Bud and Isabelle Brown, Founders

Friendly Pines Camp was founded in 1941 by Bud and Isabelle, better known as “Uncle Bud” and “Brownie” around camp. The camp has grown tremendously since their first camping trip here with their children and several of their little friends, and now stands as a monument to their life’s work. Three generations of Arizona youngsters have benefited from their inspiration and devotion.

Jack and Bebe May, Owners and Senior Directors

Jack and Bebe have been directing Friendly Pines Camp since 1965, carrying on the many traditions developed by the Browns. Bebe, the daughter of Uncle Bud and Brownie, is a former teacher and counselor (M.A., Arizona State University) and is fluent in Spanish (M.I.M., Arizona Graduate School of International Management.) Jack is a Certified Camp Director (ACA), fluent in French, and brings to Friendly Pines an education in one of England’s finest schools, four years of wartime service as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, and a business background of over 20 years’ experience. Every phase of the camp operation receives their scrupulous personal attention. Rosemary (May) Taylor, as well as Christopher May, M.D. and his wife Barbara, remain involved in promotional and other activities. The fourth generation is represented by Chris and Barb’s daughter and son, Megan and Nicholas, as well as Rosemary’s two boys, Colin and Brock.

Kevin Nissen, Director

Kevin was a first-year counselor at Friendly Pines in 1978. He returned each summer thereafter until he graduated from Arizona State University. After half a dozen years of being a high school English teacher, Kevin returned to Friendly Pines with his family during the summer breaks. He eventually was hired as our year-round director in 1990. Kevin works with all phases of camp management where he offers his creativity, energy, and sense of humor.

Sylvia Hutchinson, Program Director

Sylvia’s first summer at Friendly Pines Camp was in 2007 as a general counselor and member of challenge staff.  She returned to Friendly Pines for the next two summers as Program Staff, and upon completing her degree at Western Illinois University, she became a year-round staff member.  As Program Director, Sylvia oversees the staffing and programming for the summer season.

Michael Geyer, Rental Director

Michael began his time at Friendly Pines Camp in 1997 as a first-year counselor and international staff member from Australia. Over the next 13 years, Michael progressed through the ranks, returning as Head of Campcraft, a part of Riding Staff and a valued member of Program Staff. In 2004, he became a year-round staff member and permanent resident of the United States. A couple years later, Michael took the position of Rental Director and the responsibility of caring for all of our off-season rental groups. He attends to their every need, anything from quoting prices to setting up campfires for each group.

David Wangerin, Director of Food Service

David is originally from Minnesota and a tenacious Twins fan. He relocated to Arizona and has spent the last nine years heading up the kitchen efforts of Friendly Pines Camp. David spends many long hours making sure that the kitchen is running smoothly and everyone is well-fed with delicious, wholesome food.

Stever Speirs and Javier Gonzalez, Maintenance

Stever and Javier are camp’s resident maintenance men. They are always ready and willing to get their hands dirty with any projects or improvements around camp. Stever has worked for camp for the last five years, but was preceded by his father who worked for camp during the ‘90s. Both of Stever’s children attended Friendly Pines Camp, and his daughter even met her husband here. Stever was proud to introduce his first granddaughter to camp life this past summer. Javier has been at Friendly Pines since 2003, and we quickly recognized his woodworking talents. Among many other things, Javier can be credited with the creation of a new totem pole displayed in the center of camp.

Sharron Goligoski and Carmen Stevens, Registrar and Bookkeeper

Sharron and her family, have a long history with Friendly Pines Camp. She began working as Friendly Pines’ registrar in 1995. Since that time, all three of her sons have worked for camp in some capacity, and all of her grandchildren (with the exception of one who isn’t quite old enough yet) have attended as campers.  Carmen began her time with Friendly Pines in 1998 as a part-time office assistant. She is now our full-time Bookkeeper, and spends much of her time managing accounts and mastering our new camp software. Carmen is a recent first-time grandparent, and hopes little Larissa will be able to join us as a camper in a few years.

Josh Scott, Housekeeping and Food Service

Josh is one of the only Prescott natives who works at Friendly Pines Camp. A graduate of Prescott High School, Josh fills in the gaps with maintenance, housekeeping, and food service. He is an invaluable member of our year-round staff.