Camp Reviews — Memories from Real Camp Families
Read these stories from our camp community:
Nikki said... |
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Being a camper myself for 8 years... the minute I saw Camp Laurel I knew it was the right camp for my kids! My son had the summer of his life, and learned so many new fun activites that we can't do at home.... The waterskiing and fishing are his favorite! |
Jen said... |
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The first time walking into camp Laurel: I was blown away by not only the feeling I got from the beauty of the camp but the comfort I felt from the people we met. Everyone seemed so happy. I knew it was the right place for both gf my kids to get the full camp experience. |
Greg said... |
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How many special memories from several Summers at Camp Laurel in the 1960's and 1970's...Here are 2 of my first camp memories -
As I'm off to swim now (still!) at the beautiful Chelsea Rec Center in New York City, how can I forget all the learning on B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L Echo Lake - - looking up from the water at camp counselor (Barbara Archard!) on the dock, teaching me sidestroke with her gestures -- her energy coming right across as I become a swimmer. Barbara, this morning's sidestroke at Chelsea Rec. is for you.
Memory - (one of so many 'first experiences' that happened there) of the sound of the Loons on the lake at night. Quiet, placid nights after full, busy days and then - the Loons' song. I remember how mysterious it seemed, and also that I was part of an "audience" of campers and staff quietly hearing - that this experience was a shared one, as would be breakfast conversation the following morning.
Memories of Camp are all there, and part of "ME" (which is a postal abbreviation for Maine, right?!)
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Rachel said... |
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Going to camp for 6 summers and having 2011 mark my final summer as a Laurel camper, I still can't believe how many skills I've mastered thanks to the incredible activities and staff at camp. In addition, the warmth and love that is provided at Laurel is truly that of a family- when you sit down at that first all-camp campfire on the first night of camp, each camper is no longer new, experienced, from Acadia or Bago, or from California or from New York... we are all one family, spending our summer together in Maine. Although I am too old to return to Laurel this summer as a camper, I still carry the memories, skills, and traditions that I have learned at camp throughout the year, and talk to my camp friends daily. I cannot wait to be back at my summer home in four years when I am old enough to be a counselor at camp!! |
Olivia said... |
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I love everything about camp! From the moment I got there I knew this was going to be my second home. Even though I got homesick in the beginning, the counselors helped me realize how much fun I was going to have! |
Abby said... |
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I went to camp in Pennsylvania and my husband went to camp in the Adirondacks. When we started researching camps with our children we decided to see what camping in Maine was like. Well, it was love at first sight! The first thing that struck all of us was the natural beauty. When we visited Camp Laurel, we were so impressed with the majestic lakefront and the impeccable grounds. The facilities there are first-rate. My then 7-year-old son even said, "Mom, these are the nicest baseball fields I've ever seen!" Our son and daughter went the first year they were eligible up until they could not attend as campers anymore. The friendships they made are everlasting and the memories of everyday activities, as well as special events and trips, are unforgettable. Laurel offers fantastic programming - something for everyone - and heartwarming traditions! |
Perri said... |
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I attended Camp Laurel in Mount Vernon, ME for 8 summers. They were some of the best summers of my life. Obviously I loved my friends, the activities, and the "I-don't-have-to-do-homework" part of camp, but what I unexpectedly enjoyed was the freedom, beauty, and air of Maine. The nights were beautiful with crisp skies and a plethora of stars. The lake at Laurel was surrounded by gorgeous, bushy trees and the water was a dark blue. There was always a smell of fresh cut wood that is somewhat hard to describe, but whenever I catch a whiff of it these days, my memory immediately jogs back to summers in Mount Vernon. In addition, the trips that we took around Maine were amazing. The amusement/water parks, like Funtown/Splashtown and Aquaboggan, were every kid's dream with rides like "The Excalibur" and "The Taco." Overnights were spent at campgrounds, such as Blue Rock and Acadia, where we went hiking on beautiful mountains and swam in clean lakes. Overall, my experience in Maine was definitely one to write home about - and I sure did! |
Neil said... |
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The greatest gift my wife and I have given our children is sending them to Camp Laurel in Maine. The stories our kids tell us about their summers at Laurel are priceless. The close friends (even now - 15 years later), College Days, Super Seniors, camp outings, the musicals and plays, tennis, soccer, water skiing, arts and crafts, the lake, Cove, the counselors, Keith and Jem - the stories go on and on. The experience of being outdoors in Maine - the majestic natural setting with the beautiful lakes and forest, days which are never too hot or humid, and nights with the clear crisp air and stars shining bright is something that our kids will never forget.
As parents, we loved Visiting Weekend, driving up to Camp, running into our kids open arms, meeting their bunkmates and counselors, taking a tour of the grounds and beautiful facilities, talking to the health professionals who took such great care of our kids, and having lunch by the lake. We surrounded visiting days with vacation days in Maine staying at beautiful places ranging from quaint bed and baths, to luxury resorts. Our memories including biking along the coast, having lobster dinners in Camden, and visiting the L.L.Bean store in Freeport.
Sending our kids to Camp Laurel is truly one the best decisions we have ever made. |