Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 7–15 · $2,543/week
Directory · United States · Maine · Mount Vernon
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 7–15

Camp Laurel

Readfield, ME · $2,543/week · ★ 4.8 (103 reviews)

Camp Laurel is a premier co-ed overnight camp in Maine, offering a diverse range of activities and a strong focus on...

▌ Editor's read Camp Laurel is an ACA accredited overnight camp in Maine, with accreditation valid through 2025, as indicated by the ACA logo and link on their website. The camp boasts a low staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4, which suggests individualized attention and supervision. They explicitly state that all staff undergo extensive background checks, including criminal and sex offender checks, demonstrating a commitment to safety. The camp has been operating for over 70 years, founded by Mel and Helen Lerman, indicating a long-standing tradition and experience in youth development. Their website details a wide array of activities, from watersports and athletics to creative arts and adventure, catering to diverse interests. The camp's strong social media presence on Instagram and Facebook further highlights their active community engagement.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 195670+ years operating
Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 7–15

Camp Laurel sits in the upper-elementary to middle-school window where specialization starts to mean something. Kids in this band often want to go deeper on one thing rather than rotate through five, and many camps begin offering pre-CIT (counselor-in-training) tracks here. The right overnight/sleepaway fit at this age depends on whether the child wants more autonomy or still wants the safety of a structured rhythm.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1956 (70 years)
Operator
Private business
Staff-to-camper ratio
Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 7–15
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 1218 Pond Rd, Mount Vernon, ME 04352
  • Phone: (207) 293-2222
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: Full season tuition is $17,800. Additional $550 for trip day/personal expenses.

↗ What parents like

  • Wide range of activities
  • Waterfront on Echo Lake

↘ Watch for

  • Website is difficult to navigate
  • No online registration

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: Yes
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Camp Laurel

What ages does Camp Laurel accept?
Camp Laurel is open to children ages 7–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Camp Laurel cost?
Camp Laurel publishes $2,543/week for the standard session. Full season tuition is $17,800. Additional $550 for trip day/personal expenses. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Camp Laurel's hours?
Camp Laurel runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Camp Laurel accredited?
Yes — Camp Laurel is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 70 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Camp Laurel?
Camp Laurel is operated by a private business, with 70 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Camp Laurel provide lunch?
Yes — Camp Laurel includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Laurel with other camps.