Thomas Joyce
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.
Contents
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
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.
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
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, 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, 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. 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
| Year | Cabin | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Hilton B | Camper | with Counselor Dave Jenkins |
| 1990 | Hiton B | Camper | with Counselor Rob Christie |
| 1991 | Cabin 1 | Camper | with Counselor Justin Ingold |
| 1992 | Buzzards' Roost | Camper | with Counselor Chuck Hatcher |
| 1993 | Pete's Palace | Camper | with Counselor Brian Roskow |
| 1994 | Cabin 8 | Senior Camper | with Counselor Josh Church |
| 1995 | Eagles' Nest | Counselor-in Training | with CIT Director Rich Deering |
| 1996 | Hilton B | Junior Counselor | |
| 1997 | Hilton B | Counselor | |
| 1998 | Hilton A | Counselor | |
| 1999 | Eagles' Nest | Head Counselor | |
| 2000 | Owl's Perch | Head Counselor | |
| 2001 | Omar's Cabin | Head Counselor | Omar's made into Head Counselor cabin |
| 2002 | Omar's Cabin | Head Counselor | |
| 2003 | skipped | ||
| 2004 | Lion's Den | Assistant Director | |
| 2005 | skipped | ||
| 2006 | skipped | ||
| 2007 | Pat's Cabin | Woodshop Instructor | First Session |
| 2008 | Albert's Cabin | Woodshop Instructor | also did part of MWA trip |
| 2009 | Pat's Cabin | Woodshop Instructor | First Session |
