentive to walk through Pioneer Village!

After breakfast, we filled our water bottles, applied sunscreen, and enjoyed a leisurely double SFA period. These “late sleep” mornings are a great way to reset from the relentless pace of the typical camp day. Instead of scheduled periods, campers choose an area of camp and spend the morning engaged in activities they most enjoy. There may be a mandatory play rehearsal with Scotty, or a bunk river trip, but for the most part our campers decide if they want to hang out at the lake, ride a bike, play cards in the picnic grove, or workout in the weight room. On a day like today, the lake is unsurprisingly very popular!

The entire afternoon was dedicated to Beating the Heat! The Juniors, for example, had programming specifically designed to keep them cool. At the start of 4th period, they headed down to the lake for a rotation of water-based activities, including time on the paddle boards, a turn on each of the two Wibits, and a fun-filled Beach Party. During 5th period, the Juniors were back in Pioneer Village for Canteen and more water play. The entire camp enjoyed a much-needed 6th period rec swim!

Tonight, under a setting sun (and finally getting some much-needed relief), the Juniors enjoyed a pool party, the Seniors had an extravaganza at the lake, and the Hi-Seniors played a game of trivia at the stage and then took a dip in the pool. Despite the heat, spirits were high! The Juniors rotated between pool basketball, beach Newcomb, and table top games in the picnic grove, while the Seniors frolicked on the Wibit, floated on paddle boards, and played KanJam on the beach. There was a beach campfire, but only a few brave (crazy?) souls dared to go near it!

When camp gets hot, we turn to the water. We drink it, swim in it, dump it over our heads, squirt it at each other, and splash in it to our hearts’ content. We’re not going to let a heat wave dampen our fun!

 

 

 

As we say “Adios” to June and “Hola!” to July, we bid a hearty “Bon Voyage!” to our Tents, who departed this morning for a 10-day adventure in Costa Rica! Along with 11th graders from Timber Tops and Pine Forest, our boys will experience true Pura Vida as they immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture. This unforgettable experience will include hiking, surfing, service projects, and lots of bonding time. We wish our campers safe travels, and we can’t wait to hear about their journey!

Back in the 18425, July announced its arrival in spectacular fashion, with temperatures soaring well past 90 degrees. While we were able to maintain our regularly scheduled programming throughout the morning, encouraging campers to stay hydrated and take breaks, we shortened 4th and 5th period to make time for an extended rec swim and ice pops for everyone! It was a welcome treat to cap off a sweaty afternoon!

Tonight’s Evening Activities will begin immediately following dinner, to allow campers to watch the big World Cup knockout game between the USA and Bosnia/Herzegovina. Everyone will head to the Stage to cheer on Team USA, and it is sure to get loud! How great would it be if the American team was victorious just 3 days before the country’s semiquincentennial???

Speaking of America’s 250th birthday, excitement is building for our big celebration on Saturday. We’ll have a raucous breakfast, with costumes and decorations, music and Krispy Kreme donuts! It will be a fun, patriotic day from start to finish. Let’s hope it cools down a bit before then!

Of the 48 days that make up the entirety of the 2026 camp season, many will include “Special Events.” Visits to Costas, 4th of July festivities, Owego Olympics, divisional overnight trips for Seniors and Hi-Seniors, and, of course, Frontier Week — they all get the designation of being “special,” with the unintended implication that the remaining 30 or so days of camp are not.

Those of us who spend our summers in Greeley know that these “regular” camp days are anything but ordinary. Today was the 4th day of camp. For all intents and purposes, it was a regularly scheduled day. Campers awoke at 7:45, enjoyed breakfast, cleaned for inspection, and went about their day. Three periods of activities in the morning were followed by lunch, then Rest Hour. The afternoon was comprised of three more activity periods, including a rec swim, Shower Hour, dinner, SFA, and Evening Activities.

When you look more closely at what actually happened at camp today, however, you’ll see that the day was anything but routine. The last day of June held numerous opportunities for our campers to participate in something truly “special.”

Scotty has completed auditions and has cast the roles for “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” which will grace the Owego stage on July 18th. The cast of campers are already rehearsing, learning lines and songs with just over 2 weeks until showtime. What Scotty and these talented Owegans are able to pull off in such a brief amount of time is nothing short of remarkable!

After lunch today, our Tents who are leaving for Costa Rica tomorrow hosted a visit from their siblings from Timber Tops and Pine Forest. It was a chance for everyone to connect with family before the 11th graders are whisked off to Central America. Tonight, prior to getting a good night’s sleep, the Tents boarded the bus to Walmart to procure any last-minute necessities for their incredible journey.

After enjoying leagues as tonight’s evening activity, the Hi-Seniors were treated to a cookout in the picnic grove. As if that weren’t special enough, our 10th graders then headed over to Timber Tops for the first of their “Teen Canteen” socials. Each Hi-Senior age group will take turns having these socials throughout the summer.

Our Optional Activities are in full swing (no pun intended). Top Golfers are practicing their putts and will head to Costas soon to let it fly on the driving range. Private tennis lessons are underway with our outstanding tennis staff, personal training is taking place in the HBC gym, and Top Cooks are heading to the Pine Forest kitchen on Thursday to whip up something delicious.

We hesitate to call these traditionally scheduled camp days “regular” because any day spent at camp is extraordinary. Whether you scored a goal, caught a fish, learned how to play Magic, performed on stage, hung out with your sibling, or jumped off the Wibit into the lake, you took part in something unique to the Owego experience. How lucky are you?

One of the many wonderful things about camp that parents often cite is the device-free time their boys get to experience. Whether a camper is signed up for one session or the full 7 weeks, it is nearly impossible to overstate the benefit to boys’ minds and bodies when they play outdoors, interact with peers, and re-learn how to entertain themselves.

Owego’s SFA period, which takes place after dinner and before evening activity, is a return to a simpler time in boyhood. SFA stands for “Supervised Free Activity,” and is the modern-day equivalent of going outside after dinner and playing in the yard with the neighborhood kids. Counselors are assigned to an area of camp, like the Junior Gathering Deck, HBC, or Lower Field, and campers are free to roam in pursuit of something fun to occupy their time.

On any given night in Pioneer Village, you will find campers playing Ping-Pong, Knock Hockey, and KanJam. You’ll see some boys playing Magic the Gathering on the amphitheater steps by the lake, some hanging out with the counselors and eagerly listening to stories of summers past, and even some digging in the dirt for worms to procure for the next fishing period.

Yes, your child may very well be digging in the dirt.

One of the most delightfully shocking things I ever saw at camp was my own suburban child, then 7 or 8 years old, elbow-deep in the mud. I didn’t say anything, but rather kept on walking and thinking to myself how grateful I was for my son to have the opportunity to be so unabashedly messy. Without the option of picking up a phone or iPad, or turning on the TV, our boys are rediscovering a version of boyhood that revolves around relationships and imagination. And that is so very crucial in this technology-obsessed world in which we’re raising them.

Camp is a place for boys to be authentic, uninhibited, and messy. Walking around Owego, especially during SFA, feels like some version of utopia. Ping-Pong balls are being volleyed back and forth, boys are running here and there, and music is blasting from the speakers on the porch of Crockett. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see that something far more impactful is taking place. Campers are negotiating with one another over game rules, resolving conflict, and learning to compromise. This is where the real meaning of boyhood emerges, and what really makes the Owego experience so priceless.

 

The first FULL day of camp brought blue skies and bright sunshine — a welcome respite from yesterday’s dreary rain showers! We hit the ground running…or, rather, some of us opened our eyes from a deep sleep and wondered, “Where the heck am I?” Not to worry, boys, you are at camp! And you have the whole summer in front of you. What better way to start a Sunday?

After a breakfast of eggs, bagels, and Barbara Black’s smoked salmon, bunks had their first Inspection. Prior to the start of camp, the Unit Leaders created job wheels for each bunk, and those jobs started today. Out came the brooms, dustpans, and trash bags. Individual areas were tidied and everyone worked together to spiffy up the cabin. Once Inspection was complete, the fun could officially begin!

The day was filled with activity, from archery to biking to Camp Craft. Seniors and Hi-Seniors signed up for their first week of Choice periods, which was especially exciting for our 7th grade bunks who were Intermediates last summer and had less “choice” built into their schedules. Some campers chose to spend time at the lake, while others played basketball in the HBC. That’s the magical thing about Owego’s choice periods — the campers have a voice in deciding how they want to spend their day. One thing’s for sure: 6th period rec swim was very popular on a beautiful day like today!

It is a long-standing Owego tradition that the evening activity on the second night of camp is Fox & Hound for Juniors and Bombardment for Seniors and Hi-Seniors. An action-packed game of “cat and mouse,” Fox & Hound involves campers running around in search of hiding counselors. Each counselor has a card worth a specific number of points. When the “hound” escorts the “fox” back to base, his team earns the points.

Bombardment is a costumed version of Dodgeball with a thousand rules that only an Owegan can understand. Trust me, watching this game is as confusing as watching a Christopher Nolan film. But the campers love it! Bunks choose a theme, like Marvel characters or Hawaiian shirts, and turn it up to 11. We’re talking face/body paint, elaborate props, and team huddles that would put professional athletes to shame. If you’re not convinced how seriously they take it, you should know that some bunks plan their theme during the school year so everyone has time to acquire the necessary costume!

The beginning rounds of Bombardment take place on the tennis courts. Senior bunks play against other Seniors in a bracket-style tournament, and the Hi-Seniors do the same. The big finale takes place in the Silverdome, with the winning Senior bunk playing the winning Hi-Senior bunk. Tonight, bunk Sioux faced off against Tent 1. In the end, Tent 1 was victorious. Sioux came SO CLOSE and should be extra proud for holding their own against the Tents! It was an exciting conclusion, with spectators surrounding the Silverdome and cheering on the players. The Seniors will have a shot at de-throning the Hi-Seniors at the start of second session. Anything can happen at camp!

If the camp bus drop-off is a mass of sniffing dogs, colorful bungee chairs, and kvelling moms, the camp bus arrival is a boys’ paradise. High-fives, inside jokes, and shouts of “Knicks in Five!” as campers reunited for the first time in 10 months. Kyle and Freedo greeted each and every camper as they emerged from their cars and buses, clutching pillows and stuffed animals and lacrosse sticks. “Wow, you got tall!” seemed to be the refrain of the day. And yes, they ALL got taller.

As the buses pulled into camp throughout the morning, campers were greeted by a sea of Owego blue. Their bunkmates paused from unpacking, emerged from the cabins, and ran across the Lower Field, straight into the arms of their best friends. Sounds like heaven on Earth, doesn’t it? The boys swarmed around Kyle, eager to receive their bunk assignments, and exchanged playful sports-related banter with Freedo. Then they were whisked away by Unit Leaders and Counselors, who escorted each camper back to his bunk to drop off his belongings and head to lunch.

Traveling to camp sure works up an appetite, and everyone enjoyed pizza and pasta for lunch. Some campers were even spotted at the salad bar, but you didn’t hear that from us! Despite the dreary weather outside, the spirits were high inside the dining hall. The staff started a loud, raucous cheer, and pretty soon each division was playfully provoking one another with chants like “What’s your bedtime?” “Who’s your barber?” and “We keep Ramen.” Finally, Kyle and Freedo stepped forward to settle their Spring NBA Challenge, with Kyle grinning ear to ear as Freedo bowed down to a gathering of Knicks superfans.

The sun worked hard to peek out from behind the clouds all afternoon, and luckily the rain held off. Each division took turns in a rotation of swim tests at the pool, ice cream at Canteen, and health checks by our outstanding team of nurses. There were ice breakers and games inside bunks, and lots of spontaneous Gaga, Cornhole, KanJam, and Pop-a-Shot in Pioneer Village and on the Ridge. Heaven on Earth, for real.

After dinner tonight (General Tso’s Chicken, which is a camp favorite) the entire camp will gather at Scotty’s Stage for the annual first-night-of-camp counselor show. It’s usually quite a hoot, and gives the campers a chance to see their leaders in a different light. We came to camp to have fun, after all! The divisions will then split up for games and activities, followed by a bedtime snack.

We made it! We’ve now entered the “2” portion of “Living 10 for 2.” The 2026 camp season has officially begun, and we can’t wait to tell you about all of the exciting plans we have. Stay tuned!

 

The week leading up to the first day of camp is nearly as action-packed as the camp session itself. Counselor training is well underway. Young men from all corners of the globe have assembled in the 18425, and they are working hard to ensure that Owego is ship-shape and ready to greet throngs of happy campers on Saturday.

The week started out chilly and wet, which is exactly what we expected! We’re talking extra blankets at night, hoodies at breakfast, and lots of confused international staff wondering why American summer is so cold. On day one, new staff became acquainted with returning staff, while last summer’s Tents pinched themselves as they realized they are now real-life counselors with real-life responsibilities.

Staff from multiple continents and countless countries are spending the week learning the ins and outs of Owego. Led by our veteran Key Staff, counselor training covers everything from working cooperatively with young children to knowing where to go if you need more shampoo. No stone is left unturned. Our leaders endeavor to make our staff feel welcome, valued, and supported. Working as a camp counselor is not for the faint of heart! And yet, summer after summer, our campers come to regard staff members more like older brothers than as authority figures. The connection is real, and it starts at counselor training.

Although there is much work to be done, and many important topics to cover, the excitement is palpable. In just 3 short days, the bunks will be filled with noisy campers. The dining hall will be a cacophony of clinking silverware, chants and cheers, and Dave’s ubiquitous announcements. There will be ice-breakers, swim tests, ice cream parties, and a counselor talent show. We will make memories to last a lifetime.

Here’s to a safe, sunny, spectacular summer!