The Virtues We Live By
Character is part of everyday life at Friendly Pines
Our nine virtues hang in the dining hall as a daily reminder of the kind of community we hope to build together. Campers hear about them at campfire, see them modeled by counselors, and practice them in hundreds of small moments throughout the summer.
Every camper is recognized for the virtue their counselors believe they most embodied during their time here. It’s one of our longest-standing traditions, and one of the most meaningful.
Respect
Treating others, ourselves, our community, and the world around us with care and consideration. We hope campers learn to listen, value differences, honor boundaries, and help create a place where everyone feels welcome.
Honesty
Being truthful, sincere, and genuine in both words and actions. We hope campers learn that telling the truth, owning what happened, and communicating openly are how trust is built and relationships grow stronger.
Integrity
Doing what is right, even when it is difficult or no one is watching. We hope campers learn to take responsibility for their choices, follow through on their commitments, and become people others can rely on.
Courage
Being willing to try, even when something feels new, difficult, or uncertain. We hope campers learn that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the decision to take the next step, try again, and discover what they are capable of.
Patience
Staying calm, giving things time, and continuing even when progress does not happen right away. We hope campers learn to manage frustration, make room for others, and persevere through challenges without giving up.
Optimism
Looking for possibility and choosing hope, even when things do not go as planned. We hope campers learn to find the good, approach challenges with confidence, and encourage others through their positive outlook.
Helpfulness
Noticing what needs to be done and willingly stepping in to support others. We hope campers learn that contributing to their cabin and camp community, encouraging their peers, and lending a hand can make a meaningful difference.
Caring
Noticing how others are feeling and responding with kindness, compassion, and understanding. We hope campers learn to look beyond themselves, consider different perspectives, and help others feel seen and supported.
Inventiveness
Approaching the world with curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to explore new possibilities. We hope campers learn to express their ideas, solve problems creatively, and see that there is often more than one way forward.
At camp, both our campers and staff spend their days 'screen free' and live together without cell phones, music players, or ipads in an effort to disconnect from outside distractions and live more presently in the moment.
What Happens
When Kids Disconnect
Kids spend all day together here. They eat meals side by side, talk in cabins before bed, laugh through activities, and figure out how to be a part of a group. By the end of the week, a lot of them can't believe they were nervous to come.
Hear it from our campers:
“No electronics! It’s so nice to actually talk to people!”
“The most important lesson I learned: I don’t need electronics to have fun”
“I make lots of friends”
Whether they're trying an activity for the first time, finding their place in a cabin, or doing something that once felt intimidating, they start to see just how capable they really are.
Hear it from our campers:
"Camp gave me confidence, and it make me feel like I belonged.”
"I’ve grown more independent and responsible.”
“Camp shaped me into a really adventurous person."
Without screens competing for their attention, campers have more space to simply be kids. They spend their days outside, get dirty, laugh with friends, notice the world around them, and enjoy what's happening right in front of them.
Hear it from our campers:
“I learned not to rush things and take things slow.”
"I like to come up in the forest with no parents and have fun.”
"Camp made me enjoy nature.”
Dip a Toe or Dive All In
Mini Camp
5 night stay
Discovery, confidence-building, exploration, and fun.
- Curated schedule.
- Camp favorites.
- Beginner friendly.
- Confidence building.
- New friendships.
- Signature traditions.
- Built for first-timers.
- The Friendly Pines starting point.
Two-Week Sessions
12 night stay
Depth, choice, mastery, independence, and growth.
- Personalized schedules.
- Camper choice.
- More activity options.
- Skill progression.
- Greater independence.
- Deeper friendships.
- More traditions.
- More personal growth.
- The flagship Friendly Pines experience.
The Traditions That Make Friendly Pines, Friendly Pines
Friendly Pines still believes in the kind of summer that feels harder to find these days. Kids unplug, connect with nature, build real friendships, and become part of traditions that quietly teach confidence, responsibility, kindness, and respect along the way.
Your Camper's Journey
For many campers, one summer at camp turns into a childhood spent here.
They arrive as first-time campers learning the songs, meeting cabin friends, and finding their place. Year after year, they grow in confidence, independence, and leadership until one day, they return wearing a staff shirt instead of a camper name tag.
There’s something really special about watching kids grow up here. And even more special when they come back to help create that same magic for someone else.
First summer
Discover Camp
A first taste of camp life, new friendships, and growing independence.
returning camper
Find Your Place
Familiar traditions, deeper friendships, and more confidence each summer.
Teen Leadership Programs
Grown and Lead
More leadership, more responsibility, and a bigger role in the camp community.
Camp Counselor
Give Back
Leading cabins, supporting campers, and becoming the person kids remember most.
Belong for Life
Alumni Network
Stay connected through alumni gatherings, Friends & Family Camp, and opportunities to support and celebrate the Friendly Pines community for years to come.
What Comes Home With Them
Confidence
Independence
Social skills
Resilience
Lifelong friendships
Connection to nature
Camp is something I talk about and look forward to year-round. The stories I have, the friends I’ve made, this all wouldn’t be possible without you and the people before. I wouldn’t have a Stick Dedication to cry at, a carnival to dress up at, or a talent show to play at. So thank you. A piece of my heart will be forever left at FPC!
Upper Village Camper