Camp Birchmont

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Birchmont Presents Matilda The Musical

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted August 13, 2015

We commend everyone who took the stage to be part of what was arguably the best camp musical production in years! The talent that was assembled for Roald Dahl’s Broadway tale of a brilliant child who rebels against her oppressive school and awful parents, was by any theater critic’s standards, fantastic.  The chorus ensemble from our very youngest campers to our oldest delivered the fiercest, most rousing musical numbers with tight and terrific choreography. “When I Grow up” and “Revolting Children” were stand out performances fully deserving of the ovations they received. And best of all, the kids on stage were having a ball.

Jessie R as Matilda and Renee M as Miss Trunchbull were the night’s brightest stars.

Matilda Summer 2015

Jessie amazed everyone with her great vocal range and well timed delivery of clever lyrics with fine musicality. Jessie’s energy never wavered and she made the audience love Matilda with her first song “Naughty”.

Miss Trunchbull played with great gusto by Renee M. had the audience rooting against her character from the get go, and her two solos, “The Hammer” and “Smell of Rebellion” were actually scary and hilarious at the same time. Miss Honey, played sweetly by the very musical Annika P. was the perfect foil as she delivered her haunting songs ” My House” and “Pathetic”. The set design and costuming added great production value. The brightly painted wood blocks made in woodshop, scattered on stage were also echoed in the alphabet tiles which encircled the curtain and made for a perfect classroom scene.  Campers working the spot light managed to catch all the soloists, and made good use of the colored filters to enhance the moods on stage. All the actors hit their marks, and few lines were missed so the script made sense, and set up the songs perfectly.

Super Senior Raquel G served as the dance captain and I do not think it is over estimating her talent, to suggest, with future training and experience she could become a choreographer of some note; she’s simply a natural.  Our director, Steve Vieira and musical director, Cherry Yang did a wonderful job teaching and coordinating all facets of the production.

The kids on stage were having a great time, and that’s what camp theater should be.

The full cast party consisted of hot pizza, cold sodas and a special cake baked for the occasion. But probably the sweetest reward was to come later as so many campers were congratulated and praised by their friends and counselors that night and following day.

Personally, I missed “Matilda” on Broadway, but I don’t think I could have enjoyed this show more if I had seen it in orchestra seats in Times Square.

Summer Art Show 2015

A few nights before the play, we had another lovely arts event on campus. Each summer we host an art gallery evening up at Notches where campers display their art works for the camp to see. There’s jazz playing, faux champagne served (ginger ale with raspberries and blueberries) and petit fours baked in our kitchen and served on trays, adding a little elegance and sophistication to the affair. This has been a transporting evening with campers talking about art, how they make it, what they envisioned, how long it took to create…But alas, this is not a gallery in an arty city loft, and just as we got started a summer storm blew in bringing thunder, wind and big black rain clouds, in minutes, it began pouring. We all scrambled to save the art and get under cover vowing to re-schedule. We were able to make that happen, but there were precious few evenings left with Color War breaking, and Water Carnival nights on the beach,  so we do what campers do, we do not whine, we do not cancel, we re-group, re-adjust, and do what we aimed to do in the first place. We pulled off the art show on a sunny rest hour afternoon, and it was still wonderful. There were paintings, sculptures, wood projects, glazed pots and bowls, and mixed media pieces including a rusty bird cage centerpiece lined with mosaic tiles and stones that was transformed, inspired by a photo of the Taj Mahal. A few Upper Seniors designed and wore “disposable dresses” for the occasion. Creativity ran amok, just the way we like it. Kids wore feather boas and fake mustaches for the occasion, too cute for words.

We are now full steam ahead into Color War, and the excitement builds every day.

Photographs now should reflect the primary colors of our four teams, but we don’t know if photographs can really capture the fun, joy, and never ending spirit of this weeks activities.

Our colors are true blue for Birchmont, no matter which color wins.

Good Article Sheds Light on Teachable Moments For Campers

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted August 10, 2015

We like this recent article from Psychology Today which resonates with why the summer camp experience is such a powerful one, and how it offers memorable teachable moments, referred to here as “disruptive moments” in the brain.

Anyone who has been to overnight camp can probably relate to the author’s discovery and insights into the hard-wiring of the learning experience in the minds of children. I wasn’t a psych major in college, but this makes sense to me. Enjoy.

Summer Camp and Disruptive Moments
Camps have a powerful impact on the children they serve. He is a reason why.
By Steve Baskin on Jul 26, 2015 in S’mores and More

For the past 23 years, I have worked as a summer camp professional. As a child, camp was one of the definitive developmental experiences of my life. As a camp director, I have seen a short 2 or 3-week sessions become transformative to a child. When I applied to graduate school, I wrote about my camp experiences as a seminal experience.

If you know someone who attended camp, you probably wonder what the fuss is all about. How could a short experience be so much more meaningful than 9 months of school? You may wonder if your friend is a little delusional. It does not make sense that 3 weeks for 5 summers could be as powerful as they insist it is.

[Note: if you went to camp, you are likely the person sharing these stories and confusing your friends.]

This article is an effort to explain partially why camp is so impactful.

Put simply, camp helps people improve their personal narrative in a remarkably efficient way.

It starts with our brain. We are wired to become very attentive to new and unusual experiences. Do you remember your first kiss? How about the first time you met your college roommate? I suspect you remember both in great detail. But do you remember your 20th kiss with the same person or your 15th conversation with your roommate? I suspect not.

This is because familiar experiences are not threatening. We know we will survive them because we have already survived them. But when an entirely new experience occurs, our brain detects a potential threat and lights up and becomes highly focused. We notice and remember more. Our brain changes from brick-like to sponge-like.

When we are in this “sponge-state”, we will absorb and retain our memories, feelings and ideas. The brick is slow to learn. The sponge is a learning machine.

I call these new and unfamiliar experiences “disruptive moments”.

One of the reasons camp is powerful is because it is full of these new and unique “disruptive moments”:

  • The first time away from home,
  • Meeting an entirely new cabin of friends and counselors,
  • Ascending a 40 foot climbing wall (especially if you have a fear of heights),
  • Seeing a sky full of stars for the first time,
  • Performing in front of people at a talent show
  • Camp has another cool advantage – camp professionals know when these disruptive moments are happening. They know when a child’s mind is like a sponge. This knowledge creates an opportunity.

Camp counselors and directors can provide a “powerful message” that combines with these “disruptive moments”.

When a camper’s mind is like a sponge, counselors can make sure that the sponge is absorbing lessons that will help make him/her more capable, confident, competent and successful.

Let me share an example of combining “disruptive moments” with “powerful messages”. Imagine a 9 year-old girl with a strong fear of heights approaching a Climbing Wall with great trepidation. After much encouragement from her counselor, she chooses to climb, setting as her goal the half-way point. She ascends 25% and becomes nervous, but the cheers of her friends and counselors encouragers her to go halfway. She is incredibly nervous and is ready to come down when her counselor provides a loving challenge, “can you go one more step?” The girl climbs “one more step” about 5 times before deciding she is done. After climbing 75% of the wall, she rappels down and arrives on the ground. She is shaking and proud.

Clearly, she just had a “disruptive moment” and her brain is like a sponge.

At this point, the counselor can deliver a message that will have maximum impact. I will give three different messages – one common, one horrific and one incredibly powerful.

The common message would be happy and simple, “I am so proud of you! Great job. Give me a hug.” This is what most counselors will say and the camper will remember the climb and the love/acceptance that followed it. Not bad.

A horrific response would be different. [Note: I cannot imagine anyone saying the following, but imagine the impact if she did.] “Wow, I have been here all day long and you are the only person who has failed to reach the top of the wall.” Words of disappointment like this might make the child believe that she is weaker or less capable than her fellow campers. This internal narrative would likely stick with her at camp and back home.

Imagine instead the following powerful and validating comment that I actually heard a counselor use in this situation. “Wow! I have been here for two days and you are the ONLY camper who went 50% above her goal! You know, many people never reach their goals. Those who do reach their goals usually stop. I think you are one of those rare people who can face a fear and go beyond your goals. I cannot wait to see what you will be like when you grow up!’

This young girl practically floated around camp for the next week. She now saw herself differently, not as a girl defined by a fear but a determined individual who can overcome challenges.

By combining enough “disruptive moments” with these “powerful messages”, a quality camp experience can change a camper’s personal narrative. Every one of us has a personal narrative that helps us interpret the world. Some people have powerful and effective narratives:

  • Hard work pays off
  • I am likable
  • If you treat people well, they will treat you well
  • I am lucky
  • I can learn new things
  • Inside of every problem is an opportunity

Others have dysfunctional narratives:

  • You cannot trust other people
  • No one likes me
  • Nothing good ever happens to me
  • I am not good at stuff
  • The world is full of problems that I cannot do anything about
  • You have to look out for yourself, no one else will

Once we have a narrative, we tend to hold onto it. It takes an unusual experience to change these closely held beliefs. Typically, we do not have many such experiences.

But such experiences are almost common at camp. The “disruptive moments” happen at predictable times and they are naturally mated to with the right “messages”.

This combination enables camp to create an impact that is disproportional to the time spent there, creating new narratives and strong memories that continue for years.

“Watch Carefully the Magic That Occurs, When You Give A Child Just Enough Comfort To Be Themselves” -Atticus

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted August 6, 2015

It has been so wonderful watching our campers come into their own this week. The collective awareness that time at camp is passing quickly now is palpable. We have gotten a lot done these past few days.

Summer 2015

We entered 8 of our Upper Senior campers in the Lake Wentworth Association Sailing Regatta and took second place. It was a gorgeous day for sailing with friends! To come so close to a first place finish in a tournament of people who have grown up on this lake, was a good testament to the “know how” of our campers, and the strength of our waterfront program. Our beginning water ski club has had great success getting kids up and around the lake in the evening activity when the lake is like glass just before sunset. On land, campers who learned to ride bikes here without the fear of traffic, or falling on pavement have gone “off road” on the Rail Trail to town…many steps taken on the road to self-discovery.

Other fun happenings at camp which included our staff World Cup Soccer Tournament where bravely, perhaps insanely, England took on the rest of the world, and lost when the American soccer counselor, Nick, put in 2 goals to bring the final score 3 to 1. It was a really spirited night as campers wrapped themselves in flags from different countries and screamed out to their favorite counselors on the field. So many counselors got into the act and the sportsmanship, athleticism and antics made for a great spectator event.

Greg Howes former collegiate player at Springfield College had a solid game, and kept up with counselors half his age which was exciting for our supervisors to watch as well.

Summer 2015

The soccer game was followed after dark by an outdoor movie on campus for our younger campers who watched “Big Hero Six” an awesome animated feature with an uplifting message about friendship and brotherhood tucked in.

The following evening after our Explorer Girls tucked in for the night, Greg and I rallied the girls out of their bunks to see the beautiful sight of the Blue Moon rising up just over Notches. We all gathered in the middle of the field and stared at a sight that would not be seen again till 2018! I loved hearing the kids giggle and gasp and ask why they call it a Blue Moon, its big and bright but not blue. We explained the phrase “once in a blue moon” and listened to kids say they never get to see a sight like this in their pajamas, and best of all, with their friends. Some special moments at camp happen often, others, well, once in a blue moon.

Speaking of things that are blue at camp, the native high blueberry bushes at the Garden Club, are bursting with fruit, and are picked and eaten by whoever wants them. Naturally, our organic garden does not include spray so everything is edible and available to harvest.

Sunday was a different kind of a day, but jam packed, starting with our late reveille, some Breakfast Rides on horseback with Martine, and our beloved Bagel Sunday for the whole camp which included Bagels and lox and all the fixin’s. One of our Explorer girls who came to Birchmont all the way from China had seen and tasted her first bagel, and her American camp friends tried to answer why it has a hole in it? Is there really an official answer to this question?!

Summer 2015

Sunday was also our Midsummer Surprise which had been rained out after Visiting Day. The camp had a great time playing on giant inflatables and games of skill, with an outstanding DJ spinning tunes. That evening the entertainment continued with an outdoor Cirque du Soleil type troupe which performed exciting arial stunts to a local live band giving the feel of a private concert and gymnastics show rolled into one. To end the night, the entire camp rocked The Lodge with our first DJ social of the 2nd session!

Next week we have some tennis and soccer competitions and some of our natural highlight trips including The Polar Caves, The Flume and camp-out, and a 3 day trip to Boston. We close the week with our camper musical production of Mathilda on Friday and the whole camp is psyched as we begin perhaps the best week of the summer on Saturday as we break our 64th Color War. Looking forward to a great week ahead!

Top Chef, You Bet!

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted August 3, 2015

Camp Birchmont 2015One thing that struck me last night as we all were enjoying Chinese Banquet Night was not just the variety and popularity of the dishes offered at Birchmont, but the creativity and care with which they are put forth. An old saying of Pop Pierce’s is especially true at camp, “many hands make light work”, and so it happens that a few areas of camp get involved with making magic for the kids. To set the scene for Asian cuisine there was paper mâché sushi, in a garland of green cellophane seaweed, glittering giant chopsticks made in Arts and Crafts and set out on a table, Chinese lanterns were hung from the Dining Hall ceiling with Chinese fans and Japanese parasols strewn about, all to create a fun meal for campers to remember.

It is no small feat to make Asian style dishes without sesame oil, peanuts, cashews and shrimp, (allergens all) but Helen and her team of 16, pulled off chicken tempura, beef with broccoli, honey roasted ribs, vegetable lo mein, pork pot stickers, and egg rolls to the delight of us all.

We even enjoyed campy fortune cookies and oranges for dessert. When Greg asked the campers for a round of applause for the kitchen staff, the cheers were loud and authentic.

Camp Birchmont 2015At home, meals are made with no less care, but somehow children expect great home cooked meals all the time, and much to the chagrin of moms and dads everywhere, most meals are taken for granted. The job of preparing 3 meals a day for 400 people at once is a huge task, and our campers and staff are genuinely appreciative at meal times.

We owe this mainly to our Head Chef, Helen and her trusted assistant, Kitty, two harder working women would be hard to find. Helen has been with us for over 25 years while cooking at the esteemed Phillips Exeter Academy during the school year, and has made her summer home at Birchmont to cook and run our camp kitchen.  After many years at Exeter, Helen worked at University of New Hampshire, cooking for a sorority house there but still returned to camp with the energy of a college co-ed herself. We never take for granted that while many camps are hiring food services with first time chefs, we have Helen, whose experience, pride, and love of camp make our food terrific all summer long. We have even had Alumni come back and visit with Helen.

We like that Helen has been open to new food items and ideas, when our campers ask for edamame on our salad bars and sweet potato fries on their plates, Helen makes it happen. Egg white frittatas with spinach and feta, no problem. We love her stuffed portobello mushrooms, artichoke dishes, and Italian baked eggplant stacks with cheese. Turkey meatloaf, ribs, chocolate chip pancakes, chicken patties and veggie lasagna are all camper favorites. Camp food has come a long way since most of our parents went to camp. Greg and I feel that food is fuel, and campers need energy to be their best. Food quality while not seen by parents is an area worth our attention and investment.

Camp Birchmont 2015

Helen has certificates in food science and safety, allergy prevention, dietary nutrition, etc. but what we care most about are the fresh, and varied meals she consistently prepares at camp. We have a vegetarian option at every meal, and handle food and allergy restrictions with care and vigilance. Together with Helen, we are able to coax some very picky eaters to try new things, an experience whose rewards translate to more pleasant home meals after camp.

All the special event meals Helen and her staff turn out are just icing on the cake and we won’t even get into our baked desserts from our bakery department. So now you know why Helen is our Top Chef at Camp Birchmont, and she gets our highest ratings. We can only hope nobody steals her for her own reality show…she would be a star!

Heat Wave in NY, Mass, Conn, Tex, Fla??

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted July 31, 2015

Summer 2015

Well, we are having double swim days here, but nothing is melting except our ice cream…

We are still enjoying active days, and cool nights at Birchmont. Our Super Seniors began their morning climb up Mt Chocurua which has become something of a rite of passage for our oldest campers. The mighty mountain is part of the White Mountain National Forest and is approx. 3,475 ft to the summit via the Piper Trail off the Kancamagus Highway, nationally ranked in the top ten scenic highways in the country. The top of the mountain was a cool 72 degrees with a stiff breeze. Then its off to Poor People’s Pub/Restaurant for some rewarding food and relaxation with friends and counselors who made the trek. The biggest reward however is the incredible 360 degree view from the top which encompasses the mountains of Presidential Range and valleys below, the wild blueberries along the way aren’t bad either.

Our Explorer group was off to Funtown/Splashtown, a favorite trip and perfect way to beat the heat. The rest of camp played all morning and enjoyed extended beach time at the waterfront. The ski boats were busy; campers had to be inspired by the terrific waterski show we enjoyed for evening activity. The professional team who did a variety of trick and speed skiing had members from 9 to 30 years old, all performing with an amazing level of skill and fun. The music, the atmosphere of having the whole camp focused and gathered doing the wave, cheering the skiers on a beautiful, perfect night ended gracefully with the setting sun , and expressions of delight an awe from our youngest to oldest.

Tomorrow, our kitchen delivers a surprise night of exotic cuisine and decoration. We will try to take some photos so you can get a glimpse of a very popular meal which has become one of our beloved traditions centered around food. Did you have Breakfast in Bed, Brunch, Italian Night, Deli Day, Thanksgiving, Mexican Fiesta and Island Night when you went to camp? Betcha you did not, but camp food has changed through the years, and we have led that charge with healthy, variety and choices. We are proud that our campers and counselors appreciate the work and prep to make meals delicious and different over the summer. Stay cool, we will too.
Summer Heat Wave 2015

The Campfire Show 2015!

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted July 23, 2015

Camp Birchmont
And the Tony Award goes to…

Well, if we were on the voting committee we would of course nominate ourselves with an award in the category of Most Original Camper Variety Show of the summer season. The sheer joy of it!!

Last Saturday night the whole camp gathered in our Lodge where the stage was set with a starry night, birch log and blazing campfire backdrop (created with the help of fan and colored tissue paper). Our Emcees from the Super Senior group introduced a variety of talented acts, dressed in an insane number of eye-popping costume changes which just made everybody smile from the get go. Shout out to Mark E., Jack B., Alex P., and Courtney A. for keeping things moving along. The zaniness right from the start meant there was no denying this was a camp show by camp kids, for camp kids, and proved to be one of the most entertaining evenings of the summer. No intermission was necessary as the show was tight and terrific.

Renee M. performed an original Birchmont re-mix of pop song “Tic-Toc” that was completely clever and perfectly sung. Of course Renee was the winner of last year’s nationwide contest of Campers Got Talent, a novel and fun idea executed by the staffers of a popular camping industry photo outfit. So Renee kicked off the night with a true highlight of what was to come.

The 3 siblings Raquel, Dan and Isabella also gave a stand out performance with an incredible hip hop dance number that brought everyone to their feet. Our youngest girls delivered an adorable, well executed dance routine of “Time of Our Lives (At Camp)”, followed by a great piano and song performance by Genevieve F. with Billy Joel’s ” I’m Movin’ Out”.

There were some lovely solos sung by Jamie M., and Samantha B. and some dynamic duets delivered beautiful by Chloe S. and Jane A., and Antalya L. on piano and Marina S. who sang like a bird.

Kayla M. performed with Steve F. to the most interesting mix of “See You Again” which was one of the most original acts in the show.

We had a classical piano performance which was flawlessly played by Magnolia F., the song Arabesque was probably a familiar melody to many, but new for those who have not heard much classical music, respect was paid. Pioneer girls, Riley McK., and Rose K. gave us a well choreographed athletic dance number to “Rather Be”, and camper Davis L. showed us how it’s done in Florida with an incredible energetic hip hop solo which again brought campers to their feet cheering. Our super senior girls performed a moving rendition of “Ill Always Remember You” with so many pretty voices in tune, it was just “pitch perfect”.

Camp Birchmont

The guitar performance, (and there must be a guitar instrumental in any decent camp show) by Eli G. was a knock-out. Eli’s playing and singing of “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz became a joyous, spontaneous sing-along for the whole camp audience.

“I guess what I be saying is there ain’t no better reason
To rid yourself of vanities and just go with the season
It’s what we aim to do, our names are our virtue…
Open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn your free
Look into your heart and you’ll find that the sky is yours
So please don’t hesitate, no need to complicate,
Our time is short, this is our fate
I’m yours”

Perfectly fitting lyrics for our summer of fun!

We thank our music and arts and craft staff for the help with show direction and set /costume design Steve V., Cherry Y., Yasmine F., Lu G., and Francesca A.

Birchmont Pride

Written by Greg Howes - Posted July 22, 2015

Camp Birchmont 2015

This year’s ICC (Inter Camp Competition) schedule is off to a flying start and Birchmont has landed some noteworthy championships already in our 3rd week of camp.

Most impressive were the 15 and Under Boys Tennis who went to Winaukee and dominated play throughout the tournament to win the overall championship and bring home the big hardware to a rousing dining room ovation.  Not to be outdone, the Birchmont girls traveled to Camp Robindel for the largest regional swim meet of the summer and 34 Birchmont swimmers proved too much for all the other teams as the girls finished as the overall first place team champions and invaded Bly’s Ice Cream on the way home for a cool celebration just as the boys had done after winning the tennis tournament.

Other victories and championships include the 13 and Under girls clean sweep of Robin Hood in a soccer and softball friendly play date… the 11 and Under girls double victory over Forest Acres in tennis and soccer… the 15U and 13U boys home tennis invitational first place sweep and a number of third place finishes – not to mention a dominating Spirit Day performance (60 sporting events in one day) versus our friends at Camps Kenwood and Evergreen.

Camp Birchmont 2015

With many more ICCs to come (13U and 15U Girls Tennis Invitational at home July 21, 15U Boys Tristate Softball Tourney July 21, 13U Boys Flag Football Tournament July 22 to name a few) perhaps the most successful ICC so far this summer happened on July 10 at Camp Tecumseh when the 15U Boys participated in a first of its kind “World Cup” soccer tournament facing off against 7 other regional camps.  Sweeping all 5 matches and winning the championship was impressive… but getting a call from tournament director Mark Luff (director at Tecumseh) to compliment all of our boys and coaches on exhibiting “class, good sportsmanship and humility” was really an amazing call to receive – and one that perhaps best embodies the success this summer of all of our Birchmont ICCs.

The campers and counselors have been nothing but stellar this summer on the fields and courts both home and away – something we all take great pride in as a camp community.   As the legendary coach Bear Bryant once said:

“Show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself.”

So far this summer, that has proven to be very true for our Birchmont ICCs.  Way to go Birchmont!

Quiet Moments

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted July 18, 2015

Camp Birchmont 2015We thought we’d share the impression of a Group Leader, Sara of the Pioneer Girls. She found herself caught by surprise the other day by the simple profundity of an unguarded conversation between her girls. We probably could write a whole series of the times counselors are awe-struck by their campers, and vice versa, but you’d really have to be in the moment here to appreciate the way personalities unfold at camp.

We are proud that our staff are people who are ever present; they guide campers towards independence, kindness, resilience, respect and positive thinking. But in the life of a camper, many lessons are self-taught.

A Moment…

Written by: Sara Guttentag, Group Leader of the Pioneer Girls

As I was walking up Girls Trail from the waterfront, I overheard two of my campers discussing the topic of time travel. One of the girls posed the question, “If you could time travel, would you choose to travel backwards in time, to the past or forwards into the future?”

One of the girls decided she would want to travel back in time, and her explanation was very thoughtful. By going back in time, she could learn from past mistakes and make more friends. With the hindsight knowledge and understanding that traveling into the past would allow, she felt she could establish stronger friendships and get to know people better. Her argument against future time travel was that jumping ahead would prevent her from getting to know the true character of people that she’d meet. While people often judge others from first impressions and appearances, she wanted to make sure that she has the chance to really get to know the person on the inside. She felt the opportunity to take her experience and use it, would make for a better future.

The maturity and insight that these young campers showed in a simple private conversation really stood out to me. At the age of 9, they were taking the time to discuss friendships and the value of meeting others. Although this moment was insignificant to them, I saw this conversation as a true testament to the importance of small moments that really contribute to the camp experience.

Walking up the trail with no other distractions allowed for honest, thoughtful conversation; unbeknownst to them while they were talking about creating stronger friendships and the value of learning from experience, they too were becoming better friends in the process.

 

Well Rounded Athletes Can Yield Great Results In One Sport

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted July 13, 2015

Focus on one sport at too young an age can result in burn-out and decreased enjoyment. This article from USA Today caught our eye, because we couldn’t agree more…

While specialization in one sport is becoming a concerning trend in youth sports, the victory of the US Women’s soccer team can be seen as proof that such an approach is not the only route to success. Camp Birchmont seeks to develop a well-rounded camper with exposure to many sports particularly those with lifelong appeal.

We hope you enjoy the article…

Summer 2015U.S. women were multi-sport athletes before focusing on soccer
By Martin Rogers, USA Today Sports

VANCOUVER – Abby Wambach is the greatest header of a ball in women’s soccer history, a fact she credits to … basketball?

The United States forward is gearing up for the last and most important game of her World Cup career, the one she hopes will plug the only remaining gap on her glowing resumè.

Yet Wambach believes that the success of her time in soccer, the end of which feels that much closer as the team prepares to face Japan in Sunday’s final, would not have been possible without her exploits on the hardwood in her youth.

“Playing basketball had a significant impact on the way I play the game of soccer,” Wambach said. “I am a taller player in soccer, in basketball I was a power forward and I would go up and rebound the ball. So learning the timing of your jump, learning the trajectory of the ball coming off the rim, all those things play a massive role.”

While specialization is a booming and concerning trend in youth sports, with athletes as young as 10 years old focusing solely on one discipline as competition for college scholarships and professional careers reaches extreme levels, the U.S. women’s team can be seen as proof that such an approach is not the only route to success.

A quick survey of members of the squad found that collectively they played at least 14 different sports competitively while growing up, as well as soccer. And significantly, all believe the other disciplines enhanced rather than hindered their soccer careers.

Summer 2015

Wambach lettered in basketball at Our Lady of Mercy High School in Rochester, N.Y., and could have played at the collegiate level. Midfielder Morgan Brian played basketball all four years of high school and says it is “the same game as soccer, in terms of vision.” Forward Amy Rodriguez swam, played softball and ran track. Lauren Holiday also competed in track, played basketball and baseball and “would have played football if they had let me.”

“Having that variety is an awesome thing and I would encourage any young athlete or parent not to restrict themselves,” Holiday added. “Doing different things develops different parts of your body. It can help prevent injuries and definitely help prevent burnout.”

Back-up central defender Whitney Engen might have been the busiest childhood athlete on the U.S. roster, describing her youth as a “whirlwind of athletic activity”. Engen competed in gymnastics, tennis, baseball, softball, swimming, lifeguarding, volleyball and beach volleyball while growing up in the Los Angeles area and is not a subscriber to the Malcolm Gladwell theory of Outliers.

“It is really unfortunate seeing how things are going with some kids these days,” Engen said. “It is easy to fixate on those 10,000 hours but sport is such a subtle thing. You might not realize that what you’re doing in volleyball is improving your spatial awareness and communication, but in reality maybe it is.”

Gladwell’s book suggested that 10,000 hours of quality training in a specific discipline could, in most cases, turn anyone into an elite level athlete.

The trend of youngsters being pushed towards specialization shows no sign of slowing down. In February, Rivals.com published profiles of aspiring quarterbacks Daron Bryden and Tyson Thornton, describing Bryden as a pro-style QB and a “future Tom Brady.” Bryden was then 12 and weighed a touch over 100 pounds.

Natural fears of burnout were raised, but stoutly defended by his parents.

“I understand the argument of people being one sport athletes at a young age, but for me and my personality I would get burned out as a young kid playing just one sport,” said Wambach, who focused solely on soccer when she went to the University of Florida and quickly progressed into the national team ranks.

“Having the ability to play basketball for a bit throughout the year gave me the chance to crave soccer, to miss it.”

At age 35, that hunger is still there and maybe, just maybe, is about to finally be satisfied with the one prize she is missing.

Sunday, Option Sunday

Written by Laura Pierce - Posted July 8, 2015

Summer 2015

Started the morning with a Breakfast Ride! Every Sunday some Birchmont horseback riders wake up before the bugle call and take in that unique perspective to see the camp rise and shine, led by Martine Howes, Head of Riding.  It’s so nice for us to see our horses walking across the fields in the stillness of the early morning before breakfast.

On Option Sunday, we all enjoy late reveille, followed by a full camp assembly at Quiet Hour,  a long Summer 2015standing tradition where Greg gathers the camp to speak of the richness of camping life and the opportunities to try new things and set new goals. Big Cabin Inspection begins, and it’s actually more fun than it sounds…Big Inspection is a weekly Sunday ritual where each bunk is judged on general neatness and organization. The winners for the week in each group are awarded prizes and announced in the Dining Hall to much fanfare and applause. We don’t expect that every young camper will begin the summer with 193the living skills of making their bed, and folding their towels, but learning with friends makes for the best lessons. It never ceases to amaze me that the perennial traditions at camp can gain a new spin every year. This summer campers took to upping the ante with some adorable antics in girls camp; as wildflower arrangements were put out on cabin stoops and campers tried to impress supervisors with original cabin songs and even a violin serenade.  Boys camp made welcome signs for Greg Pierce and Scott Shallcross of twigs, rocks and pine cones, just outside their screen doors. All cabins passed with flying colors!

All afternoon, we enjoyed the waterfront, played tennis, munched on canteen, and begun auditions for our musical production,” Mathilda”.  Our youngest campers, the Pioneers have all gotten out tubing on the lake on an absolutely gorgeous NH day of sunshine and clear skies. Dinner was delicious, an outdoor Barbque with marinated steak tips, rice, homemade tabbouleh and portobello mushroom caps with feta crumbles and fresh parsley.

Summer 2015
And then off to our first DJ Social of the summer. As I write, that quintessential feel good song by Pharell Williams plays out over the fields,  and campers are shaking our Lodge like a room without a roof, because we’re HAPPY !  We are having a great Sunday, and hope you are too. Next week we begin our trip program, overnight camp outs, and gear up for Spirit Day at the end of the week. Looking at a great week ahead!!