Our 2024 Friends of Mini-Yo-We Fundraising Dinner wrapped up by bidding farewell to Rich Birch as our executive director. Steve Gibson, our board chair, was joined by his predecessor, Andy Montgomery, to thank Rich for his last eight years of service to Camp.
Andy noted that although Rich had many incredible accomplishments, including numerous upgrades to our facilities as well as innovations to programs, Rich’s contributions to the culture of Camp will have the most meaningful, lasting impact. Andy focused on four images that exemplify Rich’s legacy.
Leading By Example
Andy’s first mental picture was of Rich sweeping the floor of the Girls Camp Lodge before chapel every Sunday morning. People would often ask if there was somebody else who should be cleaning rather than the executive director. Andy recalled explaining, “If I ask Rich to stop sweeping the floor, he’ll go and wash dishes or pick up garbage.” That’s because he’s a servant leader to his core. He modelled this so well for our young summer leaders—and for all of us.
Greeting at the Gate
Next Andy described how Rich and his wife, Christine, connected with campers and their families as they arrived and departed through the front gate. Andy noted that those who have been around Camp in the summertime will have seen the Birches standing there together on a regular basis. They took the time to greet everyone because parents’ and campers’ experiences were so important to them both! This extended into every aspect of Camp, from opening days to camper and parent surveys at the end of each week. Rich always looked for ways to provide a high-quality experience.
Honouring Leaders
Mini-Yo-We’s mission is to develop tomorrow’s leaders through life-changing adventures in God’s creation. Building up young leaders was important to Rich and he did this so well! Andy’s third image was of the honour coin. This award—and in particular the ceremony that goes along with it— was a brilliant idea that Rich introduced to Camp. He understood the importance of leaders being publicly recognized by their peers for showing outstanding leadership qualities. The honour coin is a beautiful reminder of our purpose.
Persevering Through the Pandemic
Finally, Andy shared about texting Rich in April 2020. The weight of the very uncertain path forward for Camp as an organization and stewing over difficult decisions made sleeping almost impossible during those early months of Covid. Andy remembered, “After the umpteenth night of not sleeping, I got up and started looking at my phone. That red dot by my text icon lit up and it was Rich—also awake and thinking about Camp.” This early-morning text conversation was a reminder that Rich was fully committed to Mini-Yo-We even when things were unbearably tough. When others might have walked away, Rich proved how much he loved Camp.
Parting Words
In conclusion, Andy reminded the hundreds of members of the Mini-Yo-We community gathered at the dinner that Rich frequently signed off his communications with one of two phrases: “the best is yet to come” or “leave it better than you found it”. Andy said, “You’ve done that, Rich. You’ve done that well. And we’re all the better for it.” Future generations at Camp owe a debt of gratitude for his leadership!