Counselor Profiles
"I cannot really imagine who I would be had I not worked at Friendly
Pines. It is unlike any experience you will ever have."
University of Arizona: Nutritional Sciences
Summers at FPC: 4
Challenge Staff
"I decided to be a camp counselor initially because I had been a volunteer counselor for a week per summer for a small camp in previous years. I also thought it would be a great way to meet new people and get away from the city for a little while. The idea of spending a summer away sounded exciting and scary at the same time. I would not trade my experience at FPC for anything! My best friends and my roommates are people I met here. I will never forget the experiences I shared there for a lifetime. I still keep in contact with those from my very first summer, and have even visited them in their countries. Anyone thinking about applying should definitely go for it. You will not regret your decision! But, beware, it is a very hard place to say goodbye to!" - Angie
"I became more independent, more responsible, and developed stronger
leadership skills than I ever knew I had!"
Iowa State University: Performing Arts
Summers at FPC: 1, Returning for 2006
Riding Staff
"I wanted to try something new and exciting! I didn't want to waste my summer. I knew I wanted to have the experience of a lifetime instead of just sitting around my house watching tv all day. It was by far the best summer of my life. I made so many memories and met so many awesome people, but the best thing that happened at FPC was the personal growth within myself. I remember reading, 'It's the hardest job you'll ever love' and I couldn't put it better myself. Every day was a new adventure and also a new challenge. There is nothing like it in the world. It's something you have to experience for yourself." - Lindsey
"You meet a huge variety of people from all over, with different backgrounds, cultures, religions and languages."
Shropshire, England: Drama
Summers at FPC: 1
"I love working with children and I wanted the opportunity to gain some experience teaching. This was the first time I'd even been to a camp and I had a fantastic experience. I left with lots of very fond memories. It's great imparting your knowledge from any of your hobbies and talents to children who are incredibly eager to learn. At the same time, you develop your own skills and learn loads of new ones along the way. I really enjoyed getting a real taste for the outdoors! You're learning new and interesting things every single day; there's never a dull moment! Also, the scenery is breathtaking and there's so much to see and visit. It's a wonderful place to spend your summer." - Laura
"It was so much fun to be a kid again and not be judged by a whole
slew of different people in the 'real world.'"
Iowa State University: Physics
Summers at FPC: 1, Returning for 2006
Challenge Staff
"I decided to be a camp counselor because it's an excellent way to get to see another part of the country and get paid to do so. I also want to be a teacher, and what better experience than to work with kids for a whole summer? I loved camp. Friends made at camp are like no other friends anyone will ever have." - Scott
"Nothing prepared me for the incredibly close and genuine friendships that formed at camp."
Loyola Marymount University: Liberal Studies
Summers at FPC: 2 (+8 as a camper)
"While I absolutely loved the kids in my cabins and truly enjoyed helping teach different activities, it was the relationships I built with the other staff members that I will remember for the rest of my life. It's definitely a challenge to leave one's family and friends and spend a summer living in a cabin taking care of up to eight campers, but it is honestly the most rewarding experience I have ever had. Despite coming from another state and not knowing any of the other counselors initially, I immediately felt comfortable and made strong friendships quickly. What I loved is that there is a genuine mutual respect and concern between the counselors and the program staff. Not only are they your "bosses", but they truly care for your well being and happiness. I'd definitely encourage anyone who enjoys children, is a good role model and mentor, is up for a challenge, and who wishes to form the friendships and memories of a lifetime to work at FPC." - Kellyn
"I had worked in basic boring jobs during previous summers, and decided that I wanted to make an impact on children's lives."
Kansas State University: Elementary Education
Summers at FPC: 3
Challenge Staff
"Even before arriving at camp, I knew that being a camp counselor would make a strong impact on my life. It's been, by far, one of the best experiences in my life. I met so many wonderful fellow counselors that will be involved in my life forever. The children that you work with at Friendly Pines are all wonderful and excited to be at camp. They definitely make your day by seeing how incredibly excited they are to be doing something as simple as playing a game. Working on the challenge course, I also was able to see many children overcome their fears of heights, and step outside of their limits. Friendly Pines Camp was my home away from home, and I will never forget all the amazing people that I have been able to meet and continue to keep in contact with to this day." - Sarah
"I made friends at
Friendly Pines I will never forget while at the same time
having the opportunity to be a mentor and friend to
countless children."
University of Mississippi: Accounting
Summers at FPC: 1
Lifeguard & Canoeing Instructor
"I wanted to be a counselor at a summer camp to re-live the summer camp experiences I had as a child. I chose Friendly Pines Camp because I wanted to try something new. I saw this as an opportunity to go somewhere I'd never been before. When I first arrived in Arizona it hit home that I didn't know anyone in the state except for Beth [Program Director] who I had interviewed with on the phone. I was kind of anxious about this at first, but the first few days were filled with time spent meeting awesome Friendly Pines Staff members who I would work with for the next ten weeks." - Matthew
"Being a camp counselor at Friendly Pines will be an adventure you'll never forget."
University of Northern Iowa: Electronic Media & Public Relations
Summers at FPC: 1, Returning for 2006
"I wanted to be a camp counselor because it was something new and something I had never done before. That, and it beats living at home for the summer. My overall experience was great! Which is why I'm going back. I had a great time. I'm still great friends with the counselors, and I can't wait to return!" - Caitlin
