Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

The last week of First Session 2025 began with a BANG! After a classically hearty breakfast of eggs, spuds, and sausage, campers dashed out of the Lodge to eagerly begin cleaning up their cabins. A new week means the inspection competition resets and cabins are all back in the running for the coveted prizes (and the eternal glory) that winning the most weekly points brings.


Our oldest campers left for the adventures on two beautiful lakes nearby. The Junior Maine Guide group headed to Umbagog for some final preparations in advance of their testing week. The remaining Bears traveled north to the Rangely Lakes for four days of paddling and fun. We’ll sure miss them here at camp and we eagerly await their return later this week. Never fear, the rest of us got busy as soon as the sun rose.


Today began our three-day “BadgeaPalooza” where campers work hard to earn badges from the baseball backstop to the lake. Five badges went out before lunch, and it hardly seemed like the campers were breaking a sweat. By the evening a whopping twelve badges were awarded. Aden R., Everett G., and Otto K. braved the waters of the famed McWain Monster and completed their Loons earning some rousing Birch Rock cheers. Over at
campcraft, Larry Z. and Julien V. tended to fires, whittled their fuzz sticks, and recited knowledge to earn their Junior Badges. And up on the Pickleball court, Alex Y. and Liam T. smashed their way to success in earning their Senior and Junior badges respectfully.


By the time dinner announcements rolled around, the excitement was palpable as the Lodge erupted in raucous applause and cheer. We even seemed to drown out the roar of the thunderstorm that passed briefly overhead in the late afternoon perfectly timed for campers to be playing games in their cabins during Rest Period. The Birch Rock weather bubble has to let a few cracks of thunder in once and a while to remind us how lucky we are to have such beautiful days at camp – rain or shine.


The afternoon showers meant that evening activity was the fan favorite Bingo! We welcomed back counselor Nick F. who led an energetic game despite his advanced age. Campers left the Lodge with prizes and smiles after another successful round of the storied game.


Looking ahead to tomorrow, Badge-a-Palooza continues, and campers are eager to beat today’s twelve badge total. We eagerly await our Taco Tuesday lunch and all of the fun that a new day at Birch Rock promises.

Best Bed: Alex Y

Best Cabin: Buzzards Roost

Super Camper: Otto P