In The State of Maine! Welcome Home Camp Laurel Alumni.
Anyone that’s been a member of the Camp Laurel family knows what an unforgettable and special experience a summer is on Echo Lake! Welcome to the alumni portion of our site. Relive summer memories and rekindle old camp friendships, or simply view the slideshow and take a step back in time to the special place we call home – Camp Laurel.
Please keep in touch…we love hearing from you! And, as always, thanks for keeping the Camp Laurel Spirit alive!
Since 1949
Camp Laurel was founded in 1949 in Lake Awosting, New York and has been in continuous operation ever since. During this period, the camp was under the co-direction of Mel and Bette Archard and John and Alice Harrison. In the fall of 1965, the camp moved to its present site on Echo Lake in Mt. Vernon, Maine. Camp Laurel opened at its new site on July 1, 1966. In 1974 Ron Scott began working for Camp Laurel, and in 1978 Ron and Mel and Bette Archard’s daughter, Ann, began as Directors. In 1979 Ron and Ann purchased Camp Laurel. In 1994, after spending three summers as Co-Director, Keith Klein purchased Camp Laurel and has served as Owner since that time. Jem Sollinger, a long-time camper and counselor, joined Keith as Co-Director in 2002. In 2007, Jem and his wife, Debbie, assumed the directorship of Camp Laurel, joining Keith as Co-Owners of the camp.


Moosetrack News
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 Echo 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 Jem and Debbie a huge hug.
…decorate my bed.
…hit a homerun.
…get a bullseye.
…reach the top of the Climbing Wall.
…bump, set and spike.
…act in the play.
…sail a Hobie.
…bust a move in Dance.

…cannonball into the Lake.
…cartwheel through Gymnastics.
…score a Touchdown.
…Go Bananas!
…ski in and out of the Wake.
…serve up an ace on the Courts.
…serve up a masterpiece in ChefCamp
…cheer until my Voice is gone.
…score a goal in Soccer and Lacrosse.
…complete the Lake Swim.
…work the Ceramics Wheel.
…Bumpertube!

…perform in a Talent Show.
…give a Cove shoutout.
…make the perfect s’more.
…catch a Fish.
…win College Days!
…Make Your Own Sunday.
…sing at a Campfire.
…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 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, Echo Lake. There’s no better backdrop for an amazing camp experience!
Laurel Traditions
Camps thrive on tradition, and Laurel’s are on display all summer long! From daily traditions like campus songs and Coves to once-a-summer favorites like the Polar Bear Plunge and College Days. We’re thankful from arrival to departure…and every moment in between. Happy Thanksgiving!
