Summer 2024 continues to move forward at a breakneck pace. Since Wednesday, when our second session campers arrived, there has been Bombardment and Fox & Hound for Evening Activity, the Tents have started practicing their canoe-carrying skills for the 100-miler, and Bunks Lewis and Clark have rowed out to Blueberry Island for an overnight that included a campfire and s’mores. Auditions were held for Scotty’s second production, Back to Owego’s Future. Rehearsals started immediately in preparation for the performance on July 30th. As we move past the halfway point of Summer 2024, camp shows no sign of slowing down.
But tomorrow, we will take a breath and enjoy the moment.
Tomorrow’s Visiting Day has brought a wave of excitement to camp, as the campers eagerly await the arrival of their families. Hugs and kisses that have been banked since June 22nd will flow freely. Requested snacks will be handed out (and enjoyed for approximately 24 hours), Magic cards will be gifted, and Mom’s homemade cookies will be shared between bunkmates. Campers will show their families how they climb the rock wall, how they swim the length of the pool, and how they shoot a 3-pointer in the HBC. Moms will most likely be coerced into accompanying their kids in a canoe ride around the lake. Dads will show off their ping-pong skills. Little siblings will ask, “When can I start camp?”
Families will have the unique opportunity to see the inside of their camper’s bunk. It will be chaotic, but filled with smiles and laughter. Parents will meet other parents. Campers will try to squeeze as many activities as they can into a few hours. They will want their families to meet their friends. They will excitedly introduce their counselors.
Parents will hear stories that they don’t quite understand, but they will listen with rapt attention. The experiences these boys have had and the bonds formed in the first half of the summer have left an indelible mark on them. They might tell you a silly story about chanting in the dining hall, but will surely mention the friend who was sitting next to them at the time. This is the magic of camp. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long as we’re together.
Tomorrow, we will be together.