Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel has been an extraordinary summer home for our son and daughter. The structure, guidance, and opportunities it provides have been invaluable, and the growth we’ve seen in our children has been remarkable. They have built friendships that we know will last for many years, and the excitement for camp begins the moment they return home, as they immediately start counting down to next summer. Equally impressive is the caliber of the counselors and entire staff, whose dedication, professionalism, and genuine care create an atmosphere that is both nurturing and inspiring. Our youngest daughter has watched her siblings’ experiences with great anticipation and cannot wait for her turn to join in this wonderful summer paradise. Our children truly live “10 for 2,” and we are deeply grateful to Camp Laurel for the lasting memories, lessons, and joy it continues to bring to our children.

Imagine this: Your kids spend their days learning to fish, sail, and waterski. They’re coached and cheered on at tennis, soccer, and swim, and their laughter echoes across the fields during games and adventures. Add in a little theater, some rollerskating, and a talent show or two—you’ve got pure joy in motion. And when the sun sets, the magic deepens. The campfire crackles, marshmallows roast, and everyone sings “Wagon Wheel” underneath the Maine stars. Best friends from across the country—and around the world—are together again, hearts full, faces glowing. In a world that moves too fast and demands too much, Camp Laurel gives kids the rare gift of time — time to breathe, to play, to discover who they are, to just be kids. It’s led by people who grew up there—former campers who carry the same love and wonder they now pass on to the next generation. No screens. No noise. Just sunshine ☀️ Campfires 🏕️ And pure magic. 💫

Our kids truly thrive at Camp Laurel! Each of them came home beaming with unique highlights—performances, tradition days, incredible friendships, caring counselors, and of course, Echo Lake! What we love most is how the Laurel team creates space for every camper to shine in their own way. Our children are so different, yet each one felt supported, celebrated, and inspired. Camp Laurel continues to overdeliver every single summer, and we are endlessly grateful.

Hi, my name is Cali Lerner. I was a camper at Laurel for an unforgettable eight summers. My unmatched connection, memories, lifelong friendships, and experiences with Camp Laurel have shaped me into the person I am today. There are not enough words in the world to describe my love for this place. In just the short amount of weeks you spend at camp, you make memories worth a lifetime. The directors, Jem and Debbie are always there for all of the campers, and have a special relationship with each and everyone. They make it their priority to get to know each camper personally. They make camp feel like a second home and are a second set of parents for the summer! Each summer at camp I had four amazing counselors. I was lucky enough to make significant bonds with all of them! My counselors along with the rest of the staff at Laurel made me feel as comfortable as possible and I felt as if I could trust them with anything and everything! I grew so much while being at camp from trying new activities, and making new friends, to gaining independence and life long skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. Camp gave me the confidence to try new things and step out of my comfort zone! Whether it was waterskiing, performing in talent shows, or trying new sports! I learned how important it is to be a part of a community that supports me whenever I try new things and celebrates all of my success with me! When I came to camp at seven years old in 2017, I was very shy and quiet, but as I got older I became less shy every year. By my last summer I was singing at talent shows in front of the whole camp! Every day at camp is filled with excitement, laughter, and fun! One of the amazing aspects of Laurel is that campers get to pick the majority of their schedules and activities that they do! There is such a wide variety of activities between, sports, waterfront programs, arts, cooking, and music! Additionally, twice a week we get S-days where we either go on amazing out of camp trips or participate in camp traditions! One of the most special parts about camp is getting a big/little brother or sister! After having experienced three big and little camp sisters I have made incredibly valuable relationships with girls outside of my age group. It was so special to have a big sister to look up to as my role model while being a young camper, and to be able to embody them while being a big sister! Another great part of Camp Laurel is college days, Laurel's version of color war! The camp is split into two teams that are colleges, and compete with activities for five days at the end of the summer! College days are led by the oldest age group, super seniors! When I was a super senior and got to lead, it was the most empowering experience after looking up to the super seniors leading for several summers. Whenever I would walk by other campers, I would always say hi to them no matter how well I knew them. The friendships I made at camp are indescribable. I always say that my camp friends are my real best friends! They are not only friends to me, but they are my sisters and brothers. Camp Laurel is one big family where everyone looks out for each other. Camp Laurel itself is the most beautiful place that I have ever seen, but the people are what truly make the place. I will look back and reflect on my summers at Camp Laurel until the end of time. The hardest part about camp is saying goodbye. The second I got home from camp each summer I would immediately start counting down the days until the next summer! I will continue to thank my parents for sending me to Camp Laurel for the rest of my life, it was the best decision they could have ever made.

You might think that someone's best summer of their life was not one spent working, but for me it was. Perhaps it was because not a single day felt like work-- I guess that old saying about not working a day if you love what you do is true after all. Camp Laurel is a break from reality, for staff and campers alike, set in a gorgeous area on a pristine lake. Nowhere else allows campers to try out the incredible activities offered here, from the aerial park to sailing to horseback riding to Chef Camp and everything in between, while forming such strong bonds with other campers and their counselors. The facilities here are amazing and well-maintained, as well as staffed by great counselors. Over the summer, it was awesome to watch the kids build tons of confidence, learn lots of new skills, and get to learn how to live away from home and deal with more responsibility. As a new member of the staff, I was thoroughly surprised at how the much the directors and other returning staff care about us, and how much effort they put into preparing us for the summer at orientation. Jem and Debbie are the best! The Laurel community is so loving and connected; everyone knows everyone at camp. One of my favorite memories was walking back to my cabin in the dark after an evening off and hearing six or seven kids call out “Miiikkeyyy!” and “Hi Mikey!” as I passed their cabin. I thoroughly enjoyed my summer of being a “dad” to the 90 Apache campers, of waking up happy everyday, of enjoying yummy buffets at every meal, and I definitely will be returning. Whether you are looking for a summer job or a place for your kids to spend the upcoming summer.... you have found it :) UPDATE: second summer was just as amazing. so inclusive, fun, special, and once again I tremendously miss everything about camp. yes, I miss working. hoping to squeeze in a round 3!

I discovered Camp Laurel online one evening, browsing the internet looking for jobs to satisfy the summer between my graduation from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and matriculating into law school. Little did I know that clicking on that link would have such an everlasting effect on my life. From the moment I stepped foot in Maine, (for the first time I may add) I had never been greeted with such an inclusive, family environment from the camp administration and staff. Camp Laurel's staff is truly global and I now have friends from places I never dreamed of. Camp truly changed my life and I can say it was one of the (if not the) best things to ever happen to me. Now onto the campers. The kids never cease to amaze me. These are 7-15 year-old children that want to be around you, just as much as you want to be around them. I, personally never had any younger siblings. The campers I was lucky enough to share a cabin with along with the kids whom I would encounter all over camp, all summer, have become family. The world "family" is the perfect way to describe everyone's experience on the shores of Echo Lake. I am lucky enough to be returning for a second year as a staff member and from the day I packed my final bag into my car last summer, I have been counting down the hours until I return. The relationships I have made, and anyone who will step foot on the campus (camper or staff) will make, have helped me through not only the hardest educational time of my life (first year of law school) but so many more endeavors. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world. I have said this once, and I will say it 1,000 more times. My license may say I am from Ohio, but my home will forever be in Readfield, Maine.

I've spent the past 7 years at Camp Laurel as a camper. They were the best summers ever!! I was surrounded by amazing friends, old and new and the Laurel counselors and staff were superb. The directors were always approachable and there for you whether something big or small. I tried activities that I never thought I would and was always encouraged to get out of my comfort zone. My friends and I were never bored as there was no shortage of things to get involved with or do. Not to mention the food was delicious and the facilities are absolutely beautiful. Laurel was my summer home and highlight of my childhood. I would recommend Laurel to anyone looking for that perfect camp that will meet all of your needs!

Camp Laurel is THE most special and magical camp. As a former camper, I was able to experience the beauty, warmth, and spirited community that Laurel offers its campers. I made lifelong friends and memories that are irreplaceable. That is why it was no question to me where I would send my own children who now both attend Camp Laurel. They are getting to experience all the wonderful things about Camp Laurel but in a new way. Jem and Debbie have kept the richness of the old tradition alive but have also introduced new traditions which make it even better. The facilities are top notch as it’s always been in the camps DNA to reinvest in the camp with new buildings and enhancements across the campus. The programming has something for every kid - whether it’s water sports, field sports, theater or now even cooking in the chefs kitchen! But what I find so special about Camp Laurel is the way they make the campers feel on a daily basis - the kids feel supported, encouraged and empowered to try new things and activities. Campers have confidence about themselves and it’s because of the environment that Jem and Debbie have created. I cannot say enough good things about this special place in Readfield, Maine.

Best Camp Ever!! We LOVE Laurel!! When your children leave home for 7 weeks, you want to make sure they are in the best hands. The entire staff at Camp Laurel is fully dedicated to making sure your children are happy, thriving and well looked after. They are so attentive and truly incredible people to entrust your children to. Camp Laurel offers an amazing variety of activities, there is really something for everyone! Your children will surprise you and end up trying things you never thought they would. The camp facilities are extraordinary and the food as per my son is quite good (for camp food that says a lot!). Go up for a visit and get a tour and you will leave knowing it is the perfect camp for your family!

My experience at Camp Laurel has been nothing short of impeccable. I showed up on my first "beautiful day in the state of Maine" not knowing a single staff member and over the next four summers cultivated incredible memories and gained meaningful work experience all while meeting some friends I will have for the rest of my life. As someone who has spent the past 22 summers in the camp setting, I am very lucky to have the same level of excitement and fun as I did back when I first started and that is largely due to the amazing people in the Camp Laurel community. Jem and Debbie, along with all of the leadership, are experts at what they do and make Camp Laurel the welcoming, loving and safe place it is. Campers and staff literally travel from all over the world to be at Camp Laurel and that speaks volumes to the environment that they have created on Echo Lake. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work and grow as a professional under their guidance and would not trade my experience for anything. Through my time working with Jem and Debbie, I have found my organizational, management and reasoning skills have all improved as a byproduct from the atmosphere that Camp Laurel provides. Additionally, the physical beauty of Maine is unmatched and thus the perfect background for a summer that is filled with genuine happiness. I can't think of any other "job" that allows you to work with your best friend all day (hi Geoff), in a beautiful setting where the main goal is to make sure everyone around you is having the best experience they possibly can. I am counting down the seconds until I am back on the shores of Echo Lake with some of the most incredible people I have ever met. Camp Laurel is truly something special.

The moment I stumbled upon Camp Laurel online, I knew this was a magical place and had to submit an application. I was completing my final semester of my graduate program, and was unsure of what my next step would be, however I had always wanted to experience that "Camp Experience". Little did I know upon accepting a summer position on the waterfront of Echo Lake, I would be getting that Camp Experience and so much more. The leadership and expertise from Jem, Debbie, and Keith, as well as all the leadership staff that make Camp Laurel possible was nothing but exceptional throughout my hiring process and the entire summer. Every facility and program area was pristine and some of the best and highest quality I have ever seen. However, Camp Laurel doesn't just provide an amazing summer camp experience for both campers and staff, it provides a safe haven for everyone to truly be themselves, and be 100% comfortable in doing so. Working at Camp Laurel this past summer did not only provide me with a fun summer job after graduation, but it provided me with an amazing summer full of learning new personal and professional skills that I could take with me beyond the shores of Echo Lake. Yet most importantly, at Camp Laurel I found my incredible Laurel Family from all corners of the globe which I learned to love and respect so much. Working at Camp Laurel was one of the best experiences of my life, and I will forever be thankful for this experience. If you find yourself reading this review and are trying to decide if Camp Laurel is the right place for you or your kids, take the chance and apply for a position or session. You will quickly feel the Laurel magic.

Camp Laurel is the best decision we ever made for our children! The directors, programming, activities, facilities and community are top quality. Nothing compares to it. The friendships our boys have made will last a lifetime. Laurel attracts wonderful families. My husband and I have also made connections with parents of campers there that are very special. We feel lucky to be a part of the unique Laurel spirit. Trust in the Directors of a camp is crucial and we have the upmost faith in Jem, Debbie and Keith. They are professional, genuine and a lot of fun. They understand that every child is an individual vs just a number. The facilities are beautiful. The food is healthy and excellent - my kids say better than at home. The cabins are always well balanced. The environment at Camp Laurel allows campers to be who they are. The staff is carefully chosen, impressive and intelligent. They encourage the children to try new things and step out of their comfort zones from home. Building confidence and skills is a gift that Laurel gives it campers.

From the moment I saw Laurel I knew this was a magical place. From the beauty of the campus to the quality of the facilities I knew that this was the place for my children. This will be my son's last year, his 6th summer, and he is going to miss Laurel with all his heart. He has formed special bonds with friends and staff. This will be my middle daughter's 5th summer and she cannot wait. I will now have a new camper going. She is so excited and counting down the days. Laurel and the staff really get to know each camper and take time to ensure that each one of them has the best experience. Each camper has different needs and we feel Laurel has a broad spectrum of activities that fills those needs. Jem, Debbie and Keith are committed directors who know the importance of good staffing, fun activities, and being present. We are very happy to be apart of the Laurel family.

Camp Laurel is a wonderful camp. It starts with the terrific leadership and enthusiasm of directors Jem and Debbie Sollinger, followed closely by the amazing facilities and the unique culture that the campers affectionately refer to as Laurel Pride. Like most families, we did a lot of research before sending our first child away to camp. We visited many great camps and met some highly qualified directors, but the moment we arrived at Laurel, we and our kids knew it was for us. Three summers later, we couldn't be happier with our decision. We continue to be impressed with the quality and wide-range of offerings at Laurel and its ability to evolve and grow with your child. Every year new and innovative facilities are added, along with upgrades to the already extraordinary existing facilities. But most importantly, Jem and Debbie are simply unrivaled. They create such an atmosphere of warmth and caring that you have no doubt your children are in excellent hands for the summer. And they are all about the details. They really know every camper -- not just their names, but what they like, who they will be best paired with, and what concerns or anxieties they may have and how best to handle. They go out of their way to ensure that you and your child are ready for camp, including in the months leading up to camp sending emails, calling on the phone and in some instances making home visits. In short, they make sure that your child is prepared beforehand to have a successful summer and then orchestrate a fun and rewarding summer for your kids that will make them wanting to go back to Laurel from the day they return home! Our family could not be more pleased with Camp Laurel.