As parents, we want to give our kids tools to be successful adults. Independence is one tool that cannot be taught while holding their hand. Birchwood Wilderness Camp is where my son has learned not only independence, but confidence in new situations, with new people, hard work from not wanting to let his fellow campers down, and a love for animals and nature. Although I missed him every second, I knew he was safe, having fun, and growing in ways I could have never imagined , and he was doing it in one of the most beautiful, pristine places in the world!"
Sara
Kansas City, KS
We highly recommend Birchwood to anyone wanting their son to be active, outdoors, engaged, joyful, confident, kind, strong and enthused. Our son can’t wait to be back at Birchwood! He loved it! As parents, we loved that he was exploring, experiencing and that he was so happy! We appreciated how friendly, informative and responsive the camp was before and during our son’s camp experience. The camp location is one of the most pristine and incredible places you can imagine. To sum it all up, it is perfect!
Eva
Minneapolis, MN
"Birchwood, you saved my son's life. Even at the tender age of 11. The young man that he is today IS from Birchwood. The change I saw in him when he returned home from Birchwood was unbelievable. It changed not only his life but mine too."
Kristie
Omaha, NE
"While at camp, boys have an opportunity to truly be themselves. They get to explore and be outside. They make valuable friendships. My son has grown so much in his independence, confidence and belief in himself because of his experiences at Birchwood. We are already counting down the days till next summer."
Amy
Lawrence, KS
"My son has been attending Birchwood since the summer before his 6th grade year and has found it to be a home away from home. He's made amazing friendships with like minded peers and has had role models in the staff from around the world who've had a hand in shaping him into the confident, independent young man we are so proud of today. It is far away, but I KNOW he is in great hands and having the time of his life while he is up there."
Jen
Chicago, IL
"This was the single most life-changing experience my son has ever had, in so many ways."
Stacey
St. Louis, MO
Thank you so much Birchwood for providing an incredible environment for our 7 year old. He happens to be a really confident child, but he has grown in other ways in terms of responsibility and leadership. I can depend on him more around the house and he's only been home for a couple of days!
Also your environment nurtures their love of the outdoors and the wilderness - I truly believe that this is paramount for our young children. Birchwood is truly special and I feel so lucky that we have found it. Our son cannot wait to enroll for next summer and he plans to attend for much longer than two weeks! Thank you so much!
Megan
Nashville, TN
Our son went in 2022 for the first time, at age 12, without knowing anyone. He had a fantastic experience: Loved the people, the activities, the location, and the trips. And especially the water slide. And the dog (we don't have one; he loves Arlo). His second summer was even better -- another superior report. I think his time at camp is extremely valuable: He is learning a lot about a lot of things, and relating to others (away from screens). His time engaging with place in this special part of the country is special. I am so grateful that Birchwood makes this possible.
Kira
Kansas City, KS
I have so, so much appreciation for the amazing team at Birchwood. I have never seen Sterling so fully himself! I can't believe what an amazing difference just two weeks made. (He is already planning his month away next year!) The confidence, the enthusiasm, the willingness to get excited about things that are non-routine/anxiety provoking. I know it has only been a day back, but I already see a difference in how he is talking about himself, his experiences there and the upcoming school year. Twenty years in education, I know this is no small feat and speaks volumes about the environment you have created and the team you have put together. We will certainly be singing the praises of Birchwood to anyone who will listen!
Rachel
Chicago, IL
Our son is now the third generation of our family to attend Birchwood Wilderness Camp and camp has become a second home for him. Birchwood Wilderness Camp is so much more than your typical summer camp, providing a unique environment where boys are taught how to gain independence, friendship, and teamwork, while exploring and developing a deep love for the beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Our son returns home each summer with wonderful stories of his outdoor adventures and holds his head a little higher from the confidence and responsibility he has gained. The staff at Birchwood not only create a safe environment that is filled with fun and laughter, but one where the boys are taught valuable wilderness skills, how to work through challenges, and make life-long friends. His time at Birchwood Wilderness Camp is life-changing and as parents, we are beyond thankful for the experiences he gets each summer!
Maggie
St. Louis, MO
Our boys came back from Birchwood Wilderness Camp just bursting with confidence and stories. They pushed themselves to do things they didn't think they could do and came away better for it! The staff is attentive, kind, creative and so fun. We had full confidence that the boys would be cared for and have the time of their lives. We would 100% send them back to camp again!
Leah
Rockford, IL
