Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

Today was a great day at Birch Rock Camp. On a morning filled with liquid sunshine it was announced at
flagpole that today was Erik Joelsson Day, in honor of his 25th year at camp. It was glorious. When
pressed for comment Erik said only, “My name is Erik and a love this place.”


We then went inside the lodge for a delicious breakfast starting with oatmeal, followed by scrambled
eggs, sausage links, and cinnamon rolls. With full stomachs we went back to our cabins to prepare for
the first Sunday inspection of the season, meaning along with the usual top notch bedmaking everyone
organized their trunks and put their toothbrushes and toothpaste on their pillows as well as the book
they are currently reading.


When the bell rang the sunshine was still liquid, so everybody met in the lodge for free time and
showers (Swedish bathhouse themed in honor of Erik). After that once again we returned to our cabins
to write letters home, so check your mailboxes parents! Soon enough you will hear stories and tall tales
describing the wonders of the first week of camp.


Dressed in Birch Rock uniform, and looking impeccable I might add camp arrived in the lodge for our
Sunday dinner which was Swedish meatballs, followed by a recognition of the 25 years of hard work and
love Erik Joelsson has put into Birch Rock helping make the camp what it is today culminating in the
unveiling of a plaque marking 25 years since the last time his name graced the walls of the lodge.


As the rain was still coming down, playing outside was scheduled for another day, so the casino opened
for the afternoon complete with Poker, Blackjack, a human slot machine, live music, a VIP room and
more! Much fun was had along with some big wins and a few big losses. The afternoon wrapped up with
a general swim because the waterfront isn’t scared of a little rain.


Supper consisted of more Swedish food and a wonderful chocolate pie concoction with whipped cream
for Angel F’s birthday. We reconvened in a more mellow mood for an incredible tree talk where
contributions from campers and staff members were heard discussing what it means to be a birch rock
gentleman, where I think it is safe to say we all learned something that can make us better people.