Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike Mattson
Camp Director
Mike has been a member of the Birch Rock community since he was 12 in 1983. Once on staff, Mike taught many seasons on the field before moving to the waterfront and teaching swimming for many more. He moved up the ranks to Waterfront Director, Head Counselor, and Program Director, and joined Rich Deering as Associate Director for 6 years, where together they organized and reinvigorated the camp. He became Camp Director in 2002 and has dedicated the last two decades to the growth and development of the camp and its programs. Mike attended Towson State University in Maryland but feels his primary education in camping comes from a lifetime of leadership in a place he loves and calls home.
Mike lives in Windham, Maine with his wife Becca, and his sons Simon and Reid! He is a long-time member of the American Camping Association and his dogs, Oliver and Linus, are camp staples.
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich Deering
Alumni & Community Director
Rich started attending Birch Rock at the age of 9. His mother was sure that he would come running home; instead, he signed up for more, and was a camper for 6 summers before matriculating into the staff ranks. He worked his way up from teaching Swimming to Waterfront Director to Head Counselor, and then, after a few summers off, he returned as the Assistant Director for Brad Smith before taking over as the camp’s Director in 1995. He held this position until 2001, during which time he used his business acumen to reorganize BRC’s structure, and, thanks to him, the camp has never been stronger. A Maine native, he is a graduate of Colby College and the University of Southern Maine, where he earned a Masters in Adult Education and Counseling.
In his current role Rich is responsible for marketing, alumni development, and external affairs, and helps facilitate the Birch Rock community. A long-time member of the American Camping Association and past President of Maine Youth Camping, he is currently a realtor with the Buckspan Deering Group at ReMax Shoreline in Portland.
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director
Erik Joelsson
Assistant Director
Celebrating 25 seasons at Birch Rock, Erik has it all: a love for our traditions and values, a keen sense of fun, and a quiet charisma that gets kids psyched! After several years of teaching sailing Erik became the Waterfront Director in 2007, thus earning the radio handle “Captain Nemo,” as he is affectionately called. A native of Sweden, Erik grew up in Philadelphia and attended Penn State. In 2013, Erik transitioned onto land to become our full-time Program Director for 7 summers, orchestrating staff and camper programs and specialty events of the day – while continuing to lead our American Red Cross Lifeguard program and First Aid Certification. This summer Erik will take on the challenge of heading up the BRC Trip Program and MWA trip. An active member of the American Camp Association, Erik is a Standards Visitor for Accreditation of other camps. He champions Birch Rock’s Outing Club (visit the Club page on our website!). When not skiing or conquering crossword puzzles, Erik serves as part of the camp management team during the off-season.
Brian Farley
Program Director
Brian Farley
Program Director
A native Mainer, Brian grew up in York, earned a Sociology degree at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, and finished his Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Southern Maine in 2015. An outdoor enthusiast, he spent many summers at his family’s camp on Long Lake, and is big into hiking with his dog, Rozzie. After five years of leading trips and MWA, and two years as CIT Director, Brian is now the Program Director. He is responsible for managing our staff, overseeing the program, scheduling, and activity development.
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nick “Musc” Musciano
Head Counselor
Nicholas “The Italian Stallion” Musciano, aka Musc, originally hails from Falmouth, Maine. Nick received his Master’s in Teaching from the University of South Carolina in 2016 and currently lives in Columbia, SC where he teaches 4th grade math and science. He has been a diehard Birch Rocker since he arrived at camp at 9 years old in 1998, and loved basketball, tennis, and campcraft. Musc has truly done it all at camp; he spent many summers on the hill as the Field Director, teaching basketball and baseball, he has been an enthusiastic instructor down at Nature, and Nick has even been a trip leader on our 3-week Maine Wilderness Adventure program. Nick has been Head Counselor since 2018 and is very excited for our 97th summer!
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Peter Brewster
Leadership Program Director
Pete was born and raised in New Hampshire and graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 – majoring in studio art and applied design. He spent this past winter working at Big Sky Ski Resort in Montana. When he’s not at camp Pete enjoys fishing, golfing, skiing, painting and playing basketball. He first came to camp in 2009 and has looked forward to every summer at camp ever since. As a camper he could often be found at activities such as basketball, baseball, tennis and art. He is super pumped to return for his 14th summer at Birch Rock and work with the Leadership campers as well as teach art!
Devin Mauriello
Office Manager
Devin Mauriello
Office Manager
We are so happy to have Devin join us for her first summer on staff. The task of managing our camp office is extremely important, and we are confident Devin will do a wonderful job for us.
Devin just graduated from Moravian University with a degree in Management: Organizational Leadership and a minor in English. Devin’s looking forward to learning new skills, honing old ones, and just get a chance to spend a full summer in Maine.
Shirley “Turtle” Ala
Health Director
Shirley “Turtle” Ala
Health Director
Turtle grew up in the northern most part of the upper peninsula of Michigan, where the nearest traffic light was 100 miles away. Lake Superior was right outside her front door.
She became a board-certified RN at 20 years old, graduating from Michigan Technological University. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Utah in Anthropology, focusing on cultural medicine, human adaptability and extreme climates. After receiving her bachelors degree, Turtle took a year off and traveled in south east Asia exploring as many off-the beaten-path excursions as possible!
She received her Physician Assistant masters degree at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. In between all her studying, Turtle was a trauma nurse for 15 years, and has been a PA for over 20 years. Turtle has spent many months traveling with a backpack through North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. She has been a medical volunteer working in Uganda and climbed Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser for the cerebral palsy foundation.
“I love the whole wide world!”
Sara Lavertu
Librarian / Tutor
Sara Lavertu
Librarian / Tutor
Sara Lavertu is currently a 4th grade teacher at Oxford Elementary school here in the Oxford Hills. She also has past classroom experience at 2nd and fifth grade during her 17 year career. Sara holds an undergraduate degree in Finance/Economics and prior to becoming a teacher, she worked in banking for four years in the Bethel area. In addition, Sara earned her Master’s in Education in 2008. Sara lives with her husband, John, at their home in Norway and is looking forward to another great summer at Birch Rock.
Emily Woodworth
Librarian / Tutor
Emily Woodworth
Librarian / Tutor
More information coming soon!
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon Allberry
Head Cook
Jon hails from Sarasota, FL where he has been cooking and baking for years. With family in Poland, ME, Jon decided to come to Birch Rock 12 summers ago and help us out by cooking many of our dinner meals. After two summers in the kitchen, he is now the Head Cook, and the community is looking forward to whipping up some new food and old favorites this summer.
Sam Rotman
Waterfront Director
Sam Rotman
Waterfront Director
Sam Rotman started going to Birch Rock as a 10-year-old in Bee’s Hive in 2010. Sam lives in Westborough, Massachusetts and currently attends Saint Joseph’s College of Standish, Maine. Sam taught Windsurfing and Sailing last summer and can’t wait to get back on the water. Outside of camp Sam enjoys playing soccer and basketball and likes to hang out with his friends. Sam looks forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director
Jeffrey Naipier-Kane
Wilderness Director
Jeff started at camp at the age of 7 in Hilton B in 2010. Growing up he enjoyed trips and nature and eventually earned his advanced nature. He teaches bushcraft and has the most fun at camp playing games up on the field and doing fun things with his cabin. If he were an animal he would be a small monkey because it would be really fun to jump through trees. His favorite dessert is chocolate milk. He is currently aspiring to make music and get into screenplay writing/directing. He loves sudokus, snowboarding and the occasional video game with friends. The thing he is most excited for is another great summer away from everything in the world and living his best life at camp.
Jack Flynn
Trip Leader
Jack Flynn
Trip Leader
Jack’s first summer at camp was 2012. He was a camper, CIT, and as worked on staff. This summer will be his 10th summer, and he is looking forward to joining our Decade Club. Jack currently attends college at Colgate University where he is a political science major. He was a trip leader at the college last year and looks forward to taking our campers on grand adventures. Jack loves working in a team where they are trying to achieve a common goal and cannot wait to get out there hiking the trails in the woods of Maine.
Jack loves to teach campers down on the waterfront, but plans to focus his energy on the Trip Program this summer.
David Colasin
MWA Leader
David Colasin
MWA Leader
David Colasin started at Birch Rock in 2014 when he was 12 years old. David lives in San Diego, California and attends San Diego State University studying Environmental Science. When he’s not busy with schoolwork, David works at a small restaurant close to his home. In his free time, David enjoys being outside especially when surfing, skating, or hiking. David also enjoys playing guitar and he can’t wait to bring it to camp again.
Rob Neff
Senior Counselor & Sensei
Rob Neff
Senior Counselor & Sensei
Rob is a Phys Ed teacher from Brooklyn, NY with a degree from Pitt in Film & Communication. He also has his Masters of Education & PE from the Brooklyn College. Rob and his son Ethan attended a different summer camp last year. They were looking for something with a little more wilderness education and Rob found Birch Rock! With his years of experience as a school teacher, combined with his 25 years in martial arts, Rob will be an excellent mentor to our younger staff and the campers.
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow
Senior Counselor & Nature Specialist
Bob Dow aka “Dancing Owl” is our long time nature instructor and is thrilled to be back for his 11th summer! Bob lives in Waterford, and is a retired teacher and middle school coach. He has a degree in Environmental Studies and public school K-12 teaching credentials.
He loves teaching nature, music, and seeing young campers discover new things about their natural surroundings. He’s certified in CPR and First Aid.
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice Walker
Maintenance
Janice is Birch Rock’s matriarch and Queen Mother, and what she says goes around here! Her green thumb and Walker riding mower keep camp trimmed and beautiful all summer long. If you want something done correctly, you go to Janice.
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie MacDonald
Maintenance
Charlie is a true Maine-uh and is the mechanical genius around these parts. He is the hardest working gent on campus and cannot be stopped. He loves to keep us laughing and is usually busy at work before anyone on camp wakes up.
Leo Juarez
Counselor
Leo Juarez
Counselor
Leo is coming to Birch Rock from Mexico and has been working at summer camps in the States for the past 8 summers. He will be graduating with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the end of the year.
Leo will be teaching swimming this summer and is thrilled to be a part of the community.
Diego Sancho
Counselor
Diego Sancho
Counselor
Diego will be joining us from Spain where he is currently a student at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid.
He is planning to teach tennis, soccer, and whatever other holes he can fill for the team. Diego is excited to see camp for the first time and experiencing the new culture around him.
He plans to read Dune this summer and hopes to get served first at dinner time.
Javier Serralde
Counselor
Javier Serralde
Counselor
Javier will be joining us from Mexico where he is a student at the University Intercontinental. His major is Business Management & Marketing.
His favorite sport is soccer but he also loves to swim and play volleyball & basketball. This will be Javier’s first time in the United States.
Niels de Meulmeester
Counselor
Niels de Meulmeester
Counselor
Niels will be joining us from the Netherlands this summer, where he is currently studying Mechanical Engineering.
Niels will be spending most of his time up on McWain Hill teaching team sports like Soccer, Baseball and Volleyball. He is most looking forward to spending time on the Soccer field.
Daniel Rowe
Counselor
Daniel Rowe
Counselor
Every good staff needs a bass guitarist from Jamaica. Daniel currently studies at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. He is a Music Performance major. Daniel will be helping out at Music, Volleyball & Soccer.
Daniel is looking forward to his travel adventure to the US and to share music with the campers at Birch Rock.
Kenny Duran
Counselor
Kenny Duran
Counselor
Kenny’s been a member of the Birch Rock community since he came in as a camper in 2017. He’s currently enrolled at Stoneybrook University and cannot wait to return to the waters of Lake McWain. Kenny will be primarily be helping out at Boating, Sailing & Nature.
Kenny is looking forward to Campfire skits and just joking around.
Lleyton Powell
Counselor
Lleyton Powell
Counselor
Lleyton Powell started at Birch Rock in 2017 when he was 13 years old. Lleyton is currently finishing up his first year at Temple University and is looking to transfer into Music Production.
During his free time, he loves listening to and writing music with his friends. Lleyton plays bass and helps write lyrics in his band Go Machine. When at camp, Lleyton enjoys activities such as lacrosse, music, and swimming. He is so excited to return for his third year on staff this summer.
Zak Moore
Counselor
Zak Moore
Counselor
Zak Moore will be coming across the Atlantic from Northern Ireland where he currently attends college at Ulster University where he is majoring in Renewable Energy Engineering. He decided to come to the US to get the American camping experience. Zak will primarily be helping us out in the Woodshop but we will likely also see him on the hill at Soccer or Volleyball.
Jed Kenerson
Counselor
Jed Kenerson
Counselor
This will be Jed’s 8th summer at Birch Rock and his first summer in the staff ranks. Jed is currently studying Physics and Music at Northeastern University. Jed believes in a staff that forms a tight knit team that you can trust and rely on. After a summer off, he’s happy to be back with his friends on the hillside.
Jed will be helping us at Sailing, Swimming and Archery.
Jonah Keates
Counselor
Jonah Keates
Counselor
Jonah Keates first attended Birch Rock in 2013 when he was 9. He is from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and just finished his first year at Colby College as a geology major. Jonah is excited to spend his second year on staff down on the waterfront. He is Water Safety Instructor certified and will be managing the swim instruction with Sam Rotman down on the Waterfront.
Jonah is looking forward to cabin dance parties, and just wants his campers to have a great time.
Callum Morgan
Counselor
Callum Morgan
Counselor
Callum is happy to be joining us from the Ireland. He is currently majoring in Creative Media from Southern Regional College.
Callum is focusing his studies on art. His likes to paint with water colors and spends much of his time drawing. He plans to be an animator and loves 3D art.
Theo Tringale
Counselor
Theo Tringale
Counselor
Theo hails from Medford, Massachusetts. This summer will be his 11th at BRC. In his free time he likes to think about camp. He is excited for music, drama, and evening activity.
Theo currently attends Tufts University, studying Music & Philosophy. He plans to take a break from school and “bring the crazy” to Birch Rock. He says Musc is most likely going to find a copy of the limited edition “Lean Green and Mean Encyclopedia for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Extended Universe” on his pillow every Sunday for inspection.
Josh Rubin
Counselor
Josh Rubin
Counselor
Josh has been a member of the Birch Rock community since 2013, in fact last summer, as a C.I.T., he joined our Decade Club. Now, he is moving into the staff ranks. With his many years of camp experience, Josh is absolutely ready to pass to the next generation of Birch Rockers all that he has learned over the years. I am sure Josh will be writing a few of our blogs this summer as well. We are thrilled to have him back!
Josh is from York, ME and will be attending Colby College in the Fall.
John Flannery
Counselor
John Flannery
Counselor
John will be joining us from Holmdel, NJ and is returning for his 8th summer on McWain Hill. John had an excellent CIT year last summer and showed tremendous skills in working with kids in the 11-12 year old age group. We expect to see John living “along the wall” this summer working with that same age.
John is a Jack of all Trades and will be seen all over the hillside and out on the water. He is an excellent drummer and will surely put in some time at Music, where he will lead the “Boathouse Boys” for 2023. John’s favorite part of the camp day is reading the “Today in History” on the bulletin board every morning.
John plans to attend Providence College in the Fall as a History major, and maybe Political Science as well.
Isaac Fenster
Counselor
Isaac Fenster
Counselor
Isaac has been a member of the Birch Rock community since he arrived as a young camper in 2016. Isaac comes to us from Arlington, VA and is looking forward to “being able to spend another summer at my favorite place on Earth.” Isaac will helping us at Campcraft, Bushcraft and Woodshop.
He plans to attend Washington University in St Louis in the Fall, where he plans to major in some form on Engineering
Aidan Singer
Counselor
Aidan Singer
Counselor
Aidan is joining us from Arlington, VA, and has been attending camp since 2016. Aidan has many fond memories from camp. He says he is looking forward to creating great memories with his cabin mates in 2023. Aidan has skills all over the hillside but we will mostly see him on the waterfront at Swimming, Boating & Canoeing.
Aidan is currently attending Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He plans to major in Economics in college.
Braedon Pincher
Counselor
Braedon Pincher
Counselor
Braedon has been at Birch Rock since 2017, and he joins us from North Andover, MA. Braedon is one of those guys who does it all. This summer he will be helping us in the kitchen, working on grounds and maintenance, and teaching Swimming. Braedon is looking forward to teaching campers in the cabin and down on the waterfront.
Braedon is planning to major in Natural Resources Management at Colorado State University in the Fall.
Lacey Oliver
Kitchen
Lacey Oliver
Kitchen
Lacey’s first season as part of the Birch Rock kitchen staff was in 2018. She was born and raised in South Paris, where she still lives today. She works year-round at the New Balance Factory in Norway making sneakers. She enjoys living in Maine, and getting to experience all four seasons, but her favorite is by far summer because she gets to spend time at Birch Rock! She is looking forward to another unforgettable summer at camp.
Alicia Plummer
Kitchen
Alicia Plummer
Kitchen
Alicia has been working at camp for the last couple of summers. She is hardworking, sweet, and friendly. Alicia is often seen working with Lacey, as both girls take on a lot of the baking and cleaning duties on campus.
Theresa Heath
Kitchen
Theresa Heath
Kitchen
Theresa will be joining us for her first summer at camp. She is excited for the new job and to meet new people. Theresa is a Preschool Teacher with a broad background. She really looking forward to bringing sunshine to camp in the morning and just starting everyone’s day off right.
She says if Musc checks her pillow on Sunday morning, he’ll find a Cookbook. 🙂
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve Hunt
Kitchen
Steve has been working at Birch Rock for the last few summers. He has been a dedicated camp cook at a few camps over the years and has a great appreciation for the importance of a good meal.
He is an avid “Open Mic Night” guy and loves a good gathering.
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie Hunt
Kitchen
Eddie, Steve’s brother, has a long time background in cooking and looks forward to cooking for our campers.
Eddie too loves to play music and have a good time.
Josh Cervantes
Kitchen
Josh Cervantes
Kitchen
Josh Cervantes is currently studying Criminology at St. Bonaventure University. Josh is returning for his fifth year at camp. He will be looking forward to making new memories with new people.
Javier Campos
Kitchen
Javier Campos
Kitchen
Javier Campos-Fuentes first attended Birch Rock Camp when he was 13, in 2018. He is from the Bronx, New York and is currently studying Informatics at the University of Albany. Javi is excited to be working in the kitchen and to reconnect with his old friends.
Joe Bison
Kitchen
Joe Bison
Kitchen
Joe is from Hanover, Massachusetts and came to camp for the first time when he was 11 years old. During the offseason, Joe enjoys skiing and playing guitar. His favorite camp activities are campcraft and swimming. Joe’s favorite camp memories are MWA and swimming his whale. He is very excited to be back at camp on staff.
Sam Cluggish
Kitchen
Sam Cluggish
Kitchen
This is Sam’s eighth summer at Birch Rock. He is from Medford, MA. He is currently studying at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where he is studying Political Science and Economics. Sam is excited to return to work in the kitchen for a third year and help out around camp as needed. His favorite activities are swimming and archery.
