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After many months of counting down the days, we finally celebrated our Opening Day and the excitement was palpable from the moment the first buses rolled in. Drew, Crimson, and Dagni greeted every camper stepping off the bus with a warm “welcome home” while car arrival campers ran excitedly through a cheering staff tunnel to receive the same warm welcome. As families waved goodbye and campers reunited with old friends, the energy was electric. The smiles were big, the laughs loud, and we welcomed what promises to be another unforgettable summer. The buzz of excitement was contagious, and it’s clear that the Laurel South Spirit is alive and well for summer 2025!

Yesterday, the fun kicked off with Moosestomp Day – an annual tradition that sets the tone for the adventures ahead. Campers dove into a day full of activities, starting with signing up for some of their favorite programs. Whether it’s sports, waterfront, arts and crafts or adventure activities, there’s something for everyone. The day is also filled with a variety of outdoor fun, including bumper tubing on the lake – an exhilarating ride that gets everyone laughing – and s’mores around the fire.

Then, we came together for the Opening Ceremony, a cherished tradition at Laurel South. This ceremony is more than just a ritual; it’s a celebration of the memories we’ll create throughout the summer. The Opening Ceremony is the perfect moment to think about our exciting summer journey ahead.

As we hit the ground running in Casco, the fun only ramps up! Our oldest campers are set for a night out in Naples this weekend aboard the Songo River Queen II full of music and scenic lake views of Maine. Our 8th graders head out on a coastal tour of Maine soon, while our CITs will head north on a three day white water rafting trip. So much more is packed into our opening week, including our first days of traditional Laurel South programming and some day trips to highlight our first S-day.

Stay tuned!!! 

As the Maine sun sets on our summer at Camp Laurel South, we can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It seems like just yesterday our campers were jumping off the bus, nervous, excited, anticipating the fun, and now we’re bidding farewell to what has been an incredible experience filled with growth, laughter, and countless memories.

Highlights of the past few days have been plentiful, but none shine quite as bright as our final S-day. The energy was electric as camp came alive for a night of food trucks, music, and fun at our Moosestock music festival! Earlier in the day sportsmanship and teamwork were also on full display as Acadia United clinched the Katahdin Cup, victorious  over Camden City in a spirited, historical competition. The day was capped off with our amazing Color Run 5k, bumper tubing, and countless other special activities.

In a scheduling shake-up, Moosebowl was rained out on its original night, only to be played last night in the most stunning, late summer evening complete with crisp air and a sky full of stars. Both the Rattle Snakes and the Black Bears dazzled the crowd with many plays deserving national media attention. A winner was celebrated, but the real winner was camp as a whole, coming together on such a beautiful night to support our Rangeley boys and enjoy some top notch flag football. Our sensational theatre production of Matilda left us laughing ‘till it hurt and smiling even longer.  The stage will come alive again tonight with Mean Girls, giving us another opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work that went into each production. 

As we conclude our last full day of programming, there’s a bittersweet feeling in the air. We’re excited for what lies ahead at our Banquet, Final Social, and our Closing Ceremonies, where we’ll come together one last time to celebrate the friendships and memories that have defined this summer. However, we know packing day looms on the morning horizon, a task that reminds us that our time here is drawing to a close. 

As we pack our duffles and gather our belongings, we all know that the most precious souvenirs of this summer won’t fit into any suitcase. They reside in our hearts — the friendships we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the moments of pure joy that have shaped us. Until we meet again, Laurel South, thank you for an unforgettable Second Session. We will miss our campers and can’t wait to see you next summer!

As we come up on the final week of our Second Session on Crescent Lake, it’s hard to believe how quickly the days have flown by. It feels like just yesterday we were hopping off the bus with excitement and anticipation for all the adventures ahead. Each day here has been filled with fun, friendship, and growth. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve all experienced in such a short time. Our most recent S-Day was filled with fun, bumper tubing, and ice cream sundaes. We capped it off with an evening at Funtown-Splashtown USA in nearby Saco, Maine. It was a night of thrilling rides, refreshing water slides and endless fun under the summer sun. Whether we were screaming on Dragon’s Descent or splashing in the water park, the trip was a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, full of memories for all.

Tonight, all eyes are on Moosebowl, our legendary flag football game that unites the entire camp. It’s not just a game between the Black Bears and the Rattlesnakes; it’s a tradition unlike any other, filled with spirit, sportsmanship, and competition. As we cheer on our oldest Bago campers under the lights, it’s hard not to notice our younger boys anticipating their turn to play. No matter the outcome, we can’t wait to celebrate the camaraderie and enjoy the amazing halftime dance show.

We have a packed final week ahead of us. We’re eagerly anticipating our two upcoming theatre shows, our final S day, Katahdin Cup and Moose Stock. We look forward to squeezing out every ounce of enjoyment out of our final days of programming before packing our camp bags. As we reflect on all we’ve experienced and accomplished so far, we’re excited to make the most of every moment, cherishing the time we have left at Laurel South this summer.

We’re always making sure we’re safe here at Laurel South, but during our routine “emergency drill,” our day took an exciting twist as the CITs jumped on the unsuspecting moment to break Spirit Days! Camp launched into a sea of blue and green for two days of fun, spirit, and friendly competition. 

Our incredible Spirit Leaders and CITs led the way with enthusiasm and creativity that truly electrified the atmosphere. Rumor has it, you can still hear the cheers from the end of Moosehead Relay and KAOS echoing around Crescent Lake. We capped off the two-day event with a breathtaking fireworks show that illuminated the lake in a dazzling display of colors. The reflection on the lake added an extra layer of magic, creating memorable moments that celebrated the hard work and enthusiasm of every camper and staff member throughout our Spirit Days.

Today with clear skies and a gentle breeze, it’s the ideal setting for an amazing morning full of bumper tubing, waterfront activities, and special events on land. Tonight, we’re headed off to Funtown-Splashtown for an evening of rollercoasters, water slides, games, and more. It’s going to be the perfect night to cap off an amazing week here at camp. 

It’s clear that our Second Session campers’ spirit is charged and ready to roll into our last week of camp. From the energetic Spirit Days to the fireworks and the endless adventure ahead, it’s a reminder of just how special these summer days can be. From Katahdin Cup and Moosebowl to Moosestock and Theatre shows, our final week is packed with big events!

As we reach the halfway point of Second Session at Laurel South, we find ourselves reflecting on a week full of joy, adventure, and memories. The weather has been absolutely perfect, with sunny skies and warm temperatures enhancing every activity.

Yesterday camp transformed into a summer wonderland, and it was a blast for everyone! The day was packed with our 5-Year Club movie, IC morning, bumper tubing, ice cream sundaes, and to top it off, our infamous Laurel South Carnival. Our Carnival featured a variety of inflatables that had campers bouncing, sliding, and laughing all evening long. Whether it was tossing rings, dunk tank, or racing through obstacle courses, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Carnival night ended with a raffle of various prizes from the tickets campers had earned. From Funtown-Splashtown Fast Passes to Moosebowl VIP seating, these prizes will make any cabin try a little extra hard in the Carnival games. The celebrations as we announced their hard-earned prizes were truly priceless. It was a day filled with fun and camaraderie, and it’s moments like these that make Laurel South so special.

After an amazing day of programming today, our Katahdin and Rangeley campers are on their way to a sunset cruise aboard the Songo River Queen II in Naples. The cruise is more than just a scenic tour of Long Lake—it was an opportunity for our oldest campers to unwind and bond in a relaxed setting. The combination of stunning views, delicious mocktails, and great music makes this outing an unforgettable experience. It is a night filled with laughter, conversation, and the kind of memories that will be cherished long after the summer ends.

We still have so much in store for the remainder of the session. From thrilling new activities and creative projects to more adventures and special events, there’s plenty to look forward to. From Katahdin Cup, Moosestock, Funtown-Splashtown, Theatre shows, and more, the final days are jam packed with fun for all.

The friendships and spirit of fun that define Laurel South are in full swing, and we can’t wait to continue making memories with our campers.

Time flies when you’re having fun! 

Somehow we’re already past the one week marker of camp and our Second Session campers have found their grove. Our days have been full of hiking trips, intercamps, and more. The weather here has been stunning, perfect warm days for swimming in Crescent Lake and beautiful  evenings ideal for crazy evening programs, sweater weather, and gathering around campfires. We can’t wait for our Council Fire tonight! As the end of July creeps up, we celebrated the return of our 8th and 9th graders from their adventurous trips into the wilderness. These trips (hiking through coastal Maine and rafting in the North Woods) are not just about experiencing the beauty that Maine has to offer. These trips extend far beyond the campfire circle and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The week has been full of a little bit of everything. We’ve had inter-camp competitions against other camps in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and archery! The Laurel South spirit is always on full display, cheering on our teammates, celebrating our victories, and respecting our opponents with every bullseye, goal, and point scored. We’re always so proud of our campers, win or lose, for the way they conduct themselves in the spirit of competition. As we look ahead, excitement is building through camp as we prepare for our annual Laurel South Carnival just a few days away! The Laurel South Carnival is a celebration of summer. We’re looking forward to a day filled with laughter, games, and cotton candy. It’s a chance for campers to let loose, whether through face painting, dunk tanks, or the wide array of inflatable challenges.

Although the days keep rolling by, each one is filled with memories to hold. Here in Maine, amidst laughter and adventure, lifelong bonds are formed and cherished, making each summer day at Laurel South one to remember. Here’s to another week of memories!

The past five days have gifted the most stunning Maine weather imaginable, setting the perfect backdrop for all our adventures and activities. As we dive into Second Session at Laurel South, it’s clear that summer couldn’t be more picturesque here on Crescent Lake.

From the high ropes of the climbing course to jumping in the lake at swimming, our incredible programming is running and campers are loving everything Laurel South has to offer. We’re already looking forward to our first S Day, loaded with out of camp trips and special events.

Some of our special events for the coming weeks include dedicated prep work. The excitement of our Moose Bowl is palpable as our teams, the Rattlesnakes and the Black Bears, have been selected after their combine, and are already deep into their preparations for what promises to be an epic showdown.

Additionally, this year marks a special moment for our Katahdin Cup girls’ soccer game. For the first time ever, two camper teams – Camden City and Acadia United – are set to compete in a thrilling match just a few weeks from now. The enthusiasm among our Katahdin ladies is contagious, and we can’t wait to see their talent and sportsmanship on display.

While sports and games are a significant part of life here at Laurel South, our incredible trips add an extra dimension of adventure and bonding. Our 8th graders are currently embarking on a tour of the Maine Coast, exploring scenic vistas, hiking in Acadia, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Meanwhile, our CITs are venturing into the North Woods for an exhilarating session of White Water Rafting. We’re so excited for them to have these amazing opportunities, but we miss them when they’re gone. Camp isn’t the same without them.

As we continue to embrace every moment of our summer here at Laurel South, we look forward to the countless adventures, friendships, and growth opportunities that lie in the weeks ahead.