Camp Laurel

★★★★★Danielle

Imagine this: Your kids spend their days learning to fish, sail, and waterski. They’re coached and cheered on at tennis, soccer, and swim, and their laughter echoes across the fields during games and adventures. Add in a little theater, some rollerskating, and a talent show or two—you’ve got pure joy in motion. And when the sun sets, the magic deepens. The campfire crackles, marshmallows roast, and everyone sings “Wagon Wheel” underneath the Maine stars. Best friends from across the country—and around the world—are together again, hearts full, faces glowing. In a world that moves too fast and demands too much, Camp Laurel gives kids the rare gift of time — time to breathe, to play, to discover who they are, to just be kids. It’s led by people who grew up there—former campers who carry the same love and wonder they now pass on to the next generation. No screens. No noise. Just sunshine ☀️ Campfires 🏕️ And pure magic. 💫

★★★★★Sabina Nathanson

Our kids truly thrive at Camp Laurel! Each of them came home beaming with unique highlights—performances, tradition days, incredible friendships, caring counselors, and of course, Echo Lake! What we love most is how the Laurel team creates space for every camper to shine in their own way. Our children are so different, yet each one felt supported, celebrated, and inspired. Camp Laurel continues to overdeliver every single summer, and we are endlessly grateful.

★★★★★Cali Lerner

Hi, my name is Cali Lerner. I was a camper at Laurel for an unforgettable eight summers. My unmatched connection, memories, lifelong friendships, and experiences with Camp Laurel have shaped me into the person I am today. There are not enough words in the world to describe my love for this place. In just the short amount of weeks you spend at camp, you make memories worth a lifetime. The directors, Jem and Debbie are always there for all of the campers, and have a special relationship with each and everyone. They make it their priority to get to know each camper personally. They make camp feel like a second home and are a second set of parents for the summer! Each summer at camp I had four amazing counselors. I was lucky enough to make significant bonds with all of them! My counselors along with the rest of the staff at Laurel made me feel as comfortable as possible and I felt as if I could trust them with anything and everything! I grew so much while being at camp from trying new activities, and making new friends, to gaining independence and life long skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. Camp gave me the confidence to try new things and step out of my comfort zone! Whether it was waterskiing, performing in talent shows, or trying new sports! I learned how important it is to be a part of a community that supports me whenever I try new things and celebrates all of my success with me! When I came to camp at seven years old in 2017, I was very shy and quiet, but as I got older I became less shy every year. By my last summer I was singing at talent shows in front of the whole camp! Every day at camp is filled with excitement, laughter, and fun! One of the amazing aspects of Laurel is that campers get to pick the majority of their schedules and activities that they do! There is such a wide variety of activities between, sports, waterfront programs, arts, cooking, and music! Additionally, twice a week we get S-days where we either go on amazing out of camp trips or participate in camp traditions! One of the most special parts about camp is getting a big/little brother or sister! After having experienced three big and little camp sisters I have made incredibly valuable relationships with girls outside of my age group. It was so special to have a big sister to look up to as my role model while being a young camper, and to be able to embody them while being a big sister! Another great part of Camp Laurel is college days, Laurel's version of color war! The camp is split into two teams that are colleges, and compete with activities for five days at the end of the summer! College days are led by the oldest age group, super seniors! When I was a super senior and got to lead, it was the most empowering experience after looking up to the super seniors leading for several summers. Whenever I would walk by other campers, I would always say hi to them no matter how well I knew them. The friendships I made at camp are indescribable. I always say that my camp friends are my real best friends! They are not only friends to me, but they are my sisters and brothers. Camp Laurel is one big family where everyone looks out for each other. Camp Laurel itself is the most beautiful place that I have ever seen, but the people are what truly make the place. I will look back and reflect on my summers at Camp Laurel until the end of time. The hardest part about camp is saying goodbye. The second I got home from camp each summer I would immediately start counting down the days until the next summer! I will continue to thank my parents for sending me to Camp Laurel for the rest of my life, it was the best decision they could have ever made.

★★★★★Julie Lieberman

Camp Laurel has been an extraordinary summer home for our son and daughter. The structure, guidance, and opportunities it provides have been invaluable, and the growth we’ve seen in our children has been remarkable. They have built friendships that we know will last for many years, and the excitement for camp begins the moment they return home, as they immediately start counting down to next summer. Equally impressive is the caliber of the counselors and entire staff, whose dedication, professionalism, and genuine care create an atmosphere that is both nurturing and inspiring. Our youngest daughter has watched her siblings’ experiences with great anticipation and cannot wait for her turn to join in this wonderful summer paradise. Our children truly live “10 for 2,” and we are deeply grateful to Camp Laurel for the lasting memories, lessons, and joy it continues to bring to our children.

★★★★★Mikey Botta

You might think that someone's best summer of their life was not one spent working, but for me it was. Perhaps it was because not a single day felt like work-- I guess that old saying about not working a day if you love what you do is true after all. Camp Laurel is a break from reality, for staff and campers alike, set in a gorgeous area on a pristine lake. Nowhere else allows campers to try out the incredible activities offered here, from the aerial park to sailing to horseback riding to Chef Camp and everything in between, while forming such strong bonds with other campers and their counselors. The facilities here are amazing and well-maintained, as well as staffed by great counselors. Over the summer, it was awesome to watch the kids build tons of confidence, learn lots of new skills, and get to learn how to live away from home and deal with more responsibility. As a new member of the staff, I was thoroughly surprised at how the much the directors and other returning staff care about us, and how much effort they put into preparing us for the summer at orientation. Jem and Debbie are the best! The Laurel community is so loving and connected; everyone knows everyone at camp. One of my favorite memories was walking back to my cabin in the dark after an evening off and hearing six or seven kids call out “Miiikkeyyy!” and “Hi Mikey!” as I passed their cabin. I thoroughly enjoyed my summer of being a “dad” to the 90 Apache campers, of waking up happy everyday, of enjoying yummy buffets at every meal, and I definitely will be returning. Whether you are looking for a summer job or a place for your kids to spend the upcoming summer.... you have found it :) UPDATE: second summer was just as amazing. so inclusive, fun, special, and once again I tremendously miss everything about camp. yes, I miss working. hoping to squeeze in a round 3!