Camp Fire Oneida-Camp Birchrock held its second annual Share Night at Backwaters Bar & Grill Sept. 7. Backwaters donated a portion of all food and drink sales that day to Camp Fire to support the new after school program. Pictured at right is Traia Holt with Backwaters presenting a check to Julie Breivogel, program director for Camp Fire Oneida-Camp Birchrock. Submitted photo

By Eileen Persike | Editor

RHINELANDER – Camp Birchrock is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. To keep the summer fun going, the organization announced it will offer year-round programming, in the form of after-school care at Crescent Elementary School.

Camp Cares is open 3-6 p.m. and is available to all first through fifth grade students in the School District of Rhinelander. Transportation is not available, but parents may bring their children to Crescent after school.

“Our goal with Camp Cares was really to offer families in the community more options for enriching after-school programming, said Julie Breivogel, Camp Fire Oneida-Camp Birchrock program director. “As camp staff, the end of our summer season is hard because we have to say goodbye to all of our campers; the after-school program is a way for us to bridge that nine month gap for our current campers and hopefully meet some new ones along the way!”

The program includes time to play outside or in the gym, arts and crafts, STEM activities, social-emotional learning, skill building and others.

The cost is $75per week or $15 per day for nonmembers and $65 per week or $13 per day for members. The cost to become a Camp Fire member is $25 annually. Members are asked to help out at least one event during the calendar year in return for discounts on summer programs and the new school year programs. The cost includes a snack and all program materials.

Camp Cares is accepting new participants. Registration information is at campfireoneida.org.

75th anniversary Family Day

Camp Birchrock alumni, campers and staff, as well as community members are invited to a special anniversary celebration Oct 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the camp, 6648 Co. Hwy. K.

 ”We wanted to get all alumni, campers and staff, back to Camp to share their stories and experiences with us and to have the opportunity to reconnect with Camp Birchrock,” Breivogel said.

People interested in supporting the Camp Fire mission or in sending their children to camp will be able to learn more. Trails will be open for hiking, canoes will be available, lunch, camp fire, arts and crafts and other activities will be taking place.