Camp Laurel

«There’s something special about camping in Maine», says Jem Sollinger, director of Camp Laurel, a traditional camp with unparalleled, modern facilities. Indeed, the landscapes available in Maine are rarely seen elsewhere, and campers can take advantage of everything this amazing state has to offer.

Camp Laurel is located along beautiful Echo Lake, with nine miles of shoreline, and offers a full-season, 7-week camping experience. There are 250 boys and 250 girls in camp each year and everyone arrives and leaves on the same day. «It’s very much a family,» says Jem. The camp, which is in its 61st year, also offers a 5-week international option and hosts campers from France, Italy, Switzerland, Israel and Japan. «Our international campers are a very small portion of our population,” Jem says, “but they are an important addition to the camp community.»

“We also fully take advantage of our location,” Jem says. Campers take short trips to nearby Maine and New Hampshire destinations and get real outdoor experiences exploring the natural landscapes of surrounding areas. Campers especially take full advantage of the expansive waterfront, often water skiing 4-5 times per week, sailing daily on our fleet of more than 35 sailboats, playing tennis, baseball, lacrosse and participating in an amazing arts programs…..not to mention a world-class equestrian program.

If you are interested in touring Camp Laurel, Jem says you are welcome to visit any time. Just please call in advance to set up a visit. Prospective families also get a home visit before the camping season begins. Jem visits families regularly in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Boston.

Laurel South

Laurel South is in the Lakes region of Maine, in the town of Casco on beautiful Crescent Lake, with nine miles of shoreline. Camp Director Roger Christian, who has been with Laurel South for 14 years, spends much of his off season time meeting new camp families throughout the country as the camp emphasizes family and tradition. It doesn’t really matter, after all, whether your facilities are state of the art or how many miles of waterfront you have – as long as campers and their families feel that camp is home away from home.

Laurel South was born 15 years ago as a spin-off four week camp from the traditional full season Camp Laurel. “There was just a great need for a shorter, quality, co-ed season,” says Roger. Every year, Laurel South welcomes 200 boys and 200 girls in each of its two sessions. In those 4 weeks, campers at Laurel South experience an amazing, power packed program centered on Athletics, Arts, Waterfront, Adventure and Equestrian.

Susan