Camp Laurel

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!

Work there every year painting their tennis courts. Love it there. Back again and this camp is probably the nicest one we go to and we go to a lot of camps.

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!

Camp Laurel…my son fell in love after one night because “my cabin was my new home”. Jem and Debbie, in his words, are “my mom and dad for the summer, my camp parents”. The facilities are still a conversation in our house. The waterfront programs, specifically wake surfing and skiing, we’re my initial draw to Camp Laurel and the programs did not disappoint, he still loves talking about all the activities on Echo Lake. My son came home (reluctantly) with new friendships and a love for all things Camp Laurel. We signed my younger son up for this coming summer as soon as we could, he’s ready for ‘S day’ pancakes and some ‘AMAZING’ coffee cake.

Spending my last 8 summers at Camp Laurel has been a great life experience for me. Ever since my first year when I was seven years old, I immediately embraced the camp community. The staff and directors did an excellent job welcoming me into camp, while also helping me step out of my comfort zone. The directors did a fantastic job in helping me find new things to try; weather it was playing soccer or even trying new foods. The list of activities are endless, and I got to try many new activities that I had never thought I would've done. Doing ceramics at seven years old, or sailing at ten, or even dance hip-hop at fifteen, I was able to try new things every year, as well as continue those that I had been doing since my first summer. The facilities and buildings that camp provides are superb, each getting better year by year. The fitness center is packed modern equipment, that ranges from weights to spinning bikes. The Chef Camp building has wide ranges of appliances, that allow campers to learn how to cook many foods, with help from a phenomenal staff. While at camp, I was able to learn the skills needed in becoming a leader, those in which I will never forget. Being able to attend Camp Laurel was truly a dream come true. I was able to meet kids from all around the country, and even all around the world. I was able to make new friends with many people, but also maintain friendships that I have had ever since my first summer.

I started at Camp Laurel at age 7. And for the next 8 summers Camp Laurel exceeded my every expectation and became my second home. The facilities are truly amazing, and there are activities for everyone, whatever your interests, from sports to arts to cooking to theatre, etc. Camp Laurel is a nurturing environment that also teaches campers leadership skills and independence. Each year I grew as a person by moving out of my comfort zone to try new activities like waterskiing, ceramics, and even boys hip-hop dance. But more than the activities, I returned year after year because of the friendships that I made with both counselors and campers. These bonds and memories have been invaluable and truly unforgettable. I am grateful to the Camp Laurel family for helping to shape me into the person that I am today.

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.