July 10, 2006 NO 1

From the Director’s Desk… Dear Campers, Parents and Alumni, It is with great pride and enthusiasm we begin our 55th Summer of fun atop Mt. Delight at Birchmont! The spot of rainy weather we encountered in week one could not dampen the spirits of our campers and staff. In today’s world of “camp groups” and multi-ownership camps, Birchmont remains A Pierce Family Camp, with three generations (and counting…) of hands on directors and ownership! In an effort to “stay on top,” each summer we try to reinvent ourselves by making continued capital improvements and curriculum modifications. Some of this year’s camp improvements are; the addition of a new cabin on the senior girl’s side of camp. In a close vote the girls chose to name the cabin Androscoggan! (I think they just want to see their parents have to spell it out on their letters!) We purchased a new twenty-foot, 240 horsepower Seadoo “Utopia” Jet boat to keep pace with our ever popular water skiing program. We completely resurfaced the Lower Basketball Courts and added brand new state of the art adjustable baskets with break away rims. At our Upper

Basketball Courts we added 6 high power halogen lights making it a great spot for “Late Night” activity. This year cabin renovations included new bathrooms in Tamworth, Devils Den, Kickapoo, Mt.Delight, Sugarloaf and Red Hill keeping our cabins in top form. We added another half dozen, twenty inch frame Marin Mountain Bikes providing more opportunity for our youngest campers to hit the trails. We also aquired a 42-inch flat screen TV with a high definition cable box and 40 watts of stereo sound to keep a close watch on the World Cup Soccer matches, Wimbledon, the MLB All-Star break and other popular summertime events! On the program side we continue to evaluate our schedules weekly so that our group leaders can identify their group’s favorite activities; making sure they get their fill of the fun! We continue to use Brewster Academy’s twelve million dollar Smith Center Field House during our “Late Night” activity slot for all of our Intermediate through Super Senior groups. All of our group trips have been “tweaked” based on the feedback we received from last year’s group staff and by the smiles on our campers’ faces, we feel we’ve got the right mix!

Our trips have begun with all of our groups visiting one of the many New England attractions such as Canobie Lake Park, Water Country, Palace Playland and Whales Tale. We’ve already had a DJ Social and celebrated the 4th of July. Our Big Brother and Big Sister activities were once again a big success. We’ve had numerous campfires (with smores of course) and our younger campers “on grounds” overnights under the starlit canopy of the New Hampshire skies were followed by a barbeque breakfast cooked by Greg & Laura. Although the summer is only a week young, our 13 and 15 and under boys tennis teams have won the Birchmont Invitational Tennis Tournament, once again sweeping the Lakes Region Association competition! Our 12 and under boys Baseball team defeated Winaukee 10-5 advancing up the tournament ladder. Our 11 and under boys lost a close game in the semifinals

of the LRA Softball Tournament hosted here at Birchmont. And by the time you read this, our Upper &Super Senior Girls will have competed at Colby Sawyer College in the LRA 15 and under tournament and the following day our Lower Senior and Intermediate Girls groups will follow suit in the 13 & under division. Of course Saturday the 8th of July, once again we will be competing against local camp rival Camp Robinhood in an all day, all group competition known as Spirit Day! Every camper will be doing their part in the Quest for the Cup! As you can tell it’s been a great week filled with fun, competitions, trip and special events! Thanks for taking the time to catch up on all we’ve done, but we’ve got a lot more to do…

See you around camp,

Greg & Laura

The Top Dogs By Andrew C. (AKA: The

Professor) If I had to state the life I lead in my Super Senior year, I’d say “It completely rocks!” Between my awesome group leader, Gary M., and counselors like Tennessee Mike with his “Listen up y’all” call, and my group mates ranging from surf’s-up dudes like Ryan W. and Scott C. and the famous Sam G. this is the life! Gary M. may be somewhat aged, but he has the heart and spirit of a hardcore camper, and reigns as the ping-pong champion of the group. He is a cool, smooth, patient guy with a lot of experience and wisdom. The rest of the counselors are almost as awesome. Ciaran is a returning counselor who is known for his great spirit, humor and energy, and is the “real deal” beach guy among us, since he is a certified lifeguard. Mike….well he’s hilarious, and also back for another summer. Tendai, Jed and Aaron are very cool too. They make every day a lot of fun. Finally, you people have got to know my buddies. Ryan and Scott, master guitar players, show us how cool California guys really are, and we are preparing for

the awesome and anticipated “California invasion” next session Matt, an incredible guy, in terms of his genuine friendship and fairness to everyone, carries on the “Legacy of the Lippmans” with his basketball and tennis skills here at camp. Harris M. is the out and out tennis champion (well, at least until Andrew B. arrives from California) Andrew S., Taylor S., and Jared F. form a terrific trio as the funniest guys on camp grounds who always keep you laughing. Evan G., now an actor, is a very cool kid who adds a lot to the group. He comes from the beaches of Florida. Jose G. and Alberto C. have both been at camp for several years now, and are amazing amigos to everyone, hailing from the Dominican Republic, and Spain respectively. Nicolas D. just arrived from France, speaks English better than anyone speaks French, and has a great tennis game too. Sam G. is known to most of camp as the spirited, funny guy, and Reuben J. is back for 8 weeks, and is my awesome bunkmate, and Jon G., a great companion, and Bradley S., an expert tennis player form two additional great friends. All of us are ready for a terrific summer. We will make the legacy of the Super Seniors known. The adventures of our last summer have only just begun! What adventures will you have this summer? Let the season of ’06 begin!

Camper Creativity, Makes A Perfect Activity By Lu (A+C Staff) Birchmont’s Arts and Crafts program under Shelly Colour, Lauren Blue Eyes and Lu taps campers’ creativity and desire for color, shape, texture. Using an astonishing variety of materials from pine cones and branches to clay and buttons, campers explore the great delights of coming up with an idea and bringing the project to completion. Sand Painting Using shell, totem pole, football and owl shaped containers, campers poured in various colors of sand and designed provocative patterns. In the Explorer Boys, David E. noted that “making sand sculptures is tons of fun and I could do it all day long.” Trailblazer girls were also enthusiastic. Hanna Z. said, “It’s a project for all of the family. It feels like real sand and you can use it anytime anywhere.” Kickapoo Mikayla T. said, ”I love making sand art because I like to look at colors all together, the sand feels so soft.” Bunkmate Amanda S. was particularly loquacious.” I loved making sand-art!! It’s just normal sand formed into a piece of art. You can make a peace sign or a totem pole or even a bracelet or key chain.”

Anything But Not-Car Kits This was the project. Take a dragster unpainted kit and don’t follow the instructions. Under no circumstances should you make a car. A skyline is good, something abstract works. Inter Will N. created a Gehrylike structure, Kevin W., a cool tower, Gabe , an unusual piece, Jack H., a wildly painted piece, an unusually intricate military vehicle, I think. Rockettes Several groups participated in the rock/photo project. Campers braved the rains and went in search of the perfect rock. Once they found the right ones, they washed ‘em, dried’em and painted’em. Then they added glitter. Now, the tricky part. They wrapped wire around their rocks and now have photo holders. We’d like to single out Inters Sydnie S.-S., Kristen B., Megan G., Emily L., Gillian S. for their rockin’ art. Viva Diego Rivera What happens when a group of girls collaborate on a mural? Creativity, color and cooperation. Kudos to these girls who had the “stick-to-it-iveness” to complete their work in two sessions. Cara F., Sydney R., Lindsay J., Chandler J. and Rozi made a colorful Joan Miro-type mural Tori L. created a beach scene.

Our Kickapoo cuties made groovy light switch frames using colorful clay and their great imaginations. Ashley R., Andi S., Lana Z., Emily Q., Remy H. took to the project with a passion. Some made designs, others made faces. Interesting how a garlic press makes great hair. Lower Senior Girls Jamie P., Chandler J., Drew F., Megan O. (wow! Fantastic face) worked energetically while Explorers Brittany

F. (sun and flower) and Corey B. (American Flag) also showed artistic promise. We’re looking forward to more outstanding projects from the Birchmont Campers. Along with lanyards, tie dying, and hand building, we’ll be making Calder mobiles, Dali collages, Chagall dioramas and pinecone mosaics.

Checker Tournament By Laura P. The Annual Checker Tournament was a terrific event, which captured the attention of 24 campers who competed in the single elimination competition under the pines. Last year’s Chess Champion Russell K. ultimately defeated new camper Tyler S. in an arduous final round played on the Director’s patio with the vintage wood inlay checkerboard reserved for the occasion each summer. Honorable mention goes to new campers Aaron B. and Peter L. who both displayed some fine strategic thinking and excellent sportsmanship through the semi-final round.

Congratulations to Josh K., Will B., Ethan B., Rachel G., Frances S., Ben K., Jordan S., and Hanna Z. who all advanced past the first round of play. Honorable mention goes to Frances S. and Rachel G. who played as a team after they tied their own matches twice and wanted to both move forward in the tournament rather than resort to a coin flip. This was the first time in Birchmont history that participants took a two-headed team approach, and the collaboration showed great concentration even with a few giggles along the way. Prizes to the finalist will be presented at Quiet Hour in the grove. If you had a good time playing checkers, and are looking for a little more wit-matching fun, sign on for the chess tournament which can hold 32 participants. Best of luck to all, and congratulations to Birchmont Checker King, Explorer Boy, Russell K..

BIG SISTER-LITTLE SISTER… By Hayley F. (Supersenior) & Ilana C. (Trailblazer) On Wednesday the 27th of June, “LITTLE SISTER-BIG SISTER” took place. The Super Senior Girls and the Trailblazer Girls met in the dining hall instead of outside at the picnic tables because it was raining. The two groups lined up in 2 lines and each Super Senior was paired with a Trailblazer. Each pair was given 2 huge cookies to decorate with frosting and sprinkles. After decorating, we talked and told each other about ourselves. It was really fun! “I

think it’s cool that you get to have a big sister at camp and a big sister at home,” says Ilana C., a Trailblazer Girl. The point of this program is to help new and younger campers feel more comfortable and to show them around camp. You can also buy each other things when you go on trips like candy. We think that “BIG SISTER-LITTLE SISTER” is a great program.

BIG SISTER-LITTLE SISTER By Kayla R. (SSR G) & Eva G. (TR G) Being a trailblazer at Birchmont is not always easy. For one thing you are the youngest group at camp, for some of us this is the first time being away from our parents, and sometimes we get homesick. It’s not always easy adjusting to a new lifestyle. Greg and Laura Pierce know this all to well, so they decided to give us a helping hand. They invented an activity called Big Sister- Little Sister. In simpler terms, it is when a trailblazer girl is paired with a Super Senior Girl in order to have help adjusting and feeling

right at home. This is my second year having an older sister and in my experience it has not only been helpful but also a lot of fun. Having an older sister, I not only get to hang out with a cool older kid, but I also get someone to turn to if I even need a helping hand or if I just need to talk. My older sister is so funny and so nice and I know I can learn a lot from her. She is such a great role model and I am so glad that I got the chance to meet and hang out with her this summer. It’s going to be sad to watch her leave this year but I’m looking forward to all my years of Birchmont to come. I hope, that when I grow up and have a little sister of my own I will be as awesome as mine is now. Thank you Greg and Laura for giving me this amazing experience.

BIG BROTHER-LITTLE BROTHER By Scott S. A traditional egg toss provided messy fun as a kick off activity between “big brothers” and “little brothers” last Tuesday. The program pairs Trailblazers

and Pioneer Boys with Super Senior and Upper Senior Boys to promote unity and spirit. A good time was had by all especially when the “little brothers” defeated their “big brothers” in a tug of war.

11 and Under Boys Softball Tourney By Greg H. Camp Birchmont hosted the 25th annual 11 and Under Boys Softball Tournament on Monday, July 3rd. Guests included Robinhood, Tecumseh, Kenwood-Evergreen and Winaukee for the limited arc, slow pitch tournament. With a number of very strong athletes in the Explorer Boys group, we were able to include a record 3 full teams in the 8 team round robin draw! In so doing, every single Explorer Boy and many of the Pioneer Boys had a chance to participate on one of the teams – underscoring the enthusiasm and talent of the 11 year old boys of Birchmont! Birchmont’s Blue Team ended up with the best overall record of the Birchmont teams, winning their first two games easily before falling 2-1 in a close fought game. They did come back to finish second in the 8 team field and finished with a 3-1 overall record!

The Birchmont White and Birchmont Grey teams each finished with 2-2 records and as is always the case with this event, a great time (and some post tournament ice cream) was had by all involved! Congratulations to all who played, including: Will B., David E., Jason G., Daniel K., Josh K., Willie L., Jarrett P., Jeremy T., Jason B., Michael C., Matt J., Brandon D., Lance O., Adam M., Christopher P., Jackson T., Cooper S.-S., Josh S., Jared R., Jason B., Jesse C., Tyler G., Joseph K., Russell K., Malcolm N., Jeremy T., Justin S., Carter R., Brian S., Sam H. and Jordan A.. Also a big thank you to Coach S. and all the umpires who helped (including Matt T., LJ R., Coach Paul, Coach Holly and Coach Scott). With so many athletes in this group and in the Pioneer Boys the future of Birchmont Athletics is very bright! Let’s go Birchmont!!!

TENNIS 11 – Under Tecumseh Tennis ICC Birchmont’s 11 under team took 2nd place in Tecumseh’s annual tournament. Our semi-finalists Josh S., Jeremy T. had some thunderous volleys, but lost in a heart-wrenching tiebreaker. The level of play was exceptional on both sides of the net. Early round standouts include Cooper S.-S. and Malcolm N. both of whom played very exciting matches. Malcolm N. lost 8-6 to the tournaments eventual champion. N. showed a lot of heart never giving up against a very strong opponent. With a first place in the 11 and under and a second place in the 15 and under Birchmont has two cups to show off in the dining room, in the first two weeks of camp…more to follow.

Birchmont sweeps invitational tennis tournament By Ricky L. (tennis staffer) Birchmont’s 15-under A and B teams finished first and second in this year’s tennis invitational. Birchmont was victorious over our longtime rivals Winnaukee, Robinhood and Tecumseh. Birchmont’s B team performed exceptionally well by coming within ½ point of tieing for the championship. Our individual gold metal winners include: Harris M., Matt L., Andrew S., Taylor S. and French Phenom Nicolas D.. Our silver metal winners include Samson M. and Ian S.. In Birchmont’s 13-under division, Birchmont’s A team defended their title for the second year in a row. The individual gold metal winners include Brandon K., Sam L., Alec B., Nick R., Mike H. and Charles R.. Our bronze metal winners include Danny K., Nick R., Jeremy K. and Danny L.. Overall, it was an impressive showing for Birchmont’s finest tennis stars and all participants should be proud.

Soccer tournament… By Coach Shingy Quite an impressive performance by the 13s Soccer team at Winaukee on 07/03/2006. The boys were filled with life and determination to win. After losing their first match (2-1) to Robinhood, their faces were filled with sadness and their hearts full of disappointment. But the day was not yet over. They still had a chance to qualify to the semi-finals. They beat Winaukee Silver. That kind of news brought back the fire that once burned in their hearts.

We drew 2-2 with Winaukee Silver and qualified to the semi-finals on goal difference. We lost 6-1 to Winkaukee Gold. The score was not a better judge of the match because our boys were as good as theirs. We just missed a couple of chances including a penalty kick. The boys took out their pain of losing on Kenwood who they played and beat (5-3) in the overtime.

Celebrating 4th of July…

After the National Anthem sung by staffer Luke Striffler, it was “off to the races” as we ran with three legs and two and tugged a rope and ate some sundaes and went to town to

see the fireworks if you lived in upper camp.

2006 Fourth of July Race Winners Sprint Trailblazer Girls: 1st Place- Emily Q. 2nd Place – Andi S.

Trailblazer Boys: 1st Place – Aaron B. 2nd Place – Ian F.

Pioneer Girls: 1st Place – Natalie H. 2nd Place – Jamie S.

Pioneer Boys: 1st Place – Eric R. 2nd Place – Grant N.

Explorer Girls: 1st Place – Ali C. 2nd Place – Hanna D.

Explorers Boys: 1st Place – Justin S. 2nd Place – Malcolm N.

Inter Girls: 1st Place - Sarah M. 2nd Place – Paige H.

Inter Boys: 1st Place – Kevin W. 2nd Place – Tyler T.

Piggy Back Trailblazer Girls: 1st Place – Amanda S. + Emily Q. 2nd Place – Eva G. + Ashley R.

Trailblazer Boys: 1st Place - Aaron B.+ Benjamin K. 2nd Place – Ian F. + Sam F.

Pioneer Girls: 1st Place – Elexa S. + Rebecca R. 2nd Place – Lucy N. + Frances S.

Pioneer Boys: 1st Place – Daniel F. + Philip K. 2nd Place – Jordan S. + Zack G.

Explorer Girls: 1st Place – Tashi D. + Corey B. 2nd Place – Lindsay B. + Brooke S.

Explorer Boys: 1st Place – Jason B. + Josh K. 2nd Place – Cooper S.-S. + Justin S.

Inter Girls: 1st Place – Alex S.+ Taylor F. 2nd Place – Sarah M. + Sydnie S.-S.

Inter Boys: 1st Place – Tom W. + Tyler T. 2nd Place – David C. + Ben G.

Three Legged: Trailblazer Girls: 1st Place – Ilana C. + Andi S. 2nd Place – Amanda S. + Emily Q.

Trailblazer Boys: 1st Place – Aaron B. + Ben K.

Pioneer Girls: 1st Place – Rachel G. + Natalie H. 2nd Place – Tara S. + Talia A.

Pioneer Boys: 1st Place – Sam H.+ Andrew L. 2nd Place – Brian S. + Philip K.

Explorer Girls: 1st Place – Alexa K. + Olivia Y. 2nd Place – Scout Z. + Jamie K.

Explorer Boys: 1st Place – Jason B. + David E. 2nd Place – Jeremy T. + Matt J. tie Russell K. + Jeremy T.

Inter Girls: 1st Place – Alex S. + Lauren B. 2nd Place – Casey F. + Rebecca S.

Inter Boys: 1st Place – Luke G. + Will R. 2nd Place – Jeremy K. + Tyler T.