Wishing you a sweet year ahead!
Category: Pine Forest Camp
ONE MORE SLEEP
Dear Pine Forest Families,
From Vermont to Miami, LA to NYC — and everywhere in between — tonight, all across the country and the world, campers are stuffing duffels, hugging pets goodbye, and tossing and turning with excitement. Tomorrow, they’re ours, and we can’t wait to welcome each of them with open arms and huge smiles.
We know what this night feels like for you, too. Your hearts might be beating faster, your eyes tearing up with a swirl of excitement and nerves. Maybe you’re holding your camper extra tight, giving them just one more pep talk and trying your best to play it cool (trust us, it helps!).
Here’s what we want you to know: we’re ready. You’ve chosen well. For 93 summers and five generations, Pine Forest has been a place where kids grow, laugh, and discover who they are. And where parents trust us to take the very best care of what matters most.
Our counselors are trained, our bunks are well-arranged, your notes have been read and re-read. We’ve role-played every situation from homesickness to high-fives. We’ve hung welcome signs, tested our campfire songs, and fluffed every pillow.
So tomorrow, keep those goodbyes short and sweet. And know that we’re here for you, too. Call or email anytime; you’re part of the Pine Forest family, and we’ve got your back just like we’ve got theirs.
Tonight, as your campers drift off to sleep, they’re dreaming big! Of adventures, new friends, and memories they’ll carry forever. And tomorrow, we’ll be here to make those dreams come true.
Bring on SUMMER 2025! It’s going to be the best one yet!
Pine Forest Camp
P.S. This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Uncle Hughie and the News, our camp blog, named after our beloved founder “Uncle” Hughie Black. We’ll keep you posted on all the camp magic as it happens!
Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitos: Oh My!
Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitos: Oh My!
A Note from the Health Center to our Camp Parents:
We’d like to take a moment to share our plan of action for the risks associated with tick, flea and mosquito bites throughout the United States. Camp has been taking steps to minimize exposure for our campers and prevent the spread of disease. In addition to the measures outlined below, camp regularly consults with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to update our protocols.
Prevention
- Outside lawn chemical professionals have been hired to treat all fields and field perimeters with flea and tick control as well as areas around bunks, buildings, and activity areas with flea and tick control.
- All trails and paths at camp are treated with flea and tick control.
- An outside professional pest control company has been contracted to regularly treat for rodents, etc.
- Grass is cut frequently and brush is trimmed back in regularly trafficked areas.
- Application of CDC approved bug spray throughout the day as needed for activities in wooded areas. There are also bug spray stations throughout camp.
Education and Practice
- All counselors have training sessions on ticks and the counselor’s roles in health care, including
- Hygiene, shower hour self-check prompting, tick checks after hikes, walks in the woods, and campfires
- Basic tick prevention, best practices, bug and bite identification
- Camper clothing coverage, including long pants and sleeves on hikes
- Avoiding brushy areas, high grass and leaf litter. Walking in the center of trails.
- Nurse education during training
- Tick checks, identification, removal
- Full body checks after all hikes and walks in wooded areas.
- A note: Nurses and counselors prompt campers to self check in and around the bathing suit area.
- Check clothing.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with questions or concerns. We will stay vigilant!
The Health Center
Fun Facts for New Families
Spring is in the air! We can’t believe Summer 2025, camp’s 94th season, will be here before we know it! We thought it would be fun to share some fun facts about camp! Pine Forest is full of tradition, rituals and special names, and each one is so meaningful to both the campers and staff; in no time, your camper will be an expert! As the song goes, “We welcome you to Pine Forest, we’re mighty glad you’re here!”
“Up Where the Sky Begins”
Our longtime PFC slogan, but really it’s a philosophy!
“When Lights Are Low” and “High In The Mountains”
PFC’s camp songs, among many others. Your campers will know them in no time!
Blue and Gold are PFC camp colors! Wear them loud and proud!
Many of Pine Forest’s fields, courts and venues are named after camp’s founders, Hughie and Selma Black, their descendants as well as many old-timers.
Hughie Hall– Indoor athletic venue that houses many camp activities, including basketball, broadcasting, yoga, spinning, the fitness center and much more.
Libby Courts – One of three sets of tennis courts, named after Libby Black Halpern, daughter of the founders and an avid tennis player.
Marvin Hall – Our beautiful gymnastics pavilion, named after Marvin Black, son of the founders and longtime PFC Director.
Netsy Playhouse – Outdoor amphitheater where camp-wide shows and gatherings are held, named after Annette “Netsy” Black, daughter-in-law of the founders who championed the performing arts at camp.
Lee’s Rink and Lee’s Tree – the hockey pavilion next to Hughie Hall and the tree in the center of camp, in front of the Guest House, are both named for Lee Forest Black, beloved former PFC camper, counselor, head of Boys Camp and PFC Director. Lee, who passed away in 2021, was the son of Mickey and Barbara Black and the brother of Anna Black Morin, married to current director, Eric Morin. Lee was the great-grandson of our founders.
Chadwin Court AKA “Main Court” in the center of camp with lights and stadium seating all around. Named after longtime athletic director, Steve “Chad” Chadwin.
Lisa’s Heart-Shaped Pond – The most magical spot on the way to the lake. Turn around three times and throw a rock in over your shoulder. If it lands in the heart-shaped pond, your wish will come true! Named after Assistant Director, Lisa Sherman Fayne, grand-niece of our founders, Hughie and Selma.
Blueberry Island – A private island in our lake, Lake Greeley, where campers canoe and explore!
The Old-Timers Tree – This old tree proudly displays plaques of the names of all campers and staff throughout our 93 years that have gone to camp for 10 years or more. It’s a badge of honor when old-timers to have their names permanently added to the tree for all time! Right now, there are over 400 names on the Old-Timers Tree!
Bunk Names – Bunks at camp are named after trees and wildflowers found in Northeastern, PA, our beautiful summer home!
We won’t quiz you on it, but we hope these names and places make you feel even more excited for summer! We are counting down the days to welcome you! Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have. We can’t wait to get started!
Eric Morin, 4th-Generation Director
Lisa Fayne, Assistant Director
Hal and Sarah Schwartz, Head of Boys & Girls Camp
Warmest Wishes from Greeley, PA
Home from Camp | Tips & Reminders
Time flies when you’re having fun and your campers will be home soon! The transition to “the real world” isn’t always easy for you and your campers. Here are some tips to help both of you make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Don’t take it personally.
Yes, they’ll be SO happy to see you. They’re also very, very sad.
They’re sad to leave camp! They’re sad to leave their friends! They’re sad to leave their counselors! They’re sad to leave their independence and camp persona! It’s okay (great actually)! It means you gave them the best gift ever!
- Remember: They’re exhausted.
In the last week alone, they experience Color Days, the play, song and cheer, a gymnastics show, banquet, packing and more. Over the past seven weeks they’ve been living with ten other people, hanging out with friends day and night, participating in activities from sun up to sun down. Enough said.
- Be patient.
It might take a few hours or a few days to be entirely “on.” They might even seem a little numb. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you or didn’t miss you. It doesn’t mean that they won’t open up and start gushing in a few days. Nothing is wrong. They just need time! Things that are normal: wanting to talk to their camp friends immediately, all-day, every day for a few days (yes, they just spent seven weeks with them – we know). Wanting to spend some time alone before jumping into the deep end of home life (think family gatherings, sporting events, play dates). Any combination of the above. Normal. Normal. Normal.
- Focus on small moments and questions.
Think about your two best friends who live far away.
Friend one: you pick up the phone no matter what, even if you only have a minute. Though it’s been months, you know they’ll cut right to the chase and start where things left off. Or not. Maybe you just answer a quick question, maybe you talk about who got the final rose- you can hang up when you need to. One word answers, longer answers, anything goes. No pressure.
Friend two: You love them. Really. You LOVE them as much as friend one. But you really only pick up when you have time to sit, totally focused, for an hour-long catch-up. So, no. You don’t always pick up. Because you’re at work, or you’re making dinner, or you’re about to get the kids ready for bed, or you just don’t feel like telling your life story. That. Sounds. Exhausting.
The moral? Be friend one. You’ll learn more!
Good questions:
What was this morning like?
Which activity was the best?
Who was the goofiest counselor in your bunk?
Less good questions/statements:
Tell me EVERYTHING about camp.
Can you explain your weekly schedule?
What were your counselors like?
Ask a few, manageable, lighthearted questions every hour on that first day. You’ll open up that can of worms without having to pry, without overwhelming your fresh-off-the-bus camper.
- Give them wings.
At camp they were the most independent versions of themselves and they’re still basking in the glow of those camp freedoms. Advocating for themselves, making independent choices— it’s why you sent them to camp! Think about how you felt the first time you came home from college. It was a little weird! Think about small liberties you can introduce to reinforce your camper’s summer growth. If you have an eight-year-old who didn’t make his or her bed before camp, encourage him or her to make the bed at home (even if it isn’t as beautiful as you’d like). Though seemingly a “chore,” having your camper do things for him or herself at home will continue the summer’s momentum and make him or her feel happy and confident. And isn’t that what this whole camp thing was about from the start?
Happy Valentine’s Day
Fun Facts about Pine Forest Camp!
Happy New Year!
We can’t believe Summer 2024, camp’s 93rd season, will be here before we know it! We thought it would be fun and helpful to share some fun facts about us so everyone is “in the know.” Pine Forest is full of tradition, rituals and special names and each one is so meaningful to both the campers and staff.
“Up Where the Sky Begins!”
Pine Forest Camp’s slogan/philosophy
“When Lights Are Low” and “High In The Mountains”
PFC’s camp songs, among many others
Blue and Gold – PFC’s camp colors
Many of PFC’s fields, courts and venues are named after camp’s founders, Hughie and Selma Black, their descendants as well as many old-timers.
“Hughie Hall” – Indoor venue that houses many camp activities, including basketball, broadcasting, yoga, spinning, the fitness center and much more.
“Libby Courts” – One of three sets of tennis courts, named after Libby Black Halpern, daughter of the founders and an avid tennis player.
“Marvin Hall” – Outdoor gymnastics pavilion, named after Marvin Black, son of the founders, PFC director for 65 years.
“Netsy Playhouse” – Outdoor amphitheater where camps shows and services are held, named after Annette “Netsy” Black, daughter-in-law of the founders who loved the performing arts.
“Mitchell Field” – Large field near entrance for sports and campfires, named after Mickey Black, his real name is Mitchell!
“Barbie’s Bar-B-Que” AKA “The Grove” – Outdoor picnic area where campers are served a weekly cookout, named after Barbara Black, who is in charge of our delicious food.
“Lauri Field” – Another large field at the top of camp that hosts various sports, including track and field. Great for star-gazing too! Named after Lauri Black Mufson, granddaughter of our founders.
“Lee’s Rink” and “Lee’s Tree” – the Hockey pavilion next to Hughie Hall and the tree in the center of camp in front of the Guest House are both named for Lee Forest Black, former PFC camper, counselor, head of boys camp and director. Lee, who passed away in 2021, was the son of Mickey and Barbara Black and the brother of Anna Black Morin, married to current director, Eric Morin. Lee was the great grandson of our founders.
“Ruby’s Canteen” – Various times a week, campers look forward to special treats! Named after Ruby Black Morin, great grand-daughter of the founders.
“Hattie Falls” – a great place to meet, at PFC’s town center, named after Hattie Black Morin, great granddaughter of the founders and Ruby’s sister.
“Chadwin Court” AKA “Main Court” – Popular basketball court in the center of camp with lights and stadium seating all around. Named after long-time athletic director, Steve “Chad” Chadwin.
Lake Greeley – The walk to our beautiful lake is always a special one. Stroll down “Milligan’s Trail”, named after long-time camp outdoorsman and overnight camping leader, Mike Milligan.
“Lisa’s Heart-Shaped Pond” – A special spot on the way to the lake. Turn around three times and throw a rock in over your shoulder. If it lands in the heart-shaped pond, your wish will come true. Named after Assistant Director, Lisa Sherman Fayne, grand niece of our founders, Hughie and Selma.
“Blueberry Island” – A private island by the lake where campers canoe and explore.
“Eric’s Fitness Center” – Get in shape in our newly-expanded fitness center, named after he-man Eric Morin, long time PFCer, Anna’s husband, and son-in-law of Mickey and Barbara and fitness enthusiast.
The “Old-Timers” Tree – This old tree proudly displays plaques of the names of all campers and staff throughout our 90 years that have gone to camp for 10 years or more. It’s very exciting for old-timers to have their names permanently added for all time. There are over 400 names now on the tree!
Bunk Names – The bunks are named after trees and wildflowers found in the area.
We can’t wait to see you this summer up at camp!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ping-Pong & Pickleball are all the Rage!
For the past several weeks, boys’ on lower camp have been participating in an informal ping-pong tournament. Junior boys’ division leader Steve Brooks helped to oversee the tourney, and weeks ago any camper who wanted to participate was added to the bracket. During free time, campers could find each other and have their matches, and winners were recorded. With so many campers participating, this took a few weeks to conclude, and finally just yesterday, lots of campers gathered ‘round the boys’ game deck as a junior and inter boy faced off in the championship. Who won isn’t as important as the amazing sportsmanship and excitement we saw from campers across boys’ camp! It was a great match, and there were many hugs and high-fives when it concluded.
Meanwhile, our new and improved pickleball courts have also been getting a lot of play this summer! At any given time during the day, you will find campers of all ages playing this fun and social sport. And you know what makes it extra awesome? Our amazing PFC counselors and leaders are just as into it as the campers, so you’ll often find campers and counselors playing together!
We’re continuing to soak up EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of regular programming and fun like these activities. Before we know it, we’ll all be wrapped up in the excitement that the end of camp brings: Color Days, banquet, league championships, Candlelighting, and SO MUCH MORE!
