Camp Laurelwood

★★★★★Marci Levin

My family loves Camp Laurelwood!! My 2 kids have each spent 4 summers so far at Laurelwood, and can’t wait for the coming summer. To them, Laurelwood is a summer of excitement, energy, friendship, belonging, independence, and FUN. To me as a parent, Laurelwood is a welcoming, genuine, wholesome, safe, well-staffed, screen-free, down-to-earth haven nestled in a beautiful place, where they form lifelong friendships, live their Jewish values, enjoy the outdoors, grow their confidence, learn from their peers, and mature. My brother and I experienced it firsthand as campers and staff members, and I am thrilled that my kids can experience the same magic that we did. It is really important to me that Laurelwood continues to thrive for my kids (and eventually my grandkids), which is why I serve on its Board of Directors. I could not recommend it more highly!

★★★★★Jason Malkin

Our family absolutely loves Camp Laurelwood. The staff and counselors are incredible — warm, attentive, and truly invested in each child’s happiness and growth. The activities are fun, varied, and well-run, keeping campers excited and engaged every day — from sports and swimming to creative and team-based experiences. Most of all, the friendships our child made were amazing. The camp creates such a welcoming, inclusive environment where kids quickly feel like they belong. Our child came home more confident, happy, and already asking to go back next summer. We couldn’t recommend Camp Laurelwood more highly.

★★★★★hillary cooley

Camp Laurelwood is truly a once-in-a-lifetime place — and for my family, it’s been a multi-generational one. My parents met at Laurelwood, I spent my summers there, and now my daughter is a camper too. From the moment you arrive, there’s an overwhelming sense of belonging. The community, the range of activities, and the way Jewish values and identity are woven naturally into everyday camp life make Laurelwood feel incredibly special. It’s joyful, supportive, and deeply meaningful. Watching my daughter build friendships, confidence, and independence in such a nurturing environment has been incredibly rewarding. Laurelwood isn’t just a summer camp — it becomes part of your family story. We feel so lucky to call it ours.

★★★★★Jason Weeks

Having spent 10 years at Camp Laurelwood as a child, the camp holds a very special place in my heart—and now, it’s a central part of my own family’s story. As a member of the Board of Directors, I see firsthand the dedication that goes into making this camp special, but my perspective as a parent is where I see the real magic. My three children are proudly carrying on the tradition; my eldest is now preparing to be a counselor, my son is entering his fourth summer, and my 10-year-old daughter is thrilled to be returning for her second summer. The camp offers an incredible variety of activities, balancing traditional sports like basketball and soccer with unique adventures like archery, fencing, and boating. There is also a vibrant creative scene where campers dive into theater, arts and crafts, and broadcasting. The energy is constant—whether it’s a game of gaga ball before dinner, performing in a camper-led musical, or enjoying movie nights, bonfires, and off-campus trips to amusement parks or professional sporting events. Of course, no summer is complete without the "Big O"—a fast-paced, four-day camp-wide competition where the spirit of camaraderie is simply unforgettable. The campus itself is charming and beautifully maintained. We’ve been particularly impressed with the recent investments in the facilities; the bunks are now fully air-conditioned, the walking paths have been refinished, and the swimming pools have undergone fantastic enhancements. These updates have made the camp an even more comfortable and welcoming "home away from home" for the kids. What makes CL truly special, however, is the atmosphere. The counselors are phenomenal role models who often stay connected with their campers for life. At Laurelwood, the focus is exactly where it should be: on being a kid and having the time of your life in a warm, accepting environment. The friendships made and the lessons learned here aren't just for the summer; they are memories and bonds that truly last a lifetime.

★★★★★Andrea S

We had our wedding reception at Camp Laurelwood in September 2024 and the whole experience exceeded my expectations! After our original venue realized they double-booked, we scrambled to find other options. The entire crew at the camp, especially Jonathan went above and beyond to make our day (and the planning) so special. Everyone was so helpful and accommodating, easy to get in contact with, and made our day feel like magic. If anyone is interested in having a unique wedding experience where you can walk to a picturesque lake or play their many lawn games, and enjoy the outdoors, I'd definitely suggest taking a tour of Camp Laurelwood!