Birchwood Wilderness Camp

★★★★★Alex Widdel

I speak as someone who experienced Birchwood not just as a camper for four glorious summers, but another two summers as a camp counselor leading trips into the Boundary Waters (BWCAW/Quetico) when I say that this is a great place to gain knowledge of the wilderness, leadership experience and lifelong friends. Kids come to Birchwood for all sorts of reasons; whether to grab a paddle and canoe down the popular and scenic Alpine Loop and do some fishing or to brave the grueling Grand Portage, all ambitions are welcomed, and accommodated! Those who are interested in Camp can expect to improve their fitness, learn how to reduce their impact on the environment by Leaving No Trace (yes, there will be an informational video) and have plenty of fun. There's always something going on, whether you're out on trail or back at the home base. Personally, my experience at Birchwood for Boys has allowed me to grow in my confidence, independence and character. You'll never meet a more jubilant crowd of people excited to teach kids a thing or two and have a ton of fun doing it. Hagie Bah Bah from your friendly neighborhood counselor, Hyde.

★★★★★Trey Bare

Our son has attended Camp Birchwood for Boys for 5 summers. It would be difficult for me to overstate the positive impact that this camp experience has had on him. We have seen a big boost in confidence and independence. In addition to the normal summer camp activities that one would expect, he has been able to sail on Lake Superior, fish and canoe in the Boundary Waters, mountain bike and hike in the Superior National Forest, and meet kids his age from all over the country. My wife and I have met the directors, Dan and Melissa as well as some of their staff on numerous occasions. I have been really impressed with them and how they run their camp. We have just signed our son up for another summer, and I can't wait to hear the stories about his adventures!

★★★★★kristy wilke

My summers at Camp Birchwood were the best of my life. I spent 10 years at camp as both a camper and a counselor. Each summer brought a chance to get away from the stress and grind of everyday life as a teenage girl, and into the rhythm of Birchwood, which is something I still long for to this day. Camp taught me lessons that undoubtedly shaped who I am as an adult. It taught me confidence as I learned unique skills like how to portage a canoe, or start a campfire in the rain. It taught me flexibility as I learned what it was like to share a cabin with other kids who weren't exactly like me. It taught me independence as I left my family and friends back home, and learned who I really was. The lessons I value the most came from the Senior Leadership Program, as I still carry those experiences with me today as I run my own business. Learning the tenants of leadership at age 16 put me leaps and bounds ahead of my peers, and I owe that to camp. All of this, while having a total blast with my best friends in the world. You'll hear anyone who went to Birchwood say it - there's nothing like the "magic" of camp. When I get together with other Birchwood alum, we tell stories from the 90s like it was yesterday. It brings me a happiness that is second to none. And now that I'm a mother, I can't wait to pass that legendary feeling on to my soon.

★★★★★Patrick Cullen

I have been to Camp Birchwood for Boys for four summers - on each occasion I have had the most fantastic experience. When I first arrived at camp I could never have imagined what it would eventually mean to me. During my time in Northern Minnesota I have learned many skills as well as developing existing ones. Learning about a respect for the wilderness and each other lies at the centre of everything. I believe that this is an invaluable principle acquired by campers and staff alike through all the activities and teaching provided by the camp. One of the things that has impressed me most is the genuine desire of the campers to ensure that everybody has a great time. The overwhelming experience is one of fun and laughter, which is underpinned by a very strong culture of community, respect and individual responsibility. Over the four years I have been there, the camp has got even better. Every year there are more activities to take part in and new trips to choose from. Everyone who goes to camp, including me, becomes part of the tradition. I've seen old traditions continue and new ones emerge. Each year there are many returning campers as well as staff, which is always a highlight for me. Camp has become an important part of who I am and how I act. I often find myself telling people from other aspects of my life the stories and experiences I have had at Camp Birchwood for Boys and I can't recommend it highly enough.

★★★★★Russell Pildes

I attended Birchwood for Boys back when it was called Gunflint Wilderness Camp (I think the name has changed back and forth a few times over the years) for five summers between 2002-2006. Every child has experiences which they look back on and realize just how important they were to who they have become. Without question, the time I spent in the woods with GWC was incredibly formative for me as I transitioned from boyhood. I learned about ethics and values there, and learned how to navigate when I didn't agree with my fellow campers. I made friends I still have, learned outdoors and life skills which I use to this day, and I cemented a life-long appreciation for nature which too few people my age have. I always tell stories, even ten years later, that begin with the words, "I went to wilderness camp as a kid, and one time this amazing thing happened." But it wasn't just that one time, it was every time. If the Bredemus family still runs the camp, it's in the most capable hands there could be.