Erik Joelsson
Contents
Life Before Birch Rock
Being Swedish born, Erik had no concept of summer camp until he met the Weaz aka Mark Sutherland in fifth grade in Wayne, Pennsylvania. After several years of convincing, the Weaz finally got Erik to come to Birch Rock in 1999.
Camper Year
Summer of 1999
Erik arrived at camp the day before opening day in 1999. Upon rolling out of Mike Mattson's pick up on top of the hill and schooling Dave Jenkins in soccer, Erik was forever endeared to Birch Rock and vice versa. He spent the rest of his only camper year soaking up as much of Birch Rock as possible.
Counselor-in-Training Year: 2000
Erik entered his second year at Birch Rock as a CIT under the fruitful tutelage of Dave Jenkins as CIT Director with fellow CIT's Nate Wetzel and Pete Callanan. He focused mainly on soccer on the field and sailing on the waterfront. He gained cabin experience in two cabins that summer, Cabin 6 in the first half and Eagles Nest during the second half of the summer.
Staff Years
Summers of 2001-2010
Entering the most recent decade Erik moved into the staff ranks and began with splitting his time between the field and the waterfront teaching soccer and sailing. After several years on staff he moved exclusively to the waterfront to focus on the boating area and managing the new boathouse. In 2007 he took over the Waterfront Director position from Carl "The Captain" Finnson. He can still be seen cruising the waters of Lake McWain in the Boston Whaler keeping all the campers safe on the waterfront.
Summers of 1993‒1994
In 1993, Josh moved into the Swordfish and became the camp's Head Counselor. He was one of the younger counselors on campus and commanded a highly experienced group. Josh worked closely with then Camp Director Brad Smith and his Program Director Mike Mattson in organizing more events off campus and purchasing new equipment for both the field and the waterfront.
The summer of 1994 marked the first official BRC pep-rally the night before an inter-camp soccer game. The stump that sat in the middle of the old grove was layered with logs and set ablaze. The senior staff, in face paint and tribal-like clothing did a dance and began chanting around the fire shortly after lights out. Drums (pots and pans) were banged and the campers were called to the grove. The soccer team was brought forward and blessed by Josh and Mike Mattson and shamans of weather and victory. The team captains were brought forward and praised for their leadership.
Erik's Summers at the Rock
| Year | Cabin | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Pete's Palace | Camper | with Counselor Brandon Murray |
| 2000 | Cabin 6/ Eagle's Nest | CIT | |
| 1989 | Pete's Palace | Senior Campers | with counselor Joe Curry |
| 1990 | Hilton A | CIT | Sailing, Canoeing & Swimming |
| 1991 | Hilton A | Junior Counselor | Sailing & Swimming |
| 1992 | Hilton A | Counselor | Swimming |
| 1993 | Swordfish | Head Counselor | Program |
| 1994 | Cabin 8 | Head Counselor | Program |
