After 7 summers, I’ve achieved one of the coolest honors bestowed upon Owegans: I’ve received my Old Timers t-shirt! What makes this milestone extra special is that I had the opportunity this evening to celebrate alongside both of my boys. We are now officially a family of Old Timers. My oldest, just 6 days away from college move-in, is marking his 9th summer at Owego: 7 as a camper, 2 as a counselor. My younger son received his Old Timers t-shirt this summer, like I did. He was just 6 years old when I came to work at Owego, and these days he barely notices if I’m physically present or not.
This royal blue shirt may seem pretty standard, but what it represents is far from basic. Every Owegan in his (or her) 7th summer at camp is inducted into the “Old-Timers Club.” While we consider all Owegans in at least their 3rd summer at camp an “Old-Timer,” it is lucky number 7 that earns the t-shirt with the Owegan’s name emblazoned across the left breast in bright-white block letters. On the back of the shirt, in even bigger bright-white letters, it reads, “Lake Owego Camp Old-Timer.” Owegans wear the shirt with great pride. It is a status symbol of sorts — not the kind that divides the haves from the have-nots, but rather one that inspires everyone to embrace the Brotherhood, carry on the traditions, and set an example for the next generation of Old Timers.
Tonight’s ceremony included all campers and staff in their 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th years at camp, encouraging them to work towards their own blue shirt by coming back summer after summer. While the 7th year Old Timers were the main event, everyone was given a role in the ceremony. All campers and staff who had received their shirts in previous summers, sat by the lake and led various chants and inside jokes. One representative from each Old Timer “year” was chosen to light a candle in honor of that year’s celebrants. One by one, this summer’s 7th-year honorees stood and told their Old Timers stories — individual recollections of memorable times at Owego. The stories were silly, surprising, and hilarious! We are an all-boys camp. Use your imagination!
Following the ceremony, the Old Timers were treated to an ice cream bash in the dining hall. Attendees lined up at the kitchen window based on summers spent at camp. One of the privileges of returning to camp each summer is moving up in the ice cream line! We all started as 3rd years in the back of the line. And look at us now! Ice cream was scooped, toppings were available in abundance, whipped cream flowed freely, and spirits were high!
On a personal note, I will always cherish my Old Timers shirt. I am especially grateful to have been included in this meaningful ritual of the Owego Brotherhood. Having the privilege of sharing the occasion with my kids, and standing side by side with them in our blue shirts, fills me with so much appreciation. Appreciation for everything this camp has given them, for everything they’ve given to camp, and for having a front-row seat to so much of it for 7 years.
Thank you, Owego.
