One of the founding principles of Bethany Birches back in the 60’s was to “provide a camping experience for youth where counselor and camper together can engage in learning relationships which will prepare them for future responsibilities in life.” As you probably know it’s easier to have a learning relationship with someone you trust and respect. Read More >
This past winter has been interesting weather-wise. Another interesting trend is the uptick in attendance for winter programs. For the three overnight programs we saw 168 camper days which is 95% of total capacity. On top of this, there were waiting lists for all three sessions! As many of you know, winter is so busy for Read More >
This past summer a camp supporter, Yogi, noted that the kitchen was not near complete. He asked me what one of the next steps was to finish it. A week later, a friend of his and camp supporter, Mark, asked him what else was needed at camp on the pavilion project. Yogi told him quite Read More >
It is challenging to gauge success when trying to accomplish a mission like Bethany Birches’. We do some surveys after summer and winter seasons to see how we did in a couple different areas. I just LOVE what came from the surveys this past summer. 33% of survey respondents (parents) rated their child’s experience a 10 or Read More >
Parents. Campers. Donors. Friends! Backcountry skiing? What’s that? Well, basically, it’s when you get some skis and go into the mountains and ski… it’s beyond the resort. It takes human power (your legs) to get yourself up the hill. And then it takes gravity to get you down. The going up looks a little like this: Read More >
Just when you thought pavilion progress was over…2017 started off with pavilion door painting! A group of 8 Seniors (+ 2 adults) from Dock Mennonite Academy spent Jan 3 – 8 doing a lot of painting. The interior doors of the pavilion are clean and colorful thanks to their service. Painting doors wasn’t their only Read More >
Just the other week my father took me to the Deleware bay to fish for tautog. (Don’t ask me what tautog look like… because we didn’t catch any). Unfortunately, our trip was cut short because of a problem with his boat’s engine. We ended up going through three sets of spark plugs throughout the trip and finally Read More >
10 years ago she was known as a camper. 7 years ago she was a rock star intern. 5 years ago she was a solid staff member. The last 3 years she’s been our competent life guard trainer. Right now she’s on her way to becoming a veterinarian at St George’s University in Grenada. Quincy Read More >
We want to offer you an opportunity to share the gift of camp with your child, family, or friends. This is an opportunity for parents to give your child a week of summer camp or weekend of winter camp for Christmas. For you donors, you can give to the Kids to Camp fund in honor of a friend or Read More >
The seasons of camp come and go, like the leaves and the snow. Brandon, Dan, the staff, and board of directors work hard in between seasons to fulfill the mission of Bethany Birches Camp. Although summer and winter camp programs reflect our primary seasonal focus, much of the planning and fundraising occurs during the spring Read More >
