BBC Blog
-
From Camper, to Camp Cook
I was at the local pizza shop talking with a long-time camper earlier this week (he is a pizza chef now). He started working in our kitchen part time during the summer to pick up some extra hours. As we were talking, he inquired about the auction. He remembered it was coming up, and he…
-
Shepherding Includes Going With The Sheep
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This summer, I had the great privilege to serve for two weeks as the Camp Shepherd at Bethany Birches. The first week when I was with the older teens, they kept asking me to go to basically every event they had. Which I was honestly surprised by. But, of course, I had to say yes!…
-
Receiving Love and Passing It On
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our kids have been involved with Bethany Birches Camp as campers for many years and recently counselors. They have had a great time at BBC, and they have also come home feeling like they had great experiences where they connected to their counselors and fellow campers. At BBC they gain a closer relationship with nature…
-
Director’s Update and Announcements
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Greetings friends! This year’s newsletter includes voices from parents, volunteers and staff. Our goal in sharing from their experiences is to help you connect with what happens at camp. The Soil and Seed Project One of those voices is past staffer Greg “Elvis” Yoder who brought the Soil and the Seed Project to my attention.…
-
Board Spotlight: Body of Christ and Recruitment
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I first came to Bethany Birches Camp in the spring of 2015. Amber (Cheeks) Bergey who was running the program had recently found out she was expecting their first child that summer, so Brandon asked me to help by jumping in as Program Director. I ended up staying for an additional three summers and falling…
-
Changes and Constants
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As the seasons change here on the hill, I’ve been reflecting on the changes camp has undergone as well as the spirit that has remained constant. My faith was ignited and continues to be supported by Bethany Birches. The foundation was laid by compassionate counselors, engaging Bible stories, and prayer songs. As a teenager,…
-
Join Me in Welcoming Anna “Meatball” Martin to year-round service at BBC
I love shoes and clothes that fit well. It often takes me a little time to find garments that fit just right. Sometimes a garment or shoe is close and just needs a little bit of adjustment to get to that ideal fit. In some ways building our staff team here at camp is similar.…
-
Nevin J. Bender, BBC’s First Camp Director, Joins The Great Cloud Of Witnesses
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ask those who were on staff or came to camp as campers in the 1960s and 70s about their Bethany Birches experience and they will almost certainly reference the rustic and challenging moments that became so deeply engraved in their memories. Back then, the Bethany Birches experience had to be rustic and challenging. Camp was…
-
Shifting From Receiving To Giving… Yet Still Receiving
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_id=”michi”] Having been a camper at Bethany Birches for six summers (and a Counselor In Training for one), I knew that I wanted to be a counselor eventually, and I finally got that opportunity last summer, as the youngest member of the 2019 summer staff. Camp had always been one of my favorite places…
-
Are We Accomplishing Our Mission? Beyond Anecdotes.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over the last few years Bethany Birches has been committed to partnering with academic organizations researching the benefits of Christian Summer Camps. Last year the Hope Study (University of Oklahoma) measured whether campers experienced increased hope as a result of their camp experience. The Hope Study 2018 found “The results of this report continue to…
Search
Categories
Tags
2016 Fall Newsletter Association Benefit Auction beni auction item of the day Board of Directors Cabin & Fire Marshal Camp in a pandemic Capital Campaign Cheeks coupon Covid-19 excited for camp For Campers For Donors For Parents God God & Jesus Inside Out Kingdom of God Love! Mission Possible Mission Possible: Summer 2013 Newsletter Pavi Pavilion Project paviprogress Pavi Project Giving Update Pictures Rent Camp Snow Camp Spiritual Saturday staff Staff Returning summer camp Summer Dates Summer Staff Summer theme tuna Tuna Tuesday Video Volunteers why camp Winter Winter Camp Work Day