Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

Two campers reading outside of the Birch Rock Library.

At Birch Rock Camp, learning has always been an important part of the camp experience. When founders William Brewster and Leona Brewster established Birch Rock, they believed that boys thrive when their intellectual curiosity is nurtured alongside outdoor adventure.

Today, that vision continues through our strong culture of reading and our supportive tutoring program.

A Camp That Celebrates Reading

Tucked among the trees is one of Birch Rock’s most beloved spaces: the Allen Kearns Library. This cozy cabin is filled with books, board games, and comfortable chairs where campers can slow down, explore new ideas, and discover the joy of reading.

Reading is woven into everyday life at camp. During the morning rest period in the cabins, counselors and campers spend at least 20 minutes reading together. For many boys, it becomes a favorite part of the day—a peaceful pause between swimming, trips, and activities.

It’s not unusual to hear campers enthusiastically sharing what they’re reading with friends or staff.

“I am tearing through my books. H.P. Lovecraft and Brave New World are finished…thanks for the book you sent me.”
— Birch Rock Camper

Supporting Campers Through Tutoring

For parents who want additional academic support for their child while at camp, Birch Rock offers a flexible tutoring program designed to meet each boy’s individual needs.

Tutoring can help campers:

  • Strengthen reading comprehension
  • Improve writing skills
  • Build confidence in math
  • Stay on pace with schoolwork during the summer

Sessions are led by experienced educators and camp librarians, who bring years of classroom and camp experience to their work with campers.

Tutoring Options

Birch Rock offers several tutoring formats so families can choose what works best for their camper.

Individual Tutoring
One-on-one instruction provides focused support for campers who need help with reading or another subject area.
Cost: $70 per hour session

Small Group Tutoring
Groups of 2–4 campers with similar needs learn together. This option balances individualized attention with collaboration and peer support.
Cost: $55 per hour session

Study Hall Monitor
During the first daily rest period (Monday–Saturday), campers can attend a supervised study hall to work on reading, math, or other academic goals in a supportive environment.
Cost: $125 per week

All tutoring programs are arranged in advance in consultation with parents or guardians, typically with a commitment of 2–3 days per week. Our program director and tutors schedule sessions carefully so campers never miss essential activities like swimming periods, trips, or their favorite daily programs.

Confidence, Progress, and Pride

At Birch Rock, academic support isn’t about pressure—it’s about confidence. Campers who participate in tutoring often discover a renewed sense of pride as they see their skills improve.

Effort, progress, and dedication are recognized at our camp badge ceremony, where campers may earn scholastic achievement badges for their work in the tutorial program.

Our guiding principle in the library reflects the spirit of this experience:

Look Up. Laugh. Love. Lift.

Keeping Families Informed

At the end of each camp session, tutors provide written summaries documenting the work completed and the camper’s progress. Tutoring services are billed through the camper’s incidental account and settled at pick-up.

Learn More

If you would like to set up a tutoring program for your camper this summer, we’re happy to help.

Please contact Logan Landry, Communications Director, at [email protected] to discuss your camper’s needs and create a plan that supports both learning and the full Birch Rock camp experience.