Sunset before the Sunrise…

What an incredible final week we just had. Rather than slowing down at the end, we made the most of every single moment, solidifying friendships and creating memories we know will carry us through the next 11 months before we are reunited on the shores of Crescent Lake! In just one short week we managed to pack in two incredible theater shows, a Katahdin Cup for the ages, the 2nd Annual Moosestock, a Final Banquet & Social, Closing Ceremonies…the list goes on and on! 

Thank you to all our camp families who came to see us for a glorious Departure Day. Seeing you reunite with your children and watching you listen to their stories and meet their friends filled our hearts with joy! To all our First Session parents: thank you for the trust and amazing support you gave us. We truly view our relationship as a partnership, and we’re beyond honored that you allowed us to spend the past 3½ weeks with your children. While we’re sad to see everyone depart, we’re excited that the countdown to the 2023 summer has begun. Remember — don’t be sad that it’s over; be happy that it happened and we were all a part of it!

And now our attention quickly turns to our unbelievable 2nd Session. Arrival Day is upon us, and we can’t wait to get it rolling! We’ll continue to update you about all the fun we’re having. Remember, it’s always a beautiful day in the state of Maine!!

Down the Stretch They Come

It’s difficult to imagine that we’re entering our final week of the session!

When last we left, there was a commotion in the Dining Hall that turned out to be our incredible CITs breaking Spirit Days. For the next two days, the Green Team and Blue Team competed in the friendliest of competition. From the ball fields to the songs, plaques and cheers, we were so proud watching all of our campers give it their all, while still showing amazing sportsmanship and support for one another!

But so much has happened since! We had an amazing “S” Day at Funtown/Splashtown USA! The rides and the food and the games…and with Laurel South being the only ones in the park, we were able to avoid lines. Everyone had an amazing time! And before joining us at Funtown, our wonderful CITs took part in their “Super-Secret S Day.” We’d tell you all about it, but, you know…it’s super-secret!!

Last night we had one of our most anticipated camp traditions, as the Red Rattlesnakes and Black Bears competed in a hard-fought, clean-played Moose Bowl. Between the tailgate cookout, the singing of the National Anthem, the Halftime Dance Show, the s’mores and popcorn and t-shirt raffles, Moose Bowl was fun and exciting for all of our campers. We couldn’t be more proud of our Rangeley men who left it all on the field and showed us all what the Laurel South spirit is truly about.

And you may think that the summer will wind down, but we still have so much to look forward to…tonight is our first theater show, Moana, and we can’t wait to see it! Tomorrow is another “S” day as our Katahdin ladies will have the opportunity to show their skills on the soccer pitch, facing off against our staff in the Katahdin Cup! As if that wasn’t exciting enough, tomorrow afternoon will be one of our favorite and newest traditions, Moosestock! An afternoon of fun and music and food trucks that was a huge hit last summer! And we still have our 2nd theater performance, Frozen, along with Rocket launches, gymnastics shows, Final Banquet and Social, before our Closing Ceremonies and our heartfelt goodbyes.

The session has been awesome, and we can’t wait to keep the fun going right up until the last minute!

The Fun Never Ends!

What an incredible session! Since the last time we blogged, a lot has happened…

Our CITs & 8th Graders returned form their awesome trips with phenomenal stories to share! The White Water adventure has long been a Laurel South tradition, as well as a chance for our wonderful CITs to cement their bonds as one big group! Meanwhile our 8th Graders raved about their brand new trip to Jellystone, a trip we hope will soon become a tradition.

Programming continues to thrive! Pickleball and RC Carts are some of our new favorites, but everywhere you look (adventure, ball fields, arts, theater, culinary, the lake) the sights and sounds of engaged campers and staff is awesome!

We just had our phenomenal Laurel South Carnival – a camp favorite each summer! From the food to the games, the inflatables and photo booth to the face painting station, to the food (did we already mention the food?)…everyone had a blast!

Our Katahdin and Rangeley campers are preparing for the Moose Bowl and Katahdin Cup respectively! We are so…

Wait a minute – something’s going on outside the Dining Hall. We’ll be right back…

The CIT’s just broke Spirit Days!! For the next two days, camp will be transformed into two teams: Green & Blue. They’ll compete in the friendliest, but most intense competition at Laurel South. Well, time to go get our colors on. We’ll update you in the next blog!

Like We Never Left…

Camp is a funny place: When we say our tearful final farewells, it seems like an eternity before we’re back. But once we’re here, it seems like we we never left.

After an amazing Arrival Day and Moose Stomp Day, we were right into our “A Day” and “B Day” schedules. From the Equestrian Center to Crescent Lake…Culinary to Climbing Wall and all points in between, we hear the sounds of children having fun with our amazing staff members, and we remind ourselves that our summer theme – Community Spirit – is more than just a phrase.

Our campers are thrilled with some of our new activities, including Pickle Ball and RC Cars! Our amazing CITs and 8th graders have departed on their respective trips: White Water Rafting the Kennebec River (CITs) and Jellystone Park and Camp Resort (8th grade). We know they’re having an amazing time, but we miss them while they’re away and can’t wait for them to return with awesome stories!

We’re already in full swing and there’s so much to look forward to: Moose Bowl & Katahdin Cup, Theater Shows, Spirit Days, Carnival, Moose Stock, and so much more!

We’ll keep you updated in future blogs. Until then, we hope you’re having as much fun as us!!

Oh What a Beautiful Day in the State of Maine!!

It felt like this day might never come. After saying our tearful goodbyes to end the 2021 summer, time seemed to crawl. But as we settled back into our routines, the school year helped pass the time. And then it got cooler and colder, and we celebrated the winter holidays. Once the temperatures began to rise and flowers began to bloom, springtime served as a reminder that another incredible Laurel South summer was right around the corner! And finally…the day was here! The day when we were reunited with our old camp friends, made friends and started making memories to last a lifetime!

Once everyone arrived, we had an amazing cookout dinner, after which we all headed to Cove where Roger and Dagni welcomed us to the official start of the 2022 summer. From there, each campus ventured off to their individual evening programs, running and playing and bonding with each other. Then we went back to cabins for some bonding before getting ready to begin this amazing experience we call Laurel South!

Today is Moose Stomp and tomorrow we’ll head right into our first program day! We have so much to look forward to this summer, and we plan on taking in every moment. We don’t plan to waste a second of it!

A Breath of Fresh Air

Stepping off the bus at camp is a special feeling, whether coming from the busy streets of New York City, the beaches of sunny Florida, the hills of Hollywood or anywhere in between. One big reason for that is the crisp, fresh Maine air. We’re big believers in the state of Maine and all the amazing things it has to offer. Here are just a few of our favorites!

The Lakes

Did you know there are about 6,000 lakes in the state of Maine, covering almost a million acres across the state? That’s a lot of lakes, and it just so happens we’re located on one of the very best ones: Crescent Lake!! Not only does it let us get beautiful sunset photos, but it also allows us to run our extensive waterfront program at the highest level. Waterskiing, wake surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing…oh and don’t forget swimming!

The State and National Parks

For many kids, camp is where they experience their first time sleeping in a tent, sitting by a fire, or even making a S’more. What better location to do all the above than in one of the gorgeous State or National parks located across Maine. Camden, Acadia, Lake St. George, there’s plenty to choose from. Taking our campers on hikes around the state is always a hit!

The Food

Everyone knows about Maine Lobster, but what about Maine blueberries? Or those delicious whoopie pies? Or even the original donut holes? Maine has a rich history when it comes to food, and we take full advantage at Laurel South. It’s no wonder our campers keep coming back for seconds!

A Summer of “Firsts”

Do you remember your first time tasting a S’more…or standing up on Waterskis, scoring a goal, finishing a ceramics project, getting to the top of the climbing wall; the list could go on forever. Venturing into the unknown to tackle a challenge may be scary at first, but the feeling of accomplishment is unmatched. Taking these safe risks is a big part of camp, and campers are encouraged to break out of their comfort zone every day. While the number of “Firsts” experienced in a summer is endless, here are three of our favorites that every camper will experience:

First Time Getting off the Arrival Bus:

Smiling faces, boisterous cheers, welcome tunnels; there’s nothing quite as exciting as getting off the bus on Arrival Day. Being greeted with a mountain of enthusiasm by new and old friends is special. With an entire summer ahead, the opportunities are endless, and a summer of fun awaits!

First Campfire:

What’s the first thing you think of when thinking of camp? Campfires! How often do you get to gather around a beautiful fire with your favorite people singing songs, telling stories, and just enjoying the company? It’s an experience so unique to camp and one that resonates for a lifetime.

First Time Jumping in the Lake:

Canonball!! Whether perfecting your strokes or bouncing on the Aquapark, it’s always a great time in Crescent Lake. Beautiful scenery, crystal-clear water, and friends galore, there’s no better place to be on a hot day!!!

If I Had One More Summer at Camp, I Would…

…jump off the bus into welcoming arms.

…give Roger and Dagni a huge hug.

…decorate my area of the Cabin.

…hit a Homerun.

…earn Bullseye Club…maybe both.

…reach the top of the Climbing Wall.

…build, launch and catch a Rocket.

…participate in the Theater Shows.

…sail a Hobie.

…bust a move in Dance.

…cannonball into the Lake.

…cartwheel through Gymnastics.

…score a Touchdown.

…rock Cove with a campus cheer.

…ski in and out of the Wake.

…serve up an ace on the Courts.

…serve up a masterpiece in Culinary

…cheer until my Voice is gone.

…score a goal in Soccer and Lacrosse.

…score a ride on Roger’s sweet, sweet golf cart.

…work the Ceramics Wheel.

…Bumpertube!

…learn the moves for the Dining Hall Dance Parties.

…play in the Moose Bowl or Katahdin Cup.

…make the perfect s’more.

…catch a fish, biggest of the day or smallest of the day.

…win Spirit Days!  Oh, yeah…we’re all winners!

…Make Your Own Sunday.

…sing at a Council Fire.

…hug all my friends.

…thank all my counselors.

…SAVOR EVERY MINUTE.

Thankful…

Thanksgiving is always a time for reflection and appreciation. To celebrate this year we want to share what we’re most thankful for.

Campers and Camp Families

We’re incredibly thankful you value the summer camp experience and your summer home. We’re thankful you carry on long-standing traditions and create new ones of your own. We’re grateful for the shared memories and friendships you’ve forged. We love every summer moment laughing, playing and growing with you!

Our Staff

Camp is about the people, and Laurel South has some of the most amazing staff and counselors in the world. Each summer they come from all over and dedicate themselves to ensuring a safe, fun and incredible experience for our campers. It’s hard work and we’re so grateful for all they do! Our staff are the pillars of our community.

The State of Maine

The scenery in Maine is breathtaking. We love the woodlands, rolling hills and, of course, Crescent Lake. There’s no better backdrop for an amazing camp experience!

Laurel South Traditions

Camps thrive on tradition, and Laurel South’s are on display all summer long! From daily traditions like campus songs and Evening Cove to once-a-summer favorites like the Carnival and Spirit Days. We’re thankful from arrival to departure…and every moment in between. Happy Thanksgiving!

Maine: The Way Camp Should Be

One of the best parts of camp is the combined sense of newness and familiarity. It’s refreshing to have a change of pace and simultaneously comforting to be back at our home away from home. The benefits of camp are endless: community, independence, friendship, learning new skills and personal growth are a few of my favorites. But there’s something unique about spending the summer in Maine.

Fresh air, endless trees and sparkling Crescent Lake: Maine is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Forest views are a welcome substitute to big city skyscrapers and suburban roads. Screen time is replaced with games on green fields. Exploring by canoe, on foot, or even on horseback gives everyone a greater appreciation for the surrounding nature.

Campers and counselors – when reminiscing about their summers – mention the community, the activities, the special events and the beauty of Maine. They picture themselves laughing with friends, paddleboarding on Crescent Lake, and taking in the crisp air. They remember their place in Maine and can instantly be filled with joy, peace and a longing to return. And that’s the way camp should be!