THE STORY of The Firs and Camp Firwood is a story of faith.

Situated just south of the U.S. border, it has become one of the most popular camps and retreat centres for Canadians.

The Firs story began with the desire of a handful of Christians to see people of all ages escape the distractions of an increasingly complicated society – by experiencing the biblical message of Jesus in an inspiring camp and retreat setting.

Otis and Julia Whipple gathered a group of 35 people at their property overlooking Lake Whatcom in Bellingham.

Their stated purpose during that July week in 1921 was to “meet the Lord and strengthen the ties of an extended spiritual family.”

They probably couldn’t have imagined what was to follow: an unbroken string of camp and conference activity which has spanned many decades and grown into a multi-site, multi-program organization which annually serves approximately 11,000 children, youth, adults and families.

Held together by the faithful efforts of 18 core individuals, The Firs became an official, incorporated non-profit entity in June of 1927. It has flourished ever since at its original rental site in Bellingham, Washington.

In the summer of 1954, a group of 30 junior high campers paddled along the shores of Lake Whatcom to a beautiful camp site they called White Sands.

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With permission from the owner, the first week of resident youth camp took place on this 80-acre site which soon became known as Camp Firwood.

In 1955, with its 2,600 feet of pristine shoreline, Camp Firwood was purchased – and would soon become a fully developed summer youth program.

This was followed several years later by the purchase of the only island on the lake, Reveille Island, which is immediately adjacent to Camp Firwood. This rugged and beautiful 12-acre island now serves as a destination for picnics, all-camp games, and overnight camp-outs.

The Firs went ahead. Within three years, the four-storey      A-frame Mount Baker Chalet rental was completed, offering snow-related programs and retreat ministries to up to 100 eager youth or adults per session – as well as a pristine alpine destination for retreat groups in the summer.

With this new facility, The Firs now existed on three distinct and unique camp sites. Thus began a period of growth and expansion throughout the year at all three locations of The Firs.

In 1960, the Fircreek Day Camp program kicked off at the Conference Center site. Churches and other organizations began renting The Firs facilities for their own camps and retreats, and many ministry partnerships were soon established.

In response to a growing suburban community and a need for child care, in 2001, The Firs began the after school adventure program at the Conference Center. The Firs ministry to school age children now operates 12 months a year.

April 2008