Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

If you were anywhere near Lake McWain today, you probably felt it in the air—the kind of electric Birch Rock magic that only happens when legends return and new ones are made.

We kicked things off bright and early with the arrival of the one and only Dave Weeks. If you don’t know Dave, you will—his roots at Birch Rock run deep, all the way back to the ‘80s. He’s part of the reason this place feels like home, and seeing him walk back onto campus felt like watching history walk back into our living room.

Breakfast? Absolutely elite. Breakfast pizza. Enough said.

The big headline of the morning, though? Lucas J absolutely crushed the Loon—our epic long-distance swim across Lake McWain and back. Cheers erupted from the dock when he touched back in, and you could tell it was one of those camp moments that’s gonna stick.

Also, the BRC Ice Cream Truck came to town. Director Mattson and “Ryno” Massey decorated Mike’s pickup and played “The Entertainer” as loud as possible, while pulling the truck up to every activity area and delivering ice cream and humor to all. The Ice Cream Truckers have an overly happy, positive outlook on life and bring joy to all. “Have a Swell Day!”

Throughout the day, badges were handed out left and right—hard-earned and well-deserved. Whether it was archery, nature, or woodshop, you could feel the pride.

As dinner rolled around, more legends rolled in. Sam Deering and Mike Herzig joined the crew, and suddenly the grove was full of stories, laughter, and that buzzing anticipation that something big was brewing.

Evening activity was a full-camp game of Quorum—fast-paced, chaotic, and everything you’d want to burn off the energy of a day like this. But just when we thought the day was winding down… the drums started.

From the upper campfire pit, a steady beat echoed across campus. One by one, we funneled into upper camp, curiosity turning into awe as we saw the flames roar to life in a massive bonfire. What followed was the kind of night we’d never forget.

Director Mike Mattson kicked things off with the classic Wolf Pack story—goosebumps guaranteed. Then Dave Weeks brought the Tale of the Desperado to life with that storytelling magic only he can conjure. Sam Deeran and Jonah Keates rallied the crew with legendary chants, the drums never stopping, like the heartbeat of Birch Rock itself. Ryan “Ryno” Massey came out as the Gamemaster to announce the Sunday afternoon activity, and then finally, Head Counselor Nick Musciano reminded the community to “Run with the Pack!”

As the fire crackled down to embers, we sat in the glow, shoulder to shoulder. Tired but full—of stories, of pride, of something we can’t quite name but definitely feel.

The fire may be out now, but what we built tonight? That’s going to keep burning.

Until tomorrow.

Best Bed: Will C

Best Cabin: Eagles

Super Camper: James W