The Birchmont Pillars: How We Build a Summer of Significance

June 14th, 2026

In the world of summer camping, people often focus on the “what”. The beautiful lake, or if the tennis courts are lit, or the number of activities. But at the best camps, like Birchmont, the most important focus is on the “why.”

Everything we do is built upon two foundational pillars: Community and Confidence. These aren’t just abstract ideas; they are active principles that guide every interaction, from the moment a camper steps off the bus and attends the lighting of their first campfire at Firelight, to the final embers of our closing campfire at Candlelight.

As I look toward the upcoming season, I want to share how these two pillars define the Birchmont experience.

Pillar I: Community

“There are no strangers within, only friends waiting to be met.”

Our camp motto is boldly emblazoned on a large sign right in the front of camp and is often the first thing everyone who arrives at Birchmont sees. But its true power lies in how our campers and counselors live it every day. In a world that can often feel fragmented, we provide a space where belonging is the default setting.

Building a true community is an intentional act. In my role as a speaker at American Camp Association conferences, I often speak about the intentional social architecture of camp. At Birchmont, this means:

The Bunk Family: Creating a micro-community where children learn to support one another, share space, celebrate each other’s successes, resolve conflicts when they arise, and lift each other up after a failure.
Being Part of Something that is Larger than Themselves: From our youngest campers to our most veteran staff, there is a shared thread of tradition in which we all partake. At our first campfire this summer, I will be sure to mention that 75 years ago, campers who are now older than their grandparents sat around this very same fire doing exactly what we are doing now. Imagining people their grandparents’ age as children always blows a few young minds, but it also makes everyone realize that they are part of something much larger than themselves.
Inclusivity by Design: We teach our campers that true friendship isn’t a closed circle; it’s an open invitation. When we are in a safe space to remove the barriers of strangerhood, we can allow children to develop the social intelligence and empathy that will serve them for a lifetime.

Pillar II: Confidence

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?”

At our very first Quiet Hour of the summer, we ask every camper this question. It is a challenge to set a goal for their time with us; not a goal defined by achievement, but one defined by the courage to make the attempt.

True confidence isn’t the absence of fear; it is the willingness to try something new despite it. We believe that a premier camp experience should be a brave space to take safe risks. We create an atmosphere where the stakes start off low, but the rewards of personal growth are high.

The Freedom to Fail: Whether it’s climbing to the top of the rock wall or auditioning for the camp play, we encourage campers to stretch. Because we have first built a supportive Community (Pillar I), campers can feel confident enough to take those risks.
Competence Leads to Confidence: When a child learns to hit a golf ball or get up on waterskis, they aren’t just gaining a skill; they are gathering evidence of their own capability.
The Goal-Setting Journey: By asking that Quiet Hour question, we empower campers to take ownership of their summer. We aren’t telling them who to be; we are asking them to ask themselves who they want to become.

The Director’s Perspective

When you combine a welcoming Community with the pursuit of Confidence, magic happens. You see a camper who arrived hesitant suddenly making a new friend or performing in the talent show. You see a child who was unsure of their swimming ability suddenly passing their deep-water test.

Kristie and I believe that these two pillars are what make Birchmont summers so transformative. We don’t just want our campers to have a great summer; we want them to return home with a stronger sense of who they are and a deeper appreciation for the people around them.

As we prepare for the 2026 season, I invite you to ask your own child that same question: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?” Their answer might be the start of their greatest summer yet.

Yours in camping,

Will Pierce

Owner/Director, Pierce Camp Birchmont

Why Should I Send My Child to a Co-Ed Overnight Camp This Summer?

October 5th, 2022

Co-ed camps offer a comfortable family atmosphere that is simply not attainable at unisex camps, or separate camps which bill themselves as Brother/Sister camps to attract siblings.

Birchmont activities are both single sex and co-ed depending on the activity: While Birchmont’s athletics are not co-ed, we do host a range of special events, activities, trips and meals which are co-ed. Our campers share the facilities, and pass each other throughout their day, emphasizing an “at-ease” atmosphere rather than stressing the absence of a particular gender.

Promotes healthy relationships: Co-ed overnight camps provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers of the opposite gender in a safe and supportive environment. This can help them develop healthy relationships and learn how to communicate and collaborate with others.

Strengthens family bonds: Many siblings and cousins have found great common ground at Birchmont, and the shared experience is one which will carry them through years and distance. The idea of spending one visiting day together as a family, without the logistics of visiting two camps, should not be underestimated.

Feeling connected, accomplished, and making friends is what camp life is all about…no matter your gender.

How A Screen-Free Summer Helps Kids Be Better Friends

May 7th, 2022

In today’s digital age, children are spending more and more time in front of screens, whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or using social media. While technology has its benefits, it’s important for children to have a break from screens, especially during the summer months when they have more free time. Here are some ways a screen-free summer can help kids be better friends:

Encourages face-to-face interactions: When children are not distracted by screens, they are more likely to engage in face-to-face interactions with their friends. This can help build stronger connections and improve social skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

Fosters creativity: Without the constant stimulation of screens, children are forced to find other ways to occupy their time. This can lead to more imaginative play and creative activities, which can foster a sense of camaraderie among friends as they work together to create and explore.

Builds independence: When children are not constantly entertained by screens, they are forced to rely on themselves and their friends for entertainment. This can help build independence and encourage children to take the initiative to plan and execute their own activities, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Promotes physical activity: Screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have negative impacts on physical health. A screen-free summer encourages children to be more active and engage in outdoor activities with friends, which can improve physical health and well-being while also strengthening friendships.

Reduces social comparison: Social media can create pressure for children (and especially teens!) to compare themselves to their peers, which can be detrimental to self-esteem and lead to feelings of jealousy or inadequacy. A screen-free summer can provide a break from this constant social comparison and allow children to focus on building authentic relationships with their friends.

In conclusion, a screen-free summer can have many benefits for children, including improved social skills, creativity, independence, physical health, and self-esteem. By spending more time engaging in face-to-face interactions, being active, and using their imaginations, children can build stronger friendships and develop important life skills.