Horse Crazy

Birch Bay Ranch has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. I only went to camp once for a week and at that time I didn’t dream I would still be involved with this amazing place 33 years later.  

When I was 14 years old my cousin was one of the horsemanship coordinators and (horse crazy as I was) I was able to come and help with chores, cleaning stalls and anywhere else I was needed. From then on I was hooked. I helped out as much as possible and eventually was old enough to be on staff for the summer (horse staff of course). I spent my summers at Birch Bay Ranch from then on. 

I learned a lot about myself and was given the opportunity to learn and grow (physically and spiritually) in a nurturing and supportive environment. I progressed from being a junior wrangler to being the horsemanship coordinator for 2 summers.  I spent my summers at Birch Bay until I was 19 and got to see many people (campers, staff and rental group participants), as well as myself be challenged and discover and develop strengths through the various activities and friendships made.

Birch Bay Ranch would always have a place in my heart where I got to spend my summers as a teenager. I made wonderful memories and great friends. This place helped me grow into the person I am. I was finished school and went on to work for other places (nothing that ever came close to Birch Bay). I met my husband to be and would tell him about my summers growing up. From the stories I would tell him he knew how special this place was to me. 

13 years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to come back as the office manager. A job that was new to me and I had never done before. Again I was given the opportunity to learn and grow in a nurturing and supportive environment.  Being back also made it possible for my stepdaughters to experience Birch Bay Ranch. This place and the staff were a positive influence which led one daughter to make the choice to become a Christian. It is also where she met her husband. To this day her family continues to volunteer in various areas around the ranch.

Over the years I have seen many people come through the gates (campers, staff, group participants and family) and have seen the impact this place has had on them. I pray that my granddaughters have the chance to attend and experience this camp.

Naomi Androsoff

Sharing the Bond of Christ

When those who come together have a passion to share the heart and the Words of Our Lord.. Lives are forever changed.   Many over the years have come to Birch Bay to camp.  Many return to continue sharing and touching lives.

This ministry has transformed the life of my niece...and I am forever grateful. To share the bond of Christ with her is a very precious thing. I am so thankful for this group of dedicated people who continue to share the Gospel.

Blessings to you all..

Peggy Knebel

The Beginning of My Journey

I have been coming back to Birch Bay for six years now, and I can honestly say that this place has shaped me into the person I am today. Every year I return to the ranch with a smile on my face, knowing that I have another year of amazing opportunity to learn and grow in the knowledge of God. 

This past summer I had an incredible first time volunteering as staff, teaching kids about God. I am so glad I was able to open some children's eyes to see Jesus’ love just as the staff has done for me years ago. It was at Birch Bay where I discovered Jesus’ love for me, where I made many of my most cherished friendships, and where my life as a Christian truly began. 

The first bible verse I learned -I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13-  Is  something that I use on a daily basis. Whenever I am scared or in doubt, I remember God’s love for me, and how the ranch has taught me to not be afraid. 

Birch Bay Ranch is not like any regular camp. It is a place of growth, friendship and forgiveness. There is an atmosphere of love around the camp, and I truly hope that next summer I will be able to return to it. Birch bay will always hold a special place in my heart, a place that marks the beginning of my journey as a christian. 

-Ray Slobodian 

Starting in 1975

In 1975 I found the address for Birch Bay Ranch in the phone book because I wanted to work at a camp and my Mom had heard about it through some means.  The application that came in response to the letter I wrote asked some questions.

Name?  I knew that.

Address?  I knew that.

How long have you been a Christian?  I asked my Mom.  "How long have I been a Christian?" "All your life."  I filled that in.

Church you attend?  I left that blank.

Pastor's name?  "What's a pastor?"  Mom answered, "I think it's like a minister."  I left that blank too.

Long story short, I went out to work in the kitchen, heard the gospel and decided to follow Jesus.  A total of six summers spent at the ranch in a variety of roles followed.  Along the way I thought Bible College sounded like a good idea.  After graduation I moved to Ontario to work another ranch ministry full time for a couple of years, followed by church ministry for many years and now am serving as a chaplain to women that have been in prison.

Birch Bay Ranch was the place that shared the good news and provided the community that played a large part in my early formative years of discipleship.  Opportunities to serve and lead at the ranch foreshadowed how I would spend my ministry life.  Relationships forged working alongside others in carrying out the mission of the ranch continue to be a source of great joy. I am indebted to those that visioned and worked and sacrificed to see BBR become a reality.  Thanks for the opportunity to tell my story.

Debbie (Devlin) Fawcett (Rev)

Home Away From Home

Birch Bay Ranch has been my home away from home for about 10 years. Whenever I think of summer I think of the ranch. This place is where I want my kids to learn more about God and to grow in the Spirit, all while having loads of fun!

James Peterson