About Birchwood

The Directors

Dan and Melissa each bring a diverse background of both camping and non-camping experience to Camp. Dan grew up spending much of every summer at Camp. Whether as a youngster just visiting family, as a camper, counselor or director, Camp was always a part of his life. Dan now represents the third generation of leadership at Birchwood. Melissa grew up in Illinois and also attended summer camp as a child. Sending Melissa off to Camp was hard on her parents, as they were unfamiliar with the camp experience. Melissa prides herself in an ability to relate to parents and/or campers feeling lost and/or nervous about camp.

Dan and Melissa met as law students at Syracuse University College of Law. After years of practicing law in South Florida (Dan as a criminal prosecutor and Melissa as an aviation attorney) they both decided that it was at Camp where they could really make an impact. Though they still act as Camp's legal corporate counsel, it is Camp and its kids that keep them energized for each summer season.