Winter Business Update: Camp Is Coming to Fire Island Pines
A Winter Update from your Head Counselors
While the island sits frozen and unoccupied, we’ve been off-island building Pines Camp Counsel carefully, deliberately, and with a lot of respect for the place we’re returning to.
We’ve been mostly quiet these past few months. That hasn’t been accidental. Winter has been a period of focused work, decision-making, and groundwork, much of it unglamorous and all of it necessary. As we move through the second half of the off-season, we wanted to share a clear update on where things stand, how we’re thinking about our first summer, and what comes next.
Season 1 Is a Pilot, by Design
From the beginning, we have approached Summer 2026 as a pilot season. That framing has guided nearly every decision we’ve made this winter.
Fire Island Pines is not a place where it makes sense to arrive at scale on day one. It is seasonal, tightly woven, and sensitive to change. Rather than build for volume, we are building for fit. That means introducing Pines Camp Counsel in a way that allows us to operate in real conditions, observe what works, hear concerns early, and adjust quickly.
Practically, this means limited reservations, a focused operating schedule, and a service model that prioritizes consistency and care over expansion. We want to understand how camp functions on busy weekends, how it integrates with existing rhythms, and where we need to refine before growing.
Our goal is not to “launch big.” It is to introduce something useful and well-run, then earn the right to expand thoughtfully.
Booking, Pricing, and Offerings Are Finalized
One of the most significant pieces of work we completed this winter was finalizing our Season 1 booking flow, pricing, and service offerings.
We spent a considerable amount of time working through the experience from start to finish. How someone discovers us. How they choose an option. How far in advance they need to plan. What information they actually want before reserving. What feels clear versus what feels like friction.
The outcome is a booking experience that is straightforward and intentionally restrained. Clear tiers. Defined service windows. No unnecessary complexity. We want people to understand what they are reserving and what they are not, before they arrive.
Because this is a pilot season, availability will be intentionally limited. This allows us to stay hands-on, deliver consistently, and make adjustments in real time without overextending our team or the environment we are operating in.
Operational Work Behind the Scenes
Much of the winter has been spent on foundational work that is not particularly visible, but critical to doing this properly.
We are in the process of navigating the required business licenses and permits. We have also selected our equipment vendor after reviewing multiple options. We will be sharing a preview of the gear soon, but we can say now that the focus has been on durability, cohesion, and appropriateness for the Pines. The goal is not excess. It is quality that holds up over time and looks intentional on the beach.
In parallel, we have secured staff housing and on-island storage. These were non-negotiable for us. Having reliable housing for staff and nearby storage allows us to reduce daily transport, operate more efficiently, and minimize our footprint on the island. It also makes it possible to hire the right people and support them properly through the season.
Hiring Plans for Summer 2026
As we move closer to spring, we are preparing to begin seasonal hiring. We are sharing details now because we are open to early conversations and referrals.
For our pilot season, we plan to hire a small, focused team.
We are seeking one General Manager who will be on site five days per week and oversee camper services, scheduling, and daily operations. This role carries real responsibility and decision-making authority. It includes competitive pay and housing, with a private room and bathroom in a shared, well-appointed house with a pool.
We also plan to hire one Lead Camp Counselor working Thursday through Sunday. This role is guest-facing and detail-oriented, with housing included.
In addition, we expect to hire two to three part-time Camp Counselors working Thursday through Saturday. These roles do not include housing, but will include a ferry pass, and are well-suited for people who already spend time in the Pines and understand the environment.
These positions are service roles. They require reliability, good judgment, and pride in doing things well. Camp is meant to be enjoyable, but it is also operationally tight, and we are building a team that understands that balance.
Conversations and Collaborations
As we move toward summer, we are also open to conversations with aligned brands, local businesses, and collaborators.
We are not looking to layer on noise or unnecessary activations. We are interested in partnerships that feel appropriate for the Pines and genuinely enhance the experience. That may take different forms, and we are open to discussing ideas with people who share our values around quality, restraint, and community-mindedness.
Looking Ahead
Over the next few months, our focus will be on completing permitting, previewing equipment, opening hiring formally, and sharing more information about booking access and timing.
We appreciate the patience and support we have received so far. Building something seasonal and community-facing requires care, and we are grateful for the advice, introductions, and trust that have helped us get to this point.
We are looking forward to being back on island soon and to continuing this conversation as summer approaches.
Camp is coming. And yes, she has chairs.
Bryan & Todd
Pines Camp Counsel