On any given day at Owego, you will hear the piercing sound of Unit Leaders’ voices as they signal the start of sixth period: “Rrrrrrrrrrrec swim!” Campers repeat the call, as if declaring it multiple times will make it happen quicker. Throngs of campers head towards the pool – clad in bathing suits, towels slung over their shoulders, goggles perched on their heads. Rec swim is a special time at Owego. A boys’ paradise, so to speak. On a day like today, when the sun shines brightly and the air is perfectly dry, rec swim is the ultimate punctuation to a delightful afternoon.
There are three distinct groups of campers at rec swim: The picnic grove gang, the recreation lovers, and the fish. Campers move between these groups on occasion, but most of them have a favorite way to spend sixth period. Whether it’s a card game, a ping-pong match, or a relaxing float on the surface of the pool, Owego campers make the most of their 45 minutes.
The picnic grove looks like Central Park on a Sunday afternoon, with campers deeply engaged in card games. Gin Rummy, Poker, War…they play anything and everything. Magic the Gathering brings all ages together. Campers debut their new card packs sent from home and while some enjoy just collecting the cards, others take the game VERY seriously. The sixth-period card games represent the ultimate “unplugged” camp experience: hanging out with your friends, talking, laughing, and passing the time with some old-fashioned fun.
Recreation lovers gravitate towards the ping-pong tables or the volleyball pit. Over by the sandpit, campers take turns at the tetherball court, whipping the imposing yellow ball around the pole and then ducking in sheer terror. Tetherball is a camp icon. It has been around forever, but it never gets old. Boys seem to find great joy in launching a ball with all their might and trying to knock out their opponent. For those who don’t relish the thought of getting beaned in the head by a tetherball, there are two brand-new ping-pong tables to keep them occupied during rec swim. Ping-pong is a competitive sport at Owego, with even the tamest campers fist-pumping the air when their opponents miss the ball. Campers take their recreational games very seriously at Owego.
Believe it or not, there are campers who can actually be found in the pool during rec swim! When the refreshing water beckons, it’s hard to stay away. Campers splash with their friends, glide along on floats, sword fight with noodles, and join in a pool basketball game – all the while keeping cool and fulfilling rec swim’s true intent. As division leaders cannonball into the pool, campers giggle with delight. There are smiles as far as the eye can see. Sixth period is a joyful ending to a beautiful day!
