Staff Dates
2025 Staff Dates
You must be able to commit from your arrival date
through closing day to work at camp this summer!
Tuesday, June 17th: Lifeguard and Ropes Training Arrivals
Wednesday, June 18th: Lifeguard and Ropes Training Begins
Monday, June 23rd: Counselor Camp Arrivals/Begins
Friday, August 15th: Closing Day
FAQs
- Who operates the camp and what is their background?
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Camp Timber Tops has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations, making it one of America's oldest camps under continuous family ownership. The original founders were Hughie and Selma Black.
Hughie's grandson, Mickey Black, and his wife Barbara run the camp. Mickey grew up at Pine Forest and served as a counselor for many summers. Mickey has held several leadership roles in organized camping, including President of the Association of Independent Camps and has also served on the National Board of the American Camping Association. Barbara was an elementary school teacher prior to becoming a full-time camp director.
The camp's success is a direct result of the leadership of prior generations; Marvin and Annette Black, Hughie and Selma's son and daughter-in-law, and Libby and Ted Halpern, their daughter and son-in-law. All were active in camping and the founding of Camp Timber Tops at the local and national level and were highly accomplished camping professionals and mentors. They have guided Camp Timber Tops’ progress over the years and their values and ethics continue to be its touchstone.
Lee Forest Black, Mickey and Barbara’s son, Anna’s brother and Eric’s brother-in-law, grew up at Pine Forest and served as director for many years. He passed away in 2021, but his spirit of warmth and care for each and every camper, his love of nature and his sense of humor continue to enrich every part of camp life.
- How many campers attend?
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There are about 320 girls at Timber Tops: Juniors, Seniors and Hi-Seniors.
- What is the staff/child ratio?
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There is 1 staff member to every 2 children. Each Cabin sleeps 10 to 12 campers and 3 to 4 counselors.
- Is it possible to stay for less than the full season?
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Although we offer 2 sessions for our campers, all staff must commit to the full summer.
- How old are the counselors? Where do they come from?
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The average age is 21 and about 90% come from all over the United States. About 10 percent of our counselors come from English speaking countries in Europe.
- What is the food like?
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Our food selection accommodates even the pickiest eaters. Eating healthy and supplying the proper nutrition is imperative, especially when campers exercise daily. So, we provide a Kosher-style menu with food that tastes good and is good for them! Included with all their favorites is an impressive salad bar and a variety of vegetarian options available at every meal. Our kitchen can and does provide meals for campers with special dietary needs.
- How often is laundry done?
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Laundry is picked up once a week by an outside professional laundry service. Therefore, we recommend that campers pack about ten days worth of clothing. Counselors can do their laundry outside of camp if they choose!
- Is there a doctor or nurse in residence?
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Doctors and nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have one doctor and four nurses who live at the camp and work in our new, modern health center.
