If ever a day at camp were aptly named, Spirit Day would be it; the energy level was off the charts as all of Camp Birchmont’s girls and boys engaged in a full out, all day competition at both Camp Birchmont and Kenwood/Evergreen. This year our boys traveled and our girls stayed home, each to defend our last year’s title. We competed in every sport at every age with each camper playing in a minimum of 2 events. Games included soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, basketball, dodgeball, kickball and Gaga, a type of team Israeli handball played in a round court. For Birchmont, the taste of Victory was sweet, but what was even sweeter was the way the girls from both camps were fierce as could be during their athletic contests and friendly as could be when games were over. After a lunch of chicken patties, salad and Helen’s signature magic bars for lunch, Birchmont campers welcomed Evergreen girls into their cabins at rest hour and chatted, learned cheers and relaxed till play resumed.

Meanwhile at Kenwood, the Birchmont boys got their popular counselor Peter Brimstone to respond to the sound of thunderous table clapping to the chant “Sing a Song Peter, Sing a song”. Pete did indeed oblige and serenaded the Dining room of 400 boys to his rendition of  Journey’s  “Don’t Stop Believing”.  We will consider the standing ovation his 15 min of fame.

The girls camp competition day was finished with both camps participating in the host team’s  chosen camp wide event. Last year our competitors selected a bucket brigade which was an activity they dominated, but the tide was turned when this year Birchmont girls clearly won the Water Mellon Eat with juice dribbling down every chin and rinds flying into baskets. The day was finished with a well earned dip in the lake before dinner for the girls, and after dinner for the boys arriving off the busses.

 

Listed below are the standings of Spirit Day, seemingly so important at game time, but not nearly as important as the day’s take-away which was competition in the spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship and great heart.

Boys (Away@ Kenwood)
Birchmont Won 20 events
Lost 7, Tied 1

Girls (Home @ Birchmont)
Birchmont Won 17
Lost 10, Tied 1

 

This marks Birchmont’s 8th consecutive Spirit Day Victory overall. Thanks to all the campers and staff for the playing, coaching, cheering, driving, and a special shout out to Greg Howes who coordinated and planned the day with great enthusiasm and follow through.