Our Camps’ Histories & Mission

A Dream Begins: Camp Brookwoods

In 1944, Dr. Lawrence H. Andreson—a Boston physician with a deep love for Christ and the outdoors—founded Camp Brookwoods for Boys. Known affectionately as “Doc A.,” he and his wife “Duggie” dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel through the adventure of camping. They purchased 110 acres nestled between Hurd Brook and the lakefront, believing that the natural beauty of the land—its towering forests, babbling brook, and clear shoreline—would lend itself to both joy and spiritual growth.

Brookwoods was created to offer boys an active daily program grounded in the truth of the Bible. The camp quickly became known not only for its vibrant activities, but for fostering life-changing friendships, sound personal relationships, and an unmistakable sense of God’s presence.

A Sister Camp is Born: Camp Deer Run

Twenty years later, in 1964, the Andresons responded to the steady chorus of parents asking, “When will there be a camp for girls?” Rather than searching for another property, they looked across the lake and saw potential in expanding their existing land. And so, Camp Deer Run was built on the other side of Brookwoods, operating as a sister camp with its own staff, schedule, and traditions.

While Brookwoods and Deer Run originally shared spaces like the dining hall and waterfront at different times, they developed parallel programs—comparable in purpose, philosophy, and leadership. Like its brother camp, Deer Run became a place where girls experienced biblical teaching, built strong Christ-centered relationships, and found adventure in the outdoors.

The Formation of Christian Camps & Conferences, Inc.

In the 1970s, as the camping landscape shifted, the Andresons faced increasing challenges. In 1973, Brookwoods and Deer Run were preserved through the formation of Christian Camps & Conferences, Inc. (CCCI), a nonprofit organization committed to continuing the Andresons’ mission. Under new leadership, the camps developed long-range plans and began implementing new ideas while staying true to their original values. Campers began to see more of each other through shared program areas—like sailing and riflery—building a broader camp community.

A New Frontier: Moose River Outpost

In 1999, Ken Olsen, founder of Digital Equipment Corporation and a devoted follower of Christ, donated 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness in Jackman, Maine to CCCI. This gift became Moose River Outpost (MRO)—a wilderness adventure camp centered around sparkling Heald Pond and nestled beneath a 3,800-foot mountain.

MRO offers a more intimate camp experience, with a maximum of 100 campers each session. Days are filled with exploration, laughter, and spiritual growth. Surrounded by Northern Maine’s breathtaking landscape, campers encounter God through creation, community, and intentional discipleship. The view from the dining hall porch—a panorama of mountains, trees, and water—recalls Isaiah 55:12:

“You will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”

Learn how Brookwoods and Deer Run was saved from the developer, as told by George Bennett. The events Mr. Bennett spoke about occurred in 1973, and he tells this story in July 1994 at the 50th Anniversary of Brookwoods.