First Time Campers

While not a uniform camp, we encourage and enforce a “down-to-earth” culture without an emphasis on clothing. We don’t just say this, we mean it. (If you think it might be too fancy, then it probably is!). We provide a very specific packing list to keep the process simple. We do require campers to purchase some Laurel gear including t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts and sweatpants.

Download Packing List

Camp Laurel is known for its innovative Scheduling Program which allows a blend of required activities and electives and becomes more flexible as campers get older. In the spring each year, parents and campers receive an Activity Selection Packet which lists the “required” activities and the “elective” activities for each child age group.

More About Activity Selection

At Camp Laurel, the health and safety of your child is our number one priority. We are able to accommodate campers with specific food allergies and invite you to contact us to speak more about any dietary or medical needs of your child. We are a nut free facility.

More About Food & Safety

We have children arriving from all over the world and can work with you to arrange all details.

Visiting, Directions & Accommodations

We use Boston and Portland as the central meeting points for most campers, and arrange to meet campers flying into both cities. In addition, we have chaperoned group trips from several cities in the U.S. Campers arriving from overseas and from non-chaperoned cities either fly or drive directly to Boston or Portland and are met by Laurel staff. We are aware of the importance of proper transportation for our campers and always meet flights as children arrive. We would be glad to discuss your specific situation in detail.

Many campers come to Laurel for their first time not knowing anyone. We are very meticulous about the cabin placement process and factor in many things when devising the cabins. Our ability to integrate first-time campers and ensure that no one “slips through the cracks” is a testament to our attention to detail. Making new friends is one of the best parts of camp and the Laurel Staff is exceptional at making sure all campers feel included and at home. Even if you come to camp with friends, you’ll make lots of new ones while you are here!

Homemissing is normal and may occur. The structure, energy and upbeat pace of the Laurel program allows campers to remain busy and active, which helps overcome the emotion of missing home. Most importantly, we are very aware of any camper who may be experiencing home missing and provide the individual attention, warmth and strategies that enables us to work through any temporary feelings of homemissing. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable, exciting summer experience that motivates our campers to approach life with courage, confidence and a feeling of self-worth.

Campers unplug at camp, which means no cell phones! Parents schedule two calls home with their campers each summer. Through your My CampMinder account, you can view daily photos taken throughout camp, as well as send one-way emails which are printed out delivered to your camper at Rest Hour like a letter. We also require letter writing every other day and you can expect to receive letters home from camp! Parents can always contact our directors if there is any question, concern or any type of special situation that arises.