We have had our share of stormy skies and spotty showers but we have not let some wet weather dampen our spirits. Our white-water rafting trip on the mighty Kennebec River had enough adventure to keep our whole upper camp engaged for 2 days in the wilderness lodge property we rented just for our campers. The vaccinated guides were true pros and helped our staff and campers tackle Class IV rapids, under blue skies, mountain scenery, and bright sunshine.

Our Pioneers and Explores had the camp to themselves with some home-grown special events like late night glow in the dark mini golf, Hawaiian 🌺 Luaus, Limbo at the waterfront, and tented camp out overnights in our Orchard. The boys woke up to a light drizzle so their cookout breakfast will be re-scheduled but the girls were luckier with a foggy morning where Melissa Head of Girls Camp, Harris, our Athletic Director and myself grilling up “bird in the nest” breakfasts that the kids said they would try at home, so easy and delish on an outdoor griddle or inside kitchen.

Our Blue and White Day was a camp-wide affair full of spirit and sportsmanship. Every group competed in virtually every activity with loads of effort and fun. The Blue Team was behind all day only to pull out a victory in the running relay marathon and tug of war. They probably heard the cheers all the way across the lake when Greg announced a Blue Team Win…Never underestimate an under-dog!

Today we hosted our annual Chess Tournament with 32 participants in a single elimination touch/move battle with the final round being played tomorrow at Rest Hour on the Directors Cottage patio.

And did I mention we have hatched a huge clutch of baby quail that we are handling and will release in the Orchard later this summer.

We are looking forward to our always popular Hoe-Down. The food, ( Kitty’s fried chicken, biscuits, pickles and root beer ) the country western band, the games, the mechanical bull riding, Greg’s wagon hay rides, Martine’s pony rides, face painting, and western dancing all help make this a beloved Birchmont outdoor event. If you see your kids in freckles, braids and bandanas, you’ll know what’s going on.

We have been raspberry picking, water-skiing, fishing, cooking, kayaking, sailing, swinging from the trees, and we are healthy and happy as can be.

We are almost half way done but with a whole lot more fun to come.