Mission: Find the “Neil Diamond” — BRASS Weekend 2026 Recap 🕵️
This past weekend (March 27–29), something mysterious unfolded at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center. What started as a typical BRASS Weekend quickly turned into a full-scale spy operation, as siblings stepped into the roles of secret agents for Spy Sibs—our 2026 theme.
The mission? Track down the missing “Neil Diamond,” which was stolen just hours after campers arrived on Friday night.
From the moment the buses pulled in, the energy was nonstop. Campers were divided into tribes and immediately began their investigation, taking on a series of spy-themed challenges. They raced through obstacle courses, cracked secret codes, and even created disguises to stay under the radar. Every activity brought them clues to help solve the mystery.
By the first campfire, the tribes gathered, piecing together what they had learned. In a shocking twist, it was revealed that the very people who introduced the diamond to BRASS Weekend, Gemma and Jewel Robertson, had staged the whole thing in an attempt to frame the campers.
But the mission was far from over.
Saturday kept the momentum going with classic BRASS fun. Campers rotated through a wide variety of classes—everything from sports and hiking to cooking, science, woodworking, dance, improv, and crafts. Whether they were building with LEGO® bricks, making friendship bracelets, or trying something completely new, there was something for everyone to dive into.
Meanwhile, the spy storyline deepened. That evening, campers participated in advanced training exercises—navigating blindfolded obstacle courses that relied on trust and teamwork, decoding invisible ink messages, crafting new disguises, and piecing together their version of what really happened to the diamond.
At campfire that night, each tribe presented their theories… only to be met with another twist. Two identical “Neil Diamonds” appeared, leaving everyone questioning what was real. And just when it seemed like the truth might finally come out, the mystery took an even more surprising turn—when Neil Diamond, the music artist himself, showed up and stole the jewel right before everyone’s eyes.
Safe to say… the case is still open.
In true BRASS fashion, the weekend wasn’t just about the mission—it was about connection, laughter, and shared experiences. Campers filled the air with their favorite songs and chants, creating the kind of energy that carries far beyond a single weekend.
Saturday night wrapped up with a high-energy dance party, giving everyone a chance to celebrate a full day of adventure, teamwork, and fun.
And then, as quickly as it began, Sunday arrived. Before boarding the buses home, campers came together one last time for the beloved friendship circle. Standing side by side, they made a promise to carry this weekend’s energy forward until they meet again.
The mystery of the “Neil Diamond” will continue this summer at Camp Maria Retreat Center during BRASS Camp (July 12–18), where even more spy training, surprises, and unforgettable moments await.
Ready to join the adventure or see how the story ends?
Click here to register for BRASS Camp 2026 today!
