Camp Laurel: Traditional Residential Summer Camp in Maine

Camp Laurel’s program is built on a dynamic, activity-based approach focused on holistic personal development rather than formal academic instruction. The curriculum is structured around core areas offering a balanced blend of skill-building, creativity, and adventure. Activities are conducted in small, age-appropriate groups led by experienced coaches and educators, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The program emphasizes participation, teamwork, and self-discovery, allowing campers to explore new interests, build confidence, and develop life skills in a safe, encouraging setting. Special “S-Days” and inclusive intercamp tournaments further enrich the experience, promoting camaraderie and spirited engagement.

The base tuition fee covers the full 6.5-week residential experience, including all standard activities, accommodation, and full meal plan. Optional extras for additional fees include the Equestrian program (3 or 5 days a week), grade-specific extended trips, and a personal expense fund for trip days. Transportation to/from camp is available at a variable cost.

Accommodation is provided in comfortable cabins, which form the heart of the camp community. To ensure a smooth and welcoming transition, each camper's bedding and personal belongings are arranged in their cabin prior to arrival, creating an instant sense of belonging. This setup facilitates immediate connection with cabinmates and counselors, fostering a safe, supportive, and family-oriented environment from the very first moment.

The camp provides a full meal plan with excellent, varied food. Offerings include daily salad bars, a bagel station at breakfast, deli and grill bars at lunch, and a pasta bar with a hot vegetarian alternative at dinner. Fresh fruit is available four times daily, and meals feature freshly baked breads, soups made from scratch, and desserts. The camp also accommodates campers with specific food allergies and dietary needs.

The program is built around a dynamic 6-part core: Athletics, Waterfront, Tennis, Adventure, Inter-Arts, and Equestrian. Activities range from team sports and waterskiing to climbing, ceramics, theater, and a state-of-the-art music studio. Every fifth "S-Day" replaces regular activities with special events like carnivals, themed days, and trips to beaches or parks. Inclusive intercamp tournaments in various sports emphasize participation and sportsmanship over competition.

The camp boasts extensive, modern facilities across its 160-acre property. These include multiple athletic fields and courts, a gymnastics center, a fitness center, a full roller hockey arena, and an indoor fieldhouse. The expansive waterfront on Echo Lake features separate dock systems for various activities and a large fleet of boats and watercraft. Other facilities include 15 tennis courts, an aerial adventure park, climbing towers, dedicated arts buildings (studio, ceramics, metalsmithing), a professional theatre, culinary studios (ChefCamp), a digital music recording studio, and equestrian barns with riding rings and trails.

Camp Laurel is renowned for its professional, caring, and experienced staff. The administration is primarily veteran, and over 90 staff members are professional educators or college/high school coaches, ensuring high-quality instruction and supervision. The overall atmosphere is intentionally crafted to be nurturing and safe, focusing on individual attention, building self-esteem, and creating a positive, growth-oriented community where children are encouraged to discover new strengths.