Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and how much does it pay?The salary for the 10 week summer is $2150 for first year counselors. The dates of employment are May 27 - August 4, 2006. There are three pay periods, the first two cover about 20% of your total salary and the third covers the balance. Room & board for the summer is also provided.
How does the travel allowance work?
The travel allowance is a flat rate and based on your distance from camp. It is issued as a reimburstment with your last paycheck for the summer. This only applies to applicants outside of Arizona.
How many campers and staff are at camp?
In a typical session, we have about 210 campers, about 50 counselors, and about 20 other staff. Cabin sizes vary between 4 and 8 campers, depending their age. All in all it's just under 300 people.
Isn't Arizona all desert and really hot in the summer?
Not exactly. Arizona is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country. Friendly Pines is up in the mountains and virtually surrounded by Prescott National Forest. In the summer, the average high temperature is 80 F and the average low is 49 F.
What are the minimum qualifications?
Staff members must be at least 18 years of age, have some college education, and remain a non-user of tobacco and alcohol during the dates of employment. See all of the qualifications.
What if I've never been to a camp nor worked at one?
Some of our best counselors have had zero camp experience before Friendly Pines. Responsibility, character, and judgement can be far more valuable than a week of camp life.
How do days off work?
Staff members get one day off per week. The day off schedule is dependent on a lot of variables and varies week-to-week. Counselors are off duty from 9:20 am until 10:55 pm. Your day off is yours to enjoy, you'll have earned it! You are free to leave camp, visit the Grand Canyon, go tubing on the Salt, watch movies, or whatever. However, you are still bound to your no drug, tobacco, & alcohol commitment.
What if I don't have a car?
Many of our counselors do not have a vehicle at camp, many of them do. We keep that in mind when determining the day off schedule. Chances are you will choose to spend your day off with other counselors that are off. And chances are that many of them will have vehicles. If needed, we will be happy to give you a ride and drop you off in town. Just give us a call when you are ready to get picked up.
Where can I do laundry?
Most counselors will do it in town at one of the laundrymats on their day off. However, you have the option to utilize the same laundry service that we use for the campers. It is sent into town and carries a per pound rate. As a courtesy, we cover laundry costs for our international staff.
Can I access the internet while at camp?
We have one computer with high speed internet dedicated to our summer staff. It is located in our Log House and can be used when you are off duty. Many counselors will also use the public library for internet on their day off.
Can I use my cell phone at camp?
If you use Verizon or Altell, you will probably get a signal up here. Other providers are hit or miss. Remember, we are in the forest up in the mountains so overall coverage can be spotty. Cell phones, along with any other electronics, must be kept outside the cabin and can only be used while off duty. Also, the Log House has a pay phone that works will a calling card.
What are the cabins like?
Rustic. All of the cabins have electricity, hot water, and a full bathroom (toilet, sink, shower). Most have hardwood floors and bunk beds but size and layout varies.
How big is the camp?
Roughly 110 acres. Most of it is undeveloped pine tree forest. The parts that are developed are close enough to quickly get to where you are going, but far apart enough for a little seclusion.
What does a typical day like?
Click here to download a copy of the daily schedule. After lights out for campers, counselors have about 2 hours of free time. You must stay on camp property and most counselors will go up to the Log House. There you can socialize with other staff, make phone calls, check your email, listen to music, watch some tv, etc.
