Camp Hugh Taylor Birch

An excellent Scout Camp. The leader's in the group, as the pics show, (I was the T-Rex, and no, that was not part of a planned camp activity, we're just extremely impulsive) often make our own fun, doing pioneering activities, while our Scouts are off doing Scout stuff. They used to have a leaders activity group, but that didn't last long, unfortunately, so we leaders, just find an empty station,... An excellent Scout Camp. The leader's in the group, as the pics show, (I was the T-Rex, and no, that was not part of a planned camp activity, we're just extremely impulsive) often make our own fun, doing pioneering activities, while our Scouts are off doing Scout stuff. They used to have a leaders activity group, but that didn't last long, unfortunately, so we leaders, just find an empty station, and work on flint/steel, leather working, and other skills we're pretty sure the pioneers used, without inconvenience of the pioneer dysentery, and cholera. Shade is a commodity, so an extra tarp or camo netting suspended over your tent makes the day time tolerable, as Ohio apparently gets closer to the sun in the summer time. I did not know that about Ohio, but having experienced it first hand, I can confirm that. A solar panel, to charge your rechargeable tent fan is a must. The available merit badges, and staff is second to none. They have a lot of merit badges you'd expect at Scout Camp, as well as offering some I'd never seen offered in 14yrs of being a leader. We are Buckskin Council refugees, as the Buckskin Council got into the real estate business, and began selling scout camps like the camps were radioactive, starting with probably the best Scout Camp in the Nation, Camp Dilly's Mill, and so on, until we were left with the Summit, which if you like camping on top of a grass plateau, zero shade, 3 miles from any activity in any direction, and chasing your tent when the wind rips it out of the ground, then you're gonna love the Summit. Before you ask, "No there isn't a secret government facility under the Summit"....(There totally is, just ask the "other security" in the black suburbans). That's enough about our end stage capitalism problems...Camp Birch is simply amazing, and we've not had a bad experience. ALL the waterfront activities are available, on the small lake, or in the pool. The pool has a deep for the Scouts, (open to Leaders in the evening) and, as well as a shallow end, for your non-swimming, water wing wearing, Scout Leaders. As far as site access for unloading, they do limit the vehicles in camp to one at a time, BUT they have these decent sized pull wagons available, for those who aren't afraid of pulling a wagon, extremely easy, and expedites things a lot for moving in, and sadly, moving out. The camp sites are isolated by what I can only describe as those World War II, hedge rows, around each one, which eliminates any sounds from neighbors who may drank energy drinks past 6pm. Every Scout is going to need at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water on their person, to carry from place to place, especially if the merit badge requires anything other than laying there trying their best to keep their core temperature down. Seriously. While the Hedge Rows can provide some shade, in the morning, and evening, there's not enough tree cover to not have a double layered shade area (two tarps stretched out, one over the other, with an open space of about 8"-12" - USMC desert survival manual). Bathing facilities are on point, and in great enough supply, as not have a line, and as gelatinous as your body will feel by the days end, you're going to make use of these at least once daily to avoid prickly heat. I would definitely bring bottled water, the water sites in the camp was questionably orange. If you run out, hit the dollar store. Ground fire pit available in each site. The area outside of camp has the highest density of dollar stores I've ever seen in one place, for ice, hygiene/shower shoes or whatever stuff someone in the troop forgot. Chow has been on point for the 3 years we've been there. They've been very welcoming to us, being refugees, from another council. We've always felt like we belonged, they even offered, and flew a WV flag, just to show we're all part of Scouting. At no point did we ever feel like we were about to be rounded up by ICE, and deported back to Buckskin, which now days, seems to be the bar. I cannot recommend this camp ENOUGH for any troop! 5 stars and then some.

What a great place! We had an amazing experience!! Camp Birch is set up wonderfully, and the only suggestion I have is that it would be extremely helpful, if the roads were marked a little more clearly to help you get where ya gotta go there. This was our first time visiting Camp Birch and we can't wait until the next time. There are several bathroom and latrine facilities on site. Right at our ca... What a great place! We had an amazing experience!! Camp Birch is set up wonderfully, and the only suggestion I have is that it would be extremely helpful, if the roads were marked a little more clearly to help you get where ya gotta go there. This was our first time visiting Camp Birch and we can't wait until the next time. There are several bathroom and latrine facilities on site. Right at our campsite was a latrine, it was just an outhouse basically, but it was clean, stocked and had a hand washing facility right outside the door. The actual restrooms were a short walking distance away. They were heated & would have to consider clean, for a campsite bathroom. They were stocked with paper goods, as well as, equipped with a flush toilet, sink, mirror, electrical outlet, and shower. The latrine we visited off a path in the woods, left a little to be desired, but again, were talking about an outhouse. It was stocked with paper goods and it didn't stick and it wasn't nasty butttttt, what can you really say about an outhouse😂? The other restrooms we used were located at the dining hall. Again, they would be considered to be clean, as far as an outdoor, campground, bathroom can be. They were heated and stocked. From conversations with others who have visited Camp Birch far more than we have, some of the other bathroom were even better. The pool was in great shape and we're super excited for Summer Camp. The building were in good shape and the property itself is simply gorgeous. Especially sitting on the back patio of the dining hall overlooking the lake. The lake itself seems pretty dirty, even by lake standards. I'm interested to pay closer attention to that situation over the coming year. The also have a climbing tower located near the middle of camp which was in great shape and will be tons of fun for the kids(adults too!) The Trading Post(little camp general store) was decent and really all that was needed. It had some candy, snacks and drinks. It also carried some basic necessities one might need while camping. They also served hot chocolate, which was especially nice for the chilly days we spent there. Camp Birch is set up with multiple campsite locations, each with their own individual names i.e. Baden Powell, Shawnee, Little Big Hoof etc.etc. The campsites are fantastic. They are set up with multiple paths yet secluded. They are, of course, surrounded by woods which allows easy access to fallen branches, twigs, sticks and logs for fire building. (**IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: remember not to bring wood from another area into a new area, that is how infestations and evasive bugs get in!!) The campsites that we came across were all equipped with wooden benches or picnic tables for seating, as well fire rings. The ground was nice and flat and perfect for tent setups. As I previously mentioned, having the routes/trails a little better marked would be amazing. We arrived after dark and found it incredibly difficult to navigate to out campsite. Of course, by the light of day it was easier, but that place is dark! Thankfully, it's dark..who needs the city lights while you're camping, butttttt some bigger, easier to read signs could benefit campers greatly. We definitely rate Camp Birch a 10/10 and we can't wait until the next Boy Scout Campout!! Please read my review carefully. This is NOT a 5 star resort. It is a campground. It operates as a campground & looks like a campground. The place needs some work that is for sure, but overall it really wasn't bad, for a campground. Yes, there are parts and places that need to be updated & approved upon..but all in all it was a wonderful experience and a wonderful time.