Birchmont Beginnings

When Forrester “Pop” Pierce was a young Physical Education teacher and coach, he envisioned a unique summer environment for children. It would be a safe place to broaden horizons and boost self-esteem; an extraordinary place where children could explore, and discover their surroundings in nature and sport, while living with their peers for the summer months.  This setting would promote self-expression, positive physical and social development with safety and supervision at its core.  It would be a true haven for children where there was something for everyone amidst a backdrop of mountains, lake, fields and courts.  “Pop” and his family started their beloved Birchmont overnight camp in 1951, about 3 decades after the family established the first day camp in America in 1918.  The beautiful camp ground in Wolfeboro, NH was originally a boating, fishing and equestrian paradise for some of the finest families in Boston and its suburbs. The Pierce family purchased the property in 1950, with a vision to welcome children and counselors into a resident community where friendship, sportsmanship, and appreciation of nature prevailed. Today, Camp Birchmont is one of the finest children’s summer camps in America.  Not owned by any camp group or conglomerate, Pierce pride is exemplified by its fourth generation of family committed to camping excellence.

While new campers discover Camp Birchmont every year, we are happy to have many second and third generation campers who are enjoying Birchmont and making memories of their own, as their parents and grandparents did before them. Almost 100 years later much has changed in camping, but the early values of “Pop” Pierce remain resolute and ever-present.  Through our traditions and values, we help campers learn and grow, all the while having the most FUN imaginable! Camp Birchmont promotes mutual respect, sportsmanship and team building. As children take safe risks, foster friendships and explore new adventures, they strengthen their character. It is our belief, these core values will stand them in good stead, through the many years of their lives.

“There are no strangers within, only friends waiting to be met… Welcome…”