Special Life Experiences at Birch Bay Ranch

I am writing this as my 10 year old daughter Samantha stands beside me feeling so sad and starting to cry about the possibility that Birch Bay Ranch might be closing. Its really tough to try explain to a little girl why this might happen.

As a mom, I was very nervous to send Samantha to a sleepover camp because it was her first, but I was comforted in knowing that she could call me at any time if she needed me. She phoned home once just to tell me what a great time she was having and couldn't quit chattering. I sent her there for the very first time last summer and she could not wait for this year to go back. She spent one week at the camp last summer and two weeks this year.

She said they taught her so much about Jesus and God. She learned many parables which she has shared with me. She lost her fear of heights and they helped her not to be afraid of the zip line and to challenge herself and have fun. Learning to ride a horse and not be afraid was another task accomplished as well as learning to care for the horses. She made so many friends from different places. She said the staff were so nice and she's afraid for them. They teach the kids many good things and there is not a lot of that out there these days. It would be a great loss to lose such a precious summer camp program that only has the very best interests at heart for each and every person who goes there.

I know my daughter can't stop talking about this camp and even planned on working as a counsellor someday when she is old enough, as many kids before her have done. Learning this type of work ethic and helping teach about God and kindness to others is priceless in today's world. The people who are making this decision really need to see Birch Bay in action to appreciate that it is not in the best interests of anyone to close it down for any reason.

Thank you to everyone at Birch Bay and we will pray that this will not be taken away.

God Bless,
Angie, Samantha and Tim.