Oct 16 - 18, 2025
Join us for the 2nd annual Branch Camp at Mount Carmel in Alexandria, MN. We’ve got the entire camp reserved for an unforgettable getaway where we’ll learn to BUILD our faith in Jesus and have fun! Private lodging and cozy cabin accommodations are available for the whole family. Worship, games, rest, food, flannel, and fun for everyone!
Please check out important accommodation details, below.
Then, click to register starting August 1st!
Hurry! Branch Camp is highly likely to sell out!
FOR REGISTRATION QUESTIONS: Please contact Michelle.Swanson@branchchurchmn.org
*New* 5-Tier Housing Options
We are excited to offer 5 accommodation options for Branch Camp 2025. This is not your typical summer camp. Each family (or group of friends) will have private bathrooms and sleeping accommodations. Towels and linens are also provided! There are five different tiers and five different rates. Please indicate your housing choice during registration. If your first choice is unavailable, please register for the next available housing - OR - send an email to michelle.swanson@branchchurchmn.org with questions or requests.
IMPORTANT: All accommodations have private bathrooms and heat. However, Tier 4 and Tier 5 cabins might be winterized, pending weather. This means water might be turned off and you may need to use the shared locker rooms. (If it’s critical you need a private bathroom, please register for Tier 1, 2 or 3.)
Housing Policy: We will do our best to accommodate your housing preference. We are happy to accommodate married couples and singles. Please note: we will not house people of the opposite gender, who are not related, in the same room.
If you are coming as a party of two, we kindly ask that you register for Tier 4 or Tier 5 so we can maximize camp occupancy.
Scholarships: If finances are preventing you from attending Branch Camp, please indicate your need for a scholarship during registration. We will contact you to discuss options. If you want to help someone else attend at a reduced rate, choose “pay-it-forward” when you register!
Tier 1 - Deluxe Cabins
The deluxe “color cabins” generously accommodate large families and feature 2 bedrooms with a living room and either a kitchenette or kitchen. They all have a welcoming front porch and many units have a hide-a-bed in the living room. They can sleep up to 7.
Tier 2 - Lakeside Cabins
Lakeside cabins are freshly remodeled, with a full private bathroom and 1-2 bedrooms. They can sleep 4-7. Each unit comes with a small fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and air conditioning.
Tier 3 - Lodge Rooms
Rooms are set-up like a hotel with queen or full beds, some with bunk beds. Lodge rooms are connected to the dining hall. Rooms include clean, private bathrooms and sleeping for 3-5.
Tier 4 - Rustic Cabin with Kitchen
These recently updated cabins feature 1-2 bedrooms with kitchen facilities and sleeping for 2-5. Bathrooms (including shower) are inside each cabin. Tier 4 cabins might be winterized, pending weather. This means water might be turned off and you may need to use the shared locker rooms. (If it’s critical you need a private bathroom, please register for Tier 1, 2 or 3.)
Tier 5 - Rustic Cabin without Kitchen
These recently updated cabins are the smallest option and feature basic accommodations with 1-2 bedrooms and sleeping for 2-4. Bathrooms (including shower) are inside each cabin. Tier 5 cabins might be winterized, pending weather. This means water might be turned off and you may need to use the shared locker rooms. (If it’s critical you need a private bathroom, please register for Tier 1, 2 or 3.)
Camp Rates:
The rates for Branch Camp depend upon the housing you choose and the family size. Refer to the table below to determine your rates. Note: infants under age 1 are free.
Tier 1 Rates: Adults (18+) = $235, Youth (5-17) $90, Littles (1-4) $30
Tier 2 Rates: Adults (18+) = $205, Youth (5-17) $90, Littles (1-4) $30
Tier 3 Rates: Adults (18+) = $165, Youth (5-17) $90, Littles (1-4) $30
Tier 4 Rates: Adults (18+) = $115, Youth (5-17) $90, Littles (1-4) $30
Tier 5 Rates: Adults (18+) = $95, Youth (5-17) $90, Littles (1-4) $30
Camping at Mount Carmel is also available, weather permitting. If you would like to stay on-site at camp in a trailer, RV, or tent, please choose this option at registration and we’ll contact you regarding rates, and electric and water hookups.
Keep the cozy vibe going in our new camp merch!
Comfy 80/20 ring-spun cotton/polyester blend in a classic fit and jersey lined hood. Alpine green pigment dyed with embroidered Branch Camp logo from Independent Trading Co. $50 for adult and youth sizes. Choose hoodie add-on at registration.
Arrival & Check-In
Camp starts on Thursday, October 16th. Check-in between 4:00 and 6:00PM. Please eat dinner before you arrive. We are planning an all camp event starting around 7PM. If you know you need to arrive late, please let us know so we can make sure that someone is there to greet you and show you to your cabin. Branch Camp will wrap up after lunch around noon, on Saturday Oct 18th.
Directions
Mount Carmel Ministries: 800 Mount Carmel Dr NE. Alexandria, MN. Camp is approximately 2 1/2 hours northwest from the Twin Cities up I-94, and just a few miles from downtown Alexandria, MN.
Programs
Our theme this year is about becoming wise builders as we head “up north!” Jesus tells us that a wise builder hears the plan and puts it into practice. A foolish builder hears the exact same plan but does nothing. The difference isn't the blueprint; it's the follow-through. At camp we’ll learn to build our lives on the bedrock of Christ, so solid that no storm can shake it. So grab your flannel, sharpen your axe, and get ready to make some sawdust!
Camp includes awesome musical worship and solid biblical teaching for all ages. Fun skits and unforgettable large group activities keep everyone entertained. (Did we mention our team has over 40 years of combined youth ministry camp experience?!) Adults get separate breakout sessions from kids, and kids have their own age-appropriate sessions led by Branch Church volunteers. Everyone will get more connected to Jesus and each other through age-appropriate games, activities, free-time and more! There’s also a bright, spacious nursery perfect for the 1-4 year olds. Everyone is guaranteed a place to feel loved, encouraged, and built up!
Food
Five meals will be provided with your registration - plus a late night pizza party, snacks and treats along the way. Camp food is well… camp food. But the good news is no one has to cook! Salad bar and “quality toast” is always an option. We will also happily try to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions. Gluten free and dairy free alternatives are provided. We promise you won’t go hungry.
Free Time
An important part of any retreat is getting space to be with Jesus and time to recharge. There is ample free time in the schedule so everyone gets the rest and connection they need. Free time activities include hiking, frisbee golf, sand volleyball, gaga gall, 9-square, corn-hole, soccer field, tennis and pickleball, basketball, foosball, shuffle board, ping-pong, board games, crafts, lake-side sauna, take a nap, scenic overlooks, relax on adirondack chairs, and more!
Volunteers at Branch Camp
You can help make Branch Camp so much fun by volunteering to assist us this weekend. Many hands make for a lighter load and will give you the chance to get to know people better. We’ll send volunteer sign-up opportunities over email as the date gets closer.
Waterfront
The beach and waterfront area at Mount Carmel will likely be closed during this time of year. Please be aware that the camp sits on a lake and parents are responsible for watching their children near the water, at all times. Lifeguards are not on duty.
Allergies and Special Diets
If anyone in your family has an allergy or any special dietary needs, we will do our best to provide options that work for you. Please make sure to fill out the special accommodations request when you register.
Policies and Guidelines
To best serve and protect our church community we ask that you refrain from bringing or consuming alcohol at Branch Camp. Mount Carmel is a smoke free facility. We prohibit the use of fireworks or any illegal substances.
Payment
You are welcome to pay in full upon registration. An initial deposit of at least $50 per adult and $25 per child is due to secure your registration. Final payment will be due the week of Branch Camp. If cost is an issue, please email info@branchchurchmn.org. There is also a scholarship form available upon registration.
Please Pray
As you prepare for a great weekend, please pray for our leadership and volunteers from Branch Church, the staff at Mount Carmel, and the people coming to camp that we will all grow in our faith and knowledge of Jesus while also become more connected to each other!
Please contact:
QUESTIONS? Josh Miller, Associate Pastor – Branch Church
763.442.6924
josh.miller@branchchurchmn.org
REGISTRATION: Michelle Swanson, Administrative Assistant – Branch Church
612.481.1192
michelle.swanson@branchchurchmn.org
Location:
800 Mt Carmel Dr NE. Alexandria, MN
©Branch Church , 2025. All rights reserved. | info@branchchurchmn.org