T he F irs is one of the Northwest’s finest year-around C h r i s t i a n Camp and Conference Centers. It is composed of three camp areas. In these areas are offered activities for all members of the family. The Firs has been in continual operation since 1921 when the first summer Family Con ference was held. Originally The Firs Lounge Building was a cottage where Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Whipple spent their honeymoon in 1903. It was at that time that the name “The Firs” was first used. In 1929 The Firs was incorporated as a non-profit organiza tion and has been governed by a Board of Directors since that time. This ministry is carried on by a year-around permanent staff of 16 adults, with Rev. Grant Whipple as the executive director. The Firs main conference grounds is located on approximately 20 acres just five miles from downtown Bell ingham, Washington, on Lake What com. The property is beautifully shaded with fir and cedar trees, and beneath these trees are cozy cabins, dormitories, lounge, meeting rooms, outdoor auditorium, offices, book store, snack shop and a dining room that seats up to 350. There is a play area, a swimming beach, and a fine baseball field. For youth, The Firs provides Camp Firwood which is a beautiful camp ing area located on an 80 acre tract with one-half mile of waterfront. It is located five miles up the lake from the main conference grounds and is only accessible by hiking or by boat.
Rustic shake roof cabins are scattered through the forest overlooking the lake. The staff of The Firs believes that leadership is the key to a successful camping program. With this in mind, counselors and leaders are sought who can devote their entire summer to the work of the Lord at The Firs. These leaders are trained before they face their first campers and are prepared to meet both the physical and spirit ual needs of these campers. Missions is of primary importance to The Firs staff, and often there are missionaries at home on furlough, resting and refreshing themselves at The Firs. These missionaries, as well as many others, are used to enlarge the vision of those who attend camps and conferences up in the Northwest comer of the United States. The Firs has one other unique feature and this pertains to the finan cial policy. It is not endowed nor underwritten. The work is completely dependent upon the Lord’s provision through free will offerings as He prompts people to give. The needs are made known only to the Lord and to inquiring friends. The Firs Ski Lodge is for year around mountain enjoyment. This beautiful building is located on Mt. Baker just 54 miles from Bellingham and 4/10 of a mile from the chair lift. (The Biola Family Conference at the Firs will be August 22-28. Write for reserva tions to The Firs Bible and Missionary Conference, 4605 Cable Street, Belling ham, Washington.)
Swimming in the shadow of snowcapped mountains is enjoyed at the Firs in Washington.
Ski lodge at the Firs in Washington
HoneymonCottage to Bible Conference Center—The Firs
Outdoor meetings beneath the shady trees provide an inspirational atmosphere for spiritual growth.
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