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.
DIRECTORS
Matt Gilmer
Co-Founder and Director
Matt Gilmer's passion for summer camp began in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where he embraced the relaxed pace and traditions of camp life. After completing his studies in adventure education from Prescott College in 2014, he taught at an outdoor education camp, solidifying his commitment to a career in the camp world.
Matt feels most at home in the outdoors, inspiring him to create safe, welcoming spaces for others. He believes in the transformative power of play, hard work, and personal challenges to foster growth and leadership.
When he's not hard at work, you can find Matt shooting hoops, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, or unwinding on the golf course.
Jonathan Pierson
Co-Founder and Director
Jonathan Pierson, an Arizona native, discovered his love for camp life in 2012 while working in the kitchen at Friendly Pines Camp. His strong work ethic and openness to new opportunities led to his role as Rental Director in 2017.
As the first point of contact for many guests, Jonathan goes above and beyond to meet their needs and create unforgettable experiences. He’s passionate about camp life and excited to raise his newborn daughter, Emma, in this special environment.
When he's not hard at work, you can find him cruising on his motorcycle, hiking around town with Emma, or simply enjoying the peace and serenity of Groom Creek.
PROGRAM LEADERS
Mary Gilmer
Program & Operations Director
Mary’s childhood summers at camp shaped her confidence, independence, and ability to build lasting relationships. Now, as a Program and Operations Director at CampWay, she’s passionate about passing on the magic of camp to others.
Mary works closely with group leaders to plan logistics and create a thoughtful camp experience. She leads by example, guiding both staff and participants through their time at camp, with team building being her favorite activity for fostering growth and connection
Mary’s favorite place at camp is the trail to the lake, specifically in August when the plants along the trail are blooming after the monsoon rains. She loves to have the baked oatmeal for breakfast at camp, and says it’s like waking up to a warm hug!
Megan Kuhn
Program & Operations Director
Megan, with a background in ecological design and sustainable development, brings her passion for the outdoors into everything she does.
As Program and Operations Director, Megan has developed an interactive curriculum that connects campers with nature, inspiring them to explore, learn, and grow. Her dedication to nature’s interconnected systems motivates both campers and staff to be curious, try new activities, and develop a lifelong love for the environment.
As an advocate for outdoor activities, Megan loves cycling, climbing, exploring mountain ranges, studying herbs, tending to her garden, and spending quality time with her chickens during her free time.
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 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.