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Summer Camp News and Blog

Welcome Home, Campers!

Posted on by PineForest

Cue the confetti!

Our 95th Summer at Pine Forest Camp has officially begun!

FINALLY! We’re back! Together in Greeley, here in the place we’ve been dreaming of all year long. We are so ready for another unforgettable summer in the beautiful Pocono Mountains! It’s hard to adequately explain the feeling in the air today. The joy, the love, the excitement, the anticipation…It’s in the dining hall, in the bunks… Someone pinch us! We’ve been counting down for the past 10 months to get to this moment. And for some, it’s a dream that’s been years in the making (we’re looking at you, first-time campers!).

The morning began with families arriving by car, bringing hopes and dreams and joyful reunions down the winding road. Soon after, buses rolled into camp from Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, carrying campers from near and far (including Florida, Colorado, Arizona, California, and beyond!). Did it rain? It sure did. But ya know what?! It didn’t even matter! A little rain can’t bring us down today. The dining hall was filled with cheers and chants like we never left. And all buses arrived by 12:45PM in time for a camp pizza lunch – the stuff of dreams!

The afternoon was filled with icebreakers, bunk bonding, meeting new friends, reconnecting with old ones, divisional welcomes from our leadership team, and the ever-important health screenings and lice checks at the health center from a professional company, Lice Free Noggins (if you don’t get a call, your camper is lice-free)!

Tonight, the excitement continues with what we know will be a dining hall full of singing, dancing, and our favorite opening day dinner: Chinese food! Chicken, veggie fried rice, lo mein, roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, fortune cookies, and a whole lot of happy campers. We’re heading to the official summer kick-off at Netsy Playhouse and then onto evening activities.

We made it. You made it. Camp is officially underway, and what a beautiful, joyful first day it’s been here in Greeley. Summer 2026 is off to an amazing start, and if today is any indication, it’s going to be our best summer yet!

Calling All New Camper Parents!

Posted on by PineForest

April showers will bring May flowers, and do you know what May flowers bring? CAMP, of course! We know that the change in weather has all of us thinking SUMMER, and we hope that these tips will be helpful to you during the excitement of the final countdown. Even if you’ve sent an older child off to camp before, these TOP TEN TIPS for NEW CAMPERS might be worth a refresher!

1. Communicate with the directors about any and all family, social or health/medication issues or changes during the year and in the summer. Nothing is too small! A meaningful camp/parent partnership benefits your camper. Call or email us anytime! We are here for you! 

2. Stay positive about separating from home! Don’t focus on what your camper will be missing (vacation, trips to a favorite ice cream shop), rather discuss what he or she has to look forward to at camp! (The same goes for what you write about in your letters once the time comes!)

3. If your camper asks about homesickness, normalize it! “Of course you’ll miss things about home every now and again, because you have a wonderful home and family! It would be unusual for you not to miss home!” Also, in the same spirit, try to minimize your own feelings of child-sickness! “Of course we’ll miss you, but we’ll be fine! The summer will fly by and we’re so excited for you. You’re going to have an awesome time!”

4. If your camper has specific needs (in the cabin, in the health center, in the dining hall), make sure to call or email us,  and make sure to write about it in your confidential forms (or as an addendum to the form) before camp– those confidential forms are our bible!

5. Discuss different activities your camper might enjoy and also talk about trying new ones, keeping an open mind! Camp is a great, safe place to go outside of one’s comfort zone!

6. Take advantage of New Camp Weekend May 30th-31st at camp, either for the day or stay overnight! It’s a great opportunity to meet other first-time campers, see camp, get to know staff, and have positive camp experiences together as a family.

7. Keep all “camp talk” light! In letters, in person, keep it upbeat! 

8. Now is when your camper may start asking you about what he or she will bring. Make sure to send your camper’s stuffed animal, a favorite book or two, and any other item that makes them feel at home; if there’s something your camper sleeps with every night, please make sure to send it! Believe us when we say that most campers bring a security object of some sort. You’re never too old! And don’t overpack!

9. If panic sets in, call us. We’ll talk you through it, but when speaking to your camper NEVER promise to PICK UP YOUR CHILD – and they might ask in the time between now and camp! It’s normal to get cold feet in the spring! Remind your camper that you’ve made a commitment as a family, that camp is only for a short amount of time, and that you know they’re in the right place, that they can do it! By giving your camper the gift of camp, you’re giving them independence, resilience, and the ability to adapt to and thrive in new environments! If your children know that they’re definitely going to camp and definitely staying at camp, they’ll allow themselves to relax and let go. Squash the “what if!” 

10. If there’s anything (big or small!) you’re worried about before, during, or after the summer, REACH OUT! We’re here for you! 

What I’ll Be Reading This Summer at Camp

Posted on by PineForest

Mickey’s blog on summer reading for grown-ups!

People often ask camp directors, “How do you sleep at night? Aren’t you worried about all of those children and counselors in your care?”

I’ve always slept well at camp, better than the rest of the year. First of all, it’s the cool mountain nights, the orchestral sound of crickets, and the sweet smell of pines that provide the perfect atmosphere for a good night’s sleep.

And I don’t worry. Quite the opposite, I know that I am surrounded by competent, dedicated, mature individuals who are well-trained, trustworthy, and prepared to take care of children. And having grown up in a family who have taken care of children for four generations, going to bed, waking up, and welcoming each day for 95 years gives me a certain kind of confidence that is at my core.

But I also like to read before I close my eyes. Each summer, in addition to our exciting book club books, I try to pick readings for my personal enjoyment that are befitting a camp setting. I usually choose books about nature or adventure. Here are two newly published books that I’ll have on my nightstand in my cabin this summer. You may want to read them too!

“The Fullness of Time” by Cathy Haynes — Marking the day by birdsong, blooms, shadows, and stars.

“This Vast Enterprise” by Craig Fehrman — A new history of Lewis and Clark.

Enjoy! And keep reading!

Meet Our Current Leaders!

Posted on by PineForest

Who do you remember from your time at Pine Forest?
Meet some of our PFC alumni turned 2026 camp staff!

Eric Morin

Director

Lisa Sherman Fayne

Assistant Director

Hal Schwartz and Sarah Silver Schwartz

Heads of Boys and Girls Camps

Steve Chadwin

Athletic Director

Rachel Love Abramson

Head of Upper Camp Girls

Brooke Mildenberg

Head of Lower Camp Girls

But wait! There’s more!

Alli Cahill, Lily Padersky, Maddy Andersen, Sydney Grunfeld, Alexa Plon, Dana Gurland, Robbie Pataky, Cole Angen, Morgan Segal

Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitoes: Oh My!

Posted on by PineForest

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 about Pine Forest Camp

Posted on by PineForest

Spring is in the air! We can’t believe Summer 2026, camp’s 95th 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.

Hal’s Deck – Located in Boys’ Camp and named after Boys’ Head Counselor, Hal Schwartz, in celebration of his 20th summer at PFC.

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 94 years that have gone to camp for 10 years or more.  It’s a badge of honor for 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

Ain’t no stoppin’ us now!

Posted on by PineForest

We’re already halfway through January and we’ve got a LOT to look forward to as we plan for our 95th season: Summer 2026. Take a look! 👀

♥️ February 1: Our new and prospective (!!) camper event at Chelsea Piers in NYC! Both and new future campers are welcome! Call or email for more info.

📱 570-685-7141
📧

🍀 March: We’ll be attending the American Camp Association Tri-State Conference. We can’t wait to pick up new ideas (And inflatables? 👀) to bring back to Greeley, PA.

🍃 April: We’ll be finishing up some big improvements we’ve been working on all year long! Our local team wakes up our cabins and we bring our favorite PFC leaders together to fine-tune our camp plans.

🌲 May 30-31: New Camper Weekend at CAMP in Greeley, PA! We can’t wait to spend the weekend enjoying everything PFC has to offer with our new campers and their families.

These are just the highlights! Follow along to see what we’re working on and where we’ll be this year — and, hey! PFC Alumni! We hope to see you at our 95th Summer Celebration Weekend: August 29-30, 2026 ☀️