John Mason

John Mason 1985

John Mason was a member of the camp community from 1979-1988. His primary focuses were on the soccer field and tennis court, although his final year was in a Trip Leader role.

Life Before Birch Rock

John found Birch Rock through a family connection. His cousin Seth Wheeler had visited the Rock and shortly after that both were on board. Seth's sister Sarah was a camper down the road at Bendito.

Camper Years

Summers of 1979-1981

John and his brother, Bill, arrived at camp to bring a taste of Connecticut class to the Maine woods. Bill brought the class.

Counselor-in-Training Year: 1982

John's CIT group was the first group to live in the new Pete's Palace built going into the 1982 season.

Staff Years

Summers of 1983, 1985-1988

John transformed the Birch Rock tennis program. The mid-80s produced a number of young tennis prodigies, and John was instrumental in taking Tennis to the next level. It often unnerved John's opponent to attempt to return a blistering forehand while his left hand was under his shirt tweaking his nipple.

As a counselor, John was force in energizing Lower Camp. Campers in Lower Camp did not awaken to the bell. They awoke to John's loud bellowing.

In 1988, John moved on to lead the trip program. Carrying on a great tradition of trip leaders, John brought a passion to camp's trips that was felt by each Birch Rock camper. While John showed the boys the beauty of the Maine woods, he also showed the importance of letting your energy and attitude show on each and every trip.

John's Summers at the Rock

John's cabin 1981

John and Seth Wheeler as Zambini Brothers 1983

Year	Cabin	Role	Note
1979	Eagles Nest	Camper	with Counselor Ben Brewster
1980	Cabin 8	Camper	with Counselor Dick Snyder
1981	Cabin 8	Camper	with Counselor Mike Rentoumis
1982	Petes Palace	CIT
1983	Cabin 2	Counselor	Tennis & Soccer
1984	"skipped"
1985	Cabin 6	Counselor	Tennis & Soccer
1986	Pete's Palace	Counselor	Sailing
1987	Cabin 8	Counselor	Tennis & Soccer
1988	Cabin 8	Trip Leader	Trips