About Friendly Pines Camp
Friendly Pines Camp offers an exceptional summer camp experience focusing on a strong sense of community, a wide array of adventurous activities (from archery to rock climbing), and highly accommodating, top-notch staff. It stands out for its flexibility in scheduling and willingness to meet specific demands, including diverse dietary needs, making it a comprehensive and personalized choice for youth and adult groups alike.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a comprehensive summer camp experience with a focus on community and personal growth.School groups or youth organizations looking for engaging field trips and adventurous activities.Children who thrive in an inclusive environment with opportunities for outdoor adventure and skill-building.Parents with specific dietary restrictions or scheduling needs, as the camp is highly accommodating.Those looking for a camp that fosters lifelong friendships and cherished memories.
Why families love it
- Staff and counselors are top-notch, described as super friendly, helpful, kind, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- A wide variety of activities available, including archery, rock climbing, and high elements, described as 'amazing' and 'endless fun and adventure'.
- Cabins are comfortable and well-equipped, featuring showers, sinks, toilets, fans for summer, and heaters for winter.
- Highly flexible with scheduling and open to new demands, making it easy to plan around specific needs.
- Chef David is praised for providing a variety of tasty and delicious food, accommodating different dietary needs.
- Experienced and kind high elements instructors (e.g., Mat and his team) ensure a positive and safe adventure experience.
Insider tips
- If air conditioning is a necessity, inquire specifically about AC availability in different cabin types before booking.
- Communicate any specific scheduling needs or dietary requirements well in advance, as staff are noted for their flexibility and accommodation.
- Be prepared for outdoor activities; the camp offers a wide array of adventure options.
- Consider booking for school field trips or youth group retreats, as they handle group events well with dedicated guides.
- Friendly Pines Camp is suitable for year-round visits due to heating and cooling options in the cabins.
Good to know before you go
- If a completely air-conditioned living space is a strict requirement for all accommodations, as some cabins may lack AC.
- If you prefer a highly rigid and unchanging program structure without any flexibility or customization.
- Some accommodations, specifically the Log House, do not have AC (though fans may be provided in common areas).
- Bathrooms in some upstairs rooms (e.g., Log House) are noted as 'pretty small'.
- Crowds
- No specific details about crowd levels are mentioned in the reviews; however, a sense of community is fostered, implying well-managed group sizes.
- Value
- While no specific prices are mentioned, multiple reviews emphasize excellent value, with one explicitly stating it's 'Totally worth every single penny!' and highlighting that Friendly Pines Camp was superior to other sites visited in the Prescott area, being 'totally different in everything.' This suggests a premium experience that justifies the cost compared to alternatives.
- Food
- Excellent food quality is reported, with Chef David providing variety and accommodating specific dietary needs.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- Highly experienced and kind staff, particularly high elements instructors, contribute to a sense of safety during adventure activities.
What parents say
"I came here for a weekend trip and honestly had an absolute blast. My ONLY complaint is that I stayed in the Log House and there was no AC BUT I slept in the living room and the couches were super comfy and there was a fan there I pointed at me. The bathrooms in the rooms upstairs are pretty small but they do the job. Location though GREAT, and the amount of activities was amazing. I went with Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) so not sure what was part of BOW and what was part of the camp but overall I definitely want to go back."
7 months ago
"Friendly Pines Camp holds a special place in my heart as the grandson of Mary Beth Whitlow. I was lucky enough to spend many unforgettable summers there and I can honestly say that it was some of the best times of my life. The staff and counselors are top-notch, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all campers. The activities offered, from archery to rock climbing, allow for endless fun and adventure. But what truly sets Friendly Pines apart is the sense of community that is fostered. I made lifelong friends and memories there and I will always cherish my time spent at the camp. "
2 years ago
"I chaperoned a week long school camp for both my kids. They loved it and so did I! Comfortable cabins with shower, sink and toilet. Fans for summer. Heaters for winter. Beautiful grounds with amazing activities! Definitely would attend in the future!"
3 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More summer camps in Phoenix
Summer Camps Aspire Kids Sports Center
4.9(189)4.9 out of 5 stars, 189 reviews50 S Hearthstone Way, Chandler
Summer Camps Desert Foothills Family YMCA
4.7(210)4.7 out of 5 stars, 210 reviews34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale
Summer Camps The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain
4.9(131)4.9 out of 5 stars, 131 reviews1611 E Dobbins Rd, Phoenix
Summer Camps Paradise Valley Community Center
4.4(199)4.4 out of 5 stars, 199 reviews17402 N 40th St, Phoenix