As sure as March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, the third month of the year marks the much-anticipated (and slightly burdensome) release of Camp Forms. Campers, do not fret! Your parents will dot the “i”s and cross the “t”s to ensure that come June 28th, your arrival at camp will be seamless and nothing will be left to chance.
There are always a few families who require some gentle reminders as the summer draws near. Combine that reality with the annual influx of new Owego families, and we figured it might not be a bad idea to provide a crash course on our forms and how best to approach them.
So, without further ado, here is the Official A-Z Guide to Owego Camper Forms:
A is for (Parent) Authorization: This form requires that you photocopy the front and back of your insurance card to authorize camp to seek medical treatment and/or obtain medication in the event of illness/injury.
B is for Bunk Requests: You may provide a list of up to three names of fellow campers with whom your camper would like to bunk. Bed requests are also included on this form. This is extremely important if your camper has a strong preference of upper or bottom bunk.
C is for Camper Confidential: One of the most important forms to complete, this tells your camper’s counselors everything you want them to know about your child. From social anxiety to sleep habits, this is the place to lay it all out. This form is read and discussed by counselors and key staff during pre-camp counselor training.
D is for Doctor Exam: Every camper must provide a current (within the past year) examination report from his family physician.
E is for Epi-Pen: SEE “F” BELOW!
F is for FARE: This form is exclusively for families whose camper has allergies to which the camp should be made aware. Foods, medicines, insects — all should be included on the FARE form. We want to keep every camper safe. The more information we have, the better.
G is for (Top) Golf: SEE “O” BELOW!
H is for Health History: Our health center keeps these records on hand for every camper. When a camper visits the health center, whether because of a headache or a sprained ankle, our esteemed Nurses look at the Health History form to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
I is for Immunizations: Camp requires a record of every camper’s immunization history. This can typically be obtained at the time of the Doctor’s Exam.
J, K, L…If you are still reading this, you’ll indulge us a little shortcut towards “Z.” Thanks.
M is for MMR Acknowledgement: New this summer, we ask that you sign an acknowledgement of our policy to require the MMR vaccine in all campers.
N is for Nurses: Have we mentioned how integral a role our nurses play in the health and safety of every camper? Many of these Camper Forms are used on a daily basis by our nurses. So please FILL THEM OUT!
O is for Optional Activities: Whether your camper is a future Chef or Professional Soccer Player, there is an opportunity at camp to participate in a special program which goes above and beyond the typical camp schedule. ACE Tennis, Fitness, Horseback Riding, and all the “TOPS” — Basketball, Cooks, Golf, Gymnastics, and Soccer — come at an additional cost to families.
P is for Packing List: Print it out today and start shopping for socks! P is also for Photo: We ask that you update your camper’s photo every summer for two very important reasons. One, the CampMinder software will find your camper in photos much quicker if it has a current image to use as a reference. Two, our camp office will recognize your Hi-Senior camper much better if the photo in his profile is more recent than his Boone summer!
Q is for Nothing: Drawing a complete blank.
R is for Requirements: If a form is labeled as “Required,” we ask that you complete and submit it by the deadline listed on CampMinder.
S is for (Camp Community) Standards: We ask that you acknowledge camp’s mission to maintain a nurturing, supportive community through positive camper interactions and appropriate behavior.
T is for Transportation: Let us know if your child will be driving to camp with family in a car, riding the big coach bus, or flying from an exotic location like Florida or California. Baggage arrangements are included on this form as well.
U, V, W, X, Y, and Z…Sorry, end of the alphabet. There is simply no more room for cleverness left in this blog.
Camp is about 100 days away! Fill out your camper forms and submit them by the deadline! Summer 2025 is loading. We can’t wait to see you!
