YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel is a traditional day camp on 20 wooded acres in the Mount Carmel section of Hamden, run by the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA for more than 40 years. Serving ages 3 to 15, it pairs classic activities like swimming, hiking, sports, crafts and music with a climbing wall, high and low ropes course and zip line. Financial assistance is available.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Andres AyalaWhat a beautiful piece of property. Perfect for an autumn walk to see the fall foliage. The facility has a swimming pool, basketball courts and more. As you walk through various paths you are at one with nature. Nice job YMCA!
★Lisa DesfossesWe had a truly terrible experience with this camp -- low counselor to student ratios, a wide mix of youth counselors, including some who didn't seem to really enjoy being around kids, unrefrigerated lunches (despite them saying to NOT pack ice packs because they would refrigerate them and despite a follow up reminder to them on subsequent days), and a pool rescue which required EMT and the kids who were around watched the entire thing. My daughter is still scarred from the experience. I spoke up to the staff and got nowhere, which made me wonder if they actually saw it as a problem... since then, I've talked with several parents who said "yeah, it doesn't have a great reputation". I wish I had known that before sending my kiddos.
★★★★★Nicole VallatiMy daughter (8 years old) has been attending summer camp at Mt.Laurel for three years. She loves it, especially the daily swim time (lessons and free swim. Great counselor and staff. Couldn't be happier.
★★J. AlessiOkayest camp ever. The kids are outside 100 percent of the day, even in the rain. They get sunburn on sunny days and spend the whole day under the pavilion on rainy days. The kids didn't like the grunts, growling, and sighs of the counselors. One of the counselors was heard complaining about "the stupid kids". They're not evil or dangerous, just not great. My kids really enjoyed the Hamden Green Dragons camp and the Meriden Boys and Girls Club camp, but came home complaining about "hating" YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel.
★★★★OliviaThis is a really awesome camp, with constant activities. The have a swimming pool, a climbing wall, a zip line and ropes corse, trails and hiking, a field, a pavilion for lunch, and awesome staff. You do have to pack a lunch, though. There is post care, too, if needed.