Bethany Birches Traditions Extend to Local Students

Over the past five years Bethany Birches Camp (BBC) has hosted students and educators from local schools including Woodstock Middle School, Mill River High School, Woodstock Elementary School and Stratton Mountain School. Students from each school participate in a variety of BBC activities depending on their group’s goals. Skiers from Stratton Mountain School partake in the pig trough together. This usually ends in unexpected fits of giggles. Woodstock Elementary School 4th graders collaborate to set up tents and spend hours exploring the pond.  Ninth graders from Mill River tackle the BBC Cooperation Course, and spend time relaxing and playing games outside. The Woodstock 8th grade enjoys fishing, camping out, performing at the coffee house and cheering each other down the water slide. 

The rustic outdoor nature of Bethany Birches Camp can be a stretch for some according to Erin Hanrahan, 8th grade teacher at Woodstock Middle School. The experience at BBC gives students an opportunity to share vulnerabilities and skills they don’t always uncover about each other at school. Laurie Smith, a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) specialist and chaperone for the 8th grade campout reports one of the highlights for her is watching students overcome their fear of the waterslide and cheer each other on as they go down the slide. Students from different friend groups yell encouragement to each other as they conquer fears together.  Students from each school intentionally experience fun, nature, and community, 3 of BBC’s core values. We know from doing this for 60 years, that God becomes especially accessible when we join the other three.