Sunday mornings at Owego begin with bagels and eggs, and owner Barbara Black’s famous smoked salmon. When this breakfast of champions ends, we head back to the bunks for clean up and inspection. First period takes us in different directions. Some head down to the lake for fishing, others go to arts and crafts for rocketry. Juniors may have a bunk period in the HBC. Scotty may be holding play rehearsal at the stage. Whether they seek out action or rest, sun or shade, water or grass, you will find Owegans spread out across camp doing the activities they love to do.
On this particular Sunday morning, the sun shined brightly and the air was a pleasant 80 degrees. Laughter and shouts of affirmation echoed throughout camp as campers moved from one activity to the next. As we move into our second week, the campers have now hit their stride. Camp is their home, and their bunkmates are their Brothers. They’ve got this.
When the Owego boys board the bus every Sunday after lunch, to travel down the road to Timber Tops, there is an undercurrent of excitement that some parents might be shocked to hear about. Brothers and sisters who undoubtedly get on each other’s nerves during the school year, are over the moon to visit with one another during camp’s weekly Sibling Visitation. The old proverb “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” could not be better exemplified when witnessing these sibling “reunions” each Sunday.
Brothers and sisters who are accustomed to being in close proximity throughout the other 10 months of the year, will suddenly find themselves longing for just a few minutes together to hug and catch up. Though separated by just about a mile of roadway, many campers are apart from their siblings while at camp for the first time in a long time. These Sibling Visitation days are not just a way for brothers and sisters (and, in many cases, cousins) to reconnect, but act as a connection to the extended family at home. Missing Mom and Dad? Hanging out with big sister for an hour may just be the cure-all to any hint of homesickness.
Whether the siblings pass the time together by walking, playing cards, or just chatting about camp, it is a precious opportunity for these campers to connect with loved ones and center themselves in preparation for the beginning of a new week. And that’s a reason for everyone to get excited!
After a delicious Italian dinner and SFA, the divisions headed to Evening Activity. The Juniors played a game called “Wii Sports,” modeled after the Nintendo game. Teams made up of representatives from each Junior bunk competed in a round-robin of activities all over camp. At the archery station, campers had to pop a balloon with an arrow. At the tennis station, they tried to hit a ball through a hoop. There was also bowling, basketball, golf, and archery. A Junior could earn points for his bunk by successfully completing the task. When the final points are all tallied up, the bunk with the highest score will win a trip to the Magic Prize Box!
The Seniors participated in the “Adam Soiferman International Synchronized Swim Jamboree, Sponsored by Crocs.” Basically, each bunk chose a song and choreographed a water routine to perform at the pool in front of the division and some very discerning judges. Afterwards, everyone jumped in for a rollicking rec swim! With the Tents away in Costa Rica and the 10th graders leaving early in the morning for their 3-day Grand Owegan adventure, the Hi-Seniors laid low tonight. They’ve got a lot of rowing, climbing, and hiking ahead of them! Stay tuned for more details in tomorrow’s blog!
