You May Be Wondering
What is the story of Firwood?
During the summer of 1954, a group of 30 junior high campers from The Firs Conference Center paddled the shores of Lake Whatcom to a beautiful camp they called “White Sands.” With permission from the owner, the first week of resident youth camp took place on this 80-acre site that soon became known as Firwood. One year later, with its 2,600 feet of pristine shoreline, Camp Firwood was purchased for $35,000. What a tremendous act of God, as this expansion of The Firs ministry would soon become a fully developed summer youth program. Since its inception, Firwood has provided over 75,000 campers with an unforgettable camp experience.
Who Does Firwood Serve?
Children and youth grades 3-12 from the entire Northwest and beyond come to Firwood for a week of camp each summer. We serve around 2,500 campers a year at Firwood, operating May through September. Campers come from both church and non-church backgrounds and enjoy a high energy, counselor-centered program in the spectacularly rustic outdoor setting that is Firwood.
When will this project be completed?
We will break ground in May of 2009 and continue construction through summer and fall, with the building nearing completion by the end of the year. Internal kitchen equipment and supplies, along with tables, chairs and program equipment, will be in place by the beginning of the camp season in June 2010.
What will happen to the old Dining Hall (Longhouse)?
The Longhouse will turn into a needed multi-purpose area. We envision using it to hold activity classes, rainy day gatherings and meetings, and meet a host of other needs that arise. It will likely be a hub of activity for campers and Summer Staff over time and develop a “beach house” feel.
Why now?
We want Firwood to be postured for long-term stability and growth. The new facility will:
- Provide needed capacity for full camps and overflow situations
- Enable all staff members to eat at the same time and in the same place as campers
- Establish a venue for camp programs (beyond food service) in a versatile setting that will enhance camp experience
- Enable our kitchen staff people, who currently function in a facility to serve 80, to better serve a camp of 300+
- Free up the current Dining Hall (Longhouse) to be used for program space
- Be well-suited for multi-usage and rainy day activities
- Allow Firwood to better expand program offerings at remote sites such as South Cove and provide for other potential expansion
- Render Firwood more desirable during the guest group ’shoulder season’ with a facility better suited for group activity — especially in inclement weather
We want Firwood to be as safe and healthy as possible.
The current Firwood Dining Hall—over 50 years old and ill-suited for current cooking and occupancy loads—is neither sufficient nor sustainable for the future, in terms of health and fire department requirements. No reasonable upgrade plan exists or would be allowed to sufficiently improve or sustain it in its current location.
A new facility will immediately achieve current building code and safety requirements and produce an environment that better promotes a clean and healthy eating environment essential to camper health. As this is a priority for campers, staff and parents alike, it is a worthwhile endeavor for all who want to see Firwood flourish in the future.
We want God to receive all the glory for the completion of this project in economically challenging times.
Some may wonder about embarking on a large capital project in a recession. Truth is, God’s provision is always “recession proof” and His work does not revolve around or depend on our economy. Assessment of the financial climate and people’s ability to give within that climate is an inappropriate baseline. We trust in people giving to our ministry, not out of their surplus, but out of their commitment.
The history of The Firs bears witness to the fact that sometimes it makes no earthly sense to step out in faith for God’s purposes. It made no sense to ask the owner of Firwood’s property to take less than his asking price, or a year later to embark on the building of a ski chalet at Mt. Baker, yet these two decisions have paid innumerable and eternal dividends.
A wise man once said to dare to take on something that will never get accomplished unless God is in it. His greatness is seen when He places needs before His people and they respond through His blessing. This project belongs to God and starting in the present environment, as an act of faith will be a testimony to His faithfulness.
Other factors that encourage us to move ahead include:
- On February 21, 2009, we had $1.2 million of the $2.4 million needed.
- The Firs is financially stable and in position to begin in 2009.
- The present environment offers some positive advantages including less expensive and donated materials, favorable terms for bridge financing if needed, and possibly more available labor.