Author: Anna Birch
Former Staff
Anna grew up in northwest Arkansas, graduating from John Brown University in 2012 with a BS in Broadcasting. She has worked at Pine Cove in many capacities: at the Bluffs while she was in college, later serving full time as an Institute of Wilderness Studies Instructor, IWS Site Coordinator, Towers Castle Rock Director, and Bluffs Women's Director. God changed her life while working at camp, and she also met her husband Jerad "Pile Driver" Birch at camp too. Anna is passionate about sharing the Gospel, coffee, books, movies, and Christian rap.
by Anna Birch
Camp is often the launching pad for deep, long-term friendships. Let’s face it: even though we all have good intentions of keeping up with our camp besties throughout the year, it’s easier said than done! But a group of Impact campers and counselors from Chimney Point have shown that it’s possible to follow through on […]
Tags: chimney point, community, family camp, impact, stories
by Anna Birch
Camaraderie. As we stand shoulder to shoulder with dozens of other staff, dressed in the same opening day shirt and khaki shorts, ready and willing to spend and be spent for the souls of campers, we realize we’ve found what it looks like to have true camaraderie. Where does this type of community come from? For […]
by Anna Birch
Pat “Michaelangelo” Preston is currently serving as Southeast Senior Director of Ministries and Camp Director of Chimney Point, but he has held quite a few other titles in his time at Pine Cove! As a father of five and former youth camp director, Pat has lots of experience ministering to kids and college students, and […]
by Anna Birch
Kristen “Good Sherpa” Ray may not have worked at camp during her college days, but she has made quite the impact while she has been on Pine Cove’s full-time staff the past few years! From working with retreats, leading a Pine Cove City team, and now pouring into the women in the Forge, Pine Cove’s […]
Tags: forge
by Anna Birch
From Disney cartoons to action flicks, movies are common themes behind some of the best camp names. We gathered up a few of our favorites (sorted by genre) and would love to know if you can guess the titles behind a few of the more obscure references! Cartoons/Family: Dinglehopper Princess Pee-a Therpopolis Princess and the […]
by Anna Birch
There’s something extra special about camp covered in fluffy, white snow! Here are a few of our favorite photos from ETX camps when several inches of snow fell in early January.
by Anna Birch
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a part of the Forge? We asked four current “Forgies”—Ferrin Gillespie, Austin Lim, Mattie Stewart, and Mark Garwood—to share their experience so far in Pine Cove’s leadership development ministry. Take a little behind-the-scenes look (without any spoilers!) at lessons learned and the benefits of the program. […]
by Anna Birch
January often means the start of New Year’s resolutions, and many of us resolve to begin a new Bible reading plan or devotional. If you’re still on the hunt for resources to bolster your time in the Word, we put together a short list of studies, reading plans, and books that we are raving about! […]
by Anna Birch
These staffers must be extra excited for Christmas… because their names are about the holiday season! Give a shout-out if you know one of these staffers (or tell us if it’s you!). As one camp name suggests, “Let’s Get Down To Christmas”! Whether you’re decorating, hosting, or wrapping gifts, you can’t forget these essential items… […]
by Anna Birch
There’s just something so cozy about gathering as a family around a fire or the Christmas tree and reading a book together. We asked some of our staff, family members, and friends of Pine Cove to share which books are current and perennial favorites in their homes during Christmas. We hope these inspire you to […]
