The Pioneer Session at BBC is geared to help campers have fun and learn more about God as revealed through Jesus Christ, themselves, nature and the community around them. For many campers it is the first time spending an entire week in a new place, other are returning for their 2nd or 3rd summer.

To facilitate community among these youngsters Pioneer session spends a lot of time together as a large group developing the feeling of community, love, fun and adventure in a safe atmosphere. Shelter community is emphasized through a variety of activities including cooking each meal together over a fire. Individual friendships are also encouraged throughout the day. A typical day during Pioneer week goes something like this… 

• JUMP START – A morning gathering where the whole camp comes together to gear up for an exciting day, sing songs and receives something to ponder from the camp shepherd.
• Shelter Bible Times – A time to hear from your counselor and fellow campers and share from your own life as you develop a community with your shelter.
• ACTIVITY BLOCK: A challenge for your shelter to enjoy as a team: anything from conquering the creek hike to navigating the nature trail, to completing BBC’s cooperation course.
• POND TIME: spending time with the entire camp catching salamanders and other aquatic life, mastering the shallow end, kayaking, jumping on the water trampoline and oh so much more.
• GROUP GAMES: the entire camp gathers to play games as Octopus, elbow tag, tunnel tag and additional games that are unique to Bethany Birches Camp.
• FIRESIDE: to close out the day the entire camp meets at the Overlook, the Pavilion or the Old Orchard to sing songs, see skits, and talk with the Camp Shepherd about the theme for the day.

No day looks the same during Pioneer week. Theme days include…

• Messy Monday: Pig Trough Ice Cream, Muddy Olympics.
• Wet N Wild Wednesday: Polar Bear Swim, Water Balloons, Slip N Slide, Jump Contest, Cookout at the Pond, Group Games at the Pond.
• Theatre Thursday: Campers, Staff and Counselors share their gifts, jokes, songs and skits with the entire camp at Camp at the Cinema.

The week finishes up with Fun Filled, Favorite, Farewell Friday

• Campers pick their favorite activities.
• Participate in a Theme Event such as Christmas at Camp, Camp Carnival, etc
• Share the week with family at Friday Night Fireside.

The week is stimulating and exciting for a child with any interest from any background and we work hard to assure campers a memorable week of friendship, fun, and faith in God’s great outdoors…We can’t wait for you to join us!