With less than 80 days remaining before the first camper arrives on the Lower Field to kick off Summer 2026, we are a “GO” for launch. Many of us watched on April 1st as Artemis II blasted off from Cape Canaveral and embarked on a historical journey to the moon. The four astronauts on board ascended through the atmosphere, most likely filled with a combination of excitement, pride, and nerves for the mission that lay ahead.

Kind of like how we feel as we approach a new summer at camp.

Whether we describe ourselves as Old-Timers, returning campers, or brand-new to Owego, we are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. We haven’t studied rocket science or endured flight training, nor have we experienced zero gravity. But there are more similarities between Artemis II and Owego than one might realize.

We require the correct gear to successfully complete our camp mission. Just as the Artemis astronauts wear their NASA jumpsuits, emblazoned with the American flag, we wear our Owego officials which proudly display the camp colors. We need sturdy shoes, a flashlight, basic toiletries, and bedding. The astronauts must adapt to an unfamiliar environment, and we have to sleep in a cabin with no central air. So be sure to pack a battery-operated fan!

Speaking of cabins, our living arrangements at camp are surprisingly similar to the Artemis II mission. NASA has carefully selected these four astronauts to live and work cooperatively for 10 days aboard the rocket. Owego’s directors place campers together in cabins and expect them to operate as a collective unit for the duration of the summer. Regardless of background, habits, or preferences, the members of the Artemis II crew AND each camper at Owego must contribute positively towards what is best for the group. At camp, we share a small living space and must be respectful of each other in order for things to go smoothly. Being a part of a bunk at camp is a lot like being a member of a space crew. Each of us is a vital piece of the puzzle, and every piece must fit together to create a complete unit.

The astronauts aboard Artemis II are a skilled and resilient group, trained to react to any problem imaginable. On the first day of the Artemis II mission, the toilet broke. Sound familiar, anyone? Things will go wrong at camp. How we react will determine whether or not things can bounce back to a place of equilibrium. We may not be professionally trained like the Artemis crew, but we can approach the summer with an open mind and do our best to be flexible and adaptable to all situations.

Perhaps the most obvious parallel between Artemis and Owego is the “forced” independence. Like the astronauts, we are away from home — some of us for the very first time. We may not have access to the comforts of home (our favorite foods to eat, electronic devices to keep us occupied, the coziness of our own beds) but we learn to adapt and become comfortable with a new way of living. Even if it can feel at times like we are stepping out of our comfort zones while at camp, we are growing as individuals and accumulating life experience.

NASA has provided us with captivating stories and images over the past 10 days, and now it’s our turn to boldly go where no Owegan has gone before…SUMMER 2026!!!