Alison Bonas

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff

Major: Secondary Education, Math

Counselor in 2008, Jewelry

“I am studying to be a high school math teacher at Northern Arizona University I will be student teaching in the spring of 2010. Currently I am working on campus as a SI, Supplemental Instructor for the math department. I worked at FPC in 2008 as the jewelry teacher. The neat thing about that was it was a program I designed and set up with the help of the FPC staff. I had an amazing summer at FPC, not only did I enjoy the campers I got to work with, but the staff was amazing. Every since being at FPC for the summer I have wanted to go back but it hasn’t worked out, but I have been to every open house since! My favorite part of FPC is all the different options there are for activities. I might be biased but jewelry was pretty awesome. I loved teaching it because it was something not many get to do; like sawing metal, sanding, filing, and the actual designing of their pieces. I still keep in touch with many of the counselors from FPC and we talk on a regular basis. FPC is a place to build friendships that last a long time whether you are a camper or a counselor!”

Dermot Mahony

University of Leeds, England

Major: Economics

Counselor in 2007 and 2008, Target Sports

“I was looking for something to do on my gap year, and several of my friends suggested looking at being a Camp Counsellor.  It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  The people there always made it entertaining, and I am still in touch with many of the counsellors and campers I met.  Hopefully I can come back again.”

Angie

University of Arizona

Major: Nutritional Sciences

Summers at FPC: 4, Challenge Staff

“I cannot really imagine who I would be had I not worked at Friendly Pines. It is unlike any experience you will ever have.  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!”

Lindsey

Iowa State University

Major: Performing Arts

Counselor in 2005, 2006 and 2007, 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.”

Laura

Shropshire, England

Major: 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.”

Scott

Iowa State University

Major: Physics

Summers at FPC: 2, 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.”

Kellyn

Loyola Marymount University alumni

Pepperdine University graduate student

Summers at FPC: 3 (+8 as a camper), Challenge Staff

“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.”

Sarah

Kansas State University

Major: 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.”

Matthew

University of Mississippi

Major: 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.”

Caitlin

University of Northern Iowa

Major: Electronic Media & Public Relations

Summers at FPC: 2

“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!”