Campers were awakened this morning at 8:45, a much-appreciated late sleep with all of the Senior and Hi-Senior trips having returned to camp late last night. At morning lineup, everyone was noticeably in attendance. For the first time since Tuesday morning, we were back together as one complete camp. Typically, at this point in the summer, the speculation about Frontier Week begins. “When will it break?” Eager Juniors keep their eyes and ears open. But we’re not quite there yet. It’s only August 1st. The Tents still have to finish the 100-miler! So let’s slow down and enjoy the journey.

The morning was cool and cloudy, and had campers grabbing for those sweatshirts that Mom or Dad so wisely packed back in May! As recently as this past Tuesday, the thought of wearing a hoodie at camp seemed ludicrous. But yesterday’s rains brought us temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than they were just two days ago. We’re finally getting use out of those warm clothes! Thank you, packing list!

The chill in the air didn’t deter us from jumping right into activities all over camp. There was even a spring in our step as we enjoyed being outdoors without all the sweating! By late morning, the sun was shining and all memories of yesterday’s deluge were long forgotten. Campers were back doing what they love, and that included lots of water activities. You can never have too much time in the water!

Friday night dinner commenced with the usual Challah and matzoh ball soup, followed by chanting by the Tents. After dinner, our Juniors had a special evening activity that only stoked the flames of anticipation for the arrival of Frontier Week. The Frontier Week Combine gives the Juniors a “taste” of what’s to come. First, the division is divided up into 6 tribes, similar to what will happen during Frontier Week. Over the next couple of nights, they will participate in activities that mimic the types of challenges they will face once Frontier Week breaks. Tonight, they played a Jeopardy-style game at the Stage (AKA “Special Event”) which had them answering trivia questions for points. While these preliminary activities won’t count towards the actual competition, it gives the Juniors a chance to get acclimated with the Owego Frontier Week traditions before things get really crazy and we’re off to the races!

When August arrives, we don’t think too much about summer coming to an end. We build a fire, practice our lashing skills, and wait for Frontier Week to begin.