Jonas Mikolayunas
Jonas Mikolayunas came into Birch Rock at a young age. His mother Debbie was the camp's nurse and step-father Doug was a Trip Leader in the 1980s. Jonas was a five year old camper in 1982 and stayed at camp almost every summer through to 1996. Hailing from the Baltimore area, Jonas was one of many Baltimorians to come to Birch Rock in the mid-80s.
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Life Before Birch Rock
A Baltimore boy, Jonas was recruited into Birch Rock as a package deal. Jonas' parents were hired to be employees at Birch Rock and brought all three of their children to camp as a barter deal. Jonas has two sisters, an older sister Emily and a younger sister Clare. They two became campers at the Rock and are in fact two of four women listed as campers on the plaques on the lodge walls. Jonas was a very active boy who loved being outside and getting down and dirty. Birch Rock was perfect for him. Little did Jonas realize he would be spending the rest of his childhood summers at the Rock.
Camper Years
Summers of 1982‒1990
Jonas had many great camper years and was seen all over campus at just about every activity. In his early camper years Jonas loved to fish and was often seen heading to the waterfront with his rod and reel in hand. He was also a true outdoorsmen and seemed to excel at campcraft and on trips. In 1987, Jonas was in a memorable lower camp skit performed by Cabin 1. Jonas played Indiana Jonas with whip and hat and also led the charge in writing the skit. Jonas was always a leader in the cabin and was an iconic camper in the '80s.
Staff Years
Summers of 1992-1996
Jonas taught at many different activities in his time at camp but was seen most often at Lacrosse, Soccer, Sailing or Biking. He is best remembered for creating the Mountain Biking activity in the mid-90s. In fact, Jonas has continued to support Mountain Biking after leaving Birch Rock by donating supplies and checking in from time to time.
Perhaps Jonas' most memorable quote at camp was said during his staff years. He said, "Love is love. Each to his own. Love is Love." Genius!
| Year | Cabin | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Swordfish | Camper | with his parents and sisters |
| 1983 | Lions Den | Camper | with Counselor Cort Morgan |
| 1984 | Camper | with Counselor | |
| 1985 | Camper | with Counselor | |
| 1986 | Camper | with Counselor | |
| 1987 | Cabin 1 | Camper | with Counselor Mike Mattson |
| 1988 | Camper | with Counselor | |
| 1989 | Camper | with Counselor | |
| 1990 | Petes Palace | Senior Camper | with Counselor Mike Mattson |
| 1991 | "skipped" | ||
| 1992 | Junior Counselor | ||
| 1993 | Counselor | ||
| 1994 | Counselor | ||
| 1995 | Counselor | ||
| 1996 | Buzzard's Roost | Counselor | Started Up Mountain Biking |
