Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

Ah, Sunday at Birch Rock Camp: a day of rest, reflection, and absolutely savage inspection. Today kicked off our first Sunday Inspection of the season, and just to spice things up, it was worth TRIPLE points.  That’s right, the stakes were higher than the laundry piles. With clipboards in hand and white gloves metaphorically donned, our counselors transformed into cleanliness connoisseurs, inspecting every dusty corner and creatively folded sock. 

The morning was a peaceful blur of showers (the kind where you clean yourself) and letter writing. Yes, actual pen-to-paper letters, not emojis or TikToks. It was a touching moment where the boys remembered how to form full sentences and hopefully remembered your zip code. Expect some heartfelt, grammatically adventurous mail coming your way soon. Sunday dinner was nothing short of spectacular. A standing ovation to Jon and the kitchen team for another mouthwatering meal that had campers going back for thirds. Even the broccoli disappeared. Everyone left the lodge full, happy, and possibly in need of another shower.

The afternoon brought a heartwarming moment as we celebrated the legendary Abe Tolkoff, who officially joined the Birch Rock Decade Club. That’s ten years of BRC brotherhood! Director Mike Mattson shared the unforgettable tale of ten-year-old Abe cold-calling the camp to interview them before deciding whether to attend. That kind of reverse job interview is rare, but clearly effective. Everyone loves Abe — he’s the kind of guy who’s always ten steps ahead of everyone else, more organized than a Swiss train schedule, and the undisputed king of color-coded systems. If there’s a label maker nearby, Abe’s already used it. In fact, no one at Birch Rock dreads his arrival more than the camp laminator. Abe’s family was here to witness the big moment, and the entire camp gave him a raucous, well-earned celebration for a decade of dedication, leadership, and perfectly alphabetized bin labels.

Then came Ilian — the newest BRC classic where the entire camp descends into organized chaos disguised as a field game. It was a battle of brains, brawn, and “don’t trust your best friend because he might betray you for a flag.” After much sneaking, sprinting, and shrieking, Brandon D emerged as the last man standing. The Blue Eagles soared over the Red Foxes in a truly ferocious finale. Somewhere in the aftermath, shoes were lost, voices were hoarse, and pride was either puffed up or gently bruised.

To wind things down, we gathered at the Birch Rock itself, where we shared thoughts on connection — the meaningful kind, not the Wi-Fi kind. Campers and staff about what connection means to them, whether it’s found in a friendship, a moment of reflection, or a wild game of Ilian. A perfect end to a day full of laughter, competition, and enough stories to last until next Sunday’s inspection (may the cleanest cabin win).

Best Bed Alex Y

Best Cabin Hilton A

Super Camper Alex B