Our Camps’ Histories & Mission

Learn About Our History

1944: Camp Brookwoods for Boys

Camp Brookwoods for Boys was founded in 1944. Dr. Lawrence H. Andreson, a Boston physician, had a dream to build a Christian camp where campers have a very active daily program, coupled with the truth of the Gospel. Doc A. and his wife “Duggie” made it their life’s work to share the love of God through camping. They purchased an initial 110 acres knowing the rugged natural beauty of the old-forest woods, the babbling Hurd Brook, and the gorgeous shoreline, would lend itself to all aspects of camp life.

1964: Camp Deer Run for Girls

Parents frequently asked, “Why don’t you have a camp for girls?” In 1964, the Andresons opened Camp Deer Run for Girls. This sister camp, located on the same property, operated independently from Brookwoods. The camps shared the dining hall and waterfront, but used those facilities at different times. The two camps were, and still are, comparable in every way in terms of purpose, philosophy, program, and leadership.

1973: Christian Camps & Conferences, Inc.

In the 1960’s, the world was changing and camp needed to make changes if it was to retain its place in the camping community. Along with other segments of the economy, private camping became difficult. In 1973, with God at the helm, Brookwoods and Deer Run were preserved though being purchased by Christian Camps and Conferences, Inc., a newly formed non-profit. The new board of directors developed a long-range plan for the camps, as well as implemented immediate projects. With new ideas and more hands at the helm, Brookwoods and Deer Run thrived. Brookwoods and Deer Run campers also began to see a little bit more of each other throughout the day, combining activity program areas (sailing, riflery, etc.) when appropriate.

1999: Moose River Outpost

In 1999, Ken Olsen donated 7,000 acres in Jackman, ME to CCCI. This unexpected gift was the beginning of Moose River Outpost, a wilderness adventure camp that sits in the shadow of a 3,800 ft mountain with sparkling Heald Pond as it’s centerpiece. With a maximum of 100 campers, camp life is intentional, both in regards to fun and spiritual growth.

Watch ‘The Miracle’

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.

Our Mission

Today, Brookwoods, Deer Run, and Moose River Outpost remain dedicated to our mission:

To foster vibrant Christian communities located in awe-inspiring outdoor settings in which young people are spiritually transformed through Christ-centered relationships.

Girl reading outside

Camp Today

We continue to honor Doc A.’s dream to offer a life-changing camp experience that encompasses Bibical teaching, genuine relationships, exciting staff members, and wilderness adventure.

Although there are new aspects to the program, our purpose remains unchanged. Our facilities are carefully integrated into the physical surroundings; the cabins are spaciously scattered, connected by a series of paths. Skill areas and athletic fields are safely and beautifully located throughout the camps.

Camp is often described by our alumni as a “thin place”—a place where you feel closer to the presence of God. We hope that you’ll find that we are committed to God’s work at our camp, recruiting the finest staff, developing the best programs, and maintaining our beautiful facilities.

Deer Run campers running down a hill