Birchwood Camp Alaska

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find solace in the peaceful surroundings of Birchwood Camp Alaska.

Located in Chugiak between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, this year-round camp and retreat center offers an ideal setting for visitors of all faiths and beliefs to connect with nature and find inner peace.

Just about 30 minutes north of Anchorage, this tranquil and peaceful sanctuary provides meaningful experiences for all who seek them.

Birchwood Camp Overview

With its stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, it’s no wonder that over 6,000 visitors come to Birchwood Camp every year to enjoy its peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.

You can experience a variety of activities at Birchwood Camp. They range from their summer camp to their Winter Youth Break-Away.

Now it’s time to experience it for yourself!

Birchwood Camp Map

This Camp Map is a great way to explore the area and find all the popular activities and attractions.

It can also be used as a guide to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the local hotspots.

Birchwood Summer Camp

At this camp in Alaska, summer camps provide a safe space for spiritual formation, genuine community, and character development through kindness, acceptance, respect, cooperation, outdoor learning, and play.

Through these practices, campers develop meaningful connections with one another and build skills that will last beyond their time at camp.

During their stay, campers can explore nature and the outdoors through activities such as hiking, canoeing, and more.

With dedicated staff members providing guidance and support, campers will gain confidence and a better understanding of who they are and what they can achieve.

In addition to the physical activities, campers will have opportunities to explore their faith and be inspired by the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

By the end of their stay, campers will have created unforgettable memories with their newfound friends, and go home with a renewed sense of purpose and connection with themselves and the world around them.

Winter Youth Break-Away

Winter Youth Break-Away is a great opportunity for young people to discover the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness and build meaningful connections with their peers while experiencing spiritual renewal and personal growth.

Held at Birchwood Camp, this exciting retreat is open to adolescents aged 11-15.

During the week-long stay, campers explore the natural wonders of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet and participate in activities like snowshoeing sledding, and snow painting.

In addition, campers engage in spiritual reflection, building a strong sense of self and discovering their purpose in life.

With other youth, they share stories, create art, play games, and learn the importance of developing healthy, supportive relationships.

At the end of the week, campers come away with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and an understanding of how they can use their own gifts to make a positive impact on the world.

Camper Tips (What To Bring / What Not To Bring)

When packing for camp, it’s important to remember the essential items to bring, additional items to consider, and the prohibited items that should not be brought.

Bring all the necessary items for a successful camp experience, such as a slip-and-slide, sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit, clothing for all climates, socks, pajamas, gear for rain, towels, toiletries, insect repellent, Bible, laundry pack, water bottle, and two pairs of shoes.

On the other hand, there are a few items that should not be brought to camp – weapons, illegal drugs, tobacco products, alcohol, pets, and cell phones.

Pack carefully for a meaningful and safe camp experience!

History

You can learn about the history of this retreat center, which dates back to 1958 when it was purchased by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

It includes 160 acres, with a 30-acre lake and just the Trapper Cabin when first acquired.

Summer camps began in 1961, and 18 buildings have been built since, mostly through volunteer labor.

It is now fully accessible and modernized for year-round use, operated by the Board of Directors as an extension of the Alaska United Methodist Conference.

In 1997, Birchwood Camp became fully accredited by the American Camping Association, and a Native American-style lodge was completed in 2007.

A community challenge course was also constructed in 2004 and a new meeting cabin, Fireweed Hall, was dedicated in 2011.

More recently, a new multi-purpose meeting cabin was built in 2009, and two full-time, year-round employees were hired.

Birchwood Camp continues to evolve to meet the needs of its campers and community.