My kid went to 3 weeks of summer camp here and really enjoyed it, which is ultimately what matters most. On the parental side of things though, it was just…ok. Not great communication skills shown by the staff. Apparently there were behavior issues that were never presented to us despite asking every pick up how the day went, anything we should talk about at home, etc. instead, on one of the last days, we were told there were actually issues? But they wouldn’t say specifics. What?! If something is wrong shouldn’t they inform both parents? It was so weird. Another thing that rubbed me wrong was my child lost her glasses, and upon pick up i pointed out she wasn’t wearing them. The counselors were indifferent and said they would look for them when they were closing down for the day. I said we weren’t leaving until they were on her face because THATS HOW SHE SEES. For what it’s worth i always had great interactions with counselors Havelina and Beret. However, i think we will call it good with our time at the Firs

Great place to spend the weekend. We throughly enjoyed the water activities. Amazing staff and was ready to help all the time. Must visit this place. We will be back soon!

These people discriminate based on appearance! I worked for them loyally for multiple seasons, was fired my final year from being waterfront director because they thought I was “too fat” to do my job. I had just re-certified (Red Cross) as a lifeguard, including physical endurance testing. I had also been a competitive swimmer for over a decade. Luckily, other pools in my community were more open minded! I went on to have a successful career as an aquatics director, no thanks to the Firs. Please be careful before sending your kids to them!!

I love The Firs. I love the fact that, Since the time it was incorporated in 1927, The Firs has offered unique camp and conference programs in an effort to impact lives with the good news of Jesus Christ. Over the years, these programs have capitalized on the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest for their setting. The Firs serves the local church and community by drawing groups and individuals to a camp and retreat setting. The Firs exists for people to encounter Jesus and experience the love of God – this is our core mission. From its beginning, The Firs has focused on developing and maintaining a ministry to God’s glory. The Firs’ emphasis has been to help people believe. This is done through instruction, creative activities and significant relationships.I love the fact they are All About Jesus!!! I know this isnt a popular ideal these days - but I support and believe that what they do is done through HIS Love. Again - I know people have differing views of what this looks like and how it should be - but my experience has shown them to be Biblical in their love and I pray Jesus keeps them around for a long time to bless the lives of others in a world that doesnt necessary have a desire for this kind of rawness & realness. Please - The Firs - dont change who you are because the world doesnt like what you stand for!!! Love you & pray for you! Remember what Matthew 10 says!!! Please read it!

Authentic and delicious. A bit outside town, do take some time to enjoy the scenery and food here. You wont regret it.

Most amazing experience! When we arrived both my kids were nervous but every person who got us through the registration was so happy and friendly. The staff seem like they truly love their job. Also my child needs some medical assistance and the nursing staff was so amazing and helpful to do what ever was needed to make sure my child had an amazing week at camp. They are the kindest group of people and made me feel like my child was safe and his needs were being taken care of. We love the The Firs camp

I Praise Jesus for the wonderful retreat place. I went to this place last week through our church. I had a great time among the brothers and sisters in Christ! Wonderful facility! Water activities are really great. Food was good!

Pretty cool place, I went to School at Geneva Elementary right next to it many.. many years ago. Possibly 2008 and I love that area and even more now that I know that “The Ring (2002) was filmed there! 100% recommend it to people of all ages! Great place to pass the time and build an “on the side social group” and learn new skills.

Well maintained facilities. Staff has always been great.Love the before and after school programs... But the summer programs and camp are the best!!! My son went from age 4 too middle school. Highly recommend.

As a former camper and staffer, I love this place. They preach Christ and the Bible, the staff are wonderful and the experiences the kids get is life changing. I pray that those attacking the Firs take a good look at yourselves, as you are only spreading the hate you are protesting. This is a wonderful place and wonderful people who love Jesus. I recommend this place for any parents wanting to send their kids here.

My grandchildren love it here

Love attending events here and appreciate they stand firm on what the Word of God says. Beautiful scenery. Delicious food. Kind and gracious.

This camp is beautiful, green, friendly and full of experts. I have sent my daughter there for every summer since she was 7 and she has made many friends and memories.

Excellent venue. We were a group of 110. Great facilities - water sports, basketball court. Food was excellent - though some could have bigger portions. Definitely would use again.

Such a peaceful place to meet and create! The staff is so friendly and eager to meet the needs of their guests. They had the fire ready for making smores last night, complete with all the (metal) sticks. Their hot chocolate machine was a hit and perfect for our Melting Marvins! Thanks to the caring staff for making our quilt retreat so special!❤

Loved this place.. they made delicious Indian food without asking for it.. rooms were clean and staffs are friendly

Our family has had 4 generations of amazing experiences at the programs provided by The Firs. I know many staff members personally and they do their best to love God and others, inspire fun, and model the life that God encourages as best. We appreciate that they have chosen the hard and unpopular path not to bow to bullies who mischaracterize and slander, and continue on in humility and in the beliefs that they have always been upfront and honest about.

Weve used The Firs for retreats and get aways and they have always been great to us. As they take a little fire I hope folks can realize the good theyve done for the many hundreds and thousands from our community who have benefited through them.

Loved this place. Cabins were clean. Had great fun time during water games. Staffs are friendly. Peaceful atmosphere. Nice place to visit

Fantastic place. Clean cabins, outstanding staff who went out of their way to make our experience great. The water activities were fun and awesome.

Hmmm.... well... its better than the after school care provided by the YMCA for elementary school kids. However in light of circumstances of a particular individuals firing and the mass confusion that was a daily event as to where my child and where her belongings were I can honestly say that Cindy and her husband who manage day to day operations (and to their credit were against the decision.made by the owners to terminate an employee based on sexual orientation) really do care a lot about both the kids and the employees. Those 2 are the saving grace that gives their after school care 3 Stars. I have no other experience in the services that they provide.

Do not recommend! An employee disclosed that their food has real bad GMOs, not any better quality than public school food. They had mold in their kitchen, especially in the dish pit. They also reheat up to three times their eggs, bacon, soup and sausages. Not to mention they claim to be an equal employer, but discriminate on sexual orientation and gender identity. Not a good employer or safe for your family. I used to volunteer here but never again!

Beautiful place. Staff was great! Would love to visit again.

I have never actually attended the camp, but like the reviews that it teaches Jesus and the Bible. The Bible is Gods instruction book to us. One writer says the Bible was used to stop interracial marriage and condone slavery/ That is not true. It may have been someones wrong interpretation. However,the Bible clearly talks about difference of men and women, and the guideline and rules for marriage, between one man and one woman. State or Federal law never will override Gods law. Gods laws were made for our own good. Diversity is going to send you to hell. Love the people but not the acts.

I thought the place was a great stay. the accommodations were really nice, the service was great, and the buildings were very well kept it seemed. The only thing I think they could work on is their bacon but other than bacon, it was a great time

This is the best camp in the world and I love going to it each summer. It is truly the greatest camp that was ever created

Dont send your children here. This organization is run by the confused kind of Christians who think Jesus wants people to hate each other. If you value love and embrace diversity, and you want your children to grow up with those values, send them somewhere else.

We will not register our kids for this camp again. Our family simply can not support an organization that discriminates against young adults for their sexual orientation. Their behavior is disgusting.The Firs Executive Director Tom Beaumont confirmed in a statement to The Bellingham Herald that Taylor was fired for his sexual orientation, stating that Taylor did not align with the nonprofit’s statements of faith. Just google it.

This camp uses the bible to justify discrimination of queer identities. This is the same logic historically used to discriminate against interracial marriage, justify slavery and segregation, and stop women from voting. Jesus has so many teachings about love and acceptance, but this camp instead warps his teachings to justify harming people who are different from themselves.

Worth going here !!Clean, kind, lovely management !!More than what you can expect from a retreat center !!Awesome presence of God and nature friendly environment with boating and water activities for adults and kids at a very considerable cost !!

As a long time resident of Bellingham I can say that the Firs has a mixed reputation in the community. While children seem to enjoy the camp, the evangelicals running the camp have applied an anti-gay litmus test to their employees. In 2019 I have to ask myself, how is this still a thing?

Questionable morals. I wouldnt send my children (or grandchildren) here for any reason. A better choice would be a camp where diversity is embraced, not condemned.

Awesome camp and staff who actually practice what they preach. I felt very comfortable leaving my children in their care.

Awesome youth camp ... The best ... For at least 2 generations.

This camp is awesome as all these low star ratings be soyboys, it’s not discrimination, God clearly said to stone gays, and that everyone who is gay shall be put to death, there’s a difference in knowing that God is real, and actually doing what he says and following his commandments

As a past Firwood camper and Fircreek Staffer, sister of a Firwood staffer, mother of a recent multi year Firwood staffer, with my youngest camper coming back this summer, I thank you for the many, many ways youve positively impacted our family and the mountain of so many amazing memories. We pray Gods wisdom, direction and protection on you as you weather this turbulent water.

Thank you for standing up for what you believe. I pray you continue to do so and that others, like me, who agree with you would be willing to come alongside you during this time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help ... you have a pair of extra willing hands here! #IStandWithTheFirs #IStandWithFirwood #IStandWithFircreek

A rustic retreat for church and related groups. Clean rooms and well maintained grounds.

Great place! The deer were fun. Great food! Abominations good.

I sent my kids last year to this camp and they tried to brainwash them with their ideology. I will not send them anymore and I DON’T recommend them.

STAND FIRM, Christian values that are Bible based are what Christians stand against! Homosexuality is one of them! Why should we tolerate something that goes against that? We are losing OUR right to live out those beliefs! Thank you for standing against what the world says is ok, what they say we must accept. We do t!

Third generation to attend camp firwood and second generation to work there. Our campers cant wait to return the following year. Great fun. Excellent camp

I would not send my children to The Firs. Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable. I suggest the management make a change quickly and transparently.

Its a lovely, convenient retreat, with wonderful Christian staff.

I stand against discrimination of any kind, and this company openly discriminates against the LGBTQ community. There is no place in society for a company that runs itself this way.

Great place to retreat from the busyness of life and to focus on the precious words of Christ. Excellent staff, kind people lead a great retreat center.

Camp Firwood is incredible with their staff and activities. Great place to bring your kids.

Friendly camp staff who is willing to adjust to your needs (i.e. dietary preferences/restrictions). I enjoy coming to the camp every year.

Both of my children attended, but I have no tolerance for discriminatory hiring practices, so we ended our association with them.

A organization that uses their religious views to discrimate and spread hate not Christian values.ot makes me sad that such a vile group led by a vile man Tom are allowed to use such beautiful land to indoctrinate children with hate.

Excellent staff, best food at a retreat centre, and facilities are top notch. would recommend to anyone and everyone considering a retreat centre.

Dont send your kids here unless you are aware and okay with their discriminatory stance on gay people. Had I known this, I never would have sent my kids there....I am so mad right now!!

I came here for a Christmas retreat, and I was suprised at how the grounds were. The cabins were clean, the food was filling, and the staff were spectacular!

Fake christians. They know nothing about Jesus

This organization does not follow the teaching of Jesus. Beware of sending your kid there.

Great place for a retreat, clean welcoming rooms and cabins.

Phenomenal setting, accommodating facilities, and professional and heartful staff

The Firs is a breeding ground for discrimination! I would not even send my dog there. Read the reviews and decide for yourself.

I wish I could give this place 0 stars

A fantastic camp with a great mission.

Keep standing for Jesus and what he taught.

Great place. Lots of options for accommodations.

Gorgeous scenery, and quite relaxing!

Great location and programs! 🏞 🌞 ⛪

Good place with strong beliefs

Awesome place to wind down!

Awesome programs including the ASA!

Dont support! They practice bigotry and homophobia!!!! Not in our community!

A life changing experience

Shame on you for firing that young man based on his orientation!!!

Get your kids brainwashed and abused by staff here

Great location and service.

Great place to go.

They are owned by bigots full of hatred.

I am against discrimination.

Great place for a retreat!

Great Christian camp

Homophobic and out of touch with reality

Abysmal and homophobic institution

Just drove by.

Yuck

Fake Christians

Homophobic trash

Wonderful place!!!!

Bigots

Beautiful

The firs

2016 Retreat ♡