Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

In the early days of 2025, character takes center stage in America. Too often we’re confronted with harsh incivility in our society, in the workplace, in schools and online. On the other hand, Jimmy Carter was lionized at his funeral in Washington for his exceptional character and humility. First responders risk their lives battling apocalyptic blazes in Los Angeles, and people launch massive humanitarian efforts in response to the tragedy.


Does character matter? Do we want our children to develop honor and integrity? Can a rustic summer camp help shape boys’ character? The answer to these questions was a resounding YES for Chief and Onie Brewster, the founders of Birch Rock Camp nearly a century ago. And these questions make our old fashioned, character-building camp profoundly relevant today.


Birch Rock Camp is a powerful antidote to societal pressures and negativity. Behavioral issues, loneliness and over-reliance on digital devices continue to worry us long after the pandemic. But take heart, parents! You can count on camp to give your boys a healthy reset—no technology, no isolation, loads of fresh air and running around and face-to-face contact! Boys often feel that camp is a haven, where they can be their authentic selves without the usual burden of social anxiety. Birch Rock is a rare non-competitive camp for boys; we believe that nurturing and teamwork help boys become their best selves.


Character formation is a slow process, involving home and school and other positive influences. Here at Birch Rock we have a century old character-building mission that unfolds as your son returns summer after summer. Birch Rock’s motto Help the Other Fellow pulls everyone together, youngest camper to oldest staff, in cooperative community. Our rituals and traditions and camp songs give every Birch Rocker a keen sense of belonging. And slowly but surely, an intrepid sense of self blossoms on the Hillside.


Character formation involves three types of strengths, according to University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth (who hosts the Freakonomics podcast “No Stupid Questions”): strengths of the HEART (compassion, generosity); strengths of the MIND (good judgment, curiosity); and strengths of the WILL (resilience, self-control, bravery). Birch Rock focuses on helping boys build up all three strengths.


Birch Rock starts with the most basic strengths for children. When young boys go to sleepaway camp and overcome homesickness, that is an early experience of mastery that is foundational. Cabin counselors are trained to help campers develop coping skills and emotional regulation at every age. Counselors are powerful role models—even superheroes—at Birch Rock, showing campers how to talk about feelings, work through conflicts, and live in cabins in harmony. Learning happens through discussion, shared experience and strong leadership.


Campers experience Birch Rock as a perfect blend of structure and high expectations on the one hand, and freedom and complete relaxation on the
other. Camp is exuberantly fun and it is seriously demanding. The balance is key. Birch Rock’s small size ensures that progress for each child is individual and carefully monitored. Camp activities and badges help campers gain a sense of mastery and accomplishment. Boys grow in confidence and courage when they meet increasingly daunting challenges. And in order to flourish, campers need what Birch Rock embodies—a community where everyone is safe, respected and cared for. That safety enables boys to try new things, get out of their comfort zones, be daring.


As a Birch Rocker your son may well climb to the summit of Katahdin, swim five miles around Lake McWain, earn his Silverbow Sharpshooter Archery Badge and lead the entire community in a Sunday “TreeTalk” discussion about core values at Camp. But accomplishments like these, along with a lifelong passion and respect for the wilderness, are not the most significant. When Help the Other Fellow becomes a way of life—wherever he finds himself in the world—a young man has carefully learned what Birch Rock Camp strives to teach.