It’s late June, when ordinarily we’d be welcoming a camp-full of boys to the Hillside. With heavy hearts but resolve to keep our wide Birch Rock community safe, we had to suspend the traditional boys camp program for this summer.
But after careful consideration of what might still be possible, we’ve developed the Birch Rock Leadership Camp. This unique program is designed for our Senior Campers, Counselor- In-Training Candidates and Maine Wilderness Adventurers (ages 15-17 exclusively) from July 12 – August 1, 2020 (the MWA trip will extend until August 15th).
Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our paramount concern for health and safety, you may have questions about the upcoming Leadership Camp. Here are the key reasons we feel confident about our decision:
*These young men represent the future of Birch Rock.
We want to honor their long commitment to our community, their personal goals, and their passion for camp. We believe this small group of future leaders can uphold the necessary COVID-19 protocols that must be integrated into daily living.
*Federal CDC recommendations and state guidelines helped us determine that with a maximum of 25-30 campers plus 12-15 staff members operating in a quarantine “bubble” we can maintain a healthy camp experience for all. COVID-19 testing is available if necessary, and we have established relationships with infectious disease medical personnel who can assist us.
We also want to alert you to some other practices that will be implemented this season:
a) There will be no visitors to Birch Rock, including parents, alumni and neighbors.
b) Campers and staff will maintain separate cohorts for the first two weeks based upon their program.
c) Social distancing will be required at congregate settings.
d) Face coverings will be required in some situations.
e) Temperatures and possible symptoms will be monitored daily.
Birch Rock is expecting great success with our LeadershipCamp program this summer. Help the Other Fellow will be more critical than ever as the young men adapt to communal living during a pandemic (and take those skills back home). And this is an opportunity for staff to do a trial run with countless camp– wide safety updates—gone are the bottles of salad dressings and condiments. Individual packets for all at lunch in the Grove!
We look forward to the summer of 2021, when we’ll welcome everyone back for our 95th spectacular season!
In the spirit of Help the Other Fellow,
Rich Deering, Community Director
Mike Mattson, Camp Director
Erik Joelsson, MWA Director
Brian Farley, CIT Director
Nick Musciano, Head Counselor
