If you were a camper in the early 90’s, like this author, you may recall the glory days of “Bunk-o.” The silver lining of rainy days at camp was the opportunity to spend the day at rest. The current generation’s version of “hanging out” or “just chillin,” resting meant you were confined to your bunk, left to while away the hours doing whatever your young self desired. For a preteen girl at Pine Forest in 1991, that meant writing letters to family and friends, playing jacks or card games like Spit or Gin Rummy, and listening to a bunkmate’s mixtape on her boom box. This author would never have discovered Erasure without those rainy days. We called these days “Bunk-o,” and we delighted in being lazy.

Fast forward to 2024. At Owego. Boys are a different creature, after all.

Gone are the days when rain at camp sounded the death knell to fun activities and physical movement. The sunny weather can last only so long before the clouds swell and burst with precipitation. In the event of a rainy day at camp, Key Staff must be prepared with a treasure trove of indoor activities that will not only occupy, but entertain these campers who are accustomed to running around the Upper Field, swimming in the pool, or jumping off the Wibit into the lake. It is a tall task, to say the least.

As the rain begins to fall at camp, Head Counselors and Unit Leaders shift into “rainy day” mode. They consult with one another to determine which division will go where. Very rarely are campers sent back to their bunks. We play cards and write letters at Owego, but not as a result of the rain. Campers simply grab the rain boots their very smart parents remembered to pack for them, and head to their designated areas.

Take today, for example.

Campers awoke this morning to dreary skies and a rainy forecast. The morning’s schedule was scrapped. Rain coats were zipped. Boots were retrieved from under beds. Juniors gathered at the stage for “Movie Madness.” Each bunk picked a movie title out of a hat. The group had about 30 minutes to prepare a performance that captured the essence of the film. Unlike Charades, this game allows for acting AND dialogue. Our youngest bunk, Boone, picked “Finding Nemo.” In about 3 to 5 minutes, they performed their version of the Pixar film. Lots of laughing and cheering ensued.

Following Movie Madness, the Juniors chose an indoor activity and split up into small groups. Options included Bingo, indoor soccer, and cards games in Crockett. No one took a nap and NO ONE went back to the bunk and listened to Erasure on a boom box.

The Seniors played an all-time favorite camp game called “Go Bananas.” Bunks are handed a list of wacky tasks they have to complete. Someone delivers an apology to a banana before eating it. Another camper does his best Key Staff impersonation. Someone else writes a love letter to the nurses in the Health Center. And so on, and so on. The best part is the refrain sung by everyone: “Go bananas, go go bananas!”

While everyone deserves to rest now and again, a little rain never deterred Owegans from finding the fun in whatever they do. Rainy days at camp are often among the most memorable days of the summer. The inclement weather forces us to batten down the hatches, gather in one location rather than spread out across camp, and spend quality creative time together.

Even this author’s 1991 self approves.