ALL THAT'S THE FIRS - Retreat Center, Fircreek Day Camp, After School Adventure, Camp Firwood and The Chalet. Three locations, five ministry centers.
The Firs has been in continual operation since 1921 when the first summer family conference was held. The original building constructed in 1903 was the honeymoon cottage for Mr. and Mrs. Otis Whipple. It was at that time the name “The Firs” was first used.
In 1929, The Firs was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Personnel classifications include the Council, Board of Trustees, and Staff. The Firs is governed by the Board, which is chosen from the Council.
In the fall of 1954, The Firs secured an 80-acre tract of land with 2,600 feet of shoreline, along Lake Whatcom, located about six miles from the main Conference Center. This piece of property, known as Firwood, is the site of the youth camping program. In 1967, a 12-acre wooded offshore island was added. The lay of the land lends itself to the uniqueness of Firwood, in that the terrain allows for varied waterfront programs to be carried on simultaneously with land activities. In 1977, the land known as “South Cove,” adjacent to Firwood, was added to The Firs properties. This consists of an additional 20 acres with about 1,000 feet of waterfront.
Property at Mt. Baker was made available by lease in 1956 to build The Firs Chalet. Since 1958, ski camps have been held continuously throughout winter and spring months. The facilities are also used for fall retreats. The Chalet, an arched A-framed building, is a four-story structure with a capacity of approximately 100 campers. It is used for Firs-sponsored camps for young people and adults and for guest groups through contractual agreements. The Chalet is located approximately 50 miles from Bellingham and 3/10 of a mile from the Mt. Baker recreational area.
In the summer of 1999, an existing facility in Canada, called Latona Beach, was purchased. This saltwater property is just over an hour from downtown Vancouver, B.C., in Howe Sound on Gambier Island. Latona Beach sits on approximately 118 acres with 3,500 feet of waterfront. It was utilized by The Firs as a service to churches and other organizations, by providing a beautiful, remote facility for youth camps and retreats. The Firs owned and operated this facility through the fall of 2006. It was determined at that time to sell the camp and property, bringing the ministry back to its three sites located in the U.S.
