Before we get to today’s blog post, we’d like to present a Special Edition of Owego Sports Flash:
As you (and the rest of the world) may have heard, LeBron James signed a 2-year deal today with the Philadelphia 76ers. What you may not have heard, however, is that LeBron is contractually obligated to fulfill a 10-day contract with Lake Owego Camp before he can be released to play for the 76ers. It will come as no surprise to anyone at camp that Freedo has already placed his friendly bet with Kyle. To quote Freedo, “Let’s Go, Sixers!”
Back to camp we go!
Friday nights at Owego are for Matzoh ball soup, Challah, Rabbinical blessings, Tent chants, and divisional campfires. At dinner, we begin the meal differently from the other 6 nights of the week. Kyle invites the “Rabbi” up to the microphone to lead the blessings over the wine (grape juice) and Challah (Challah). The Rabbi is one of our 11th graders who was appointed during the previous summer’s Banquet. Everyone recites the blessings loud and proud, with a hearty, “Hey!” at the end.
Dinner tonight was steak and potatoes, accompanied by the very popular camp matzoh ball soup. It’s not the same as your Bubbe’s, but it’s pretty great for Pike County! Veterans encourage our new Owegans to dunk the Challah in the soup. It truly is a delectable experience! After Friday night dinner, everyone heads back to bunks to put on longs and longs. Juniors/Inters gather by the lake and Seniors/Hi-Seniors assemble by the pool. Each age group marches silently to its respective campsite in the woods, Crazy Creeks and soccer chairs slung over the campers’ shoulders. In the clearing, a raging bonfire awaits. These are Owego’s Friday Night Lights.
For those campers who are new to Owego, the first campfire can be an awe-inspiring sight. Everyone places his chair around the fire, just as the sun is beginning to set over the lake. A hush descends upon camp, a welcome peacefulness after a day of action and commotion. The Key Staff and oldest campers lead the way with stories, chants, and songs. These rituals get passed along to the next generation of Owegans, each and every time we assemble around the campfire. Owego’s traditions are its legacy, and that legacy belongs to each and every one of us. It is a legacy that will linger long after our time at camp has come to an end.
