Welcome Laurel South Families

The first day of camp is often like the first day of a new school year. New faces, new activities and a renewed excitement for the summer ahead. Roger and Dagni often talk about how the memories we make and the friendships we forge at camp will last a lifetime. Approaching camp with this in mind allows each camper to be the author of their own adventures and memories. It also allows them to include their friends and counselors in their summer stories.

Camp is an incredible crash course in meeting people and making friends. Campers share with each other, communicate together and learn different perspectives all summer long. Children are interacting in ways they never get to throughout the school year. They’re eating S’mores, competing in athletics and singing songs. Most importantly, campers are living the cabin life, which is so much more than the place where campers and counselors brush their teeth and fall sleep. It’s where they become a summer family, create lifelong inside jokes and learn to be great friends. At the end of every summer, each cabin paints a cabin rock that captures their favorite camp moments: a token to visit in future summers to be reminded of all the great memories.

Campers appreciate their camp friends for all the right reasons. They stand up for and encourage one another. At Laurel South, campers learn not only to make friends, but also develop the tools necessary to allow those friendships to grow through their shared summer experiences.

“Work” and “camp” aren’t often found in the same sentence, especially for children who go to camp. But it’s important for children to develop patience and a good work ethic. It’s equally important to dream big. Camp is the best opportunity to merge hard work, big dreams and creativity. Whether they’re using their less-dominant foot in soccer, throwing a bowl in ceramics or performing an original song at a campfire, Laurel South offers endless opportunities for children to achieve the prideful feeling of a job well done.

Camp is the ideal setting to take ‘safe risks’ by trying something new. And experiencing fresh activities creates a lasting sense of curiosity. Conquering the climbing wall or learning to waterski may seem daunting when viewed from afar, but having counselors break down activities into simpler steps can be inspirational when trying something new.

Beyond the initial wonder of an activity, the structure of our program and quality of our staff allows campers to develop skills. When children can work toward something, they truly appreciate the end result. It’s more rewarding when a goal is earned through patience and hard work, especially in today’s world of instant gratification. And with campers being involved in the goal-setting process from the beginning, they learn that hard work pays off. Prolonged satisfaction creates determined, hard-working individuals. The best part for children and parents: how much FUN they’re having while they’re developing their skills!

We hope everyone is excited to celebrate Halloween safely. It’s always a fun time of year to see amusing costumes. At camp, we’re able to show our creative side when it comes to face paint and wacky outfits. Camp is one of the best places to show your spirit. And there are ample opportunities for it: popping on the tie-dye you just made with your cabinmates, putting together a themed ensemble for socials or rocking your Spirit Days colors.

One of the foundations of camp is providing a space for campers to feel comfortable expressing themselves. It’s a place where we’re never too cool or too old to have fun. Perhaps the best part of dressing up at camp is the ability to plan it out with your closest friends. The enthusiasm while planning makes the event better!

Crazy hair, ridiculous costumes and face paint all encourage creativity. And it’s nearly impossible to get ready without also sporting a smile. From Team Day to Camo Day to Red, White and Blue everything on July 4^th; the expressiveness of our campers and counselors is always a joy to see!