What Camp Paradise Means To BCC Family Members
“Camp Paradise for me is a time and a place, when I can stop the world from spinning so fast and just focus on my daughter. I get to see a side of her I don’t think I would get to see if we didn’t go to camp for that week. Each year we go, I see a new part/side to my little girl and each year I am blown away. Also, it is a topic of conversation 200+ days a year in our house. It has helped me make a stronger bond with her in so MANY ways. I feel it is one of my best choices as a dad so far to be part of Camp Paradise.” – Jimmy, BCC Superintendent
“Camp Paradise means the absolute world to me. It’s more than just a place – it’s my second home, filled with some of the most meaningful memories I’ve ever made. For nearly five years, I’ve been going to this camp, and every summer I feel closer to my dad, to God, and to the people around me. One of the most unforgettable parts is the rock wall and all the climbing activities. They’ve pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me face fears I never thought I’d conquer. And nothing beats ending the day at the big campfire, laughing with my dad and playing “Gorilla Beats the Man.” Camp Paradise will always have a permanent place in my heart.” – Heidi, age 12, Daughter to Justin, BCC Superintendent
“I loved that I got the opportunity to go to Camp Paradise. I was a little skeptical at first, but I got to meet some really great people and spend quality one-on-one time with my son doing all the activities camp had to offer. Getting away from life’s distractions, enjoying nature, and each other – I couldn’t have asked for a better time and I can’t wait to do it again.” – Ron, Carpenter
In 2014, I was invited by Tom Adams to volunteer at Camp Paradise, a faith-based camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula designed to help dads and their children connect in meaningful ways. That summer, the Chapel was under construction and they needed all the help they could get. When I arrived, I met Tim VanDenbos, the Camp Director, whose passion for the mission of Camp Paradise was immediately evident — a passion not often seen in today’s busy world.
As we worked alongside other volunteers, I quickly realized many of them were fathers who had attended the camp with their own children. They carried a special lightness, a joy that reflected the impact the camp had on their families.
A few years later, my daughter Ellie was old enough for us to attend together. From the moment we arrived — greeted by enthusiastic counselors, the boat ride across the lake, the rustic cabins, the pure joy on the kids’ faces — we were immersed in an experience unlike any other. The absence of cell phones allowed us to be fully present, to slow down, listen, and say "yes" more often than "no."
That first evening, a father addressed the group with tears in his eyes. His youngest daughter was aging out of camp, and he spoke about the profound role Camp Paradise had played in their lives. I remember being struck when he said the camp was “anointed.” At first, I was almost taken aback by such a strong statement — but he was right. In every way, Camp Paradise is a place where God’s work is evident.
At Birchwood, we believe deeply in the value of experiences like these. In today’s world of constant busyness and screen time, it is increasingly difficult to carve out intentional time with our kids. Camp Paradise has transformed my relationships with both of my daughters, Ellie and Maggie, and remains one of the greatest gifts in our lives.
Over the years, members of the Birchwood team have contributed to Camp Paradise by volunteering to build cabins, help finish the beautiful new chapel, and share the opportunity with other fathers in the Petoskey and Harbor Springs community. We’re proud to support this incredible place and encourage others to create their own unforgettable memories at Camp Paradise.
- Kenny Provost, President
Interested in Camp Paradise? Learn more here.
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Purposeful Impact Through meaningful Service
At the heart of everything we do is a spirit of generosity. We’re committed to making a meaningful difference by using our talents to give back—through volunteer work, charitable efforts, and active community involvement. Our goal is to help build a stronger, more connected Northern Michigan by supporting causes that matter and fostering a culture of service.
