The Original Trapper Cabin

The Original Dining Hall

Birchwood Camp was purchased in 1958 by what is now known as the General Board of Global Ministries. It had 160 acres including a lake. The only building was the Trapper Cabin (which is still in use today). There was no road to the property, only jeep trails. Summer camps were first held in 1961. Campers and counselors slept in family groups in platform tents and the food was prepared in the Trapper cabin. Gradually 18 buildings have been built, mostly with volunteer labor. The camp has become a year round site for retreats and camps.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE:

Building at Birchwood during the Early Years

1958: Birchwood Camp was purchased by the national mission division of the UMC;

1961: First summer camps held at campsite;

1974: First major development of the camp completed with the building of a road, lodge, sleeping cabins and staff housing. The camp is opened year round for use by church and community groups;

1992: The camp hires a commissioned missionary to serve as the first full-time director-manager;

The Challenge Course at Birchwood

1997: Birchwood Camp becomes fully accredited by the American Camping Association after this summer’s visit-meeting the industry standard for safety and care;

1998: A record 26 campers from the Athabascan villages of Anvik and Grayling come to summer camp.

2001: Camp board of directors, staff, and Kaleidoscope consulting firm complete ambitious master plan encompassing a new vision, expanded program, and increased facilities;

2004: Construction of community challenge course, an important new program offering for campers and guests in building community and team work, is completed;

Sweat Lodge

2007: A Native American style lodge that will be used for ceremonial sweats of Native American peoples, to educate others about Native American spirituality and as a place of prayer in general is completed;

New Multipurpose Cabin

2009: Birchwood Camp breaks ground on a new multi-purpose meeting cabin that will help address the growing need for additional program space. By the end of the year the exterior shell of the log building and the full basement were completed, including the roof. For the first time, Birchwood Camp hires two full time, year-round employees, to provide support and leadership as the camp grows.