Submitted by Relena Lyddon Myers, Director of Birchwood Camp.
Birchwood Camp’s mission is to build community on common ground. We strive to offer hospitality to all, and we open our doors to groups both religious and secular. Guests are invited to retreat to a place of tranquility, a place apart from the everyday world to experience renewal and inspiration. A year-round camp and retreat center in Chugiak, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet just 30 minutes north of Anchorage. The camp, which has been in operation since 1961. Guests and campers enjoy scenic views, beautiful Psalm lake, idyllic log cabins, multi-purpose meeting spaces, hiking trails & outdoor spaces, opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, & team building, and much more on the 160-acre property. The serene setting invites guests to take a break, to let go of the stress and chaos of everyday life and retreat to a place of peace, tranquility, personal growth, and learning. We offer rental and program opportunities for community groups, schools, churches, businesses, and private events. We have facilities available for rental for groups up to 100 people and we are open year-round. We also offer team-building opportunities on our low-ropes challenge course.
There is a tradition at camp to sing “Sanctuary” after each worship service, after campfire (remember it doesn’t get dark even at night in the summer!), really whenever & wherever we, #birchwoodfamily, are together.
“Lord prepare me. To be a sanctuary. Pure and Holy. Tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”
Beautifully, at this holy place…camp… which is a sanctuary itself for so many. They are learning to be that sanctuary for others. Signing to the mountains (the Chugach mountains) that represent the rest of the world, where they are going… to live out love.
