The Art of Touch Football with Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill

Everyone knows that the best part of Thanksgiving isn't the turkey or watching the Lions lose; it's the family touch football game at halftime. This is the time to lace up the sneakers, put on the warpaint and tackle granny. Okay, just kidding on the last part, but touch football is as much Thanksgiving as the pilgrims, so here are a few tips from Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill to get your game started. Football is just one of the many activities that are offered at Camp Birch Hill. Because the campers are able to pick their own activities, some may take what they learn on the family backyard and apply it to the camp field and then who knows.....okay maybe not, but these tips can make for a fun game.

1. Remember that the game is two hand touch. You don't want any trips to the emergency room on Thanksgiving Day. At the very least, even if its not serious, the person preparing the meal will not be happy if nobody is there to eat it. 
2. Teams should be picked fairly. Alternate between girls and boys and keep ages similar for subsequent picks to ensure that it's not the New England vs. the Temple Owls. 
3. Touchdown dances are expected and welcomed. This is not the NFL; Goodell won't fine you, although if you do it to your dad, he may make you wash the dishes.
4. Have fun. Thanksgiving is all about togetherness. Many of us don't see our families too often, so this is the time to reconnect and enjoy time well spent with one another.

Happy Holidays!

Fun Thanksgiving Movies with Rich Morell

Now that we're a few days away from the tastiest holiday of the year, Rich Morell would just like to go over some of his favorite Thanksgiving movies.Although there aren't as many Thanksgiving movies out there as Christmas, Thanksgiving brings some heart with it as well. It is a time to come together with friends and family and go over the many great things in your life that you're thankful for.

For Rich, it's all about friends, family and Camp Birch Hill. Camp Birch Hill is over 20 years old now and many fantastic memories have been made here. Life-long relationships have been made here as well. In fact, you may have some camp friends at your table this holiday season. We are only six months from another summer, so another fantastic summer is sure to be had.

In the meantime, here are some great Thanksgiving movies.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles: If you have younger children around, you may want to watch this on television. Those who have seen the movie before know which scene we're talking about here. Steve Martin and John Candy play an odd couple who are trying to navigate the different modes of transportation to get home in time for Thanksgiving. This movie is hilarious as well as emotionally-packed. You can't go wrong with this one.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: So what do you do when you have a last minute call to entertain all of your friends for a big Thanksgiving feast? You panic because you're Charlie Brown. You can find this playing during Thanksgiving week, and if you're frustrated about your own Thanksgiving holiday, this can help mellow you out and see what's really important about the holiday.

Miracle on 34th Street: It's a Christmas movie, but it starts with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, so this is a good transition movie to the Christmas season.

Have a happy and safe holiday everyone!

How Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill Resolves Disputes

There is nothing worse than when two campers get into a squabble. Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill aims to create a pleasant atmosphere at all times, but disputes could happen. It might be over a game or what their favorite food is at the Camp Birch Hill. Whatever the reason, the best thing to do handle is right it away. Here is what Rich Morell believes is the best way to handle a dispute among campers.

• Teach them the rules: Campers can't know what they are doing wrong if they don't know what is wrong. Having counselors reiterate the rules to campers so they have an understanding of them is crucial. If there is a dispute, the counselor can go over the rules with them to show them where they went wrong.
• Forbid lying: We were all kids once. We all lied to avoid some sort of conflict. Teaching campers that truth is linked to good character should build the foundation needed to have civil discourse.
• Enforce rules: If a camper lies or breaks a rule, he must be punished in a fair way, so he never does it again.
• Build a positive atmosphere: Maintaining a positive atmosphere is an important part of the dynamic at Camp Birch Hill. There's a reason why campers come every year. Friends are made and some friendships last a lifetime. Along the way, disagreements may occur, but when they do, they handled civilly and with respect to one another.  

Three Tips to Remember On Your First Day at Camp Birch Hill by Rich Morell

Rich Morell knows a few things about summer camp. He has been the owner and operator of Camp Birch Hill for over 20 years, so he's seen campers from far and wide. He can spot a first timer the moment they make it to the New Hampshire camp's grounds. They are often a little scared, not sure where to go and don't make much eye contact. This is a common occurrence as it's a new and different experience, but Rich wants you to know a few things in order to make the transition much easier.

Open Up: If you're not outgoing, you're not going to get anywhere. While there are certainly activities and events to encourage meeting new people, it's up to the camper to smile and introduce him or herself to other campers. Be kind, tell others your name and stay active.

Prepare: Throughout this blog and other applications, we have given you a checklist of things to bring with you, so you're not stuck later on. The last thing you'd want is to run out of socks or something. Also, be sure to view our brochure and learn about the many activities and programs we offer so you can have an idea of what you want to do when you get here.

Stay Positive: The first day is new and can be overwhelming. You're around many new people and unfamiliar surroundings. However, that quickly changes. Your counselors and campers will help you have the best time available.Stay upbeat and you're bound to have the time of your life.

Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill Remembers 20 Years

Twenty years ago, Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill opened the summer with his first group of campers. Twenty years seems so long ago. There was a presidential election between the first George Bush and a charismatic saxophone playing, relative unknown Bill Clinton. The Dream Team was dominating the Olympics, with the greatest players in the world, including Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird and, of course, Michael Jordan. Roseanne was the highest rated television show, and millions would crowd theaters to see Robin Williams play an animated genie.  My, have things changed!

                                                       

Luckily, some things don't change and that includes the wonders of summer camp. Summer camp provides the opportunity for campers to take a break from the pressures of school and home life and simply be kids. They learn to live away from home and how to make new friends in a different setting. They discover the beauty of nature and the inspiration the clear night skies can provide. Summer camp is a time like, no other and the memories here will certainly last a lifetime.

Camp Birch Hill is a camp like no other because it is one that allows its campers to take ownership of their camping experience. They get to pick the programs that they want, so they'll have a time like no other. There are so many programs to choose from that every camper is bound to find activities that they like and will flourish in. This program is something that began twenty years ago and is sure to be around for twenty years more. Thank you campers for your continued support!

Here's Rich Morell to Tell You a Little Bit about The Camp Birch Hill Store

Hi Campers and Future Campers!

Rich Morell here to tell you a little bit about the Camp Birch Hill store. Although summer may be over for another year, it's never too early to invest in your gear for the next year. You could go to your local big box or sporting goods store, but you'll pay through the roof for their goods and apparel. This is not necessary. The Camp Birch Hill store has many of the same items you'll need at reduced prices. So what exactly can you find at the store?

Of the many items you can find at the store, several include t-shirts, blankets, backpacks, caps, water bottles and more. All of our merchandise is decorated with the Camp Birch Hill logo, so you won't find these items anywhere else. All of our items are at prices you can afford, so you don't have to break the bank to look good and be ready for camp. Once you select your items, checkout is easy and you should see your items at your door in a few days thereafter.

So throughout the next several months, as you wait for camp, you can bring a little bit of Camp Birch Hill to your very home. We are constantly updating our selection of merchandise, so please be sure to check often. Thank you for your continued support and see you next year!

What Would Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill Say Is the Most Important Part of Camp?

When Rich Morell of Camp Birch Hill thinks about the benefits of summer camp, one word comes to mind: friendship. While the go-carts, kayaks, and other activities are fun, the most important part of any camper's adventures at Camp Birch Hill will be the friends he makes. Too often, children are shy and spend most of their time at home playing video games and watching television. Summer camp removes these barriers to social engagement and allows campers to make friends for life. 

The numbers speak for themselves. The American Camp Association took a poll and discovered that 96% of campers said that camp helped them make new friends. This gave them a greater sense of self and helped propel them out of their shells. Nearly 70% of the parents polled said that their children still remain in contact with the people they met in camp. These numbers speak to the structure of summer camp.

Our campers eat together, play together, and learn together. Our counselors and campers become one community who can look to one another for guidance, help, or just someone to take up the last spot in a game of kickball. During your time at camp, you will meet people who you wouldn't have otherwise and get to know them better. By the end of camp, you will have many new friends, some even for life. Rich Morell loves many things about Camp Birch Hill, but the friendships that are fostered here exceed everything else.