Camp Birchmont
Well, we are having double swim days here, but nothing is melting except our ice cream…
We are still enjoying active days, and cool nights at Birchmont. Our Super Seniors began their morning climb up Mt Chocurua which has become something of a rite of passage for our oldest campers. The mighty mountain is part of the White Mountain National Forest and is approx. 3,475 ft to the summit via the Piper Trail off the Kancamagus Highway, nationally ranked in the top ten scenic highways in the country. The top of the mountain was a cool 72 degrees with a stiff breeze. Then its off to Poor People’s Pub/Restaurant for some rewarding food and relaxation with friends and counselors who made the trek. The biggest reward however is the incredible 360 degree view from the top which encompasses the mountains of Presidential Range and valleys below, the wild blueberries along the way aren’t bad either.
Our Explorer group was off to Funtown/Splashtown, a favorite trip and perfect way to beat the heat. The rest of camp played all morning and enjoyed extended beach time at the waterfront. The ski boats were busy; campers had to be inspired by the terrific waterski show we enjoyed for evening activity. The professional team who did a variety of trick and speed skiing had members from 9 to 30 years old, all performing with an amazing level of skill and fun. The music, the atmosphere of having the whole camp focused and gathered doing the wave, cheering the skiers on a beautiful, perfect night ended gracefully with the setting sun , and expressions of delight an awe from our youngest to oldest.
Tomorrow, our kitchen delivers a surprise night of exotic cuisine and decoration. We will try to take some photos so you can get a glimpse of a very popular meal which has become one of our beloved traditions centered around food. Did you have Breakfast in Bed, Brunch, Italian Night, Deli Day, Thanksgiving, Mexican Fiesta and Island Night when you went to camp? Betcha you did not, but camp food has changed through the years, and we have led that charge with healthy, variety and choices. We are proud that our campers and counselors appreciate the work and prep to make meals delicious and different over the summer. Stay cool, we will too.
We thought we’d share the impression of a Group Leader, Sara of the Pioneer Girls. She found herself caught by surprise the other day by the simple profundity of an unguarded conversation between her girls. We probably could write a whole series of the times counselors are awe-struck by their campers, and vice versa, but you’d really have to be in the moment here to appreciate the way personalities unfold at camp.
U.S. women were multi-sport athletes before focusing on soccer
standing tradition where Greg gathers the camp to speak of the richness of camping life and the opportunities to try new things and set new goals. Big Cabin Inspection begins, and it’s actually more fun than it sounds…Big Inspection is a weekly Sunday ritual where each bunk is judged on general neatness and organization. The winners for the week in each group are awarded prizes and announced in the Dining Hall to much fanfare and applause. We don’t expect that every young camper will begin the summer with 193the living skills of making their bed, and folding their towels, but learning with friends makes for the best lessons. It never ceases to amaze me that the perennial traditions at camp can gain a new spin every year. This summer campers took to upping the ante with some adorable antics in girls camp; as wildflower arrangements were put out on cabin stoops and campers tried to impress supervisors with original cabin songs and even a violin serenade. Boys camp made welcome signs for Greg Pierce and Scott Shallcross of twigs, rocks and pine cones, just outside their screen doors. All cabins passed with flying colors!
The races were run with great spirit as every age group had several heats with prizes for the winners. Everything from serious straight away sprints, to the giggle producing three legged and wheelbarrow races were run with gusto. The traditional end are tug of war contests just before the campers head to the ice cream and toppings bars to “make their own” sundaes! Our older campers, Lower, Upper & Super Seniors, boarded our buses to town to see the Wolfeboro fireworks display over the “big” lake after dark. Good old fashioned fun was had by all!
recall missing the last two days of camp and having my co counselor Sean McQuade tell me how much I would be missing by not being there for Candlelight night. In a subsequent summer, I came to find out he was quite right. It’s a wonderful night around a huge beautiful campfire where all campers and staff gather in a circle around the fire to help cap the season with thanks and reflections from the summer. Supervisors, group leaders and Birchmont “B” winners from each group each take a brief turn standing in front of the fire and one by one speak from the heart sending their own positive message of thanks, experiences and reflection. It’s a powerful and moving experience – if not downright emotional. Each camper adds their candle to an ever growing circle of flames until the fire is extinguished with a closing ceremony. Im sure it’s a memory etched deep into the mind of most alumni that have been present for it. Tonight , we mark a new opening night tradition at Birchmont.
