Experiences that Shape Us

Birch Bay Ranch will always have a special place in my heart. I had the unique privilege of growing up at the Ranch from the time I was 11 until I was 17. My parents were the directors of BBR for 5 of those 6 years. During that time we lived in every house on the property (except the Tuck Shop), from the "shack in the back" up to the "white house". I started out as a camper and then went on to serve in every area imaginable in the camp, continuing on as a staff member through my university years. Close to 13 years of my life were spent at Birch Bay Ranch in someway or another.

I can honestly say that I am who I am today because of my experiences at Birch Bay Ranch. They have shaped me. I overcame my fear of horses at the Ranch and eventually went on to be a CHA certified instructor. I developed a love for navigating the open waters in a canoe on Cooking Lake (I even remember swimming in that lake when we first moved there). I also got to hang high up in the sky and cheer on countless children (and adults) as they jumped from one of our towers to enjoy an amazing zipline ride. I have cleaned every toilet on the facility and painted numerous bunk beds. I have washed endless number of dishes and mopped many a floor. I sang all the songs and did most of the skits and even got to share as campfire speaker a few times. I learned to lean on God when things got tough and trust Him to do His work in my life and the life of others. I loved meeting with Him in the beauty of His creation and in the conversations with campers during WAG (What About God) and in the fellowship among the staff.

My abilities to work hard, lead others, be a part of a team, speak in front of crowds, teach someone something new, and share my faith were all developed at Birch Bay Ranch.

I could go on about how much the Ranch has impacted me, but what touches me the most when I think about Birch Bay Ranch, is the impact it has made on the lives of others. Staff members who came struggling with their faith (or even having no faith in the Lord at all), came back to the Lord and are now in full time ministry today as a result. I think of campers who committed their lives to Jesus in my cabin and went on to serve Him faithfully, even though they came from unbelieving homes and faced many obstacles. Many of them are still serving God today and some are even in full time ministry. I love watching people discover their potential as they tried something new, especially when it was something they didn't think was possible, whether it was cleaning a bathroom for the first time or jumping from a 70 foot tower. Birch Bay Ranch truly is a place where people encounter God and experience life change. I know that the Lord has a perfect plan for the Ranch and I pray that lives can continue to be impacted in a positive way for years to come. 

I am now a mother of an almost 2 year old, and I would love to be able to send her to camp there one day.

Krysta Koppel (Hinger) 1990-2003