Camp News

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On May 30th, throngs of new Owegans descended upon camp, eager to begin the process of initiation into the Owego Brotherhood. They departed the following day carrying the flame in their hearts and the words of “Little Red Wagon” in their heads.

In a 24-hour period, they enjoyed meals in the dining hall (B’s and D’s, matzoh ball soup, Chipwiches — all of the Owego MVPs), paddled canoes and kayaks around the lake, ascended the climbing wall and swung through the trees on the Ropes course, volleyed on the tennis courts and dribbled the ball in the HBC, and made s’mores at the campfire. We squeezed so much Owego fun into one day that these new campers couldn’t help but get pumped up for camp!

Perhaps the most impactful moments for our new campers were their interactions with the staff. Head Counselors, Unit Leaders, and Counselors — many of whom were New Camper Weekend attendees once upon a time — introduced themselves by revealing how many years they’ve been at Owego.

“Seven as a camper, two as a counselor.”

“I wasn’t a camper here but this is my eighth summer on staff.”

We are very fortunate that Owego campers become Owego counselors. Owego staff sticks around, summer after summer. We don’t take this for granted. We are extremely proud to have an experienced and loyal group of young men who haven chosen to return to camp not only because they love it, but because they want to pass on that love of camp to the next generation of campers.

As Kyle and Freedo so eloquently stated, while presenting the staff to the new families gathered on the dining hall steps, this is the finished product. The young men who started as new campers, learned the songs and chants, grew more independent and resilient each summer, created meaningful bonds with their fellow Brothers in Blue, struggled at times but bounced back, and CHOSE to return to Owego as leaders and role models — THAT is the finished product.

So if you’re new to Owego and you’re feeling nervous or anxious, just know that these veteran Owegans were once in your shoes. When you’re experiencing ups and downs at camp, these guys have been there, too. Their journeys began at New Camper Weekend, just like yours. The rest of your Owego story will be written one summer at a time.

New Camper Weekend may ignite the flame, but it burns brighter each year as the Brothers in Blue return to their summer home.