Birocapedia - User contributions [en]

Thomas Joyce

2012-07-18T03:43:15Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Life Before Birch Rock==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates, Ben Serrell, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, who he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==
[[Image:ThomasTable.jpg|thumb|Somewhere in the late '90s Thomas built a lodge table]]
===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

Thomas was always taking on carpentry tasks around campus. One summer he built a table for the lodge, another summer he was helping build the new tent platform, and still another summer he'd be making signs for cabins. He was showing signs right away of a future Woodshop Instructor.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. He would be seen everywhere and always knew what was happening around campus with every age group, especially the staff, this is the sign of a true Head Counselor. But by 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, and decided to take a summer off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2004-2012===
Before the summer of 2004, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a couple summers off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the [[Woodshop]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Elmo3.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]

<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2010
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2011
|skipped
|
|
|-align="center"
|2012
|Pat's Cabin / The Kennel
|Woodshop / Lacrosse
|
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2012-05-01T02:40:34Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Life Before Birch Rock==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates, Ben Serrell, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, who he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==
[[Image:ThomasTable.jpg|thumb|Somewhere in the late '90s Thomas built a lodge table]]
===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

Thomas was always taking on carpentry tasks around campus. One summer he built a table for the lodge, another summer he was helping build the new tent platform, and still another summer he'd be making signs for cabins. He was showing signs right away of a future Woodshop Instructor.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. He would be seen everywhere and always knew what was happening around campus with every age group, especially the staff, this is the sign of a true Head Counselor. But by 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, and decided to take a summer off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2004-2009===
Before the summer of 2004, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a couple summers off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the [[Woodshop]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Elmo3.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]

<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2010
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2011
|skipped
|
|
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2012-05-01T02:39:45Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Life Before Birch Rock==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates, Ben Serrell, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, who he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==
[[Image:ThomasTable.jpg|thumb|Somewhere in the late '90s Thomas built a lodge table]]
===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

Thomas was always taking on carpentry tasks around campus. One summer he built a table for the lodge, another summer he was helping build the new tent platform, and still another summer he'd be making signs for cabins. He was showing signs right away of a future Woodshop Instructor.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. He would be seen everywhere and always knew what was happening around campus with every age group, especially the staff, this is the sign of a true Head Counselor. But by 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, and decided to take a summer off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2004-2009===
Before the summer of 2004, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a couple summers off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the [[Woodshop]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Elmo3.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]

<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2010
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2011
|"skipped"
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Fish Hatchery

2011-01-13T13:07:22Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:AKearns.jpg|thumb|Allen Kearns Library 1935]]
The Fish Hatchery is Birch Rock's original library.

The building is a log cabin with a stone fireplace. It is in the western corner of camp, along the waterfront path. [[Pat's Cabin]] is behind the Fish Hatchery. [[The Kennel]] and [[The Yurt]] are also located nearby. The Fish Hatchery has had many names over the years; it was the Allen Kearns Library when first built.

Over time, the Fish Hatchery has had a few different uses. Aside from it being used as the library, and as a fish hatchery after the new library was built up by the lodge, the Fish Hatchery has been used to house the windsurfing program, the art program, and the [[nature]] program. While there are attempts to now call it Birch Rock's Nature Center, it has been called the Fish Hatchery for at least three decades so that name for the building has stuck. Perhaps, as we get more and more new campers at camp it will slowly become the Nature Center, a much more logical name for a summer camp building these days.

In the 1990s, a new door was cut into the wall of the Fish Hatchery, changing the entrance from facing the water to facing [[the Birch Rock]]. The old door was replaced with a screened window. The door was moved due to erosion along the waterfront path and Birch Rock's desire to minimize future erosion.

Thomas Joyce

2010-08-06T15:54:37Z

Thjoyce: /* Thomas' Summers at the Rock */

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Life Before Birch Rock==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates, Ben Serrell, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, who he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==
[[Image:ThomasTable.jpg|thumb|Somewhere in the late '90s Thomas built a lodge table]]
===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

Thomas was always taking on carpentry tasks around campus. One summer he built a table for the lodge, another summer he was helping build the new tent platform, and still another summer he'd be making signs for cabins. He was showing signs right away of a future Woodshop Instructor.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. He would be seen everywhere and always knew what was happening around campus with every age group, especially the staff, this is the sign of a true Head Counselor. But by 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, and decided to take a summer off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2004-2009===
Before the summer of 2004, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a couple summers off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the [[Woodshop]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Elmo3.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]

<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|2010
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2010-05-10T15:13:14Z

Thjoyce: /* Thomas' Summers at the Rock */

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Life Before Birch Rock==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates, Ben Serrell, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys, Bret Ingold and Tyler Johnston, who he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==
[[Image:ThomasTable.jpg|thumb|Somewhere in the late '90s Thomas built a lodge table]]
===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

Thomas was always taking on carpentry tasks around campus. One summer he built a table for the lodge, another summer he was helping build the new tent platform, and still another summer he'd be making signs for cabins. He was showing signs right away of a future Woodshop Instructor.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. He would be seen everywhere and always knew what was happening around campus with every age group, especially the staff, this is the sign of a true Head Counselor. But by 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, and decided to take a summer off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2004-2009===
Before the summer of 2004, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a couple summers off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the [[Woodshop]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Elmo3.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]

<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Infirmary

2010-01-18T15:29:35Z

Thjoyce:

[[image:Infirmary.jpg|thumb|The Infirmary 2006]]
The Infirmary was one of the earliest buildings on campus, built in 1934. While it was the primary health facility for almost 8 decades, it was also the living quarters for past nurses or directors. The infirmary had a kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, and a living room area with woodburning stove.

The chimney in the infirmary was one the building's most interesting aspects. Similarly to the fireplace in the lodge, the chimney was built out of local field-stone. In addition to the fieldstone, there was many unique rocks and minerals placed in the chimney. The unique rocks represented the various types of rock and minerals found in Maine.

In the mid-2000s, it was advised by a number of different specialists and engineers that the building was not worth salvaging and should just be torn down and rebuilt. It was sad to see this historical building go after so many summers of service.

== Dedication ==

When the Infirmary was built, it was dedicated to John Cowin Phister, the camp's first nurse, and a plaque was mounted on the stone chimney over the wood stove. When the building was torn down, the plaque was removed and cleaned with honor. The somewhat polished up plaque is now mounted on the wall by the Nurse's Station in the new Brewster Lodge.
<gallery>
image:JCPPlaque.jpg|Salvaged from Infirmary in 2007
image:JCPPlaque2.jpg|Cleaned and Mounted in Brewster Lodge in 2008
image:Infirmary40s.jpg|[[Elizabeth Sheehy]] in the Infirmary in the '40s
</gallery>

Goodbye Line

2009-11-16T19:39:36Z

Thjoyce: Created page with 'The Goodbye line takes place after the chip ceremony and the camp's assembly near memorial plaques for Chief and Onie. This is on the last night of camp. The staff line the p...'

The Goodbye line takes place after the chip ceremony and the camp's assembly near memorial plaques for Chief and Onie. This is on the last night of camp.

The staff line the path that leads from the Brewster Lodge (formerly the Infirmary or the Health Lodge) to the Office (formerly the activities room). As the campers are dismissed from the gathering near the memorial plaques, they walk down the path. While they walk down the path, they have time for an individual goodbye from each staff member.

Canoeing

2009-10-06T18:10:23Z

Thjoyce: Created page with 'Canoeing is one of the most traditional activities at Birch Rock. Aside from being an important part of the daily activity offerings, the skills learned in canoeing are essentia...'

Canoeing is one of the most traditional activities at Birch Rock. Aside from being an important part of the daily activity offerings, the skills learned in canoeing are essential to successful and fun canoeing trips.

Through the early 1990's, the canoes at Birch Rock were traditional wood and canvas canoes. One of these is still at camp, hung below the porch of the lodge. Through the 1990's the fleet of canoes was replaced with more modern canoes for use at camp. The trip canoes are aluminum.

The badge levels in canoeing are:
Penobscot
Abanaki
Passamaquadi

Basketball

2009-10-06T18:06:38Z

Thjoyce: Created page with 'Basketball is one of the field activities at Birch Rock. It takes place on the basketball court on the field, although it is sometimes refered to as the upper tennis court. The...'

Basketball is one of the field activities at Birch Rock. It takes place on the basketball court on the field, although it is sometimes refered to as the upper tennis court. The basketball court may be the most scenic basketball court many people will ever play on.

There are three badges in basketball, junior, senior, and advanced.

Plaques

2009-08-15T13:01:37Z

Thjoyce: /* Plaque Meisters */

[[Image:08plaques.jpg|thumb|The 2008 plaques]]

The plaques are lists of the names of all of the campers at camp each summer that are carved into wood and nailed up on the walls of the lodge. Plaques also include the names of all of the campers who swam their [[Seal]] or [[Whale]] that year along with their times. The tradition of putting up plaques started in 1926, the first year of camp, and has continued every summer since. While Bill "Chief" Brewster was the director of camp he single handedly carved each summer's plaques using hand tools. After that there was a period when each camper carved his name into a small plaque and all of the individual pieces were nailed up together at the end of the year. Now the plaques are made by a group of counselors using a router. From the year 2001-2007 the plaques became more and more ornate, incorporating carvings of the animals that represent each age group and large top plaques for the year. The 2008 plaques were a departure from this trend, reverting to the 50's style of plaques that does not have age group plaques.

Most of the wall space inside the lodge is now covered with plaques. Old plaques have been moved around the walls to be more efficient with space but soon there will be no more space at all for new plaques.

== Facts ==

[[Image:2008 CIT plaques.JPG|thumb|The 2008 CIT plaques]]

* There are some special plaques around the lodge commemorating important things at Birch Rock such as ones for important people
* Along with the normal plaques there are also CIT plaques put up in [[Pete's Palace]]
* A few years ago the [[Senior Camper]]s recorded all of the names from every year on a computer so they will be always preserved

== Plaque Meisters ==

There have been a number of people who have helped keep the plaque tradition going since Chief died in 1973. Here's the list:

*1926-1972: William "Chief" Brewster
*1973: ? and Campers
*1974: ? and Campers
*1975: ? and Campers
*1976: ? and Campers
*1977: ? and Campers
*1978: ? and Campers
*1979: ? and Campers
*1980: ? and Campers
*1981: ? and Campers
*1982: ? and Campers
*1983: Paul Voss and Campers
*1984: Paul Voss and Campers
*1985: Paul Voss and Campers
*1986: Matt Voss
*1987: Bob Van Dyk
*1988: Bob Van Dyk
*1989: Todd Vincentsen
*1990: Terence Pincus
*1991: Colin Leonard
*1992: Colin Leonard
*1993: Jared Levine
*1994: Josh Pincus
*1995: Jared Levine & Thomas Joyce
*1996: Todd Vincentsen
*1997: Thomas Joyce
*1998: Todd Vincentsen
*1999: Thomas Joyce
*2000: Thomas Joyce
*2001: Galen Arnold
*2002: Josh Pincus
*2003: Josh Pincus
*2004: Allen Lee
*2005: Galen Arnold, Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2006: Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2007: Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2008: Ryan Massey, Mike Mattson & Thomas Joyce
*2009: Thomas Joyce, Ryan Massey & Mike Mattson

== Making the 2005 Plaques ==

<gallery>
Image:Plaq053.jpg|Mike burns the Elk
Image:Plaq052.jpg|Mike & Ryan mount the plaques
Image:Plaq051.jpg|2005 Plaque Meisters
</gallery>

== Making the 2006 Plaques ==

<gallery>
Image:Plaq061.jpg|Ryan on the router
Image:Plaq062.jpg|Mike paints routed out letters
Image:Plaq063.jpg|Names get painted
Image:Plaq064.jpg|It's all coming together
Image:Plaq065.jpg|Mike woodburns Cougar header
Image:Plaq066.jpg|Almost finished
Image:Plaq067.jpg|Just before they went up
Image:Plaquesgood.jpg|The 2006 plaques
</gallery>

== Making the 2007 Plaques ==

<gallery>
Image:Plaq071.jpg|Ryan on the router
Image:Plaq072.jpg|Animal Group Headers
Image:Plaq073.jpg|Run With The Pack plaque with glow in the dark moon and eyes
Image:Plaq074.jpg|Plaques before going up
Image:Plaq075.jpg|Seal swims header
Image:Plaq076.jpg|Whale swims header
Image:Plaques2007.jpg|The 2007 plaques
</gallery>

User:Thjoyce

2009-05-14T11:46:03Z

Thjoyce: Replaced content with 'Thomas Joyce. 1989 -'

Thomas Joyce. 1989 -

Fish Hatchery

2009-02-26T19:25:24Z

Thjoyce: New page: The Fish Hatchery is Birch Rock's original library. The building is a log cabin, built with a stone fireplace, along the waterfront path. It is in the western corner of camp, along the w...

The Fish Hatchery is Birch Rock's original library.

The building is a log cabin, built with a stone fireplace, along the waterfront path. It is in the western corner of camp, along the waterfront path. Pat's cabin is behind the Fish Hatchery.

Over time, the Fish Hatchery has had many different uses. Aside from it being used as the library, the Fish Hatchery has been used to house the art program and the nature program.

In the 1990s, a new door was cut into the wall of the Fish Hatchery, changing the entrance from facing the water to facing the Birch Rock. The old door was replaced with a screened window. The door was moved due to erosion along the waterfront path and Birch Rock's desire to minimize future erosion.

Rich Deering

2009-02-14T17:04:17Z

Thjoyce: /* Summers of 1993–1995 */

[[Image:RichD.jpg|thumb|Rich and his dog Roxie 2002]]
Rich Deering is currently Birch Rock's Alumni Director, a position he has held since 2002. Before that Rich held many roles on campus. He was the assistant director to [[Brad Smith]] for a couple summers in the mid-'90s, and was [[Head Counselor]] in the mid-'80s, but probably enjoyed his [[Waterfront Director]] years in the '80s the most. Since being Waterfront Director, Rich can still often be found on the waterfront helping with Instructional Swim.

In the mid-'90s, when the Board of Directors hired Director Brad Smith, Rich was the perfect man to assist Brad in settling in and recovering the somewhat dwindling Birch Rock. Rich's business savvy and amazing sales ability have always been strengths for the camp, but it is his love for the Rock and knowledge of its history that was of great use to Brad and the community in the '90s.

Rich will likely be best remembered for what he did during his own summers as [[Camp Director]]. Brad did a terrific job of keeping the camp numbers up enough to stay afloat, but it was Rich who took the camp to the next level. He did this in many ways such as getting the ACA accreditation, hiring the right staff and more importantly paying them appropriately for their service, working closely with the Board of Directors on facility management, and so much more.

Rich has always said that, "...camp is a place of life-long learning for all, no matter what your age."

== Early Years ==

== Camper Years ==
[[image:RichDkid.jpg|thumb|He has always been at home on the BRC Waterfront]]
=== Summer of 1973 ===

Rich's first impressions from the 2001: A Short History booklet:

''The carved names, the stuffed animals, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, popovers with jam and brownies that tasted like fudge, everybody saying hello and introducing themselves to me- those are memories of my first hour at camp. I do not remember my parents leaving, but I do remember the bell ringing loudly, calling us together. My first summer at Birch Rock had started.''

Rich will always have fond memories of hot cocoa, polar bear swims, and the [[Midnight Phantom]] to name a few. Rich also talks often about his time spent with [[Onie Brewster]].

=== Summer of 1974-1978 ===

== Staff Years ==
[[image:DaveNRichD.jpg|thumb|Dave Needle & Rich in the early '80s]]
=== Summers of 1979-1981 ===

=== Summers of 1982-1985 ===

When Rich moved into the administrative ranks on campus is was a natural fit for him to be in the Waterfront Director position. He always had a love for swimming and the swim area and was a terrific swim instructor. Rich was known to push the kids hard to learn and would often focus on endurance with long swims and long periods treading water.

At the end of the season, Rich and the other waterfront staff would dress up in "costumes" and act as waterfront gods on a throne. Each camper would enter the counselor's swimtent (the [[Moose Manor]]), an area they were never allowed to go into, and bow before the swim gods. After being tapped on each shoulder by a sort of plunger scepter, Rich as the Waterfront Director would inform the camper that he passed his swim course that season. It was always entertaining.

In 1985, Rich became the camp's Head Counselor but of course could always be seen helping in the swim area and in fact taught a few classes everyday. Rich was a well organized Head Counselor, and even at that point you could see a developing Camp Director in the making. [[Mike Mattson]] and Rich both fondly remember Rich sending then [[Senior Camper]] Mike into the kitchen at least twenty times that summer to work with Janice. Mike loved it!

===Summer of 1988===
Rich returned to work with the CIT group. This particular group was to be CITs for a second summer in a row because Birch Rock decided to move the CIT age to 16. Rich worked with CITs Adam Whinston & Evan Farmer to name a couple.

== Director Years ==

=== Summers of 1993–1995 ===
[[image:RichBrad1993.jpg|thumb|Rich & Brad Smith at the 1993 Waterford Parade]]
In 1993, Director Brad Smith hired Rich to be his Assistant Director. Rich had Birch Rock deep in his fabric, which helped make him the perfect assistant to Brad who was entirely new to the BRC community. Rich had remembered and absorbed each and every detail taught to him as a camper and young counselor over the years and was a fountain of information in a time when there was no real written history. Rich ended up being a link between BRC's heroes of the past and its new legends of the future.

Although Rich was unable to return in 1994 he was right back on campus at Brad's side in 1995, and by the next season was the new Camp Director.

For both 1993 & 1995, Rich used his own CIT program that he had worked on as a part of his Masters degree. The first year it was a difficult program to truly implement because we only had one Super CIT, Andre Ezequelle, but in 1995 Rich had a great CIT group: Thomas Joyce, Brett Ingall, and Tyler Johnston.

=== Summers of 1996–2001 ===
[[Image:RichPuppet.jpg|thumb|Mike gets puppet of bearded Rich made 2001]]

Rich stepped up into the Camp Director role in 1996, and he continued the up hill march that Brad had started in helping BRC grow. Rich noted that there was very little paper history and because of the many different directors over the recent years everything from files, photos, equipment, etc. was all over the place and needed to be gathered and organized. A supreme and daunting task. Rich spent much of 1996 pulling the office together.

He also started to connect with the other camps and researched returning Birch Rock to accreditation status with the American Camping Association (ACA). Rich hired [[Mike Mattson]] as a year round employee at the end of the summer of 1996. The plan was for Birch Rock to be visited in the summer of 1997 and there was much work to be done. Under Rich's leadership and diligence, and with the assistance of a few of the key staff members, the ACA standards book was prepared, along with all the other on campus manual and we would master the accreditation visit. The Birch Rock staff that summer was top notch, as always.

Thanks to all that hard work and the extra efforts to come over the next few summers Birch Rock was beginning to grow. After the summer of 1998, Rich reported continued growth and the Board of Directors decided to change the summer from 6 weeks to 7 weeks, and by 2000 a new cabin, [[Owl's Perch]] was built with beds for more campers. This new cabin pushed Birch Rock passed the 100+ campers per summer mark.

Also, during the summer of 2000, Rich, with help from Mike Mattson, along with Camp Runoia Director Pam Cobb and their Trip Leader Todd Erler developed a new coed trip program for BRC's older campers. This was the Maine Wilderness Adventure program which started up in 2001.

=== Summers of 2002-Present ===
[[image:MikeMRichDRock.jpg|thumb|Rich & Mike with Kiko & Roxie 2007]]
With so much growth and positive momentum it was time for a slight shift in roles and responsibilities. Although the Deering/Mattson team stayed together, Richard redirected much of his energies to the alumni as the camp's new Alumni Director and also focused on Fundraising as the camp started up a major campaign fund raising effort.

Not including his membership with the American Camping Association, Rich has spent much of his recent camp years getting to know the camping industry all over the state. His interest in Maine youth camping in general motivated him to become the President of the Maine Youth Camping Association in 2007. Rich has developed strong relationships with many Camp Directors in the state and has called upon those connections a number of times to the benefit of Birch Rock.

At this point, with so many summers under his belt, Rich wears many hats for Birch Rock. Ultimately, the fact is he still finds himself down on the waterfront teaching swimming where he himself learned as a camper.

== Rich's Summers at the Rock ==

[[Image:RichD1.JPG|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Swim81.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Mike&Rich.jpg|thumb|left]]
<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1973
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1974
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1975
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1976
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1977
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1978
|
|Camper
|with Counselor ?
|-align="center"
|1979
|
|Junior Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1980
|
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1981
|
|Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|1982
|
|Waterfront Director
|
|-align="center"
|1983
|Eagle's Nest
|Waterfront Director
|
|-align="center"
|1984
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1985
|Eagle's Nest?
|Head Counselor
|Program
|-align="center"
|1986
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1987
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1988
|Swordfish
|CIT Director
|
|-align="center"
|1989
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1990
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1991
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1992
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1993
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|worked with Brad Smith
|-align="center"
|1994
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|1995
|Swordfish
|Assistant Director
|worked with Brad Smith
|-align="center"
|1996
|Swordfish
|Camp Director
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Swordfish
|Camp Director
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Swordfish
|Camp Director
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Swordfish
|Camp Director
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Swordfish
|Co-Director
|Ran Camp with Mike Mattson
|-align="center"
|2001
|Swordfish
|Co-Director
|Ran Camp with Mike Mattson
|-align="center"
|2002
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2008
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-align="center"
|2009
|Swordfish
|Alumni Director
|
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2009-02-13T15:11:14Z

Thjoyce: /* Thomas' Summers at the Rock */

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Early Years==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==

===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. By 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, after many summers Thomas was to take a couple summers off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, when he was Head Counselor he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2005-2009===
Before the summer of 2005, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a summer off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the Woodshop. In the 2008 season he lived in [[Albert's Cabin]] and taught [[woodshop]]. For the last week of second session 2008 he led [[MWA]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Thomas1.JPG|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]
<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|Eagles' Nest
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|Hilton B
|
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|Hilton B
|
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|Hilton A
|
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|Eagles' Nest
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2009-02-13T15:08:22Z

Thjoyce: /* Thomas' Summers at the Rock */

[[Image:Thomas3.jpg|thumb|]]
Thomas Joyce is currently Birch Rock's Woodshop Instructor but has had many roles at Birch Rock. Thomas was an Assistant Director and, for four summers, Head Counselor. He has also taught sailing, boating, lacrosse, and at times many other activities. But most importantly, Thomas was a camper for many summers. Thomas has always been skilled with tools and has had the honor of working on the plaques in the lodge a number of times.

==Early Years==
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

==Camper Years==
[[image:Thomas4.jpg|thumb|Thomas was Manner Meister for many summers.]]
===Summer of 1989===

Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

Although Thomas certainly suffered from homesickness in the first few days, it was not very long before he was loving the place. Certainly, one of Thomas' vivid memories of that summer would be [[The Eclipse]] prank that the staff played on the campers.

===Summer of 1990-93===
In the mid-late '90s, Birch Rock had something called the [[Manner Meister]]. Thomas was always in the running for Manner Meister at the end of each summer. He was so knowledgeable about manners that as a staff member he is often asked to review certain manners with the boys in the lodge.

===Summer of 1994===
As a sailor, Thomas had picked up on knots at an early age. By his senior camper year, he was being called all over the waterfront to check or often tie the knots. Thomas was a true role model of our motto as he was always helpful.

During Thomas' senior camper summer, he and his cabin mates would often play pranks on their cabin counselor Head Counselor Josh Church.

==CIT Summer==

===Summer of 1995===
Thomas loved his CIT year because his CIT group were the same guys he had grown up with for many summers. Rich Deering had many sit down meetings and talks to keep the group well bonded and it also helped develop communication skills, an important part of what we do at camp. Thomas was all over the place his CIT summer trying his hand at many different activities.

==Staff Years==

===Summers of 1996-1998===
Thomas was seen teaching many activities but was certainly a Master Sailor. Thomas taught sailing for a few summers and always was a natural in almost any boat. In his pre-Head Counselor years Thomas taught Sailing, Lacrosse, Boating.

===Summers of 1999-2002===
[[Image:Booming.jpg|thumb|Thomas saying "Musciano!"]]
In 1999, Associate Director Mike Mattson who had been Head Counselor for four summers was ready to pass the torch and immediately started helping Thomas take on the roll. It wasn't long before Thomas was in full command. By the end of '99, Thomas was running everything day to day and was always available for camper, staff or parent. By 2002, Thomas was ready for a break, after many summers Thomas was to take a couple summers off.

As Head Counselors go, Thomas will probably be best remembered for his boomming voice around campus. In fact, when he was Head Counselor he used to hollar after the morning bell to help wake everyone up. His best remembered hollar was certainly, "Nicholasssss!...The Italion Stalion!....Muuusciano!"

===Summers of 2005-2009===
Before the summer of 2005, Thomas was contacted by Mike to act as the Assistant Director. Excited to return to camp, Thomas accepted. Thomas helped in the office and also was a terrific mentor for the younger staff.
After a summer off, Thomas reached out to Birch Rock again, offering to return as a senior counselor and teach in the Woodshop. In the 2008 season he lived in [[Albert's Cabin]] and taught [[woodshop]]. For the last week of second session 2008 he led [[MWA]].

==Thomas' Summers at the Rock==

[[Image:Thomas1.JPG|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Thomas2.JPG|thumb]]
[[Image:Thomas.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb]]
<div align="center">
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Cabin
!Role
!Note
|-align="center"
|1989
|Hilton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Dave Jenkins
|-align="center"
|1990
|Hiton B
|Camper
|with Counselor Rob Christie
|-align="center"
|1991
|Cabin 1
|Camper
|with Counselor Justin Ingold
|-align="center"
|1992
|Buzzards' Roost
|Camper
|with Counselor Chuck Hatcher
|-align="center"
|1993
|Pete's Palace
|Camper
|with Counselor Brian Roskow
|-align="center"
|1994
|Cabin 8
|Senior Camper
|with Counselor Josh Church
|-align="center"
|1995
|
|Counselor-in Training
|with CIT Director Rich Deering
|-align="center"
|1996
|
|
|
|-align="center"
|1997
|
|
|
|-align="center"
|1998
|
|
|
|-align="center"
|1999
|
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2000
|Owl's Perch
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2001
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin
|-align="center"
|2002
|Omar's Cabin
|Head Counselor
|
|-align="center"
|2003
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2004
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2005
|Lion's Den
|Assistant Director
|
|-align="center"
|2006
|''skipped''
|
|
|-align="center"
|2007
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-align="center"
|2008
|Albert's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|also did part of MWA trip
|-align="center"
|2009
|Pat's Cabin
|Woodshop Instructor
|First Session
|-
|}
</div>
[[Category:People]]

Thomas Joyce

2009-02-12T12:55:11Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb|Thomas (center) in [[campfire]] skit acting as a camper's girlfriend]]
Thomas first went to Birch Rock in the summer of 1989. He found out about Birch Rock through Jonas Miklayonas' family. Thomas' mother sold Jonas' mother's house. Thomas went to camp for the whole six weeks that summer. At that time, the majority of the campers stayed for the entire season.

That first summer, Thomas and Jonas flew from the Baltimore area to Portland together. Peter Herzig, the sailing counselor that summer, picked them up from the Portland Jetport and transported them up to camp. As with most campers flying in, Thomas and Jonas were among the last campers to arrive.

He went from camper to [[CIT]] to counselor all the way up to [[Head Counselor]], a title which he kept for many years.

In the 2008 season he lived in [[Albert's Cabin]] and taught [[woodshop]]. For the last week of second session 2008 he led [[MWA]].
[[Category:People]]

Plaques

2009-02-12T12:49:39Z

Thjoyce: /* Plaque Meisters */

The plaques are lists of the names of all of the campers at camp each summer that are carved into wood and nailed up on the walls of the lodge. Plaques also include the names of all of the campers who swam their [[Seal]] or [[Whale]] that year along with their times. The tradition of putting up plaques started in 1926, the first year of camp, and has continued every summer since. While Bill "Chief" Brewster was the director of camp he single handedly carved each summer's plaques using hand tools. After that there was a period when each camper carved his name into a small plaque and all of the individual pieces were nailed up together at the end of the year. Now the plaques are made by a group of counselors using a router. From the year 2001-2007 the plaques became more and more ornate, incorporating carvings of the animals that represent each age group and large top plaques for the year. The 2008 plaques were a departure from this trend, reverting to the 50's style of plaques that does not have age group plaques.

Most of the wall space inside the lodge is now covered with plaques. Old plaques have been moved around the walls to be more efficient with space but soon there will be no more space at all for new plaques.
==Facts==
*There are some special plaques around the lodge commemorating important things at Birch Rock such as ones for important people
*Along with the normal plaques there are also CIT plaques put up in [[Pete's Palace]]
*A few years ago the [[Senior Camper]]s recorded all of the names from every year on a computer so they will be always preserved

==Pictures==
<gallery>
Image:05plaques.jpg|The 2005 plaques (the year piece and long distance swim pieces were later cut down to conserve space)
Image:Plaquesgood.jpg|The 2006 plaques
Image:Plaques2007.jpg|The 2007 plaques
Image:08plaques.jpg|The 2008 plaques
</gallery>
==Plaque Meisters==
There have been a number of people who have helped keep the plaque tradition going since Chief died in 1973. Here's the list:

*1926-1972: William "Chief" Brewster
*1973: ? and Campers
*1974: ? and Campers
*1975: ? and Campers
*1976: ? and Campers
*1977: ? and Campers
*1978: ? and Campers
*1979: ? and Campers
*1980: ? and Campers
*1981: ? and Campers
*1982: ? and Campers
*1983: Paul Voss and Campers
*1984: Paul Voss and Campers
*1985: Paul Voss and Campers
*1986: Matt Voss
*1987: Bob Van Dyk
*1988: Bob Van Dyk
*1989: Todd Vincentsen
*1990: Terence Pincus
*1991: Colin Leonard
*1992: Colin Leonard
*1993: Jared Levine
*1994: Josh Pincus
*1995: Jared Levine & Thomas Joyce
*1996: Todd Vincentsen
*1997: Thomas Joyce
*1998: Todd Vincentsen
*1999: Thomas Joyce
*2000: Thomas Joyce
*2001: Galen Arnold
*2002: Josh Pincus
*2003: Josh Pincus
*2004: Allen Lee
*2005: Galen Arnold, Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2006: Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2007: Ryan Massey, Doug Miller & Mike Mattson
*2008: Ryan Massey, Mike Mattson & Thomas Joyce
*2009:

==Making the 2005 Plaques==
<gallery>
Image:Plaq053.jpg|Mike burns the Elk
Image:Plaq052.jpg|Mike & Ryan mount the plaques
Image:Plaq051.jpg|2005 Plaque Meisters
</gallery>
==Making the 2006 Plaques==
<gallery>
Image:Plaq061.jpg|Ryan on the router
Image:Plaq062.jpg|Mike paints routed out letters
Image:Plaq063.jpg|Names get painted
Image:Plaq064.jpg|It's all coming together
Image:Plaq065.jpg|Mike woodburns Cougar header
Image:Plaq066.jpg|Almost finished
Image:Plaq067.jpg|Just before they went up
</gallery>
==Making the 2007 Plaques==
<gallery>
Image:Plaq071.jpg|Ryan on the router
Image:Plaq072.jpg|Animal Group Headers
Image:Plaq073.jpg|Run With The Pack plaque with glow in the dark moon and eyes
Image:Plaq074.jpg|Plaques before going up
Image:Plaq075.jpg|Seal swims header
Image:Plaq076.jpg|Whale swims header
</gallery>

Rat's Nest

2009-02-01T16:29:49Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Rats nest.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[Image:Rat'snestsideview.gif|thumb|One of the last pictures taken of Rat's Nest]]
Rat's Nest was a [[staff cabin]] that was demolished and rebuilt as [[Denault's Den]] in 2006. Oral history places the construction of it at 1936 for the head counselor that summer named Charles Downs. The building was located on the opposite side of the road from [[Injun Joe's]] and was mostly surrounded by trees and underbrush. The woods surrounding the cabin, rustic bark siding, and rules forbidding campers to go near it gave the cabin an air of spookiness and mystery. [[Mike Denault|Mike]] and [[Phyllis Denault]] lived in the cabin together for a few years with their baby, Albert's cousins from Jamaica lived there when they worked in the kitchen, during most of the 80's and 90's it was used for women at BRC to change into their swim suits, and [[Ryan Massey]] lived in it in the early 2000s. The cabin was pulled down by Don Munn with a back hoe and took Doug Miller and Ryan Massey two days to burn to ashes, char marks can still be seen on the large Black Birch next to Denault's Den.

Deneault's Den

2009-01-23T17:08:40Z

Thjoyce: New page: Denault's Den is in the woods above the camper swim tent and Injun Joe's. The building replaced the Rat's Nest and is named in honor of Mike and Phyllis Denault, former directors of Birch...

Denault's Den is in the woods above the camper swim tent and Injun Joe's. The building replaced the Rat's Nest and is named in honor of Mike and Phyllis Denault, former directors of Birch Rock.

User talk:Harry

2009-01-20T19:13:25Z

Thjoyce: /* Boat House article */ new section

mine is b1howard1@yahoo.com

harry my dad has his ranger but i dont think it is the same i think it might have just been the trip ranger but he has it and he should it to me

Harry, not really sure how to use "User Talk" - This thing is awesome. Great work. I'll try to add history where I can - Ron Mattson.
P.S. - The Biroca Blast probably does say "Bequeaths." It said "Bequests" in the '90s. "Bequeath" is a verb, "bequest" is a noun. So you're right, but the Blast is wrong!

== Boat House article ==

Harry: I hope you had a great Christmas vacation and your school year is going well. The weather down here is nice, although it has been down into the 50s and 60s for the last week or so. I do not miss the snow right now.

I cannot remember what year the new boat house was dedicated. I think it was 2004, but you might want to check it and correct the article.
T

Boat House

2009-01-20T19:11:52Z

Thjoyce:

The Boat House is the home to the various boating programs at Birch Rock. The building is in the southwest corner of camp, closest to the corner of camp defined by the waterfront and the Plate's property.

The current Boat House was dedicated in 2004. It is a two-story building, with the lower level being used primarily for waterfront activities and the upper level for rainy day activities and movie nights. The lower level of the boat house is where life-jackets, sails, paddles, and various other equipment are kept for waterfront activities.

The original Boat House was much smaller than the current building and closer to the waterfront. The original building was about the size of a typical lower-camp cabin, with the side of the building facing the Plate's property open. It was located about 40 feet closer to the waterfront than the current building.

Boat House

2009-01-20T19:05:37Z

Thjoyce: New page: The Boat House is the home to the various boating programs at Birch Rock. The building is in the southwest corner of camp, closest to the corner of camp defined by the waterfront and the ...

The Boat House is the home to the various boating programs at Birch Rock. The building is in the southwest corner of camp, closest to the corner of camp defined by the waterfront and the Plate's property.

The current Boat House was dedicated in 200*. It is a two-story building, with the lower level being used primarily for waterfront activities and the upper level for rainy day activities and movie nights. The lower level of the boat house is where life-jackets, sails, paddles, and various other equipment are kept for waterfront activities.

The original Boat House was much smaller than the current building and closer to the waterfront. The original building was about the size of a typical lower-camp cabin, with the side of the building facing the Plate's property open. It was located about 40 feet closer to the waterfront than the current building.

Head Counselor

2009-01-18T20:15:54Z

Thjoyce: /* List of head counselors */

[[Image:2006_announcements.jpg|thumb|The 2006 head counselor Doug Miller running announcements]]
The head counselor is a special counselor who runs many of the day to day activities at camp. Some of his jobs include doing [[inspection]], leading announcements, and running flagpole.
==List of head counselors==
The second name on the list below is the Program Director. During those specific summers the Head Counselors position was divided amongst two individuals.
*1982: Ben Brewster
*1983: Toby Brewster
*1984: Toby Brewster
*1985: Rich Deering
*1986: Joe Curry & Seth Wheeler
*1987: Bob Van Dyk
*1988: Bob Van Dyk
*1989: Bob Van Dyk
*1990: Ron Mattson
*1991: Ron Mattson
*1992: Ron Mattson
*1993: Josh Church
*1994: Josh Church & Mike Mattson
*1995: Mike Mattson
*1996: Mike Mattson
*1997: Mike Mattson
*1998: Mike Mattson
*1999: Thomas Joyce & Mike Mattson
*2000: [[Thomas Joyce]]
*2001: Thomas Joyce
*2002: Thomas Joyce
*2003: CJ Nesher
*2004: Doug Miller
*2005: Doug Miller
*2006: Doug Miller
*2007: Mark "The Weaz" Sutherland & Doug Miller
*2008: Mark "The Weaz" Sutherland

Campfire

2009-01-18T20:15:08Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Campfire.jpg|thumb|Campfire]]
Campfire is the [[Evening Activity]] the camp does on Saturday nights. It consists of cabins putting on skits that they had prepared for the last week. The cabins that do skits at campfire alternate, each cabin does a skit every other week. [[Senior Camper]] [[cabin]]s, the [[CIT]]s, and the counselors do skits every week. Campfire is run by the campfire MCs, who's job it is to remind cabins they have skits, announce skits during campfire, and preform an opening skit for the night each campfire. For the last couple of years the last skit the counselors do is the "Wheel of Doom" in which a counselor shoots an arrow at a target with potential skits written on it. The skit he shoots will be the skit the counselors do for that act. The potential skits mostly consist of a randomly picked counselor having something bad happen to him, like being attacked by [[Hiltonites]].

==Past Campfire MCs==
* 1996: Jared Levine, Jesse Barnes, and CJ Nesher
* 1997: Thomas Joyce and Chris Kilborn-Peterson
* 1998:
* 1999:
* 2000:
* 2001:
* 2002:
* 2003:
* 2004: Pearson Jenks and Brad Corbin
* 2005: Pearson Jenks and Dave Barrette
* 2006: Pearson Jenks and Ben Schreiber
* 2007: Matt Clifford and Sebby Weeks
* 2008: Alasdair Thornton and Sam Deeran

The Kennel

2009-01-09T15:26:28Z

Thjoyce: New page: The Kennel is the cabin in the woods below Albert's and above the Fish Hatchery. The Kennel has been used to house kitchen staff, trip staff, and other non-cabin staff for the summer. To...

The Kennel is the cabin in the woods below Albert's and above the Fish Hatchery. The Kennel has been used to house kitchen staff, trip staff, and other non-cabin staff for the summer. To some who have been around camp for a while, the building might look familiar, as the physical building used to be the lower wash house. The building was moved, and the plumbing was removed, when the current lower wash house was built.

Eagle's Nest

2009-01-08T21:45:15Z

Thjoyce:

Eagle's Nest is the first cabin in [[upper camp]]. It holds 8 campers and two counselors.

In the rafters of Eagle's is a road sign which most campers who have lived there have signed.

Eagle's Nest is one of the original cabins in camp.

Ultimate Frisbee

2009-01-07T17:43:13Z

Thjoyce: New page: One of the evening activities played on the field, although the popularity of the game changes significantly depending on the staff member involvement. When played in the 2000s, the camp ...

One of the evening activities played on the field, although the popularity of the game changes significantly depending on the staff member involvement. When played in the 2000s, the camp has split into two groups and two games occur concurrently.

Ultimate frisbee involves a field set-up similar to football, with an endzone at either end of the playing field. The object of the game is the pass the frisbee to other members of your team until someone catches the frisbee in your endzone. After a team scores, they throw the frisbee to the other team, which is stationed at the opposite end of the field.

Pat's Cabin

2009-01-03T16:50:44Z

Thjoyce: New page: Pat's Cabin was built for Pat and Carol Brewster after their marriage. Pat was the son of Chief and Onie Brewster. Pat's Cabin is a one-room cabin behind the fish hatchery, on the waterf...

Pat's Cabin was built for Pat and Carol Brewster after their marriage. Pat was the son of Chief and Onie Brewster. Pat's Cabin is a one-room cabin behind the fish hatchery, on the waterfront path.

The building has always been used as a staff or visitors cabin.

Moose Manor

2008-12-28T00:26:19Z

Thjoyce: New page: The official name for the Counselor Swim Tent. Built by Peter Haas, current configuration was built by Joshua Pincus during his time was waterfront director.

The official name for the Counselor Swim Tent. Built by Peter Haas, current configuration was built by Joshua Pincus during his time was waterfront director.

MWA

2008-12-28T00:24:43Z

Thjoyce: New page: The MWA is short for the Maine Wilderness Adventure. The three-week long trip was originally run in conjuction with Camp Runioa, a girls camp based in Belgrade Lakes, ME. Currently, it i...

The MWA is short for the Maine Wilderness Adventure. The three-week long trip was originally run in conjuction with Camp Runioa, a girls camp based in Belgrade Lakes, ME. Currently, it is only offered through Birch Rock and is just for boys.

The MWA is a trip designed to give 13 year old campers an adventure involving as much as the Maine Wilderness as possible. The trip involves hiking, summitting Mount Katadin, white water rafting, canoeing the US/Canada border, sea kayaking, and rock climbing in Acadia National Park.

User:Thjoyce

2008-12-28T00:19:40Z

Thjoyce: New page: Thomas Joyce began at Birch Rock in 1989 as a camper. During his time affiliated with Birch Rock, he was a camper, CIT, counselor, head counselor, and assistant director. As a counselor,...

Thomas Joyce began at Birch Rock in 1989 as a camper. During his time affiliated with Birch Rock, he was a camper, CIT, counselor, head counselor, and assistant director. As a counselor, he primarily taught woodshop, sailing, and lacrosse, although he instructed most activities at some point during his staff tenure.

Woodshop

2008-12-28T00:15:02Z

Thjoyce: New page: Woodshop is one of the oldest activities at Birch Rock. The location of the activity has changed over time, as has the focus of the projects the boys work on. Before the lodge was rebuil...

Woodshop is one of the oldest activities at Birch Rock. The location of the activity has changed over time, as has the focus of the projects the boys work on. Before the lodge was rebuilt in 1995, woodshop was run from the lower shop. The lower shop was below the lodge, with the entrance facing the library. It was a cramped space, with little headroom and open walls. Woodshop, as an activity, was not run for a few years in the late 1990s and in the early 2000s. When the program was run during those years, it was moved to the Museum, now just called the Woodshop.

The current woodshop is a well-equipped and stocked building with appropriate safety equipment and tools sized for our campers. Campers are restricted to tools appropriate for their size and ability, with only the oldest and most advanced campers using the larger power tools.

Aside from the full inventory of handtools, the building is equipped with a shopsmith (lathe and bandsaw), compound mitre box, table saw, drill press, vacuum system, sanding table, griding wheel, scroll saw, and thickness planer.

In the late 2000s, Charlie McDonald on the maintainance crew, began milling some of the lumber used at camp from trees felled around camp. The plaques for 2009 are designated to be made from this lumber, as well as a number of camper projects.

Omar's

2008-12-18T13:49:29Z

Thjoyce: New page: Omar's cabin is located on the path that runs past the office and into upper camp. The building is currently used as a staff cabin, although this is a recent use for the building. In the...

Omar's cabin is located on the path that runs past the office and into upper camp. The building is currently used as a staff cabin, although this is a recent use for the building. In the 1980s and the early half of the 1990s, the building was known as the "Upper Shop." The upper shop held the power tools for the woodshop program and was used primarily by Donn Munn and the maintenance staff. By the late 1990s, the woodshop program was not being offered as a regular activity, and the building was used for tool and equipment storage and assorted small projects, such as working on the plaques. When the museum was converted to its current incarnation as the woodshop, the upper shop became the recycling building. The summer after Owl's Perch was constructed as a camper cabin, the upper shop was converted to a staff cabin for the Head Counselor. During the conversion, the floor and walls were painted, many old shelves were removed, and the building was wired for phone and the power was updated. Since 2001, the cabin has been known as "Omar's" in acknowledgment of the contributions of Omar Moxie to Birch Rock.

Lacrosse

2008-12-18T13:41:43Z

Thjoyce: New page: Lacrosse is one of the newer activities at Birch Rock. It was started in the 1980s. Lacrosse is run on the hilltop, around the upper tennis court. Although camp has a limited supply of ...

Lacrosse is one of the newer activities at Birch Rock. It was started in the 1980s.

Lacrosse is run on the hilltop, around the upper tennis court. Although camp has a limited supply of equipment, campers often bring their own sticks and equipment for playing. Most of the lacrosse at camp is based on mastering the fundamentals, as there are not enough players to field a team and run full-contact drills.

The original two lacrosse badges are the Williams and Hobart, named after the division III colleges with historically strong lacrosse programs. The Williams is the equivalent of the junior badge, and the Hobart the senior. The Hopkins badge was added by Thomas Joyce when he was the lacrosse counselor in the late 1990s. The Hopkins badge is the equivalent of the advanced badge in most other activities.

Sailing

2008-12-18T13:01:47Z

Thjoyce: New page: The sailing activity is run out of the boat house. It is one of the older activities at camp, with pictures of sailboats on McWain dating to the earliest years of camp. After many years ...

The sailing activity is run out of the boat house. It is one of the older activities at camp, with pictures of sailboats on McWain dating to the earliest years of camp.

After many years of sailing on a couple of old lasers and sunfish, Birch Rock purchased new CFJ boats in 2002. The CFJs are supplemented by lasers and sunfish still, but those boats have also been replaced or upgraded.

The badge levels for sailing are: deckhand, midshipman, and skipper.

Albert's Cabin

2008-12-15T21:03:04Z

Thjoyce: New page: Albert's Cabin is a staff cabin built below the library and the lower tennis court. The cabin, originally constructed as the residence of the long-time head cook Albert Bryant, has been u...

Albert's Cabin is a staff cabin built below the library and the lower tennis court. The cabin, originally constructed as the residence of the long-time head cook Albert Bryant, has been used as a staff cabin for its entire history. The cabin has had two additions to the original structure: a back room used as a bedroom, and a bathroom added in the early 2000s. The wood burning stove was removed from Albert's during the winter after the 2007 summer, as age and lack of maintenance had made the stove unsafe.

When a member of the cooking staff lives on campus, they often are assigned to Albert's. The cabin is in an area of camp with no camper cabins, so the activities of the campers do not interfere with the kitchen staff's responsibilities.

Chaos

2008-12-15T20:53:58Z

Thjoyce: New page: Chaos is an evening activity originated by Peter Bourne during his time at camp. It is a take-off of ultimate frisbee, but played with three lacrosse goals as goals. The lacrosse goals a...

Chaos is an evening activity originated by Peter Bourne during his time at camp. It is a take-off of ultimate frisbee, but played with three lacrosse goals as goals. The lacrosse goals are set up to form a triangle. The camp is divided into three teams, and a team scores by getting the frisbee in either of the goals of the other teams. The game is, as the name implies, absolute chaos.

Brewster Lodge

2008-12-13T21:39:25Z

Thjoyce:

The Brewster Lodge was finished in the spring of 2008. The cabin was built on the location of the original Birch Rock Infirmary. The Brewster Lodge is built as a two-story, winterized building. During the summer, the downstairs is used as the Health Lodge and the upstairs as the residence for the camp nurse. Outside of the camp season, the building can be used for a variety of purposes. It has a full kitchen, four bedrooms, a sleeping loft, fireplace, and deck with commanding views of the Birch Rock campus.

Thomas Joyce

2008-12-13T21:30:18Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:2008-7-5 5.jpg|thumb|Thomas (center) in [[campfire]] skit acting as a camper's girlfriend]]
Thomas Joyce is a Birch Rock counselor who started as a camper at age ten. He moved up through the ranks in his many years at Birch Rock. He went from camper to [[CIT]] to counselor all the way up to [[head counselor]], a title which he kept for many years.

In the 2008 season he lived in [[Albert's Cabin]] and taught [[woodshop]]. For the last week of second session 2008 he led [[MWA]].
[[Category:People]]

Catwalks

2008-12-13T21:29:21Z

Thjoyce:

The catwalks are the floating docks in the swim area. The catwalks form a "T" to define the cradles and the deep water sections of the swim area. During general swim, the staff stand on the catwalks to supervise the campers.

During the winter, the catwalks are stored near the pump house and [[Injun Joe's]]. They are installed in the early summer using a backhoe to lift them into the water and are attached to the main dock using bars and eye bolts.

Catwalks

2008-12-13T21:28:39Z

Thjoyce: New page: The catwalks are the floating docks in the swim area. The catwalks form a "T" to define the cradles and the deep water sections of the swim area. During general swim, the staff stand on ...

The catwalks are the floating docks in the swim area. The catwalks form a "T" to define the cradles and the deep water sections of the swim area. During general swim, the staff stand on the catwalks to supervise the campers.

During the winter, the catwalks are stored near the pump house and Injun Joe's. They are installed in the early summer using a backhoe to lift them into the water and are attached to the main dock using bars and eye bolts.

Joe's

2008-12-13T21:24:39Z

Thjoyce:

[[Image:Injunjoes.jpg|thumb|A typical day at Joe's]]
Injun Joe's is the name of the building and general area where [[Campcraft]] is held. It is located at the bottom of the hill on the lake, near the swim tent. The name comes from the the name of the villain in the book ''Tom Sawyer''. Injun Joe's is usually bustling with people all four periods and both [[general swims]]. There are multiple fire pits at Joe's so cabins use it for cabin night. When MWA comes back second session they often stay at Joe's for the last days of camp.

The current location of Injun Joe's is farther removed from the lake than the original location. The lean-to was moved in the early 2000s to allow for better access to the waterfront for removing and installing of the catwalks. The rocks from the original foundation can still be seen on the ground in front of the current building. When the building was moved, a platform floor was added.