Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike has been a member of the Birch Rock community since he was 12 in 1983. Once on staff, Mike taught many seasons on the field before moving to the waterfront and teaching swimming for many more. He moved up the ranks to Waterfront Director, Head Counselor, and Program Director, and joined Rich Deering as Associate Director for 6 years, where together they organized and reinvigorated the camp. He became the Camp Director in 2002 and has dedicated the last two decades to the growth and development of the camp and its programs. Mike attended Towson State University in Maryland but feels his primary education in camping comes from a lifetime of leadership in a place he loves and calls home. Mike is a long-time member of the American Camping Association.
Mike lives in Windham, Maine with his wife Becca, and his sons Simon and Reid! His son Simon is currently a camper at Birch Rock. Mike’s dogs, Linus and Phoebe, are camp staples.
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich started attending Birch Rock at the age of 9. His mother was sure that he would come running home; instead, he signed up for more, and was a camper for 6 summers before matriculating into the staff ranks. He worked his way up from teaching Swimming to Waterfront Director to Head Counselor, and then, after a few summers off, he returned as the Assistant Director for Brad Smith before taking over as the camp’s Director in 1995. He held this position until 2001, during which time he used his business acumen to reorganize BRC’s structure, and, thanks to him, the camp has never been stronger. A Maine native, he is a graduate of Colby College and the University of Southern Maine, where he earned a Masters in Adult Education and Counseling.
In his current role Rich is responsible for marketing, alumni development, and external affairs, and helps facilitate the Birch Rock community. A long-time member of the American Camping Association and past President of Maine Youth Camping, he is currently a realtor with the Buckspan Deering Group at ReMax Shoreline in Portland. He serves on the Maine Summer Camps and Maine Camp Experience Board of Directors.
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director – Health & Safety
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director – Health & Safety
Celebrating over 25 seasons at Birch Rock, Erik has it all: a love for our traditions and values, a keen sense of fun, and a quiet charisma that gets kids psyched! After several years of teaching sailing Erik became the Waterfront Director in 2007, thus earning the radio handle “Captain Nemo,” as he is affectionately called. A native of Sweden, Erik grew up in Philadelphia and attended Penn State. In 2013, Erik transitioned onto land to become our full-time Program Director for 7 summers, orchestrating staff and camper programs and specialty events of the day – while continuing to lead our American Red Cross Lifeguard program and First Aid Certification. This summer Erik will take on the challenge of heading up the BRC Trip Program and MWA trip. An active member of the American Camp Association, Erik is a Standards Visitor for Accreditation of other camps. He champions Birch Rock’s Outing Club (visit the Club page on our website!). When not skiing or conquering crossword puzzles, Erik serves as part of the camp management team during the off-season. Erik is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.
Brian Farley
Operations Director
Brian Farley
Operations Director
A native Mainer, Brian grew up in York, earned a Sociology degree at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, and finished his Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Southern Maine in 2015. An outdoor enthusiast, he spent many summers at his family’s camp on Long Lake, and is big into hiking with his dog, Rozzie. After five years of leading trips and MWA, two years as CIT Director, and five years as Program Director, Brian is now our Operations Director. He is responsible for managing our Trip Program, transportation, staff onboarding and training, and assisting with overseeing the program and camper development.
Brian is a School Guidance Counselor in Maine.
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nicholas “The Italian Stallion” Musciano, aka Musc, originally hails from Falmouth, Maine. Nick received his Master’s in Teaching from the University of South Carolina in 2016 and currently lives in Columbia, SC where he teaches 4th grade math and science. He has been a diehard Birch Rocker since he arrived at camp at 9 years old in 1998, and loved basketball, tennis, and campcraft. Musc has truly done it all at camp; he spent many summers on the hill as the Field Director, teaching basketball and baseball, he has been an enthusiastic instructor down at Nature, and Nick has even been a trip leader on our 3-week Maine Wilderness Adventure program. Nick has been Head Counselor since 2018 and is very excited for our 98th summer!
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Pete was born and raised in New Hampshire and graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 – majoring in studio art and applied design. He spent this past winter working at Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana. When he’s not at camp Pete enjoys fishing, golfing, skiing, painting and playing basketball. He first came to camp in 2009 and has looked forward to every summer at camp ever since. As a camper he could often be found at activities such as basketball, baseball, tennis and art. He is super pumped to return for his 14th summer at Birch Rock and work with the Leadership campers as well as teach art!
Jack Duggan
Program Director
Jack Duggan
Waterfront Director
A graduate of Colby College majoring in Environmental Policy and Economics, Jack returns to Birch Rock as our Program Director and member of our Leadership Team. Jack will be overseeing our camp program and activity development plus working with our Lower Campus of young men. Jack returns to Birch Rock for a second summer after a four year hiatus working in the corporate world of solar energy.
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon hails from Sarasota, FL where he has been cooking and baking for years. With family in Poland, ME, Jon decided to come to Birch Rock 13 summers ago and help us out by cooking many of our dinner meals. After two summers in the kitchen, he is now the Head Cook, and the community is looking forward to whipping up some new food and old favorites this summer. Everything Jon gives to BRC with tremendous heart, soul and genuine love for all of us to be well-fed. Jon ‘s special recipes are coveted but can sometimes be shared upon request.
Paula Phan
Camp Nurse
Paula Phan
Camp Nurse
Paula was born in NY, then moved to FL, and now she is living in Portland ME. She bounces around a lot due to work because she is a travel RN!
In her spare time she loves pottery, volleyball, hiking, spending time with friends and family, volunteer work, medical mission trips, traveling and going to concerts.
This is her fourth year as a camp nurse and second year at BRC. She is most excited to connect with new people, spending time in nature and making sure kids are healthy, happy, and hydrated!
Fun fact about Paula, is that she is ambidextrous and would like to own a Porsche one day!
Abe Tolkoff
Camp EMT
Abe Tolkoff
Camp EMT
Abe is excited to return for his 9th summer at Birch Rock. He’s originally from Brookline, MA, but spends most of his year in New Haven, CT.
He’s a rising senior at Yale College studying Biology, History, and Spanish. Outside of classes, Abe works as an EMT at a local ambulance service. He loves to sail, read, and play board games. He’s excited to work with the Health Team this summer at camp to keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy.
Emily Woodworth
Librarian / Tutor
Emily Woodworth
Librarian/ Tutor
Emily is a camp mom and works in our Allen Kearns Library during the summer. A full-time educator working in the Oxford Hills Schools system in the special education arena, Emily brings joy to our summer home for another season. You’ll find plenty of books, puzzles, games and special camp treats when you visit Emily in her summer camp house here at BRC!
Keeping reading, boys!
Jonah Keates
Waterfront Director
Jonah Keates
Waterfront Director
Jonah Keates first attended Birch Rock in 2013 when he was 9. He is from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and just finished his second year at Colby College as a geology major. Jonah is excited to spend another year on staff down on the waterfront. He is Water Safety Instructor & Lifeguard Instructor certified and will be managing the safety on the waterfront, swim instruction and the long distance swim program down on the Waterfront.
Jonah is looking forward to cabin dance parties, and just wants his campers to have a great time.
Nick Ferraina
Field Director
Nick Ferraina
Field Director
Nick Ferraina is so excited to be back at camp for his third summer after taking last year off. After a year of living in Brooklyn, NY, where he still currently resides, he could not stay away from camp. He is thrilled to be back up on the field playing all kinds of sports and leading evening activity. Nick graduated from the University of Michigan in 2022 majoring in Film and Television Media. He has been working in the film industry for the past two years, primarily working in the lighting department. He is happy to be reunited with his best friend, Janice Walker.
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director – JMG & MWA
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director – JMG & MWA
Jeff started at camp at the age of 7 in Hilton B in 2010. Growing up he enjoyed trips and nature and eventually earned his advanced nature. He is the wilderness director and has the most fun at camp playing games up on the field and doing fun things with his cabin. If he were an animal he would be a small monkey because it would be really fun to jump through trees. His favorite dessert is chocolate milk. He loves puzzles, cooking and hanging with his friends. The thing he is most excited for is another great summer away from everything in the world and living his best life at camp.
Max Naipier-Kane
Trip Leader
Max Naipier-Kane
Trip Leader
Max Naipier-Kane is excited to spend his first summer in 10 years back at the rock. Upon graduating from high school, Max enlisted in the Air Force and spent 6 years as an Arabic Translator. Throughout his time, Max has travelled throughout most of the United States and grew his love of nature and the outdoors. He currently resides in Washington, DC while deciding what to do with his post military life.
Some of Max’s favorite activities include rock climbing, hiking, going to concerts, and a nice good book. This summer, he is most excited to finally get into the woods.
Liam Feeney
Trip Leader
Liam Feeney
Trip Leader
Liam is super excited to be back at Birch Rock this summer as a trip leader. This is Liam’s second year on staff, since 2017 Liam has completed a summer semester with NOLS Alaska. Also completing a wilderness therapy program in Vermont, with wilderness experience from Birch Rock and others Liam is ready to take the campers on the same experiences he fell in love with as a camper. This will be Liam’s eighth summer at Birch Rock, Liam will be armed and ready with both sunscreen and bug spray.
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice is Birch Rock’s matriarch and Queen Mother, and what she says goes around here! Her green thumb and Walker riding mower keep camp trimmed and beautiful all summer long. If you want something done correctly, you go to Janice.
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie is a true Maine-uh and is the mechanical genius around these parts. He is the hardest working gent on campus and cannot be stopped. He loves to keep us laughing and is usually busy at work before anyone on camp wakes up.
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow aka “Dancing Owl” is our long time nature instructor and is thrilled to be back for his 12th summer! Bob lives in Waterford, and is a retired teacher and middle school coach. He has a degree in Environmental Studies and public school K-12 teaching credentials.
He loves teaching nature, music, and seeing young campers discover new things about their natural surroundings. He’s certified in CPR and First Aid.
Nathan Stefanon
Counselor
Nathan Stefanon
Counselor
More information coming soon.
David Colasin
Counselor
David Colasin
MWA Leader
David Colasin started at Birch Rock in 2014 when he was 12 years old. David lives in San Diego, California and attends San Diego State University studying Environmental Science. When he’s not busy with schoolwork, David works at a small restaurant close to his home. In his free time, David enjoys being outside especially when surfing, skating, or hiking. David also enjoys playing guitar and he can’t wait to bring it to camp again.
Seth Brewster
Counselor
Seth Brewster
Counselor
Seth is returning to camp this summer for his 13th year! He is excited to get back in the woodshop and make all sorts of projects. While not at camp, Seth resides nearby in Maine and works as a woodworker. Other things he is excited for is spending time on the waterfront, afternoon activities, making new friendships, and rekindling old bonds. Seth Rocks!
Noah Birch
Counselor
Noah Birch
Counselor
Information coming soon
Nathan Shatz
Counselor
Nathan Shatz
Counselor
More information coming soon
Pascal “PJ” Schroder
Counselor
Pascal “PJ” Schroder
Counselor
Information coming soon.
Josh Rubin
Counselor
Josh Rubin
Counselor
More Information soon
Manuel de Miguel
Counselor
Manuel de Miguel
Counselor
Information coming soon.
Jimmy Ball
Counselor
Jimmy Ball
Counselor
Danny hails from a small town in south central Kansas and this will be his first time in the north east. Growing up he attended several summer camps in the Kansas and Minnesota area and enjoys experiencing the great outdoors. Danny is currently studying chemical engineering in college and is excited to share his knowledge in kayaking and art.
Sam King
Counselor
Sam King
Counselor
Information coming soon.
Joshua Garcia Diaz
Counselor
Joshua Garcia-Diaz
Counselor
Joshua hails from the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico- beautiful Xalapa City. He is studying mechanical engineering, and in his free time he loves exercising, reading, and watching movies. He is enjoying the community and fellowship at Birch Rock
Alvaro Gimenez Arnau
Counselor
Alvaro Gimenez Arnau
Counselor
Alvaro is coming to Birch Rock from Spain and has been attending Birch Rock for three summers. He graduated with a degree this year in helping elderly people.
Alvaro will be teaching art and lawngames this summer and is super thrilled to be a part of the community.
Lev Tolkoff
Counselor
Lev Tolkoff
Counselor
Lev was born and raised in Brookline, MA just outside of Boston. He is currently a student entering his first year at Tufts University.
Lev first came to Birch Rock in 2015 when he was 9 years old. He was a camper for 7 years and this is his 8th summer and first summer as a Camp Counselor.
After taking a year off, he is super pumped to be back at Birch Rock this summer teaching basketball and boating and to meet everyone while having a blast at evening activity!
His favorite hobbies include playing chess, playing the New York Times games and being a part of the row crew.
Ben Kehoe
Counselor
Ben Kehoe
Counselor
More Information soon
Nico Theriault
Counselor
Niko Theriault
Counselor
More Information soon
Fritts Johnson
Counselor
Fritts Johnson
Counselor
More Information soon
Luis Galvez
Counselor
Luis Galvez
Counselor
More information soon
Chad Herry
Counselor
Chad Herry
Counselor
More information soon
Noah Thompson
Counselor
Lev Tolkoff
Counselor
More information soon
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie, Steve’s brother, has a long time background in cooking and looks forward to cooking for our campers.
Eddie too loves to play music and have a good time.
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve has been working at Birch Rock for the last few summers. He has been a dedicated camp cook at a few camps over the years and has a great appreciation for the importance of a good meal.
He is an avid “Open Mic Night” guy and loves a good gathering.
Gloria McKee
Kitchen
Gloria McKee
Kitchen
Gloria has been working in camp kitchens for years. While she certainly will be working in the kitchen as a cook and serve, she will primarily be baking muffins, brownies, cookies, you name it.
Julie Kenerson
Kitchen
Julie Kenerson
Kitchen
A 5th & 6th grade teacher during the school year, Julie will be using her mom skills to help out in the kitchen with food prep and service. Julie’s experience as a school teacher will be helpful to our activity instructors, and we are thrilled to have her join us.
Tony Tecuanhuey Pedraza
Kitchen
Tony Tecuanhuey Pedraza
Kitchen
Tony comes to us from Puebla, Mexico, where he is a university student, studying business management. He enjoys listening to music and exercising, especially playing soccer, tennis, or basketball. Tony is working hard to perfect his English while working in the kitchen, and his next goal is to learn to speak German.
Carlos Monterrubio
Kitchen
Carlos Monterrubio
Kitchen
Information coming soon.
Axel Solis Gil
Kitchen
Axel Solis Gil
Kitchen
Axel is joining us from Puebla, Mexico. He is a university student, majoring in industrial engineering. In his free time, Axel enjoys baseball and music, and he loves all kinds of music. He really likes the activities here at Birch Rock, and he appreciates that the staff is helping him “to become a more complete person.” Axel’s favorite food to cook and eat is the Birch Rock spaghetti.
Alfredo Jasso Rojano
Kitchen
Alfredo Jasso Rojano
Kitchen
Alfredo joins us from Puebla, Mexico where he is currently a student. He lives with his mom, grandmother and 4 pets which include 2 dogs and 2 turtles!
He is very excited to be in Maine this summer and to meet new people at BRC. He is also very excited to try all the activities that Birch Rock has to offer.
He currently assists in the Kitchen where they cook up some delicious meals for us all!
