Fun Facts for New Families!

We can’t believe it’s spring and the 2017 camping season will be here before we know it!  We want you and your child to be as comfortable and as prepared as possible in the days leading up to camp.  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.  Each one is so meaningful to both the campers and staff.

“Up Where the Sky Begins”  Pine Forest Camp slogan/philosophy

“When Lights Are Low” and “High In The Mountains”  PFC’s camp songs. among many others.

Blue and Gold– Camp colors.

Many of camp’s fields, courts and venues are named after camp’s founders Hughie and Selma Black, descendants as well as many old-timers.

“Hughie Hall”- Indoor venue that houses many camp activities, including basketball, broadcasting, yoga, fitness center and much more.

Libby courts”-  One of camps three sets of tennis courts.

Netsy Playhouse”–  Outdoor amphitheater where camps shows and services are held.

Marvin Hall”-  Outdoor gymnastics pavilion.

“Mitchell Field”–  Large field near entrance for sports and campfires.

“Barbie’s Bar-B-Que”/AKA “The Grove”–  Outdoor picnic area where campers are served a weekly cookout.

“Lauri Field”– Another large field at the top of camp that hosts various sports, including track and field.  Great for star-gazing too!

Lee’s Rink”- Hockey pavilion by Hughie Hall.

“Eric’s Fitness Center”– State-of-the-art fitness facility.

“Ruby’s Canteen”– Named after Uncle Hughie’s great-great granddaughter.  Various times a week, campers look forward to special treats.

“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” and throw a stone to make a wish into “Lisa’s Heart-Shaped Pond.”

Blueberry Island– Camp’s private island by the lake where campers canoe to and explore.

The “Friendship” Tree – It used to be a sprawling spruce tree in the center of camp, but over the 87 years, it’s been reduced to more of a “beautiful” stump.  With a white bench all around, it’s the main meeting place for campers and counselors in the center of camp, perfect for brothers and sisters to meet after dinner.

Bunk Names  The boys bunks are names after tree and the girls bunks are named after flowers.

The Old-Timers Tree  This old tree proudly displays plaques of the names of all campers and staff throughout our 84 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 almost 400 names now on the tree!

Hopefully this list will help you and your child feel even more a part of our camp family as we countdown to welcome you this summer.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have and we can’t wait to see your campers in less than 100 days!

New Camper Events!

Come one, come all! Our upcoming new camper parties are a perfect way to get to know us, so bring friends and family! It’s a great opportunity for new and prospective camp families to meet the directors, meet some of our fabulous counselors and maybe even connect with future bunk mates!

PHILADELPHIA
Saturday, January 21st, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Philadelphia New Camper Bowling Event!
Devon Lanes
300 Lancaster Avenue
Devon, PA 19333

NEW YORK CITY
Sunday, January 22nd, 1:30pm-3:30pm
New York New Camper Event!
Chelsea Piers, Between Piers 61 & 62
23rd Street and the Hudson River
New York, New York 10011

Call us at the camp office for more information or to RSVP: (267) 639-2488.

Camp All Year Round!

Pine Forest Camp is wherever campers are, all year round. We always love seeing photos of both current campers and old-timers having their own reunions!

PFC also hosts activities in every season, all over the map. If there’s another overnight camp that provides as many opportunities to meet, we haven’t heard of it!  That includes you, new campers! Come swim, ski, climb, and bowl with us. Check out these upcoming winter events and join us. Campers and counselors past and present: if you’re in the area, stop by and say hello! We may even have some fun PFC giveaways for you!

January
9th- Bowling on the Main Line at Devon Lanes, 1:00-3:00pm

10th– Climbing in New York City at Chelsea Piers, 1:30-3:30pm

24th– Gaga in New York City at The Gaga Center, 4:30-6:00pm

30th– Pool Party in Maryland at Germantown Indoor Swim Center, 7:15-9:00pm

February

21st– Carnival in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at the Mandel JCC, 1:00-3:00pm

27th– Ski at Ski Big Bear, followed by hot chocolate at camp in Greeley, PA!
Spread the word! We’ve got open houses for prospective campers to meet our directors coming up in the below areas:

Potomac, MD; Montclair, NJ; Westchester, NY; Ridgefield, Connecticut; Main Line, PA; Center City, PA; Los Angeles, CA.

Call the office for more information, to RSVP, or to simply say hello: (267) 639-2488.

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Open House: Blue Bell, PA!

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PFC is coming to the Philly suburbs! Know anyone in the Blue Bell, PA area looking for an overnight camp? Send them our way! We are having an open house in Blue Bell on Tuesday, November 3rd (Election Day!) from 11-1pm. We’ll be discussing our favorite topic: the magic of PFC! Directors from Camp Timber Tops and Lake Owego Camp will also be there.

Live nearby? Come say hi! Bring your family and have a slice of pizza with us! All are welcome.

Call the camp office at (267) 639-2488 or email to RSVP.

Come Meet Us This Summer!

Explorers

Choosing the right camp for your child is not an easy task.  That’s why Pine Forest offers several options to help ease the transition to sleepaway camp, by actually allowing your child to experience a taste of Pine Forest first-hand.

There are a few great ways to get to know us.

Our Explorer Weekend is the ultimate experience for future Pine Forest campers.  The weekend is designed to provide all the fun and excitement that our campers love, while giving future campers an opportunity to start making connections that will help in their transition to a longer stay at camp.  Explorer campers will experience a full camp schedule including boating at the lake, climbing our adventure course, creating a special project in arts and crafts, games with our athletic director, participating in evening programs, making s’mores at a campfire, and then sleeping in a real cabin – WOW!!

A Play Day has all the wonderful aspects of our Explorer Weekend without the sleepover.

The last way a future Pine Forest camper can experience camp is on a tour. On a tour, you will spend time with our directors and have an opportunity to meet campers and staff and, most importantly, feel the excitement and warmth of Pine Forest Camp.

Enrollment in our programs are limited, so check out your summer calendar and come meet us this summer in Greeley, PA!

Unsure if camp is right for your child? Check out this Parents Magazine blog post written by a Pine Forest parent!