On May 30th, throngs of new Owegans descended upon camp, eager to begin the process of initiation into the Owego Brotherhood. They departed the following day carrying the flame in their hearts and the words of “Little Red Wagon” in their heads.

In a 24-hour period, they enjoyed meals in the dining hall (B’s and D’s, matzoh ball soup, Chipwiches — all of the Owego MVPs), paddled canoes and kayaks around the lake, ascended the climbing wall and swung through the trees on the Ropes course, volleyed on the tennis courts and dribbled the ball in the HBC, and made s’mores at the campfire. We squeezed so much Owego fun into one day that these new campers couldn’t help but get pumped up for camp!

Perhaps the most impactful moments for our new campers were their interactions with the staff. Head Counselors, Unit Leaders, and Counselors — many of whom were New Camper Weekend attendees once upon a time — introduced themselves by revealing how many years they’ve been at Owego.

“Seven as a camper, two as a counselor.”

“I wasn’t a camper here but this is my eighth summer on staff.”

We are very fortunate that Owego campers become Owego counselors. Owego staff sticks around, summer after summer. We don’t take this for granted. We are extremely proud to have an experienced and loyal group of young men who haven chosen to return to camp not only because they love it, but because they want to pass on that love of camp to the next generation of campers.

As Kyle and Freedo so eloquently stated, while presenting the staff to the new families gathered on the dining hall steps, this is the finished product. The young men who started as new campers, learned the songs and chants, grew more independent and resilient each summer, created meaningful bonds with their fellow Brothers in Blue, struggled at times but bounced back, and CHOSE to return to Owego as leaders and role models — THAT is the finished product.

So if you’re new to Owego and you’re feeling nervous or anxious, just know that these veteran Owegans were once in your shoes. When you’re experiencing ups and downs at camp, these guys have been there, too. Their journeys began at New Camper Weekend, just like yours. The rest of your Owego story will be written one summer at a time.

New Camper Weekend may ignite the flame, but it burns brighter each year as the Brothers in Blue return to their summer home.