Camp Laurel is a premier summer camp located in the picturesque region of Westport, Connecticut. Nestled in the scenic beauty of the Northeast, this camp boasts proximity to several natural landmarks, offering campers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and learning amidst the great outdoors.

Founded on the principles of growth, friendship, and fun, Camp Laurel has a storied history of providing unforgettable summer experiences. From its inception, the camp has been dedicated to fostering an environment where children can thrive, learn new skills, and form lasting friendships. Its commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children has made it a beloved summer destination for families.

At the heart of Camp Laurel’s mission is the belief that summer camp is a transformative experience that can shape young lives in profound ways. The camp is committed to creating a nurturing environment that supports personal growth, encourages exploration, and cultivates a sense of community. Through a diverse range of activities and programs, campers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and discover their passions.

Catering to boys and girls across various age groups, Camp Laurel offers an experience that is both inclusive and empowering. Whether it’s through sports, arts, nature exploration, or leadership activities, the camp provides a well-rounded experience that meets the interests and needs of every camper. The dedicated staff and counselors at Camp Laurel are deeply invested in the success and happiness of each camper, ensuring a summer filled with joy, learning, and adventure.

Programs Offered by Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel offers a wide array of programs designed to cater to the diverse interests and developmental needs of its campers. Each program is thoughtfully curated to ensure a balanced mix of fun, education, and personal growth, fostering an environment where every child can thrive and explore their potential.

Description of the Programs

Traditional Camp Program: This core program encompasses a variety of activities ranging from outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, sports, water activities, and team-building exercises. It’s designed to give campers a comprehensive summer camp experience, encouraging them to try new things while enjoying their favorite pastimes.

Specialty Programs:

Arts Program: For the creatively inclined, the arts program offers classes in painting, pottery, music, theater, and dance. Led by experienced instructors, campers can unleash their creativity, participate in performances, and display their artwork.
Sports Academy: Aimed at sports enthusiasts, this program covers a wide range of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and more. It focuses on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Science and Nature: For campers curious about the world around them, this program offers hands-on activities related to environmental science, astronomy, biology, and more. It’s a fantastic way to foster a love for science and exploration.

Length of Sessions

Camp Laurel offers flexible session lengths to accommodate the needs of different families and campers, including:

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for first-time campers or those looking for a short camp experience.
Two-Week Sessions: These sessions allow for deeper exploration of camp activities and stronger bond formation among campers.
Full Summer: The ultimate camp experience, lasting several weeks, where campers can fully immerse themselves in the Camp Laurel community and enjoy a comprehensive range of activities.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Camp Laurel is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, free time, and rest, ensuring that campers are engaged, happy, and healthy. Here’s a glimpse into a typical day:

7:30 AM: Wake Up
8:00 AM: Breakfast and Morning Meeting
9:00 AM: Activity Session 1 (e.g., Arts and Crafts)
10:30 AM: Activity Session 2 (e.g., Swimming)
12:00 PM: Lunch and Rest Period
1:30 PM: Activity Session 3 (e.g., Team Sports)
3:00 PM: Activity Session 4 (e.g., Science and Nature Exploration)
4:30 PM: Free Time/Choice Activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening Program (e.g., Campfire, Talent Show)
9:00 PM: Return to Cabins for Wind Down
9:30 PM: Lights Out (varies by age group)

This schedule is flexible and may vary based on the specific session, weather conditions, and camp events. Camp Laurel ensures that every day is filled with fun, learning, and opportunities for personal growth, making every camper’s experience unique and memorable.

Accommodations in Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel offers comfortable and secure accommodations designed to ensure that campers feel at home while enjoying their summer camp experience. The camp’s facilities are well-maintained, fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation for campers at Camp Laurel is in cabins. These cabins are spacious and designed to house a specific number of campers, ensuring everyone has enough space and comfort. Each cabin is equipped with beds for each camper, windows for natural light and ventilation, and storage space for personal belongings. Cabins are grouped by age and program to foster a sense of community and belonging among campers with similar interests and developmental stages.

Dining Options

Camp Laurel provides a comprehensive meal plan that includes three balanced meals a day, along with healthy snacks. The dining hall is a central gathering place where campers come together to enjoy meals, share stories, and relax.

Meal Plans: The camp’s kitchen staff prepares a wide variety of meals to cater to the tastes and preferences of all campers. Menus are thoughtfully crafted to be nutritious, balanced, and appealing to young palates. Options typically include a mix of hot and cold dishes, a salad bar, vegetarian options, and kid-friendly favorites.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, Camp Laurel goes to great lengths to ensure that all campers can enjoy safe and delicious meals. Whether it’s gluten-free, lactose-intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, or kosher dietary needs, the camp is equipped to provide suitable meal options. Parents are encouraged to communicate any dietary requirements well in advance so that the kitchen staff can prepare accordingly.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

The camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities that are conveniently located near the cabins. These facilities are segregated by gender and are accessible to campers 24/7. They are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort. Showers are designed to offer privacy, with individual stalls and changing areas.

Hot water is available, and there are ample sinks and mirrors for personal grooming. The camp prioritizes cleanliness and hygiene, providing hand soap, sanitizer, and paper towels. Staff members educate campers on maintaining personal hygiene and respect for shared spaces, ensuring a comfortable and healthy living environment for everyone.

Overall, Camp Laurel’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of all campers, ensuring they have a pleasant and comfortable stay while enjoying their summer camp experience.

Activities in Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel provides a vibrant and diverse array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and skill levels. The camp’s comprehensive program aims to ensure that every camper has the opportunity to try new things, develop skills, and most importantly, have fun. Here’s a glimpse into the activities and special aspects of camp life at Camp Laurel:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Both instructional swimming and free swim sessions in the camp’s pool or lake.
Hiking: Exploring the beautiful trails and landscapes surrounding the camp.
Crafts: A wide range of creative arts and crafts projects, from pottery to painting and beyond.
Sports: Including soccer, basketball, tennis, archery, and more, catering to various skill levels.
Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama, music, and dance, culminating in performances for the camp community.
Adventure Activities: Such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and ropes courses to challenge campers and build confidence.
Nature and Science: Programs that allow campers to engage with the natural world through experiments, gardening, and environmental stewardship.
Water Sports: Summer camps, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the camp’s lake.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Laurel cherishes its special events and traditions, which serve to enhance the sense of community and create lasting memories:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: Celebrations that mark the beginning and end of the camp session, fostering a sense of unity and achievement.
Color Wars: A camp-wide team competition that spans several days, involving sports, games, and creative challenges.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents and cheer on their friends in a supportive environment.
Campfires: Regular campfires with storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, perfect for fostering camaraderie.
Theme Days: Special days where activities are centered around a specific theme, encouraging creativity and participation.

Skill Development Opportunities

At Camp Laurel, the emphasis is not just on having fun but also on personal growth and skill development. Campers have the chance to:

Build Technical Skills: Through focused activities like sports coaching, art techniques, and science experiments.
Develop Soft Skills: Including teamwork, leadership, and communication, through various group activities and challenges.
Gain Independence: By taking responsibility for personal belongings, making choices about daily activities, and learning to navigate the camp setting.
Enhance Self-Esteem: Through accomplishments, whether it’s mastering a new swim stroke, performing on stage, or conquering the climbing wall.

Camp Laurel’s diverse program ensures that every camper can find activities that resonate with their interests and push their boundaries in a supportive and enriching environment.

The staff of Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel places a high emphasis on ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for its campers, which is directly reflected in its staff selection, training, and overall staff-to-camper ratio. Here’s how Camp Laurel stands out in terms of its staffing:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Laurel maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention, guidance, and supervision. This ratio varies by age group and activity but is designed to meet or exceed industry standards, typically around 1 staff member for every 4 to 6 campers. Such a ratio ensures that campers have access to the support and supervision they need, whether they are in their cabins, participating in activities, or during meal times and special events.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Camp Laurel is rigorous and thorough, aimed at selecting individuals who are not only skilled in their respective fields but also passionate about working with children and contributing to a positive camp culture.

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are conducted, including criminal records and references, to ensure the safety and well-being of campers.
Interviews: Potential staff undergo multiple interviews to assess their experience, qualifications, and suitability for the camp environment.
Experience and Skills: Preference is given to candidates with a strong background in child development, education, or specific activity areas (e.g., sports, arts, adventure activities).
Personality and Values: The camp looks for individuals who are enthusiastic, compassionate, and share the camp’s values of inclusivity, respect, and community.

Training and Certifications

Once hired, staff members undergo an extensive training program before the camp season begins, which covers:

CPR and First Aid Certification: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid to respond effectively to any emergencies.
Activity-Specific Training: Staff leading specific activities receive additional training and, where applicable, certifications (e.g., lifeguard certification for swimming instructors, and climbing certifications for adventure staff).
Child Development and Behavior Management: Training sessions on understanding camper development, effective communication with children, and managing group dynamics and behavior in a positive manner.
Safety and Emergency Procedures: Comprehensive training on the camp’s safety protocols, emergency response plans, and procedures to ensure the well-being of all campers and staff.

Camp Laurel’s investment in its staff is evident in the quality of its programs and the positive, nurturing environment it creates for campers. By ensuring that staff are well-trained, highly qualified, and deeply committed to the camp’s mission, Camp Laurel fosters a summer experience where children can safely grow, explore, and create lasting memories.

Safety and Health in Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel places the highest priority on the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining robust facilities to ensure a secure and supportive environment throughout the camp season.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Comprehensive Safety Plans: Camp Laurel develops and regularly updates detailed safety plans that cover a wide range of scenarios, from severe weather to unexpected health incidents. These plans are communicated to staff and, where appropriate, to campers, ensuring everyone knows how to act in various situations.
Activity Safety Measures: All activities at Camp Laurel are conducted under strict safety guidelines, with appropriate gear and supervision. For example, water activities require life jackets and adventure activities use harnesses and helmets. Activity areas are regularly inspected for safety.
Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire drills and emergency evacuation practices, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
Restricted Access and Monitoring: Camp Laurel controls access to the camp to ensure the safety of campers and staff. The camp is monitored to prevent unauthorized access, and visitors are required to check in and out.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Camp Laurel has a well-equipped health center on-site, staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, at times, a resident doctor or a doctor on call. This ensures that medical care is readily available 24/7.
Health Screenings: Upon arrival and throughout their stay, campers undergo health screenings to identify any immediate health concerns and to monitor for any illnesses that may arise during their time at camp.
Medication Management: The health center staff manages and administers medications to campers as prescribed, ensuring that those with medical conditions or requiring regular medications are well cared for.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Immediate Response: In the event of an emergency, Camp Laurel’s trained staff are prepared to respond immediately, with protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers and personnel. This includes providing first aid, activating emergency services when necessary, and implementing evacuation procedures if required.
Communication: Camp Laurel maintains a clear communication policy to inform parents and guardians about any significant incidents or emergencies involving their children. The camp also has a protocol for staying in touch with local authorities and emergency services.
Ongoing Training: All staff receive ongoing training in emergency response, first aid, and CPR to ensure they are equipped to handle a variety of situations. This training is updated regularly to reflect best practices and new safety standards.

Camp Laurel’s comprehensive approach to safety and health underscores its commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable, and healthy environment for every camper. Through meticulous planning, training, and the presence of dedicated health professionals, Camp Laurel ensures that parents can have peace of mind while their children experience the joys of summer camp.

Cost and Registration in Camp Laurel

The cost of attending Camp Laurel, the registration process, and the financial policies are carefully designed to be transparent and accommodating, ensuring that families can effectively plan for their summer camp experience. While specific figures and deadlines may vary annually or according to session choices, here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes

The cost of attending Camp Laurel typically encompasses all aspects of the camp experience to ensure a hassle-free process for families. This includes:

All camp activities and programs, including specialty programs and equipment use.
Accommodations in well-maintained cabins.
Three nutritious meals per day, plus snacks.
24/7 healthcare and access to on-site medical facilities.
Laundry service (for sessions of certain lengths).

The total cost can vary depending on the length of the session chosen (e.g., one-week, two-week, or full summer sessions) and any additional specialty programs a camper may enroll in.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Early Registration: Families are often encouraged to register early, as spaces in certain age groups and sessions can fill up quickly. Early registration may also come with the advantage of early bird rates or preferred session availability.
Online Registration: Camp Laurel typically offers an online registration process through its website, where families can fill out necessary forms, choose sessions, and specify any dietary or medical needs.
Deadlines: Specific registration deadlines are set for different sessions, and families are advised to take note of these dates to ensure their spot at camp.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: To accommodate different financial situations, Camp Laurel often offers payment plans that allow families to pay the camp fee in installments over time.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp’s refund and cancellation policy usually outlines specific terms regarding if and when a refund is possible if a family needs to cancel. Policies can include non-refundable deposits or partial refunds depending on the cancellation date.
Insurance: Some families opt for camp insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.

Scholarships or Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Laurel is committed to making the camp experience accessible and may offer scholarships to families in need. These scholarships can cover a portion or the entirety of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: Financial aid applications may be available for families demonstrating significant need, with the aim of diversifying the camp community and ensuring that more children have the opportunity to experience camp.

Here are the summer camp fees for Camp Laurel:

Tuition: $16,400
Additional Charges:
- Trip Day/Personal Expenses: $550
- Equestrian (optional):
  - 3 days/week: $1500
  - 5 days/week: $2500
- Extended Trips (depending on grade): $700 – $950
- Transportation (varies by location)

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Laurel

Preparing for a summer at Camp Laurel involves thoughtful planning to ensure that both parents and campers are ready for the adventure ahead. From knowing what to pack to understanding camp rules and gathering tips for first-time campers, here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:

Packing List

A well-prepared packing list ensures that campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. While specific needs might vary, here’s a general list to consider:

Clothing: Enough casual wear for the session (including underwear and socks), pajamas, swimsuits, rain gear, a warm jacket for cooler evenings, and a sturdy pair of hiking boots or sneakers.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow, and pillowcases. (Check with the camp if they provide any bedding.)
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, comb or brush, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small tote to carry these items to shower facilities.
Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.
Flashlight or Headlamp: With extra batteries.
Stationery: For writing home, if desired.
Special Gear: Depending on the camp activities, such as musical instruments, tennis racquets, or specific sports equipment (check with the camp for availability).

Rules and Policies

Understanding and adhering to camp rules and policies is crucial for ensuring a safe and positive experience for all campers:

Technology Use: Many camps, including Camp Laurel, have policies limiting or prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices by campers to encourage social interaction and connection with nature.
Visitation: Policies around visitation days and communication with campers (such as mail and emails) will be outlined by the camp. This usually includes specific visiting days and regulations to ensure the safety and smooth operation of camp activities.
Behavior: Expectations for camper behavior, emphasizing respect, inclusion, and cooperation, are fundamental. Campers and parents should be familiar with these expectations and the consequences of not adhering to them.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Start with Positive Reinforcement: Talk about camp in a positive and exciting way to build anticipation and reduce any anxiety.
Practice Independence: Encourage your child to take on more responsibilities at home, such as packing their own bag or managing their hygiene routine, to prepare for camp life.
Communication Plan: Discuss how you’ll communicate (if allowed by the camp) during their time away. Writing letters can be a fun and personal way to stay in touch.
Visit the Camp (if possible): Attending an open house or taking a virtual tour can help familiarize your child with the camp environment and what to expect.
Connect with Future Campmates: Some camps offer forums or meet-ups before the session starts. This can be a great way for your child to make friends ahead of time.

Finally, both parents and campers should remember that it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about a new experience like summer camp. Encourage open dialogue about these feelings, focusing on the exciting aspects and the opportunities for growth and fun. Camp Laurel, with its supportive staff and welcoming community, is dedicated to making every camper’s experience memorable and rewarding.

Camp Laurel stands as a beacon of adventure, learning, and friendship, nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Westport, Connecticut. With its comprehensive array of programs, from swimming and hiking to arts and crafts, it offers an enriching summer experience that caters to the diverse interests and developmental needs of its campers. The camp’s dedication to safety, health, and personal growth creates an environment where children can thrive, explore, and develop new skills while making lasting friendships.

The carefully selected and trained staff, along with the camp’s commitment to a low staff-to-camper ratio, ensures that each camper receives personalized attention and guidance. The extensive facilities, from comfortable cabins to state-of-the-art activity areas, provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience. Moreover, Camp Laurel’s attention to dietary needs, medical care, and overall camper welfare speaks to its holistic approach to summer camping.