For the past three years, the highlight of my children's year has been going to Camp Laurel South! From the moment they arrive, their days are filled with fun, laughter and learning. Every year, I am amazed by the tremendous amount of growth and maturity they acquire during their time at camp. Roger, Dagni and Laz do a superb job hiring the most nurturing and qualified staff. They are so much more than simply "camp counselors"; they really are family. They are big brothers and sisters who connect with the campers on a very personal level. Because of these wonderful relationships, the staff is able to foster independence and freedom in the campers in a safe and secure environment. Of course one of the most gratifying part of camp is the friendships the children build. Due to the diverse backgrounds, they are able to make friends from across the country and in some cases around the world. My children enjoy corresponding throughout the year with their bunkmates and eagerly anticipate seeing them in Maine every summer. Over the past year, my children were even able to visit a few of their friends from out of town. The number of experiences and activities the campers are exposed to at Camp Laurel South is mind-boggling. From sailing to cartooning, rocketry to lacrosse, drama to cartooning and everything in between, there really something for every child to excel in. I appreciate that the counselors encourage the children to pick activities outside of their comfort zone while allowing them to shine in the ones they are already familiar. My daughter has found a love of horseback riding, one of my sons felt a deep accomplishment while climbing and my oldest son never realized how enjoyable fishing could be. Almost as much fun as their daily activities are the day trips and overnights that are regularly scheduled for the campers. The water park is a special favorite for my children! I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food. My children constantly ask me to make a dish "just like they do at camp". The quality and choices of the food that is offered is amazing. The lobster celebration dinner is absolutely astounding. I truly believe that my three children are better people for having had the opportunity to experience Camp Laurel South. They are acquiring life skills they might not have gathered otherwise and I am thrilled we still have a number of years to enjoy this gem of a camp! read more

As a cabin counselor and water ski instructor for three years, I can say working at Camp Laurel South has been one of the best experiences in my life. During my first summer at camp I did not know many people, but the leadership staff was great and mademe feel so welcomed. They do an amazing job bringing everyone together and making us feel like family. Camp gave me the opportunity to build friendships and create strong relationships from all around the world. I can honestly say that the friendships I made at camp over the past three summers are stronger than some of the friends that I have grownup with my whole life. Spending everyday together sharing the same experiences, working and having fun really lets you get to know someone in a short amount of time. Working as a camp counselor has given me strong attributes that are responsibility, creativity, a strong work ethic, and ambition. After completing my second summer at camp, I changed my major to recreational management because I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in an atmosphere similar to a summer camp. Life at Laurel South is very diverse from one counselor to another because there are so many jobs offered at camp as well as the different ages of kids you are assigned to in cabin. I was responsible for 5th and 6th grade boys as a cabin counselor, but during the day my main job was being a water ski instructor. Every counselor is in a cabin with two or three co counselors that allshare equal responsibilities. Working on the waterfront was a dream job where I had the opportunity to teach kids to water ski, wakeboard, kneeboard, etc. I was also responsible for driving two Mastercrafts as well as two Sea Doos. The best aspect of it though, is thatall day you are surrounded with amazing staff, who will end up being your best friends and also great kids who are always willing to learn something new. Some of the closest friends I made while at camp were on ski staff with me. Maine in the summer time is a place like no other with so many beautiful destinations. Camp gives you time off during each session where you and other counselors get 36 hours off to go explore and have fun. If you want an experience of a lifetime you should apply to Laurel South as it may change your life as it has changed mine. read more

Roger and Dagni have been family to our children since my son was born, and both of our children still attend camp. Roger & Dagni personally greet them both upon arrival (and they do the same for EVERY camper), and they are 100% involved in camp throughout the summer. The counselors they hire are fantastic... they're good, responsible people who simply enjoy teaching and being role models for children. The directors focus on the family feel of the camp by building a strong community within the staff as well as the campers. It truly is a large family. The variety of activities is tremendous: waterfront, athletics, theatre, arts, horseback, and more... our kids have the opportunity to choose whatever they want to do, and the level of instruction is excellent. However, I truly appreciate the supportive nature of the instruction -- it's not only about "winning," but more about teamwork, fun and effort. One thing that stands out to me is the quality of the facilities... everything is always in good shape, the grounds are clean and well-maintained, and the fields, courts, waterfront, cabins and specialty areas are beautiful. Our kids talk about the food menu at Laurel South all year long. Along with picking their favorite meals, they ramble on and on about their favorite desserts as well. We like that the food selections are wide-ranging, and that the camp uses high-quality food and professional chefs to prepare the meals. There are always a lot of healthy choices, so even our picky teenager has plenty to choose from. Simply put, my children are happier and more outgoing because of Laurel South. Not only do they get to try activities they would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience, but they are more comfortable around other children and adults. They have learned how to acclimate themselves to new surroundings, accept and befriend others, and feel more comfortable in their own skin. Bottom line: our children are happier, more self-assured, and are more open to experiences and opportunities because of their time at Laurel South. There is no doubt in our minds that Laurel South has been as important to our children's upbringing as their life at home... in fact, it has become (and will always be) their second home. read more

Summer camp doesn't get better than Camp Laurel South! Our oldest went without knowing a soul and had the time of his life. He was well cared for, engaged in trying new activities and still cannot stop talking about camp to anyone who will listen. Now all three of our children (2 boys, 1 girl) are going and the only issue we've faced is trying to help our kids pick from the multitude of amazing activities offered. Roger and his team are incredible - they really understand kids and how to make camp a positive experience for kids. I felt so at ease sending my kids, mainly due to the experienced core team of Roger, Dagni, Laz and Drew, but also due to the maturity level of the counselors (all have had at least two years of college) and the high counselor to camper ratio. They have such a great way of engaging with the kids and know how to expertly deal with any issues a child away from home may have (homesickness, etc.). Our boys have Celiac and must keep a strictly gluten-free diet, which as a parent is a little scary sending them off to camp. But Laz was so on top of it - they have separate toasters, colanders, etc. - and my son said the food was amazing. Actually, eight months later he's still raving about the food. Four weeks is the perfect amount of time for camp...enough time to get settled, make friends, etc., but leaving some of the summer for family time and other interests my kids have. Definitely check out pictures of the camp...it really looks like that!! The camp is picturesque, so well maintained and on a crystal clear lake. Between the setting and the fun the kids have, you'll wish parents could sign up for camp! It's a beautiful day in the great state of Maine! read more

There is absolutely one thought that stands out in my mind when the words Camp Laurel South are spoken in our home...EXCITEMENT! We have given the gift of sending all 4 of our children to their "home away from home" starting from the summer of 2006. As of today, 2 are still young and fortunate enough to be campers. The delicious food and activity choices are a usual topic of conversation along with the meticulous grounds that are as beautiful as the google images. The relationship our kids have all built with Roger, Dagni, and the rest of the incredible staff is something quite special. Their enthusiasm is contagious! We have watched our once shy and quiet boys turn into confident and independent young men. Laurel South plays a huge part of this. Our 11 year old daughter is entering her 5th summer. She made another commitment that wouldn't allow her to attend the 1st session that she's been used to. The friends that she established for the past 4 years she would have to leave, however, her not returning to Laurel South wasn't an option. She will be attending the 2nd session, not knowing anyone. Why? She cannot fathom the idea of not returning at all. She's comfortable knowing that she can make new friends because she just loves camp that much. Camp Laurel South is and always will be a part of our lives and not just for 4 weeks in the summer. It's no surprise seeing my children sporting Camp Laurel South attire in the fall, winter, and spring. read more

Camp Laurel South is the most magical place. Not every being a camper myself made it very hard to think about sending my kids to sleep away camp. After seeing Laurel South and talking to Roger the decision was easy. My daughter will be a cit this year and this is the 3rd year for my son. Every year they say "Mom Dad this was the best summer of my life." Favorite things about camp are the time spent on the lake, the amazing food, they especially love when Laz and Roger fire up the smoker, the counselors are top notch and so many fun traditions like moose bowl and spirit day. Both of our children had never slept out before camp and they both got on the bus and never turned back. Roger and Dagni and all the staff are so great as soon the bus arrives at camp they make everyone feel special and at home. Camp has changed both of my children in so many positive ways. It has helped to make them independent, strong confident kids who welcome all new challenges and friendships. Camp is a safe place where you just get to be "you" without worrying about being judged. In this stressful world our kids live in today at camp all the have to worry about is having fun and making friendships that will last a lifetime. Throughout the year they always are singing camp songs,reminiscing about special camp memories and talking to and getting together with friends during the year.. Camp Laurel South truly is a special place and is the best gift you can give your kids. read more

Camp Laurel South is absolutely the best summer camp in the world! Year after year, my two daughters return to their second home in Casco, Maine. My daughters spend 11 months waiting for one month of the most incredible camp experience. Roger and Dagni make sure to fill each day with complete happiness, fun, adventure and most importantly love! The camp directors, staff, counselors and activities create an environment which molds your children to become the best possible person than can be. The campus is breathtaking situated on beautiful Cresent Lake. In addition, all the facilities, cabins, water crafts, equipment are top quality and well maintained. I feel so fortunate that my daughters were able to have this amazing experience. Laurel South not only became a summer experience it became a part of who they are today. The friendships and memories they have made will last a lifetime. read more

Camp Laurel South has been an amazing camp for my boys for 7 years! From the friends they have made, amazing staff and facilities- I am happy to call this their second home. Roger and Dagni make all of the children feel special and really connect with each of them. The facilities are beautiful-right on the lake so you don't have to drive anywhere for waterfront activities. The fields are all very well kept. The staff each summer is great-they work very hard and keep the kids fully engaged in all of the different programming. The food is absolutely delicious-there is a great variety of choices at every meal and they are constantly expanding and changing from year to year. I would highly recommend Laurel South to anyone looking for a 4 week camping option! read more