It started with a bang.

No, really. A literal bang.

With Evening Activity just underway, fireworks echoed through camp and everyone was instructed to head back to the bunk. Waiting for each camper was a plastic bag containing a colored wristband — red, black, yellow, green, purple, or blue. Wristbands secured, campers sprinted to the Upper Field and gathered in groups by color. The familiar chords of “Baba O’Riley” blasted from the speakers. Excitement bubbled through the crowd. Hugs and high fives were exchanged. The Tents stood side-by-side, arms slung around one another’s shoulders. This was their big moment.

Last year’s Chiefs (and current counselors) marched onto the field, carrying flaming torches. Standing before the assembled teams, their colored Chief shirts from 2023 mirrored the campers’ wristbands — red, black, yellow, green, purple, and blue. A semi-circle formed around the large pile of wood and debris that would become the Frontier Week bonfire. But where was the fire?

Campers watched intently as the 2023 Chiefs marched over to a collection of buckets and extinguished their torches. Suddenly, a counselor burst forth from the crowd, screaming, “Fake-out! Fake-out! Fake-out!” Disbelief is the best word to describe the look on everyone’s faces. Small groups began to peel off from the gathered masses and made their way back to Evening Activity.

But wait! What is that on the Lower Field?

At Danny’s Diamond, small flames were scattered around the bases, burning shades of blue. A large screen stood on the pitcher’s mound, beckoning the campers to come closer. As everyone watched, the Tents were treated to a video of their families congratulating them on completing the 100-miler and sharing their favorite photos and memories of their camper’s time at Owego. It was touching and sweet as these tough 11th graders melted into puddles at this surprise onslaught of familial love and support.

The Tents were instructed to lead everyone back to the Upper Field for the REAL start to Frontier Week 2024. Our oldest campers never broke rank, they simply changed direction — setting the example for everyone to follow. The throngs of Owegans were greeted on the Upper Field by a fireworks display that would make Uncle Sam proud. The bonfire raged. This was it. The real deal.

One by one, the six Tribes took shape. Chiefs were announced, followed by Medicine Men, Warriors, and Scouts, and then all remaining Tribe members. Chiefs picked their head coaches from an envelope full of names. Medicine Men chose the campsite location, and Warriors chose the indoor meeting space. There were embraces among teammates, coaches, and friends. The Frontier Week spirit has arrived at Owego. Though the competition will last just 5 days, the memories will last a lifetime.