Ononbloga

The first day of camp tends to be overwhelming and exhilarating in all the right ways. Today, Onondaga got to see lots of camp. Our day consisted of flying through the rotation of a swim test, bunk picture, lice check, waterfront orientation, plus time in the bunks to unpack and socialize. Onondaga also began our very special nuke'em league, and created a village flag with every girl's hand traced on it. After a late night of singing, candles, and all the traditional components of Opening Ceremonies, the campers crawled into bed and are resting up for a full day tomorrow.

I'm super excited to be staff for oldest Onondaga. It's such a special age: we get to cling onto the best, silliest parts of childhood whilst also navigating together new levels of responsibility. Tusc is an undeniably special year, and Seneca is an awesome sisterhood, but Onondaga is where it all starts. You can see it in the faces of the youngest girls as they look around with wide eyes in the dining hall which is practically shaking as the entire camp jumps up and down to some snazzy summer tunes. You can see it in the faces of the middle-aged girls, who are comfortable in our village and ready for a classic Onondagan experience. You can see it in the faces of the eldest girls, who are still the same fun-loving, active, and caring girls as their younger counterparts, but they have a bigger role to fill. This summer the bar is set high, but I know our campers can reach it. They are creative and hilarious, needless to say each one of them are crucial to making Onondaga such an amazing village.

To parents reading this, thank you for sending us your kids, we love them already. And to August Onondagans reading this, your time will be soon. Get excited. Every night is a sleepover in the Big O!

Jane Tuszynski
Onondaga Bunk Counselor and Assistant Unit Head