Welcome to CampWay
Where Moments Matter
More Than A Destination, A [Camp]Way Of Life
Discover the transformative power that is the CampWay of life, where you’re encouraged to pause, breathe and relax amidst nature’s beauty. Our diverse range of programs and services offer a much-needed break from the norm, allowing you to connect with others and fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Guided by our warm, knowledgeable and enthusiastic team, each experience fosters personal growth, resilience, spontaneity and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Nested In Nature,
Rooted By Connection
From the moment guests arrive to the time of heartfelt (and sometimes teary!) goodbyes, every interaction is infused with kindness, compassion and genuine care. Life’s most meaningful lessons are often found in the simplicity of nature – and at CampWay, individuals from all walks of life can slow down, connect and discover the bliss of living the CampWay.
Whether you’re engaging in team-building activities, delving into outdoor education or enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings on your wedding day, CampWay enables guests of all ages to find meaning, purpose and joy – during their stay and beyond.
Our Mission
CampWay's mission is simple: create an inclusive space where guests tap into nature’s potential and experience a simpler, more meaningful way of living. We believe everyone can make a positive impact, and our goal is to help you unlock that power during your time at camp.
Whether you’re here for a school trip, a wedding, or quality time with loved ones, we provide a safe, supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and have fun.
Start Your Journey
Core Values
Meet The Team
Get to know the faces behind CampWay—our team works together to make each experience meaningful, memorable, and fun.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Matt Gilmer
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Owner
Matt holds a degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College and has spent most of his life in and around camp, first as a camper, then as a counselor, outdoor educator, program leader, and now camp operator. Matt grew up at Camp Highlands in Wisconsin, where camp became one of the most meaningful parts of his childhood. That experience shaped his belief that camp is more than a place to stay busy outside. At its best, camp helps people feel known, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
That belief eventually led Matt to Friendly Pines, where he turned his love of camp into a year-round career serving campers, schools, churches, families, and retreat groups. Camp also became part of his family story. Today, Matt leads CampWay with a focus on creating places where people are cared for well, programs are thoughtfully run, and every guest experience feels welcoming, organized, and meaningful. Alongside CampWay’s leadership team, he works to steward camp properties, support strong staff, and create experiences rooted in community, nature, and play.
He met his wife, Mary, at Friendly Pines, and the two were later married at camp.
Jonathan Pierson
Chief Operating Officer & Co-Owner
Jonathan oversees the organization's facilities, dining services, and operations, helping ensure that every guest experience is supported by exceptional hospitality, well-maintained spaces, and operational excellence behind the scenes. His passion is about creating environments where guests can focus on connection, growth, and community without having to worry about the details.
From facility improvements and dining operations to systems, logistics, and property stewardship, he works closely with CampWay's teams to ensure every aspect of the guest experience reflects the organization's commitment to quality and care. His focus is building and maintaining the operational foundation that allows CampWay's mission to thrive for generations to come.
When he's not hard at work, you can find him mountain biking with his two daughters, flying kites on a breezy day, hiking around town, or simply enjoying the peace and serenity of Groom Creek.
Mary Gilmer
Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Owner
Mary grew up attending summer camp at Friendly Pines Camp, where she first experienced the friendships, confidence, and sense of belonging that camp can create. What began as a camper experience eventually grew into years of service as a counselor and on the summer leadership team.
Over five years on CampWay's year-round team, Mary served in program and operations leadership roles, helping lead outdoor education programs, retreats, and guest experiences. Those years deepened her belief that camp has a unique ability to bring people together and create moments that stay with us long after we leave.
Camp also became part of Mary's own story. She met her husband, Matt, at Friendly Pines, and together they have dedicated their careers to helping others experience the same sense of connection and community that shaped their lives.
RENTAL LEADERS
Jeff Orsburn
Rental Director
Jeff leads the team responsible for hosting retreats, outdoor education programs, and group experiences across CampWay's properties. He provides day-to-day leadership for the rental department, supporting team members, developing processes, and ensuring every group receives exceptional service from inquiry through departure. As the primary operational leader on site, Jeff works closely with staff across departments to ensure guests have a seamless, high-quality experience during their time at camp
He also collaborates with CampWay's executive leadership team on continuous improvement efforts, helping refine systems, elevate guest experiences, and strengthen the organization's ability to serve schools, churches, nonprofits, and community groups. Jeff is passionate about creating environments where guests feel welcomed, supported, and cared for, allowing them to focus on building relationships and making meaningful memories.
Jeff has an affinity towards wood working, and can be found in the woodshop when he's not at camp.
Corey May
Booking Director
Corey May serves as CampWay's Booking Director and is often one of the first people guests meet as they begin planning a retreat, outdoor education trip, or group experience. She serves as a guide throughout the reservation and planning process, helping groups navigate dates, lodging options, programming, pricing, and logistics to create an experience that meets their unique goals.
Corey is passionate about building relationships and making the planning process feel approachable, organized, and enjoyable. In addition to helping groups prepare for their visit, she also frequently serves as an on-site host, welcoming guests to camp and ensuring they feel supported throughout their stay. Corey's focus is helping every group feel confident, cared for, and excited from their very first conversation through their final campfire.
When Corey isn't at camp, you can find her practicing yoga and meditating alongside her furry friend Olive the doodle.
Dining Team
Our dedicated food service team crafts exceptional dining experiences, catering to all ages and dietary needs with precision and care.
Ryan Burke
Food Service Director
Chia Richards
Head Chef
Join Our Community
Join the CampWay team to create meaningful moments, foster growth, and embrace the joy of outdoor experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Programming
How many people can participate in each activity?
Most activities can run with no more than 15 people at a time. With that, one of our program directors will design and schedule your time at camp to ensure efficiency, fun, and a rotation through all of your chosen activities.
What activities does CampWay offer?
We have a lot to offer! From our Challenge Course with elements like Zip Line & Circuit Traverse, to camp classics like ax throwing, archery, & many others. We also offer Science camp lessons geared towards 5th & 6th grade.
How much does it cost to add on certain activities?
Our activities are billed per hour, per activity. Depending on the amount of staff & number of participants, a customized schedule and cost can be created to fit your groups’ needs.
Are there any activities that are included with every booking?
We do have a handful of activities that we offer that groups can use at camp. Volleyball, Tetherball, Gagaball, Disc Golf, Basketball to name a few! Never a shortage of fun to be had at camp.
How are your staff selected and trained?
All of our program staff undergo an extensive training where they learn the fundamentals of all of our offerings. Getting safety checked & skills verified, our highly trained staff are able to offer up an experience that is fun, safe and rewarding for all participants.
What can I expect if I sign up for activities?
Our team will walk you through the process, confirming selections, your budget, and number of participants. From arrival to departure our team will lead your group through an orientation, all of your activities, and structure your time at camp so that you can take a load off!
Lodging & Facilities
How many people can CampWay accommodate?
Friendly Pines: We have space for up to 321 guests, offering a cozy and classic summer camp experience.
Prescott Pines: Offers 206 beds across a mix of cabins.
Yavapai College: We have space for up to 220 guests, offering dorm-style lodging with modern comforts.
What are your cabins like?
Our camp cabins offer modern comforts like electricity and bathrooms while still making you feel close to nature. Most feature bunk-style lodging, and we also offer elevated units perfect for group leaders, guest speakers, or those seeking a little extra comfort.
Is there air conditioning & heat in your cabins?
We are located at 6,200 feet of elevation. At that elevation, our warm months max out in the lower 90s, and upper 80s. Cabins are equipped with a fan to help with air circulation and if you keep your windows open, cool mountain air will keep cabins cool. In our colder months we have a heater in each cabin that will make you feel cozy and comfortable.
Do the cabins come with linens?
All of our cabins and dorms are equipped for comfort. Friendly Pines offers heated & air conditioned cabins, while Prescott Pines and Yavapai College dorms have both heat and air conditioning.
Can we have a campfire?
Most definitely! So long as we aren’t under any fire ban, we have multiple locations that suit groups of all different sizes.
Dining & Meals
Do you accommodate food allergies?
Yes. We are a nut free facility, and our kitchen managers are all trained and certified to deal with allergies & cross contamination. We ask for this information during the booking process to ensure all members of your group have adequate alternatives available.
What meals does CampWay offer?
We’re passionate about creating a new definition of “camp food” and providing guests with high-quality, delicious meals. While our menu can from group to group, some of our all-time favorites include spaghetti, pizza, hamburgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches, and turkey with mashed potatoes for lunch or dinner. Breakfast generally consists of eggs, pancakes or waffles, hashbrowns, cereal, and fruit. We take pride in using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to prepare our meals, and our skilled chefs are committed to delivering a dining experience that exceeds expectations.
Will there be enough food for my group?
Thanks for asking, we understand wanting food security! Through the booking process, we will confirm your numbers to ensure our kitchen can prepare adequately for your group. Depending on your group size we do limit folks to a respectable first portion, with the opportunity to always go up to our buffet for more!
When are meal times?
Our standard meal times are 7:30 am for breakfast, 12:00pm for lunch, and 5:30pm for dinner.
Can I make special requests on my menu?
We do have special menus that include upgraded entrees, & ingredients that we offer at an additional cost. Perfect for any group looking to make a big impression on their participants.
Booking & Services
How do I reserve dates for my group?
To reserve dates, get in touch with our team. We will guide you through the booking process. First we will need to finalize your usage of camp, sign an agreement, and get a deposit paid.
Will there be another group at camp at the same time?
Your lodging space will be completely private for your group, however depending on the size of your group it is possible that you will be sharing some of the camp facility with another group (dining hall, tennis courts, and other public spaces).
How far in advance do I need to book my group?
Our calendar is typically booked about a year in advance. Even if you aren’t ready to commit to specific dates, we recommend getting in touch with us as soon as you can, even if your vision is only an idea.
What is pricing like?
The pricing can vary depending on the specific package and services that you’re interested in. We offer a range of options to meet different budgets and needs, and our team is happy to work with you to create a custom plan that fits your unique requirements. If you’d like more information on pricing, feel free to get in touch with us and we’d be happy to provide more details.