2024 Camper Handbook

C A M P E R H A N D B O O K

03

ABRIEFHISTORYOF FRIENDLYPINESCAMP

p y g one does at school Uncle Bud was a longtime schoolteacher; however, he and Brownie knew that it was important that boys and girls learned outside the classroom They needed to learn by doing So Uncle Bud and Brownie made sure that campers had the chance to bottlefeed goats and lambs; that they understood the proper way to swing an axe and build a fire Every camper learned to roll dough in his or her hand and produce the perfect golden Dutch Oven Biscuit. And when the day was done the campers learned to entertain themselves by singing songs, telling stories, and playing games

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make sure that the camp runs the way the founders had intended. In the mid2010s, Uncle Bud & Brownie's greatgranddaughter, Megan, joined the leadership staff and continues her grandparents' Jack and Bebe's stewardship legacy As the result of this fourth-generation family's hard work and diligence, the things you do at camp will be similar to what boys and girls did at FPC over 80 years ago. Okay, there are some differences We have bathrooms and showers in the cabin. We have computers and activities like Videography. We use handheld radios to communicate with one another instead of just shouting real loudly. But the essence and FUN of camp still remain, since we are still committed to fun and learning by doing

SAYAKA PIERSON Business Manager

ELDON ORGILL Program Director

VALERIE ESPOSITO New Family Coordinator

ONAH PHUNG opes Course Director

MEGAN MAY Camp Director

ADAM ESPOSITO Assistant Director

DEREK HASSLER Maintenance Director

TED CURRENT Equestrian Director

ATYPICALDAY @FRIENDLYPINES

7:00 AM Rising Bell

7:30 AM Clean-Up Bell for Breakfast

7:35 AM Flag Raising on Ball field

7:45 AM Breakfast

8:30 AM Cabin Clean-up

9:10 AM Ready bell for Activities

9:20 AM First Activity Period Begins

10:20 AM First Activity Period Ends; AM Snack

10:30 AM Second Activity Period Begins

11:30 AM Second Activity Period Ends

11:30 AM Cabin Re-Group

After Re-Group Cabin Free-Time

11:50 AM Clean-Up Bell for Lunch

12:00 PM Lunch

1:00 PM Siesta in Cabins

2:10 PM Siesta Ends; PM Snack

2:20 PM Third Activity Period Begins

3:20 PM Third Activity Period Ends

3:30 PM fourth Activity Period Begins

4:30 PM Fourth Activity Period Ends

4:30 PM Cabin Re-Group; Mail Time

After Re-Group Cabin Free-Time

5:10 PM Clean-Up Bell for dinner

5:15 PM Flag lowering on Ball field

5:30 PM Dinner

6:45 PM Evening activity

8:00 PM Cabin Closing

9:00 PM Lights Out

SOMETYPICAL CAMPERQUESTIONS

We will say, however, that with so many new things to do, campers usually don’t have time to be homesick! Sometimes a camper may feel a bit unsettled at first, especially the first night We understand that this may happen, and we work hard to make the first days of each session extra-busy. Once you’re involved in your activities, and get to know your cabinmates and counselor, our camp world seems so bright and friendly Lonely feelings seldom last long, but be sure you tell your counselor if it happens There’s nothing at all wrong with missing Mom, Dad, or your pet, but learning to be away from home is one of the first important steps along the road to growing up Camp’s a GREAT place to do it!

WHY CAN’T I USE THE PHONE?

Actually there are a couple of reasons The first is pretty simple. We have nearly 300 people at camp when you count campers and all the staff. If everybody used the phone for just two-minutes, that would be eight and a half hours of phone calls everyday Nobody would have time for horseback riding or canoeing or even lunch, for that matter They’d spend all of camp waiting in line to use the phone So that won’t work!

home it would make everything better. Now we know this sounds weird, but sometimes calling home is the worst thing you can do Let us explain You’re coming to camp because camp is fun. We can all agree on that But another reason your folks are sending you to camp is so you can become more independent and confident These are qualities that are important to growing up For some, entering into young adulthood can be a little uncomfortable After all, it’s kind of a big deal If campers were to call home every time they were missing home, it would take them a long time to get over that feeling and to start enjoying camp. It’s a lot like riding a bike with training wheels. If you never took off the training wheels, you’d never really know the joy of riding a bike on your own. You’d ride most of your life tilted to one side while all the other boys and girls your age were riding straight and tall, relying on their own sense of balance That feeling of missing home will go away quickly We promise But the truth of the matter is, growing up is not something someone can do for you. It’s an important stage in life that you need to get through on your own and with the help of the camp friends and counselors. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying all the things at camp there are to enjoy. You’ll be standing straight and moving fast, and all the while relying on your new-found sense of balance.

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM?

Uncle Bud used to sit the campers down the first night they arrived, and the very first thing he told them was, “Girls and boys, everyone here is here to help you” It’s that simple, and it’s still true. All of our counselors, the Camp Director, the Program Director & Program Staff, the medical staff, the office staff, and even the folks in the kitchen are here to help you. They’ve been helping campers with their individual questions and concerns for a long time, so they’re pretty good at it Any problem you have, you can bring to them If something’s bothering you, start by telling your counselor If your counselor can’t help, he or she will get you to the person who can We promise You can always come by and see Megan or Adam They will always make the time to sit and talk with you to get things figured out. It can be a big deal to go to a new place, but we dare say you’ve never been to a place outside of your home that is so ready to take care of you.

WHAT

IF I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO ANYTHING?

Well, first of all, everyone knows how to do something But we know what you mean Some campers worry that everyone already will know how to shoot an arrow, ride a horse, sew a blanket, and feed a goat Everyone, that is, except them. The truth is that most campers come to camp not knowing how to do most of the things we do at Friendly Pines, and that’s just fine Camp is not like a baseball or soccer team. You won’t be competing to get "into" Western Riding Everyone who wants to ride will get to ride, even if you’ve never even seen a horse in real life before

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYBODY?

You may find that some kids from your school, soccer team, or Scout troop also attend Friendly Pines Camp Most kids, however, come to camp for the first time not yet knowing anyone at all, but this changes pretty quickly! Plus, our counselors are trained to help campers get to know one another If you haven’t already been, camp is the perfect place to make new friends, because there’s so much to share and do When the summer’s over many campers discover that they now have two sets of friends –their “school” friends from August to May and their “camp” friends whom they look forward to seeing each summer Most "first-time” campers leave Friendly Pines with life-long pals

I HEARD THERE IS A CAMP STORE. WHAT CAN I BUY THERE?

The camp store is set up with things that you might need during the session: stamps, postcards, toiletries, water bottles, and a variety of FPC clothing Your counselor takes care of ordering what you need We’ll keep track of what you purchase and send your parents a bill at the end of the summer We do not sell snacks or food or drinks in the store; there is plenty of opportunities to eat our delicious camp food, that supplementing your meals with unhealthy candy and food won't be necessary!

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE MEDICINE I NEED TO TAKE EVERYDAY?

If you come with medication to camp, your counselor will collect it and take it to the medical staff at the Infirmary for safekeeping during the session. The nurses will have your meds ready for you to take everyday, so you just need to go to the Infirmary to get it We require that all meds stay locked in the Infirmary and out of the cabin The Infirmary is fully stocked with cough drops, Band-Aids, and Tylenol, so no need to come with your own

HOW DO I PICK MY ACTIVITIES?

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE MY SCHEDULE?

Before you get to camp, you will use an online form to rank the activities you'd most like to do. We will take your activity preferences and put them into our computers, which will generate a specific, individual schedule

You will have eight (8) total activity slots available to you Most of our activties will last for one hour, but some, like Hiking, Canoeing, or activities on our Challenge Course, will actually last for two hours and will occupy two of your 'slots' You will do 4 activities on one day, and the other 4 the next day Then you'll alternate through the same 8 (or 6 or 7 or however many you end up choosing) activities throughout the entire time you're here.

We wholeheartedly believe in camper's choice, while equally believing in the good that comes from trying new things Each camper will be allowed to make ONE schedule change, but don't feel like you HAVE to change your schedule We ask that you try everything first before you make any changes, unless something shows up on your schedule that you didn't initially sign up for. Please also remember that we cannot change your schedule to be with a friend or in a different period of the activity We'll explain how to actually change your schedule once you've arrived at camp

1

TOKEEPYOUHAPPY SAFE,&HEALTHY

fair to them or your cabin mates to bring them inside.

2)

The bells will tell you where you’re supposed to be and when you’re supposed to be there Because there are so many things going on during the day and because our camp is not covered in clocks, we use bells. They tell us when something begins or ends, when it’s time to wake up, or when it’s time to eat. Bells tell time for us here at camp, so you don’t have to worry - simply listen for the bells.

3)

Always travel in groups of 3 or more; we call this the “thruddy” system. Campers should never be in a one-on-one situation with another counselor or camper, and your counselors will remind you to always find a “thruddy”!

4)

Please wear your name tag As soon as you arrive at camp and meet your counselor, they will hand you a name tag You wear it every day, not only because it tells everyone your name but also because we put your schedule of activities on the back Name tags help everyone to get to know one another, and they help you to remember your activities

candy does a body good and you don’t want all that sugar to slow you down and cause you to miss out on all the fun we have planned.

6)

Never get out of sight of a red roof

Getting lost or wandering too far from camp is not common, but to help prevent it all buildings at Friendly Pines are covered with a bright red roof Once you cannot see a red roof anywhere around you, then you have gone too far and it is time to sit down and “hug a tree” Don’t worry, we will find you Take a look at the red roofs when you arrive These are your boundaries and if you stay where you can always see red then you will never have to worry.

7)

No boys in girls’ village No girls in boys' village. At Friendly Pines girls are in cabins with girls and boys with boys In fact, girls and boys each have a separate part of camp all to themselves There are villages for both and boundaries between the two

8)

Once you get home, we ask that you don’t request to follow FPC counselors and staff on social media, and they shouldn’t request to follow you either! There’s no reason for campers and staff to interact outside of camp, and we want to keep the privacy of both you and your counselors safe!

THEH.E.R.O. PROGRAM

"HERO" stands for

“HONORING EVERYONE, RESPECTING OURSELVES"

Friendly Pines’ campers AND staff all agree to sign the HERO Contract, which is their promise that they will treat others just the way they want to be treated (You have a sample of this contract included in this handbook, it also appears in your parents' handbook) You will be required to sign this contract and attend a HERO talk at the start of your session

Has it worked? We think it has, though we have more work to do. Bad behavior is a tough thing to get rid of, but we’re not giving up We believe that every camper (every person for that matter) deserves respect and ultimately wants to do the right thing. Everyone wants to be friendly and respectful, just as much as they want everyone else to be friendly and respectful We just need to give everyone some time, some encouragement, and some direction.

So when you come to camp, we’ll expect you to try to be a Friendly Pines’ Everyday HERO We hope it becomes a habit you can’t break.

THEH.E.R.OPROGRAM

"HONORING EVERYONE -- RESPECTING OURSELVES"

The HERO Program: “Honoring Everyone – Respecting Ourselves” Friendly Pines commits itself to one of the oldest and most valued ideals We want to ensure that Friendly Pines Camp is a place where each of its nearly 1,000 (total) campers and staff will be guaranteed the kindness, respect and acceptance that everyone deserves Of course, in order to achieve this goal, we will need to encourage and help each of our campers and staff to develop the practices of kindness, respect, and tolerance toward one another until it becomes a habit – a way of life The HERO program asks campers and parents to embrace some basic, “Golden Rule” kinds of ideals

Sit down as a family and review the sample agreement below. Discuss the ideas; digest them. On the first day of camp, each cabin will review and discuss the HERO program; afterwards, every member of the camp community will be asked to sign and commit to a HERO Agreement This copy is for you to hang on your refrigerator (or wherever it is you display your most important family documents) as a constant reminder of what will be expected of each one of us As always, please call if you have questions or concerns The HERO program is a reflection of Friendly Pines’ long history of high standards and expectations.

I, (CAMPER'S NAME OR STAFF'S NAME)

will participate in the H.E.R.O. Program at Friendly Pines Camp by committing to the following ideals:

I WILL OBEY THE LONG-STANDING NPC RULE AT FRIENDLY PINES CAMP.

NPC means “No Personal Contact” and it means that “I must keep myself to myself” – hands, feet, flying elbows, everything

I WILL FOLLOW THE OLD ADAGE THAT SAYS, “IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOMETHING NICE, DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.”

In fact, I will take it a step further and make an effort to find nice things to say I know how good it makes me feel to be praised and complimented or to have someone simply say “Hello,” and I will do my best job of spreading those good feelings myself!

I WILL AVOID ALL “PUT-DOWNS”, TEASING, AND SARCASTIC REMARKS.

Even making a playful joke about someone can be hurtful If I need to make a joke about someone, maybe I’ll just make it about myself

I WON’T GANG UP ON ANOTHER PERSON

We all want to feel like we belong, and nothing is worse than being mocked or made to feel left out I won’t let that happen to one of my cabin mates

I’LL BE MORE TOLERANT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT FROM ME.

Instead of immediately making fun of an idea I’ve never heard of, I’ll take the time to give it some thought I don’t want to be the kind of person who slams the door on new ideas and different ways of looking at things (Might try new foods, even!)

I’LL DO A BETTER JOB OF VALUING THE THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE REALLY IMPORTANT

Nature, friendship, and what’s in a person’s heart – those are the things that last The brand of shoes that a person wears or the music they listen to will always go in and out of style So I’ll not judge people from the surface and I’ll take time to get to know each one of my fellow campers deep down inside

I’LL DO A BETTER JOB OF VALUING THE THINGS IN LIFE THAT ARE REALLY IMPORTANT

I will not use crude, obscene, vulgar or any other unacceptable conduct or language that may be hurtful This is to include language that is offensive to others on the basis of gender, race, religion, lifestyle, physical characteristics, etc And I’ll expect the same from others

I WILL BE THERE TO PROTECT MY CABIN MATES FROM UNKIND ATTACKS AND ABUSE

I’ll say “OUCH” when I hear a “put-down”, even when it’s not directed at me And if the unkindness, bullying or teasing doesn’t stop, I’ll make sure my counselor knows about it I’ll do this for my fellow campers and I’m confident they’ll do the same for me

FINALLY, I WILL REMEMBER THAT GOING TO CAMP IS A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AND A PRIVILEGE THAT MY FAMILY HAS KINDLY MADE AVAILABLE TO ME.

I will also keep in mind that going to camp is a privilege So if I don’t keep my promise to be a HERO, I understand that I will need to speak with Megan or Adam and that they will speak to my family And if after all that, I still fail to improve, and my conduct makes camp an unpleasant experience for my cabin mates, I may be sent home early

I’m looking forward to camp. I am also looking forward to doing my part to make the H.E.R.O. program at Friendly Pines a great success

CAMPER'S OR STAFF'S SIGNATURE

DATE:

THEFPCDRESS CODE

While our staff works hard to enforce our standard of dress, we try not to make it our only focus All campers and staff should be able to dress comfortably for camp and engage in activities without fear of actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming What we don't want to happen is for our clothing requirements to reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size, and our dress code policy shall be enforced consistently.

At the end of the day, FPC expects all campers, staff, and visitors will dress in a way that is appropriate for camp & participation in our activities The last thing we want is for both the individual and those around them to feel uncomfortable due to clothing choices. All campers and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own appearance without regulating another individual’s clothing/self-expression With all of us working together to uphold our standards, we hope to maintain a focus on what truly matters: having the best time ever at camp!

CAMP TERMINOLOGY

personal space and you must stop any physical contact and give them more space. Used by counselors towards campers, campers toward one another, and even counselors toward counselors.

RENDEZVOUS:

A frontier-themed ceremony where campers are recognized for the good deeds they performed during the week.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE:

Following the ending of all camp evening activities, campers cross arms and join hands with those on either side and form a circle, sing the friendship song, and say goodnight

STICK DEDICATION

This is an important ceremony held the last night of each session It involves tossing a small stick in the fire and then “dedicating” your stick to the person, place, or event that made your time at camp special and memorable

"Honoring Everyone, Respecting Ourselves" (See Page 9)

FIRST HELP:

The 10-15 min period at the beginning of every meal during which everyone is silent while they are being served and enjoying their first helping of food

HEAD OF TABLE:

The counselor at each table who is in charge of serving the food

FOOT OF TABLE:

The counselor at each table who is in charge of serving the drinks.

L.I.T.:

"Leader in Training" - A 15/16 year old returning, camper who lives with younger campers and learns the responsibilities involved in being a counselor but is not yet a counselor

C.I.T.:

"Counselor in Training" - A returning camper who is typically 16/17 years old He/she still lives with the younger campers but is still not yet a counselor.

TREE TALK:

The explanation, under a large tree near the Western Tack Room, given to all riding classes before being allowed near the horses for the first time

COWBOY COOKOUT DAY:

The one day of the week when the food is cooked and served by the counselors and program staff and everyone eats outside; the kitchen staff work so hard and deserve a day off!

QUIET PLACE:

Where the entire camp assembles on Sunday to sing songs and learn about the different things that are important to camp such as attitude, respect, honesty, courage etc

CABIN SHIELD:

The round sign that indicates your cabin name and symbol It’s important for Rendezvous, but is also used during cabin photos!

SIESTA:

The hour following lunch that is a quiet time in the cabins used for letter writing, reading, and napping

CABIN CLEAN-UP:

The half hour after breakfast and before first activity during which the campers clean and organize their cabin

HAMMOCK SIESTA:

A siesta spent outside in the hammocks; the same siesta principles apply, it just happens outside!

HORSENGOGGLE:

The game played at the dining table to determine who wins the extra dessert, should there be one

NIGHT DUTY COUNSELOR

The staff member who sits outside of the cabin after lights-out and makes sure the campers go to bed quietly He/she stays outside until the head counselor returns for bed

UV (UPPER VILLAGE):

The 6 or 7 cabins that house the oldest girls and boys at camp

RE-GROUP:

A time following the 2nd and 4th activity periods when the campers meet up with their cabin counselor before returning to the cabin for free time

BELLS

Used throughout camp to signal different things:

BIG BELL

Wake up/end of siesta/beginning or end of evening activity/ meet at benches; if ringing at a random time of day, and for a long time, this could signal an emergency and you should stop what you’re doing and head for the benches!

CLEAN-UP BELL

10-15 min prior to meals to remind campers to wash hands and head to dining lodge with cabinmates.

ACTIVITY GONG

Signifies the beginning or end of activities

"COME IN" BELL

Signifies you may enter the dining lodge and head to your table

DINING LODGE BELL

Used to signify that announcements are about to begin.