BY EMMA GEARY - JANUARY 7, 2025

Nestled in the serene woods of Northern Minnesota, Camp Birchwood has been a transformative haven for girls seeking adventure, community, and self-discovery since its founding in 1939. Today, under the stewardship of Georgia and Samuel, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, the camp continues to provide an unparalleled environment where girls from ages 7 to 17 can grow, connect, and thrive.

Samuel and Georgia, Owners and Directors of Camp Birchwood

For Georgia, the connection to Camp Birchwood runs deep. Having attended the camp as a young girl, she experienced firsthand the unique impact of a place that encourages individuality and fosters genuine connection. “Camp Birchwood was the first place where I felt truly supported and connected,” Georgia shares. “It was where I realized I could step outside the roles I had been playing in my life and rewrite my story. I get emotional talking about it even now because it was so impactful at that time in my life and truly changed my trajectory.”

This philosophy of authenticity and empowerment is at the heart of Camp Birchwood’s ethos. While many camps focus on keeping kids occupied, Birchwood offers a much deeper experience. Georgia explains, “It’s about creating a community where everyone contributes, supports one another, and brings out the best in each other.”

A Dream Realized: Taking the Leap to Lead Birchwood

Georgia and Samuel’s journey to owning Camp Birchwood was marked by serendipity and a shared vision. Georgia recalls the moment as a teenager when she declared her dream of one day leading the camp. Years later, while living in California, the couple found themselves surrounded by wildfires during the pandemic—a moment that prompted them to re-evaluate their path. They were planning a move back to Northern Minnesota, but when they learned that Camp Birchwood was for sale, it felt like fate.

For Samuel, who had planned a career in medicine, the transition was a leap into the unknown. But the opportunity to shape the lives of young people alongside his wife was too compelling to pass up. “I’ve worked with youth throughout my career, and the idea of creating a culture and environment where kids could grow and thrive was incredibly exciting,” he says. “Doing it with Georgia made it even more special.”

Building a Village: The Camp Birchwood Difference

At Camp Birchwood, every summer feels unique, shaped by the individuality of the campers and the care of the staff. The camp operates like a tightly-knit village, where each girl is seen, supported, and celebrated. Samuel and Georgia emphasize the importance of fostering an environment that feels organic, even though it’s carefully and intentionally designed.

“One of the most surprising parts of this work is how deeply we connect with the campers,” says Samuel. “When they leave, it’s bittersweet—it’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s rewarding to know they’re taking what they’ve learned here into the world.”

Both Samuel and Georgia share how transformative the camp is for attendees, taking away the traditional roles each girl may have in their day-to-day environment. Without parents, siblings, and school friends to inform their identity, they can pursue new interests in a place where everyone is brand new and on equal footing.

Georgia adds, “It’s common for us to hear from parents and campers alike that they’re a completely different girl by the time they leave. The one who was always a quiet reader at home has suddenly become the lead in the play, or the indoor-loving girl becomes a wilderness expert. We know each camper so well, and it’s always emotional at the end of the summer. But seeing their growth and knowing the impact this experience has on their lives makes it all worthwhile.”

Traditions That Leave a Lasting Impact

Camp Birchwood is rich with traditions that create lifelong memories for its campers. Among the most beloved is the awarding of patches for achievements in activities like sailing, horseback riding, or wilderness survival. Georgia describes the moment when a camper earns her first award: “We announce it during a meal, and the entire camp erupts into cheers. It’s almost unbearably loud, but it’s genuine pride and excitement for someone else’s accomplishment. It’s something I never get tired of witnessing.”

And truly, how often is it that we have a room full of people raucously applauding our achievements, genuinely happy for our success? The tradition is a reminder to celebrate moments big and small, no matter how old you are.

Another cherished tradition is the final campfire of each session, where campers have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share with the group. “It’s incredible to see a girl who was shy at the start of camp stand up and confidently speak in front of everyone,” says Samuel. “It’s a moment of transformation and empowerment.”

Empowering Growth Beyond the Campfire

The benefits of the Camp Birchwood experience extend far beyond the summer months. For many girls, the camp becomes a catalyst for self-confidence and resilience. Samuel notes the importance of parents allowing their daughters to embrace the unknown. “Parents often feel anxiety about sending their child away, but this experience helps girls build self-confidence through choice and independence,” he explains. “They come home stronger and more self-assured.”

A mantra shared with Birchwood families is that “uncomfortable doesn’t mean unsafe.” It’s a reminder that being outside of our comfort zone is a healthy, welcome opportunity to feel discomfort in a supportive environment.

Georgia reflects on the lasting impact Birchwood had on her own life: “Once you make such authentic connections, you aren’t willing to settle for less. Especially at this age, I think instilling that standard of care in relationships is so important for young women as they move through friendships, relationships, and jobs in the future.”

Lessons Learned: Patience, Optimism, and Growth

As camp directors, Georgia and Samuel have faced their share of challenges, from managing the physical upkeep of the camp to navigating the complexities of running a business. Patience, they’ve learned, is key. “Every industry has its own pace,” says Samuel. “You have to meet people where they are and trust the process.”

For Georgia, maintaining optimism has been crucial. “Entrepreneurs are natural optimists,” she says. “But setbacks can feel isolating. You have to take things one day at a time and balance your drive for excellence with patience.”

Both Georgia and Samuel agree though that oftentimes, their life at Camp Birchwood doesn’t feel like work, but instead, a lifestyle. If you’re following them on Instagram, you’ll often see them embracing the wonder of the north woods with year-round dips in the lake and intense games of Capture the Flag and Netball.

A Place Like No Other

Camp Birchwood is more than a summer camp—it’s a place where girls discover their strengths, build lifelong friendships, and return home with the tools to navigate the world with confidence and authenticity. For Georgia and Samuel, the magic of Birchwood lies in its ability to create a community that feels like home, year after year.

Whether it’s cheering on a camper as she earns her first patch, witnessing her transformation at the final campfire, or simply watching friendships blossom on the shores of the lake, Georgia and Samuel are proud to carry forward the legacy of Camp Birchwood. And for every girl who walks down the camp’s road, a life-changing summer awaits.

Psst! Don’t wait to enroll your camper! Click here to learn more about Camp Birchwood and sign up for Summer 2025 sessions today.

Become Who You Are at Camp Birchwood: Growing Roots of Connection and Exploration

A Dream Realized: Taking the Leap to Lead Birchwood