I went to Camp Birchwood for the first time in 2022, at just 11 years old, and without having ever been to Camp Birchwood before, I made the choice to go for 8 weeks. I was honestly terrified to go to camp the first time, I thought I wasn't going to make any friends and that everyone was going to be mean to me, but the second I met Samuel at 4:00am at the airport, I knew that my thoughts were incorrect. I was immediately welcomed to Camp Birchwood with open arms, I still remember driving down the camp road for the first time, I remember the instant feeling of belonging that washed over me. I've learned so much at camp, I never would have done riflery if I hadn't attended Birchwood, and now I'll be returning as a riflery assistant in 2026! I think most people send their children to summer camp hoping that they'll develop some wilderness skills and maybe learn how to sail or ride a horse, however the reality at Birchwood is that your children will gain so much more than that. At camp, I've learned how to work through challenges, collaborate, act with empathy and compassion, and many more things. Sometimes when I tell people who haven't been to Birchwood about my camp experience they get surprised that I chose to go back, because I got covid my first year and lice my third year, however if anything, these experiences made me love camp even more. I remember when I found out I had Covid my first year, it was the start of second session and all of my friends from session one had just left, I was only 11 years old at the time so finding out I had Covid at the start of session 2 and would have to be quarantined during the time that I was meant to be meeting the people in my cabin and making new friends, was understandably pretty upsetting to me. Despite my worries, Samuel and Georgia handaled the situation perfectly. It's honestly extremely surprising that there was a Covid breakout at all, considering that Samuel and Georgia took every single possible precaution against Covid and other illnesses, but sometimes these things are unavoidable, I think that what really counts in instances like these is how the camp handles the situation, and in Samuel and Georgia's case, they handled it absolutely spectacularly. I continued to have fun at camp despite my illness and at can now say with absolute confidence that I would rather be sick at camp than healthy anywhere else. Camp Birchwood is without a doubt the strongest community I have ever seen and been a part of, kind campers, encouraging seniors, inspiring councilors, and an amazing administrative team. I am so incredibly grateful for every single experience I've had at Camp Birchwood, and I can't wait to make more memories this summer! read more

had the great fortune of attending this camp for four summers when I was a kid. When I had my daughter, I couldn't wait for her to get old enough to be able to go. She was supposed to attend Birchwood this summer. However, the owners of camp instead have determined my daughter doesn't matter. My daughter suffers from disordered eating and has been diagnosed with ARFID. Camp refuses to provide any accommodations for her. They had originally agreed to let us send up supplemental food but they we were told they didn't have room for it and it would make other campers jealous or question why my daughter got to eat something Their website says things like: 1. "With kindness and respect as the hallmarks for daily life" 2. "Campers gain strength, independence, and self-worth." However their actions show that is just lip service. My daughter has a disability and this camp refuses to provide the easiest accommodations that would allow her to attend camp. Worst of all they told us a week before she was to leave giving us no time to find other options. Shame on the owners. read more

No amount of stars will describe how amazing my camp experience was. I live in Maine, where summer is eight weeks and eight weeks only, and I would without a doubt spend it all here. I sort of felt like I needed to post a recent review, because there aren't any since Georgia and Samuel took over the camp. Who knows? Maybe the one star people are correct. However, I can say, as someone who went to camp in 2023, ALL OF THAT IS GONE NOW! My entire cabin cried the last night of camp, and they were NOT happy tears. I never got homesick at camp, but I definitely get campsick at home. Also, Birchwood isn't just about learning things, it's also about teaching others new things. I came to camp able to waterski on one ski, fly outside the wake, and get up in adverse conditions. It was really cool to help other girls get up for the first time. Also, I really liked how people signed up for activities. it makes sure you have the chance to do what you want. All in all, the counselors were AMAZING, the food was great, and the Master Crafts were beautiful. I really liked camp, and made the choice to come for twice as long next year. i hope you do too. read more

I worked here for 6 summers, most recently 2016, and learned so many wonderful skills and made so many wonderful friends. I have seen first hand how fantastic this camp is and the amazing friendships girls make here. The food is excellent. There are a wide variety of activities. The environment is serene and breathtaking. I absolutely plan to send my daughter when she's old enough. read more

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Unfortunately, we had a very bad experience at Camp Birchwood. I was going to keep our experience to ourselves--one bad experience does not "a bad camp" make--but since picking up our daughter early, we saw something else so bad that I felt it would be irresponsible not to alert prospective campers' parents. The misses for our daughter began before camp even started, and all seemed to stem from inattentiveness: ignored cabin mate request, pre-camp inquiries that people didn't remember from one call to another, a counselor more interested in her friends than the cabin in her charge; camp administrators who couldn't recognize when a camper's concern went beyond homesickness... inaccessible leadership. Long story short: we picked our daughter up early. Bad stuff, but as a business owner, I know that sometimes there's a client you just can't get right. And maybe we misread something ourselves. Since we've been home, no calls to see how our girl is, no calls to ask why she left early. So, maybe the feelings were mutual? We weren't sure. And then we got The Email. Apparently, there was another girl in our daughter's cabin who also had issues, but this girl tried to stick it out... until camp asked her to leave. After which, they promptly sent out a long, detailed email airing all of this girl's personal issues and providing a play-by-play of the challenges they had with her. Inappropriate only begins to scratch the surface of that note. It was appalling. This was a girl in their care, and they humiliated her. Publicly. As a father, I can accept that my daughter my not be a good fit for every camp. But I cannot accept a camp that creates an emotionally dangerous place for their campers. When my daughter told me that she hadn't felt "safe," I thought it was an interesting choice of words. When I saw that email, I knew her intuition was dead on. When Jim ran this camp, it was magic. That's what I've heard from friends who told us about it. That magic is lost. read more

If you don't want your daughter to have a great summer, learn new skills in any of the following activities: sailing, swimming, riflery, horseback riding, tennis, archery, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, keep them at home. If you do want them to push themselves to learn more about themselves and what they can do, learn the freedom of independence from mom and dad, how to care for themselves and others and do so in an environment led by Terry and Rachel Bredemus and their staff then send them to Camp Birchwood. read more

I just Googled this camp to locate its website and saw some negative reviews here which I felt must be addressed. I am a former camp counselor (not at Birchwood) and regard my camp experiences at a camper and counselor at other camps as being among the most important aspects of my adolescent development. I carefully researched where to send my daughter when she approached the age where she was old enough to go to camp and found Camp Birchwood for Girls. We sent our oldest there since she was 8 years old. She is now 15 and has attended 7 out of the last 8 summers. Our daughter started going for two-week sessions and has -- for her last 6 summers -- gone for one-month sessions. We could not be more pleased with the manner in which Terri and Rachel run this camp. Our daughter always enjoys going and her Birchwood experience has helped mold her into the intelligent, confident, independent-minded young woman that she has become. She has learned new skills, experienced some hardships (e.g., being away from home, electronics, friends), and had new adventures. Where else could a kid from Kansas learn to sail, perform in a musical, and go on an extended canoe trip to the Canadian boundary waters, all in four weeks? Birchwood isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But it is a safe, engaging, embracing environment where girls can be girls, free from the societal pressures that modern culture places on young women. Our youngest daughter (age 8) will start her Birchwood experience next week, and we're hopeful and expect that she will be benefit from this enriching experience as much as her sister! read more

My 9 and 12 year old girls just returned from their 2nd summer at Camp Birchwood. Both girls had an amazing time and loved every minute of their magical 4 weeks at camp. Rachel and Terry continue to outdo themselves and run a very tight ship at camp. I have 2 picky eaters, and they both rave about the food, including fresh fruits and veggies, homemade pastries and breads, and traditional 4th of July BBQ brisket just to name a few. Counselors are top notch, and I know my girls are thriving in a fun and safe environment. Horseback riding, sailing, tennis, tubing, water skiing, wilderness cooking, arts and crafts, and drama are just a few of their favorite activities. Camp Birchwood is a wonderful opportunity for girls to be themselves and be totally accepted for who you are. One of my kids has food allergies and a chronic health condition and she did great at camp. The girls return home telling stories of camp fires, silly songs, cabin life and many adventures. We think so highly of this camp, its staff and its long history creating wonderful memories for young girls. read more

After reading some of these reviews I just had to take the time to write. I'm sorry to hear the negative experiences described in a few posts below. I also have to say that I find them hard to believe - they do not reflect the incredibly wonderful, warm, accepting, affirming camp that I still recall as my BEST childhood memory decades later. Camp Birchwood impacted my life in such a positive way that it is hard to put it into words. I was thrilled to be able to send my daughter last year to Birchwood for the first time as the youngest "four-weeker" at camp. At age eight, I knew she was on the young side, but she demanded to go for the full session, and I completely trusted Birchwood's ability to look out for her and ensure she had an incredible experience. And, without a doubt, she did! It was the best time of her life, and she can't wait to go back this year. Friends, counselors, horses, swimming, campfires, camp songs, the best food ever! (her words), and a whole lot more. I should also note that my son attended Camp Birchwood for Boys (formerly known as Gunflint) last summer and he also had an incredible experience. And, I should note, he has been targeted for bullying at various schools in the past. His experience was equally wonderful, and he came back full of pride and fantastic camp stories. He will also be returning this year. The Camp Birchwood experience is truly exceptional. Both camps are run by the same extended Bredemus family, and I am so grateful for this!! These are people who TRULY know children, TRULY understand the importance of camp, of independence, growth and child development. The counselors are incredible - patient, inclusive, fun. I am a VERY picky parent with high standards. Without question, Camp Birchwood has always greatly exceeded my expectations. read more

The independence, conflict resolution, and other life skills girls are learning here are taught few other places with such conviction, passion and success. Caring and friendly staff make sure everything run smoothly, to ensure The magic of camp is not lost on anyone read more

Camp Birchwood For Girls - Girls heading out sailing - Summer Camps Near Me - Laporte, Minnesota

I cannot say enough about the wonderful opportunities and experiences Camp Birchwood has to offer. As a camper of ten years, I look back on my summers as some of the best times of my childhood. Not only was it a month of horseback riding, sailing, swimming, and campfires each summer, but it was also a month of trying new things, challenging myself, and developing long-lasting friendships. There is a popular saying that goes, "All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten." For me, this statement is "All I really need to know I learned at Camp Birchwood." Living with 10-12 other girls in a cabin for an entire month each summer, I learned the importance of cooperation, compromise, and communication. I gained confidence in myself as I tried new activities, performed in the talent shows, and worked for various awards from horseback riding to sailing to archery. Feelings of self consciousness were foreign to me, as Birchwood radiates support from both the counselors and campers. The respect and kindness shared between everyone at camp is remarkable; it creates a magical atmosphere that is truly unique to Birchwood. What's more, I've seen this magic impact the lives of others as well. Three years ago I introduced camp to the daughter of a dear friend of mine, and the confidence and positive attitude that this young lady possessed at the end of her session was remarkable. In fact, when she returns from camp after each summer, I can see that Birchwood still teaches those same life lessons of team work, respect, and kindness, that I learned as a camper. The bottom line: If you are looking for a place for your daughter to grow, play, learn, and laugh, choose Camp Birchwood. If you are looking for your daughter to develop confidence in her abilities, try new things she might not experience anywhere else, and learn the importance of kindness and respect for those around her, choose Camp Birchwood. If you want your daughter to develop life-long friendships and have the time of her life each summer, choose Camp Birchwood. You and your daughter won't regret it. read more

I have gone to Camp Birchwood for eight years now and it truly is the most special place on earth. I have never been the shy kid even at home, but shy or not this is a place where you can be yourself and find who you are as a person. I have met girls that seem like they will be very shy but once they see how comfortable this place is, they come right out of their shell. At Birchwood I have learned to be more confident, a great leader, a sailor, an archer, and so much more! This place has made me into the confident young woman I am today. At home, people will ask me how my summer at camp was and every time I tell them it is something you just have to experience, what you get from Birchwood is unexplainable. The friends and the memories you make here are so special. I go back each year and I feel as though I never even left. Birchwood is so inviting and accepting, I wouldn't want to spend my summers anywhere else. I am approaching my last year as a camper and I just can't imagine my summer without this place. I hope to come back as one of the amazing staff for as many years as possible. If you are thinking of a camp to send your daughter to this is the one, trust me. read more

I've been going to Camp Birchwood since I was 12 years old and I can honestly say this camp has changed me for the better. Prior to being a camper I was shy, self-conscious, and extremely dependent on my parents. After five summers there, I've grown up and I am far from the girl I once was. I am much more outgoing, confident, positive, and independent and I owe most of this to the experiences I've had at birchwood. Next summer will be my final summer at Camp Birchwood (there is a required skip summer right after your senior year of high school) and my final year in the senior program. The senior program has helped shaped me into a positive and impactful leader that has helped me immensely back at home. I am so grateful to have been able to experience something as amazing as being a part of this program. With the senior program I have been able to teach younger girls a skill that I learned when I was a camper, in their exact position. It has challenged me, but has also been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. The girls I have met at Birchwood are some of the most genuine, down to earth, and kind people that I hope to always have in my life. It's amazing that some of my friends have been there since my first year yet I always seem to make new friends every summer. The support and love that everyone has for each other is almost indescribable because it is so magical. At birchwood, girls are encouraged to be themselves and to love themselves for it. This encouragement not only comes from campers, but the amazing staff. I don't know how they do it, but every year the women who work at camp are strong, inspiring, and amazing role models. Camp Birchwood is truly a wonderful place that I would recommend to girls everywhere. My only regret is that I wish I had started going sooner! read more

Like Lisa M, I felt the need to review Camp Birchwood after reading Jason's review. I was a camper at Camp Birchwood for 5 years. When I started camp, I was a scared little girl. Before I started middle school, my parents decided to send me to summer camp for 2 weeks. At first, I was scared out of my head. I didn't want to be away from home. I didn't want to leave my parents, dogs, and friends. I was leaving everything familiar for this new place full of unfamiliar faces. For many kids my age, that concept is foreign. But when I got there, I was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and love that the counselors and the campers had for camp. Within hours of arriving, people were singing their hearts out while doing silly dance moves. Although homesickness did plague me while I was there, my counselors were caring and they listened to me when I was upset. But it wasn't only my counselors that I felt like I could go to if I needed to talk. Counselors of different cabins were always willing to talk as well as the older campers at camp. Although I was new and young, I didn't feel left out. My cabin mates, other campers, the counselors, and the directors made me feel like I had found a new home and a new family. I felt like I could succeed in anything. And for a 9-year-old that is something amazing. Over the next five years at Birchwood, I learned so many new things including archery, riflery, tennis, windsurfing, pottery, etc. etc. I also met so many new people, some of which I am still good friends with. These friends have been through so much with me. Many of them live in different states than me, but I still knew that if I needed them, they we just a call away. I was unable to return when I entered high school due to personal reasons, but as a sophomore in college, I still look back fondly on my years as a camper at Birchwood. I can still sing many of the songs! And there is no way I could forget the beautiful night-time stargazing. I remembered the counselors and how much fun they were! Camp is a place to really not take yourself seriously, and they accepted that and gladly dressed in giant elephant costumes or pretended to be Justin Beiber. The main thing that stuck with me about Birchwood is that you learn to be yourself. Although that seems like a cliche and overused concept, I'm not lying. Even after I left Birchwood, I remembered how little people cared about opinions. I learned to own to my faults and insecurities. Every teenager deals with issues concerning their image, but you learn to ignore it Camp Birchwood is away from magazines and Hollywood pressure. And if you want your daughter to learn how to love themselves and others, then send them to Camp Birchwood. I am writing this review as someone who lived Birchwood and loved every second. read more

I think winnie the pooh put it best when he said "Oh how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Camp Birchwood has been my home for every summer from as far back as I can remember. As we are growing up, we are always told "be yourself and you'll be fine." When I was little, I never fully understood what that meant. When I was ten I thought it was impossible to not be yourself. Every summer for the past years, I have come home with new friendships and skills from camp. These have shaped me into the person I am today. Walking into the airport my first year, I was a small ten year old girl who did not know anyone. As terrified as I was, I knew that I would love it. Looking around seeing all the older girls being reunited with their best friends after being separated for a year, it was clear that they were able to pick up as if they were never apart. I knew that this was where I was bound. I looked around with a mix of fear and excitement clouding my mind as I began to talk to people my own age. I had no idea that they would remain my best friend to this day. While waiting for our bus to take us to camp, we talked as little ten year olds do about unimportant information that comes from our lives. Although I had never been a shy child, I always had self doubt, and I always questioned myself. Upon arriving at Camp Birchwood, all of my fears and concerns melted away, and I was able to truly become myself. Night after night and year after year I look back on my time at camp waiting until I can go back for another magical summer with my second family. I hold on to the magic of being away from all the stress of the real world for a month to spend time with the people who care about me most in the world. The magic that has stick with me came from being able to find out who I really am. Camp allowed me to do what I wanted to do without being bothered by what my friends at home would think. I am able to be the truest form of myself at camp. To this day I am still not shy, but I am more open to other people. I have been opened up to the different kinds of people. Some people are uncomfortable in situations that they cannot control. Other people have trouble making new friends. Camp has taught me that everyone is important no matter what fears or anxieties they have. Remembering is what drives me to keep going back to camp. I know that every year will be different and special in its own way, but I also know I will still be with my second family for an entire month out of the year. Being able to spend extended amounts of time with the same group of girls allows you to form a special bond unlike any other friend at home. The absence of technology allows us to focus on the amazing natural beauty around us. As I approach my final year as a camper this upcoming summer, I am able to reflect on the impact that camp has had on my life. I realize that love and happiness are not all that different. We often use happiness to describe love and love to describe what makes us happy. I love each and every one of my camp friends because they make me happy. overall, camp is what you make it, and I made it into the best experience of my life. I can move on with my life knowing that any situation can be one that is happy as long as I put the effort into it to make it that way. I know that I will one day be too old to be a camper, but I will never stop living like a birchwood girl. No matter where I am, I will always remember "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." read more

I go to this camp every year and have gone for 6 years. This camp helps girls make lifelong friendships that are closer than any friendship that they make at school or in after school activities. I have friends all over the country and some in Mexico. I have done and tried so many things at this camp that I would have never known in a million years that I would be good at. Because of this camp I am so much better of a person I am one of the most pickiest and laziest people that I know but at camp I eat better and get into shape. I am 13 and have been going here since i was 8 and it is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me! I hope to see your daughter soon!!! read more

I have two daughters who are current campers at Birchwood. My oldest daughter just completed her sixth year and my other daughter just finished her third year. Camp Birchwood has been an AMAZING experience for both of my girls and they can't imagine a summer without Birchwood. They will both admit it is the BEST month of the year. Since I never went to summer camp as I child, I wanted this experience for my kids. After doing an extensive search for the right camp 7 seven ago, Birchwood was at the top of our list. Over the years my girls had new experiences, made great friends, gone on amazing trips and had a ton of fun. On another note, last year, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease just 10 days before she was to leave for camp. My husband and I were scared to make the call, out of fear they may suggest she not attend camp until will had her disease under control. How WRONG we were! The directors at Birchwood did not even bat an eye. They welcomed her with open arms, embraced her, and keep us informed of any situation that may have occured. If I had a concern or just needed to check in, I never felt like I was bothering them. As a result of her disease, my daughter is also on a gluten free diet. Eating gluten free at camp is never an issue. They always offer a GF alternative at every meal. In fact, my daughter said it is way easier to eat GF at camp than at home. Camp Birchwood, it Directors and staff offer an AMAZING experience for young girls. Through their experiences at Camp Birchwood, my daughters have become confident, caring, strong leaders and adventurous young women. THANK YOU CAMP BIRCHWOOD! read more

I am sorry to hear about the two negative situations posted about, but I wanted to make sure that two isolated unfortunate experiences at Birchwood didn't define what Birchwood is all about. I do not think that Birchwood has lost the magic it held when Jim was director, in fact, I have had incredible, life changing experiences at Camp Birchwood. I have been involved with Birchwood since 2005, as a camper, senior camper and counselor. As a camper, I had an incredible amount of fun and silliness in my life each summer, made close friends whom I returned to camp with 8 years later, took healthy risks and learned new skills. (I could go on. And on.) As a senior camper I learned responsibility and leadership, skills that proved extremely valuable as I navigated through high school and college. I returned as a counselor this past summer and my view of Camp Birchwood has never changed. I saw the intense hard work and dedication that Terry and Rachel, all the directors and staff put in to making every child have the best experience possible. They truly believe in camp, and it shows. The directors prepare the staff for all possible situations, and the staff grow to love the campers and put their heart into teaching their activities. At 19 years old, I still feel like the most growth I achieve as a person year to year happens at Camp Birchwood. Sure, some girls may not like summer camp, some counselors may not be the right fit, and some mistakes may happen along the way. But I believe that the majority of girls, even if they don't have the same experience I have had at Birchwood, still have two or four weeks full of laughter, friendship and new experiences. read more

My daughters are older, and no longer Camp Birchwood campers, but one is currently a counselor. I feel compelled to write a review after reading Jason S and Lisa M's reviews. My daughters attended Camp Birchwood from the time they were 1o through 17. Each summer was better then the previous summer. In addition to the large variety of activities and experiences they participated in, they developed life-long friendships and valuable stills. Each summer they came home more confident and grounded as girls and women. Everyday lessons learned at Camp Birchwood play important rolls in both of my daughter's lives. As parents, my wife and I are grateful to Camp Birchwood, and its owners, Terry and Rachel Bredamus for giving our daughters such meaningful and rich experiences. read more

This year has been my first at Camp Birchwood. I can honestly say I have never been in a more empowering, positive and supportive environment. I keep telling my friends and family that I am coming home a newer and better woman. I have discovered a confidence I never knew I had, I have participated in activities I never thought I would get the chance to do, I have experienced things that I will carry with me forever. Birchwood is a place filled with strong, independent young women, all of whom are given a voice at Birchwood. Terry and Rachel work hard to ensure every single camper receives the best summer camp experience possible, they are passionate and caring people through and through and I feel lucky to have met them. Every girl at Birchwood leaves camp with a tear in her eye and a fire in her heart to return next year. The memories girls make at Birchwood, mould them, bend them and shape them into the women this society needs. Women with an empowering voice and the confidence to use it, skills that will carry them through life whether it be tying knots or starting a fire, and most importantly a strong support group of likewise women that they will have for life. I am beyond grateful for Birchwood and to have had the opportunity to be here for a summer, every girl needs a place like Birchwood - a place she can be her truest self and thrive in that being. read more

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My daughter continues to be scarred 3 years following a 1 month session at Birchwood. She was a new camper placed in a cabin with all old timers. She was the only homesick camper. She had a counselor that verbally abused her and physically shook her to stop her from crying. Her pleas to The director, Terry, went unbelieved. Her cabin mates did their best to help her. One camper wrote home to her mom about how she felt so badly for this little girl(my daughter) who was homesick and the counselor wouldn't help her during the night , so she(the camper) would stay awake with her. We found out through the grapevine, that this counselor was fired after my daughter's session. I would have appreciated this information directly from the directions if only to validate my daughter's experience. She thought it was all her fault...that she must not have been a camp person. They never called to check in on her....though for 1 year afterwards, we continued to receive those mass emails about signing up for the following summer. I understand that every camp is going to have issues with some staff. That's life. But how about the senior staff that we put our trust in to listen to our children? It was only after I read Jason S.'s review that I felt compelled to write my own. read more

I went to Camp Birchwood for 8 years- from age 9 to 16 and I can honestly say that it shaped my childhood and that they were the best months of my life. Seeing bad reviews about Camp Birchwood is truly heartbreaking because it is my favorite place in the world. I went there my first year alone not knowing anybody for 2 weeks. I made friends so quickly and within 4 days I was writing home to my mom asking if I could come for 4 weeks the next summer. I've made the best friends in the world with campers as well as counselors that I still keep in touch with years later. The counselors are fun and amazing role models for young girls, and the girls who go to Birchwood are accepting, caring and including. There are so many activities to choose from, but I personally got involved in shooting sports, something I had never done at age 9. Now at age 18 I still go to shooting ranges using the skills I learned at Birchwood, and nobody can believe an 18 year old girl can safely and accurately shoot a gun like I can. The food is amazing and I still dream about the Mac and cheese and chicken tenders. I celebrated my birthday at camp every summer for 8 years and I would never have had it any other way because they made me feel so loved and we're always a blast. The 4th of July is so much fun at camp as well. I never suffered from any homesickness, and the girls that did when I was there got over it quickly with a change of mindset. It's hard to be homesick when you're having so much fun all day, plus it's very busy in a good way. I was also a part of the senior leadership program for two years and I was an assistant counselor in Riflery and Archery. Those two summers were my best summers and I strongly recommend applying if you're in high school because they will change your life more than you ever imagined they could. By age 13 I had already decided I was coming back as a counselor one day (I plan to apply next summer) and that I wanted to get married in the chapel at camp (we'll see about that one). The love I have for Birchwood is indescribable and I credit my independence and self confidence to this camp entirely. One of the best parts about is that there are no boys. I never worried about what I looked like, wore make up, or felt left out because a boy didn't like me. Having no cell phones or TV was also a blessing and I never had more fun without my phone or TV in my life. Parents, do yourselves a favor and send your daughters to Camp Birchwood, it'll change their lives forever. And girls, beg your parents to let you go. I still have all my friendship bracelets, awards, and sometimes still walk around singing camp songs that I'll never forget. read more

My daughter has attended Camp Birchwood for seven years and every year has been fantastic for her. Not only has she made great friends but she has matured in many ways during each four week program. There is something very special about this camp that makes it unique. My daughter and all her friends truly love this camp. In the seven Summers that my daughter has attended Birchwood, I have never once had any problems whatsoever. The owners of Birchwood are true professionals who run a first rate camp with superb counselors. I can't say enough good things about Birchwood. If you are thinking about sending your daughter to a sleep away camp, I urge you to consider Camp Birchwood for Girls. I know you and your daughter will be very happy. read more

For the past ten years, I've had a daughter, niece or friend's daughter at Camp Birchwood. They all have had wonderful experiences there, year after year. We tried three other summer camps before Birchwood and without a doubt, Birchwood is a cut above the rest. Some of the things that I really like: - The girls are given a fleece scarf upon enrollment. They can earn badges for their scarf, similar to Girl Scouts, which required hands-on demonstration of skill mastery, as well as a written test for some activities. My daughter came home so PROUD of her two earned badges and was determined to earn her horseback badge the following summer. - The girls are held accountable for their own belongings, as well as cleaning their cabins. - The campers have evening activities and games that have them working in groups. - A large variety of activities - NO electronic devices of any kind. No tvs either. My teenage niece says she looks forward to being "unplugged" every summer. - No boys. Nothing against boys, but I love that the girls don't have any of the issues that can crop up when boys are in the picture. So, the girls can come home with improved skills in the areas of goal setting and achieving, improved self esteem, responsibility, team building and problem solving, to name a few. I definitely saw this in my daughter. She had a great time with the other girls, too. They are all from different states (and countries, even) and keep in touch. They have been a great source of support for one another during their time away from their "second home". I think the camp staff are doing really good things for girls up there. My daughter's friend had a tough time with homesickness her first night. My friend received multiple updates as they reassured her daughter that it was going to be ok. And it was. She was fine the next day and ended up going back the following summer. When my youngest is ready, she will be a Camp Birchwood Girl, too. read more

I feel bad for the other campers who left the reviews about the poor experience here, but I must be honest and say that our two daughters' experiences for the past two years could not have been more different so I feel like it is worth hearing from someone who had a great time. First, we knew of this camp because my husband had gone when he was little and his fond memories made him want to send his children then when the opportunity arose. Year one. Oldest daughter was quite nervous about going, but her best friend also wanted to go, so we sent a camp mate request and it was honored. Upon arriving, you get an email from the camp letting you know that the campers have arrived (they fly to Minneapolis with Terry, the owner of the camp) and then take a 3 hour bus ride. Oldest daughter home sick, counselor let daughter use her own personal cell phone to call us numerous times that first evening (calls typically not allowed so as to not heighten the homesickness of kids, but this counselor bent the rules for our daughter). Again, calls not allowed, but parents are allowed to communicate with children via snail mail and "bunk notes " (emails). Also, photos taken every day and at end of day parents can log on a view photos. Via mail and photos our children looked happy and like they were having fun. Mentions of homesickness, but also lots of metions of how fun it is, what new friends they are making, and all the new activities they are trying (archery, horseback riding, tennis, etc.). Year one,end of session, we pick our children up since my husband wants to see the camp. Rustic, yes, but looks fine. Children get in car and immediately ask us if they can go back for a whole month the following year. Yes, homesick nervous daughter had so much fun that not only did she want to go back, but for twice as long. Now I will be honest, my youngest admitted that she only took one shower and brushed her teeth three times during the whole 2 weeks there, but as an 8 year old girl she doesn't have horomonal issues giving her B.O., and lets be honest, how well does she always brush her teeth when she is at home? Another one of her friends wore her pjs during the day and her street clothes at night? Strange, sure, but harmful, I think not. I think it actually allowed these girls to feel like they really had the freedom to do what they wanted to do without a parent or adult nagging and yelling at them. Year two. We preregistered months in advance. Made cabin mate request, and subseqently my oldest daughter had a bit of a falling out with this friend. We called the camp to see if we could have this request dishonored, and the woman I spoke with asked if we had talked to the other family because the camp too often in the past had gotten burned by not honoring a cabin mate request. I appreciated that she didn't just say sure but really explained things to me - interesting side note, my daughter ultimately didn't end up in the same cabin with this friend, so I am guessing that the other family also asked to have the cabin mate request dishonored. Again, much fun had by both my girls. This time we had them fly back to O'Hare with the campers, and as we were leaving, Terry said to us "thank you for the honor of sharing your girls with us." I like that small statement. Even if its just boilerplate that he says to everyone, it makes you feel like they do take the time to get to know your children on a personal level. One last note, I really appreciate that this isn't a coed camp. I think that girls have so many issues as it is, and even with their own kind, but I do like that there are no boys there, not even across a lake, so the girls can really feel empowered to be themselves. read more

In 1981 while teaching in southern Minnesota I took 50 students to Camp Birchwood for a great learning adventure for sixth grade students, and since that time the GFW school district has continued to bring up to 100 students each year. We have meet fantastic counsellors, and a group of director that have made a positive influence in the lives of thousands of children. Contact GFW Public Schoo and ask if you would like glowing recommendations. read more

I go to camp here, and it is like a second home to me. At Camp Birchwood, everyone is welcomed and accepted for their differences. You get to learn tons of new skills and grow as a person. The time I spend at camp is the highlight of my year and I can't wait to go again! read more

I have spent the last six summers working at Camp Birchwood and i can honestly say it is now a place i refer to as a second home. The first time i went to camp i was a naive 18 year old who had never been away from home (in England) unless it was with my parents. When i arrived at camp i was immediately welcomed by the directors at camp and others who worked there. Every year staff go through an intensive two week staff training program where they are trained in all aspects of looking after young girls and women. All are well trained in the activity they teach and are given time to plan how day to day activities are run and cabin time. Everyone at camp works around the clock to try and ensure that every girl that comes to birchwood makes new friends, feels accepted and has the most fun they can in the time that they are there. Camp teaches valuble life lessons, social skills and life long skills that girls remember forever. Girls are given a choice of over 15 different activities that they can choose from each day. So if they try something and do not like it then they do not have to do it again. Of course like at any place there are going to be campers who come to camp for the first time and are going to be homesick. (i was homesick my first year for the first two weeks and i was 18 so we expect it from the girls) However we work closely with any camper who says they are homesick and work alongside them and the parents to try and make this work. By us telling girls that after two days they can go home if they feel homesick does nothing but set girls up for failure. However if we encourge them and tell them we know that they can do this, 99.9 % of girls soon integrate into camp life, loving activities and the friends they meet. We are teaching them a valuble life lesson and offering them the great feeling of achievement so many girls feel after doing something on there own and being independent even if it just for a short two week period. Obviously if after a few days girls are seriously homesick and are unhappy all day everyday then it makes sense for them to go home. (Although over the last six years this has been a rare occurance) Over six years i have seen girls grow into strong, intelligent, independant women who ooze confidence and every one of these will tell you that thier time at camp has been a huge contribution to her life and the person she is today. I understand Camp Birchwood is not for everyone but i feel some of the comments made in previous reviews are unfair. Like in any job the odd person hired may turn out not to be suitable and if this is the case they are asked to leave but this does not mean that everyone else at camp is the same. Everyone does everything they can to support every single girl we have in our care. I encourage anyone to come and be a part of any of the last campfires held at camp the night before girls leave, it is a mix of tears, happiness and achievment. Where girls really realise what they have manage to acomplish in thier time at camp and where girls begin the countdown for when camp will start again next summer so they can come back to "thier second home." I have been a qualified teacher for the past two years and returning to camp in the summer makes me wish that every child could have the chance to go to a camp like Birchwood. As i see the amazing things it does for young girls, the confidence and self assurance it installs in them and the friendships they make with those around them. I have just relocated on my own to become a teacher in Germany and i know without the things i learnt at camp i would never have had the confidence to make such a big move!! I know when i have children i will strive to send them to Camp Birchwood, as its such an amazing experience!! Thanks for a great 6 years! :) read more

I've been going to Birchwood for eight summers now--this past summer as a staff member. And I have to say that Birchwood is one of the single most important influences in my life. Birchwood has taught me skills that have stuck with me and will stick with me for the rest of my life. I don't remember much of my geometry class, but I know that I can sail a boat; I no longer remember the periodic table, but I can string a bow and shoot accurately and precisely--at Birchwood I learned skills to fuel passions. Last year during my skip year, me and three other Birchwood girls planned, prepared, and set out on a week long canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. We paddled about 60 miles, not a single one of us could've done that without the skills that Birchwood taught us; Birchwood was the only training we had and it was more than enough. Birchwood not only taught me physical skills but emotional ones as well. Throughout my years at Birchwood my self-confidence grew, I learned how to care for others and not just myself, Birchwood taught me about selflessness and empathy. I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today without Birchwood. I am so grateful for it and it was such a privilege to be able to spend my summers there. Terry and Rachel Bredemus create a wonderful atmosphere of caring and self-discovery; they truly care about the wellbeing of each and every one of their campers. I can think of no better way for a girl to spend her summer than at Birchwood. read more

If you want to provide your child the best education in themselves, let them discover their capabilities and build confidence at a quality residential summer camp. I have extensive camp experience, as a former camper, campfire leader, and later as medical support for camps from New England to the Midwest. Camp Birchwood for Girls is a gorgeous, well maintained residential camp that the owners continuously update with new activities and equipment. It is a superior camp with excellent programing, a nurturing environment, and consistent top scores from the American Camp Association. 3 of our daughters have graduated from the senior camper program and we will send our 4th this summer. All will tell you Camp Birchwood has positively shaped their lives. As a volunteer in the camp med center for nearly a decade, I have had the unique opportunity to see the camp in full swing. I can tell you with great confidence your children will be well cared for, have fun, grow in amazing ways, and make some lifetime friends . I have witnessed abundant patience as staff have coached girls, even with extreme homesickness, to triumph, and gain a new sense of independence. Part of being a quality camp is making the health and safety of every camper the first priority. This includes identifying when the needs of a child exceed the facility's staff ability to provide such care in a camp environment and willingness to make the hard call to a parent when early departure from camp is required. Fortunately it is very unusual circumstances that a camper ever wants or needs to leaves Camp Birchwood early. read more

I think a lot of the time we only hear about the bad or negative experiences of a place or a product or even a person and fail to see the positive or "the light" no matter how big or small. I worked as a counsellor at Camp Birchwood this past summer and before you judge this review as biased remember that not all work experiences are great. Luckily mine was. The people I met, the skills I learnt and the experiences i had will last me a lifetime. I travelled alone for over 40 hours to get to camp and knew nothing about the place or what to expect so I was pretty nervous. But I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I often would tell my friends back home how I wish I could have a place like this to learn a variety of life skills, meet new friends from all over (and keep in touch with them throughout the year) and a place to get back to nature and just be myself without all the pressures of the modern world. I'm sorry to hear of the bad experiences a very few people have had but do not judge Birchwood solely on this. It is a great place with nothing but the best of care for your child in mind. read more