Archives


Homesick, but Happy!
Homesick, but Happy! by Francie Campbell, Trustee It was to be his first full season at Birch Rock. Seven whole weeks of camp in the summer of 2003. But it nearly ended before it started. My 10-year- old son Harry—losing his fight to stay composed—had blurted out, “I can’t do it, Mom.” Minutes before, we […]
Read more









The Lasting Value of Summer Camp: Why Boys Benefit from Being Away From Pressures
The Lasting Value of Summer Camp: Why Boys Benefit from Being Away From Pressures by Francie Campbell, Trustee Parents—are your boys (and you) stressed out by school, social media, and hectic extra-curricular schedules? Do you worry that the constant pressure to excel is hurting boys emotionally and creatively? Birch Rock is here to help! Our […]
Read more









Helping the “Little” Fellow
Helping the “Little” Fellow by Gus Tringale One steamy evening on Opening Day of Birch Rock’s second session, my fellow senior campers and I stepped into “Onie’s,” the white-washed cabin at the very top of the Hillside. It’s named for one of the founders of Birch Rock Camp, and “Onie’s” is home to Community Director […]
Read more









Earning My Whale Pin
Earning My Whale Pin by Matt Schwind I see the Whale pin on the Birch Rock Camp banner over my bed, and I know I can accomplish anything. Located on the shores of Lake McWain, Birch Rock is a sleepaway camp in Maine that has pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to […]
Read more









Simulation vs Reality: Lose the devices and enjoy your summer!
Simulation vs Reality By Sam Rotman I’m a teenager who chooses reality over simulation. I choose to light a fire in real life versus lighting a fire in Fortnite. I consciously make the decision that for 7 weeks every summer I give up all electronic screen-time for real-world activities that trigger all 5 senses in the human […]
Read more









An Experience of Growth and Success at Junior Maine Guide Testing Camp
An Experience of Growth and Success at Junior Maine Guide Testing Camp by Chris Klein – Camper ’00s, CIT ’17 “Show me a ‘J Stroke,’” said Brian, a certified Junior Maine Guide instructor sitting in my canoe. As I struggled to paddle up the river, the questions continued. “How would you fix a canoe after […]
Read more









Skiing at Sunday River with the Outing Club –– A good time was had by all!
Skiing at Sunday River with the Outing Club –– A good time was had by all! Winter was still holding on up at Sunday River Ski Resort this past Sunday. The day started out chilly and a bit windy as the Birch Rock Outing Club hit the slopes. With several inches of snow in the […]
Read more






