September 22, 2014 at 2:53 p.m.
Camp Fire USA Oneida Council celebrates 100 years of outdoor fun in the Northwoods
Camp Fire USA Oneida Council celebrates 100 years of outdoor fun in the Northwoods
Friendly faces lined the perimeter and there wasn't a hungry soul in sight.
Music floated through the trees like soft breeze, but the most welcoming and somehow natural soundtrack was that of conversation and laughter, especially from the group of children who treated the grounds like their personal playground.
Camp Birchrock, located on County Highway K just outside of Rhinelander, is home to the kind of flora and fauna that makes the Northwoods such a special place, and its governing body, Campfire USA Oneida Council, used the day to celebrate 100 years of exposing area youth and beyond to the wonders of the wilderness.
Oneida Council President Steve Sauer said it's more than a worthy cause.
"Camp Fire in its current existence, which is Camp Birchrock, focuses on the fact that nature is good," he said. "You don't have to have television and you don't have the modern distractions holding you back. We have kids who come out here and enjoy themselves. They have a good time, spend a whole week here, and they won't even realize they don't have their iPhone in their hands. That's the amazing thing and that's a true victory for us."
That spirit was alive and well during Saturday's anniversary party. Nancy Carrillo, vice president of the Oneida Council, said it was a great opportunity to show people exactly what they have to offer.
"We wanted it to be known that Camp Fire has been around since 1914 and it's an opportunity to show off Camp Birchrock with (alumni) of the camp as well as neighbors who have never had the opportunity to see this place," she said. "It's also just a great opportunity to enjoy a fall day."
For Carrillo, the presence of the camp holds a greater meaning. She's happy to dedicate her time to the cause, because she credits some of her very greatest memories to her time there.
"I enjoyed many seasons as a camper here. I probably stayed in every cabin there is at least once," she said. "I have many fond memories of the waterfront, canoe trips, the fire pit just down the hill from the lodge. I still have friends that I went to camp with, one of them even won a door prize today, and we've been talking up today for months. It means a lot to me. It's a sign of continuity and hope for the future. It's so great to see so many kids out here who are going to be the ones who are caring for this place and in some cases, already are."
Sauer said the event exceeded expectations and received some serious help from Mother Nature.
"It didn't rain today, which is a big plus because we were talking thunderstorms all week. I think we've had about 150 people through the door which is spectacular. We were shooting for 100, so we're calling it a victory. We've got Scott Kirby playing (music). We're serving all kinds of food and we have lots of activities for the kids. We have a scavenger hunt and we have some arts and crafts going. It's all in celebration of our 100th anniversary of Camp Fire USA Oneida Council."
The party was a fitting tribute to the camp and the thousands of children who have spent countless summer days on the grounds. If people like Sauer and Carrillo have anything to say about it, countless more kids will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the wonders of the wilderness at Camp Birchrock.
Andy Hildebrand may be reached at [email protected].
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