Camp Birchwood for Girls

★Cay

Not gonna beat around the bush here. I'm 16 and went to camp birchwood last year. There were so many horrible things that happened that were completely avoidable and the new owners don't give the camp the same charm it used to have. The one thing I really want to share is that I was sexually assaulted during my time at camp and absolutely nothing was done. The person who assaulted me was able to stay at camp and is still going this year even after multiple people from my cabin also came clean and told the counselors about how they got assaulted by the same person too. This person received zero consequences and was not even talked to about what she did. On top of that I was not allowed to call my parents for whatever reason and when I asked to go home because I didn't feel safe with that girl in my cabin they declined without any hesitation or second thought saying if I left I wouldn't get the full camp experience

★★★★★Aubrey Comer

My 11 year old daughter had a wonderful experience at Camp Birchwood. She flew from California all the way to MSP and took the shuttle bus to camp. As it was her first time away from home (and a long way away), I was worried about homesickness. At pick up, she reported feeling so involved in all the activities and the daily schedule that she didn't even have time to think about being homesick! I think I missed her more than she missed me. Horseback riding, play time on the lake, crafts, tubing on the lake and singing at the campfire were some of her favorite activities that she did almost daily. In addition, she made new friends and they hope to remain close for many years to come. The owners of the camp care deeply for helping all children have the best experience and their love and dedication to this goal was achieved. I spoke to them over the phone a few times before committing and Sam is wonderful at answering any and all questions. The horse back riding instructors were also excellent. She can't wait to return next year!

★★★★★B. F.

My 2 kids have been attending Birchwood for several summers, and their experience (and ours as parents) continues to be incredibly positive. The owners/counselors do a good job of encouraging independence and problem-solving by the kids. Being away from home for four weeks will inevitably have its ups and downs. But, every summer when we pick up our girls I am really impressed with how much they have grown in their maturity levels and their overall can-do attitudes. It has been a privilege to be a part of the Birchwood community. We understand this as parents. Our kids understand this as campers. And I hope others have the privilege of experiencing it as well.

★★★★★Dominika Fard

My daughters have been attending Camp Birchwood for the past four summers under the new ownership, and it’s truly the highlight of their summers. You can see the happiness and confidence on their faces when they return home from camp. For a few weeks in the summer, they get to unplug, really connect with nature, and make friends from all over the country and world, many of whom they stay in touch with year-round. On the couple occasions when a medical issue has come up, the camp has done a great job communicating with us and handling everything calmly and professionally. Birchwood has a rustic, old-world charm that may not be for everyone—but it’s definitely our girls’ happy place. Just don’t forget to pack the mosquito spray!

★★★★★Star Staubach

The adventure of Camp Birchwood goes beyond the fun of the activities. Camp Birchwood is something to be experienced. It is a feeling of all of the external chatter of the world being released, a feeling of being held, while also being given space to explore & discover, a feeling of comfort and ease. Camp Birchwood is a place where I feel celebrated, acknowledged & safe to be ME. Each of these are true no matter the age I am when return. It was magical to reopen with my own daughters. I was able to witness this within them when I took them to Birchwood for Family Camp. They would LIGHT up with greater confidence after conquering a fear or challenge (on water skis, riding horses, on the rock wall, at rifelry or archery etc). They would EXUDE excitement at their newfound favorite activities. As each staff person comfortably modeled being themselves, I saw my own daughters with a renewed sense of self. All of THAT combined is priceless.