Programming: Painting a Picture

Why is the first day of Camp Seneca Lake unlike any other in the session? The answer may seem clear. For one, the campers wake up in their own beds across the country, only to fall asleep in a cabin full of kids their own age. They're likely seeing Camp and perhaps their friends, for the first time in over 323 days. They're not yet acquainted with the food, their counselors and even living on a bunk bed.

But above all, the first day of Camp Seneca Lake is unique for one reason: in 43 sessions, it has not rained once...except for a few sprinkles. It has threatened to pour, to thunder and lightning and even to hail. It has rained in Geneva, Watkins Glen and up and down the Thruway. Most of the time, it even rains until 11:44 am when the buses arrive. But 43 sessions later, the rain has not once compromised the ongoings of the first day.

Besides being an incredible coincidence, this little peice of history is the reason why on the second day, we can simply forget that there was ever a time when we were uncomfortable with one another. There are no swim tests to take, only fun to be had in the pool. No rules to cover at the Waterfront, only boats to row and others to ride. And if the rain comes down on that lovely second day, you're likely to not notice the difference. Because at Camp Seneca Lake, after that first day, the rain doesn't stop us.