Respect the earth and one another, because even one small act of kindness can change the world.
Wander often and wonder always, because life is meant for good friends and great adventures.
Believe in yourself, because there is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.
Owner/director
Having spent my entire life immersed in the summer camp environment, I know firsthand the benefits that a camp experience can provide: the opportunity to learn, grow, and explore in a safe, nurturing setting. I want my life’s work to focus on providing those benefits to other children, because I believe that the lessons learned at camp are what help them build the resources to deal with life’s challenges.
I’ve worked at Birch Trail Camp since 1993, first as a waterski instructor, trip leader, later becoming an assistant director, and now serving as director and owner. I’m an active volunteer having served on the Wisconsin Section of the American Camp Association board, Association of Independent Camps National Board, and I serve as the president of the Midwest Association of Independent Camps. I also speak regularly at conventions and conferences on professional camping and child development.
I believe passionately in developing in our girls a true spirit of adventure, born out of teamwork and individuality. For me, for my children, and for our campers, every summer is a new adventure.
Birch Trail Director
Throughout my life, two things have remained constant: my love for children and my love for camp. I looked forward to my summers at camp as a young girl, and even went on to work at Wisconsin-area camps in my teens and 20s. When my husband, Richard, and I bought Birch Trail in 1985, we both found in this unique lifestyle our dream of having a large family.
These days, kids need a healthy camp experience to unwind, have fun, and just be kids. I wake up every morning with the intention to help as many campers as I can, and to see the good in each and every child. I believe there is nothing more important than making children feel seen, heard, and believed.
My siblings and I were raised with the values of the Birch Trail philosophy, building emotional and social life skills, fostering a love of the outdoors, and creating powerful friendships that stand the test of time.
Birch Trail was founded in 1959 by Jerry and Pat Baer, who lovingly owned and operated the camp for 26 years. In 1985, my parents, Barbara and Richard Chernov, fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing Birch Trail and ushering in a new era of strong, confident, fun-loving campers. A lot has happened in the 33 years that have passed since then: the Chernov children grew up, the reins were handed down, and Birch Trail welcomed an even more diverse range of campers from across the country and around the world.
I am honored to follow in my parents’ footsteps leading this incredible community. Just as I work to create a loving and educational home for my three children, so too do we insist on the highest standards of care for our campers. I endeavor to provide an experience that helps your daughter feel at home, cared for, and most importantly—ready to have fun! Because Birch Trail has been in our family for two generations, we’ve gathered the time, experience, and industry expertise necessary to create a program that supports and encourages each child’s unique development and leadership potential.
With our talented and trusted team working alongside the Chernov family, Birch Trail functions on an unparalleled level of intention and care in everything we do, all for the benefit of our campers.
Assistant Director
Growing up, I was camper at Birch Trail from my maple years all the way through my TM summer. I immersed myself in all that camp had to offer. I found a home to learn independence, self confidence, and make friendships that will last the rest of my lifetime. I became a maple counselor and was given the opportunity to share the magic of camp with new campers. I moved into leadership as a program director where I was able to foster my creativity to continue the legacy of camp traditions. I became a village director for the linden and tamarack campers, where I got to see my once little maples grow up and shine as role models at camp. Birch Trail has a special way of supporting young girls to become powerful, resilient, and empathetic women through their camp journey. I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to see the wonderful maturity and growth of so many campers.
In the off season, I am a first and second grade teacher. I love bringing Birch Trail’s ideals into the classroom setting. I value teaching social-emotional learning, equity, and inclusion because of the way I was brought up at Birch Trail. As an assistant director, I strive to continue to support this unique community by providing a space where each child feels loved, safe, appreciated, and accepted for who they are.
Assistant Director
I grew up at Camp Timberlane, first as camper, then counselor, and village director. I worked as a clinical social worker, and have been in private practice since 2007.
My passion has always been helping kids and teens thrive as they navigate the transition to becoming adults. In my private practice I’ve focused my attention on social awareness, relationship skills, independence, life skills, and growing healthy relationships. I have years of experience teaching kids to reduce anxiety and begin orienting towards the possibilities in their lives, instead of what limits them. My values align with Birch Trail, in that Social Emotional Learning creates the space for growth.
My 14 years at camp inspired my work with children and young adults. Camp taught me how to develop and sustain lasting and enriching friendships throughout my life. As the assistant director, I intend to always be looking for opportunities for our campers to thrive at camp and at home.
Assistant Director
For the majority of my life, I have been so lucky as to spend my summers as a Birch Trail camper, staff member, and now assistant director. As a camper, I learned skills that I carried with me into adult life, skills that I hold in high esteem. I credit my love for independence, problem solving skills, and my appreciation for spending time outdoors to Birch Trail.
As assistant director, I want to continue to provide our campers with the camp experience that was such an important part of my childhood. I want our campers to continue to explore the unique activities Birch Trail offers, like rock climbing, waterskiing, and going on a week long hiking trip. I want them to have the opportunity to just be kids, while also learning independence, confidence, and resilience. Most of all, I want our campers to feel free to be themselves.
I enjoy running, trying new things, and going on adventures in the outdoors, all things instilled in me through my time at camp.
Wilderness Trip Director
A childhood spent outdoors prepared me for a lifetime of doing just that—seeking both adventure and solace in the beautiful surroundings of the Wisconsin wilderness. I served as Birch Trail’s wilderness trips director for more than two decades, and now oversee many of camp’s nature-based programs, including the Explorers and Voyageurs programs, mountain biking, and the camp garden. My wife, Maura, and I raise our two young sons in nearby Duluth, Minnesota, where I work as a teacher and school administrator and Maura works as a nurse.
Waterfront Director
I’ve been Birch Trail's waterfront director for more than 30 years. Every summer, I travel with my wife, Jesse, and our son, John, to camp all the way from our winter home in Hong Kong, where I work as a child psychologist.
