Staff testimonials
"Coming to FPC and working as a first year counselor was the best and most rewarding experience I could have ever asked for! It was truly amazing being part of such an awesome team that I could call my family. Camp really does bring out your inner child and lets you have the most fun making new friends and memories. I’ll never forget having to dress up for Counselor pageant night or going crazy in the WWE arena. My best moments were the friendships I made and the relationships I built with my campers, it was so special. One tip I can give is to TRY EVERYTHING! You won’t know till you do it and put all you’ve got into everything you do at camp because at the end of the day it’s the memories, laughs and smiles that take a the cake!"
Caylee Kirby
2024, 2025 Challenge | Cape Town, South Africa
"Working at FPC was a decision that I’ll forever thank myself for making. The memories made, the adventures, the laughs, tears, all of it lends itself to shape the person I am today. Working with FPC campers specifically is simply magical, they’ll have you howling in laughter but also reminding you of that childhood experience a lot of us have left behind. If you’re on the fence, do it! I promise you’ll look back and say 'yeah, I did that and I’ll be back for more'"
David Drubka
2023, 2024, 2025 Target Sports | Chicago, IL
"Friendly Pines for me is something that I will remember for the rest of my life, it’s a beautiful mix of fun, rewarding and enchanting. Before camp I just thought I was going to have a summer of fun and meeting new people, but it was so much more then that, I have met people that I will be friends with for the rest of my life, got to see children learn things about themselves and being more confident, and creating some of the most amazing memories that I will cherish forever, and by the time I left, Friendly pines had cemented itself to being my second home."
Dylan Cameron
2024, 2025 Waterfront | Isle of Skye, Scotland
"Working an entire summers outdoors isn’t for everyone, but the entire camp always felt like it had my back. They focused on fun activities, really prioritized camper immersion and enjoyment in safe and exciting ways, and it was a joy to be a part of. They were also very open to creative ways of expressing things to kids, through music or skits or games, and I felt like I was listened to when it came to what I wanted to teach and how."
Danny Auston
2021, 2025 Performance | Boise, ID
"Without this camp I would've never pursued veterinary sciences as my career. Hopping on a horse and experiencing my first trail ride created a spark of my love for equestrian sports. Now as a counselor I can share that spark with others which had the power to change the course of my life!"
Ashley Fee
2023, 2024, 2025 Equestrian | Prescott, AZ
"The best summer of my life was the one I spent as a camp counselor at FPC. I formed incredible friendships that have stood the test of time, and I had the chance to immerse myself in unforgettable experiences. It still amazes me that I was fortunate enough to call such an extraordinary adventure my job."
Ruby Hackenyos
2022, 2025 Program staff | Chandler, AZ
"Working at FPC has been the best experience over the past couple of summers. I have gained many new friends, had an amazing time with the campers, and made a lot of memories that I will cherish forever. FPC is my home away from home, and I would give anything to be able to experience the camp for the first time again."
Carter Schmidbuaer
2023, 2024, 2025 Target Equestrian | Phoenix, AZ
"When I was a camper at FPC, I was so enthralled by the camp magic and had such amazing experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Now as a staff member I have had such a fulfilling experience creating that camp magic for all the campers that attend. It is truly an amazing feeling to be able to have such a positive impact on young minds."
Alex Park
2024, 2025 Equestrian | Phoenix, AZ
“The summer of 2023 was my first experience ever at Friendly Pines Camp, and I couldn't have been happier with the decision! Friendly Pines truly does turn childhood moments into life's richest memories because the campers love everything that Friendly Pines embodies. The best part about working at Friendly Pines is that you gain many friendships, memories, inside jokes, laughs, etc. with the other staff there. While there are too many memories to share, I'd have to say that my absolute favorite was practicing for the Firework Dance, which happens on the 4th of July. Even more so performing for all the campers was an unforgettable experience.”
Tara Winslow
2023 Athletics | Los Angeles, CA
“Coming in as a first time counselor with no summer camp experience at all, I was extremely anxious. But this truly was one of the most tiring yet rewarding experiences ever. From the bonds I made, to all the new songs I learned, to the positive impacts I made on all the campers I had. You will never grow more as a person from any other job. Although your number one priority is the kids, make sure you put you and your mental health next!“
Alexis Britt
2023 Waterfront Counselor | Scottsdale, AZ
“Friendly Pines gave me friends, gave me memories and it gave me a second home. I am so grateful for meeting amazing kids, with the biggest smiles and hearts, creating bonds and getting to know them was the best part.”
Cach Perez-Cirera Estrada
2023 Arts | Mexico City, Mexico