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Birchwood
Camp
was purchased in 1958 by the Division
of National Missions of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church
(now known as the General Board
of Global Ministries). It had one small cabin, Trapper, and no road
to it, just 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 cabin. Gradually, 18 buildings have been built, mostly
with volunteer labor, and the camp has become a year-round site for retreats
and camps.
BIRCHWOOD
CAMP………building community on Common Ground.
Building
community…
"The kingdom of God is not
coming with things that can be observed;
nor will they say, ‘ Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’
For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you."
Luke 17:20-21
We need community. Fundamental
changes in our society make community building imperative. We have a deep
need to connect with others in meaningful ways. Camp gives people the
opportunity, vision, sensitivity, and tools to become a caring community.
The Christian community at camp provides the opportunity to experience
God’s kingdom on earth.
Community happened at camp
this year. We had one of the most community-minded summer staffs we
have ever had. All of us enjoyed sharing in this camp community. As one
staff shared, "I gained an understanding of how to live in a human community
at the center of a natural community." Each week, our program staff were
embraced into this community. "The best thing about camp is the experience
of having fun in a Christian community where everyone is loved and respected.
It strengthens my connection to God and revives my spirits." And then,
our campers were invited into this rich experience of living with God’s
people. Some of the program staff really witnessed this growth in campers
as they saw strangers become friends in just a few short days. One shares,
"I witnessed a remarkable ability on the part of the campers to live together,
to bond with each other, and to help each other through difficulties,
injuries, and emotional challenges."
In community, we are influenced
in thought and deed by other Godly people. Lives are changed at camp
when young Christians have the opportunity to live with wise role models.
Campers shared these comments. "My counselor really helped me towards
God." "The counselors were always there to support us." "All the counselors
have really strong spiritual understanding." "I don’t think I’ve listened
to and understood an adult better than the dean of this camp."
We get to fellowship with like-minded
peers through community. Staff appreciate the mutual support found
at camp while they serve. "It was great having the support of the dean
and other counselors." "The team playing of counselor’s prep before camp
was great!" Campers also have the chance to experience this mutual support.
They often respond that their favorite thing about camp is friends both
old and new. Staff noticed campers become examples for one another and
deepen friendships as their sharing became more trusting and loving.
Community encourages authentic
relationships. As the experience and trust of the community deepens,
members become authentic with each other. Campers learned to care about
each other. As a staff shares, "Campers gained an awareness of thinking
of others, sometimes before themselves." Campers learned to be tolerant
and respectful of others whom they might not normally talk to.
As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "If
we do not give thanks daily for the Christian fellowship in which we have
been placed, even when there is no great experience, if on the contrary,
we only keep complaining to God that everything is so paltry and petty,
so far from what we expected, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship
grow according to the measure and riches which are there for us all in
Jesus Christ."
...on
Common Ground
Birchwood Camp is set aside by
the United Methodist Church as sacred common ground where we learn to
participate more fully in the community of life. There are three main
components of common ground at Birchwood Camp.
First, we must offer radical
hospitality to all persons. This might involve adapting our facilities.
It also might involve adapting our hearts and minds as we are open to
those who are different from ourselves.
Second, we must be respectful
of the sacredness of the creation and live as sustainably as possible
on the land. As we share this place with creatures from minnows to
moose, we want to be good neighbors. We want to share with other people
the intricate eco-system of the camp. And as people of the covenant, we
would like to help us all to understand our responsibilities to God regarding
living on this land.
Thirdly, we must keep being
open to the Spirit of the Living God that is here. Special spiritual
experiences take place as people experience this place of retreat (from
the norms of daily life) and encounter (with the Holy). They have the
time and space to examine their priorities and hear God speak. As some
recent guests shared, "The best thing was spending time together in a
sacred space."
Strategic
Site Plan goal
To create a site plan that supports a vital
and viable ministry at Birchwood Camp through which the staff and Board
members can change the world by "building community on Common Ground."
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