The American Camp Experience

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There are very few things our children can so enjoy and that teaches them as much as the American camp experience.

So Much Fun

At America’s Finest Summer Camps, we strive to introduce our campers to fun activities they’ve never tried. Not many of our campers get to enjoy waterskiing or fishing or hiking or zip-lining or gaga or taps when not at camp. They are simply not available at home.

Very few would choose to join the Theater at school because they fear what their classmates would say. But, at summer camp, they know they are in a safe, fun, adventurous environment and therefore, take the plunge. And, for those who like to compete, they can do so in all of our sports.

In addition to our day activities, we schedule Evening Activities each night. These include such options as Night at the Races, Shaving Cream Whiffle Ball, Campfire each night so that the fun doesn’t stop after the last activity period.  And, we also head off camp to enjoy a hike, a baseball game, or time at an amusement park.

Deep Traditions and Values

Singing and Dancing at lunch and dinner. Friday night Campfires by the lake with laughter and stories and awards (and s’mores). Evening hero huddles and nominations. Session ending Tribal War or Olympics. Songs and cheers.

We are fortunate to be a part of a community that was started 66 summers ago and is still going strong. There are three reasons, we feel, that America’s Finest Summer Camps has continued to thrive:

  1. Our deep traditions combined with modern program choices facilities.
  2. Our amazing campers from all over the US and larger world.
  3. Our values of Gratitude, Attitude, and Courage

Each of our campers and staff members choose each day to be kind to one another and enjoy the activities they get to pick. And, they do so in an environment, created by our staff, that makes our campers want to come back for more each summer.

Summer Home

The reason our campers return each summer is because they have become a part of a community in which they feel more like themselves than anywhere else. Regardless of where they are from, what they are good at, or what they look like, they are accepted and celebrated. We give them opportunities to try new things, build their independence and understand of different cultures, and laugh while learning.

What could be a better summer home?

We hope you’ll choose to enjoy an American camp experience for the coming summer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.

Can’t wait for camp!

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Being a Camp Counselor: Learning Skills that Will Help You in Any Profession

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As the school year ends and the summer approaches, individuals are faced with the question of where to work for the summer. While acquiring an internship can give you extensive experience in your respective field of work, the benefits of working as a camp counselor are too large to ignore. For seven weeks, you are working in a fast-pa

 

ced environment with people from all over the world.

 

These seven weeks present challenges, valuable lessons, and an increase in skills you never realized you had.

 

Recognizing Individuality

Living in a bunk day in and day out with both campers and co-counselors is a unique situation that many people wouldn’t necessarily find themselves in. As a camp counselor, you are presented with the task of getting to know each of your campers on an individual level in order to establish strong relationships and ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. The ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each of your campers is a skill that is highly valuable in any profession.

Building Confidence

The environment at camp allows counselors to discover their individuality and be themselves. This environment of acceptance fosters the development of each counselor’s confidence and overall skill set. With higher confidence comes clearer decision making abilities, higher quality instruction, and stronger performance.

 

At camp, you are both a coach and a mentor to not only the kids in your bunk, but also to the rest of the children at camp. Camp transforms counselors into natural leaders with the drive to be successful. The confidence that is established at camp can be carried over to all aspects of life after the summer is over. From going into a job interview to giving a presentation to your boss, having confidence in yourself will allow for the highest success rate.

Team Building and Problem Solving

Working with co-counselors at camp teaches a valuable lesson in both teamwork and problem solving. Although your co-counselors are around your age, they can be from all different parts of the world. Counselors come to camp from the United States, the UK, South Africa, and Australia. This wide range in backgrounds presents the opportunity for understanding and appreciating different cultures, working with varied experience levels, and finding a common ground to resolve conflict and effectively problem solve as a cohesive unit.

Communication

The fast-paced nature of camp highlights the importance of learning flexibility and communicating with those around you. Whether it be schedule changes caused by inclement weather or adapting to the preferences of your campers, the ability to be flexible and innovative is a lifelong skill that allows your leadership capabilities to excel.

 

The combination of the skills learned as a camp counselor which include communication, problem solving, flexibility, individuality, and confidence, is a key factor in being successful to any workplace. When faced with the decision to apply for an internship or a counselor at a sleepaway camp, take into consideration that in just seven weeks, lifelong skills will be developed and achieved.

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Camp Laurel: The All-Encompassing Specialty Camp

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As a parent or potential staff member looking at camps, one of the first questions always asked is: “what activity do you specialize in?”. This should be a straight forward answer.  But for Camp Laurel, it’s not that simple. How do you convey that you “specialize” in everything? From Athletics to InterArts to Waterfront, Laurel puts a true emphasis on creating the best programs possible at any camp…anywhere.

 

The Instructors

 

            Having the right people in place is integral in running a high-level program. This starts during the hiring process. At Camp Laurel, only people highly qualified in their applied program area are selected to work at camp; basketball and lacrosse staff, for example, have all either played or coached at a high level; ceramics staff hired are all BFA Ceramics/Pottery candidates, etc. But not only are staff talented in their specific area, they are also skilled teachers. This is a very important distinction as all the skill in the world is useless to an instructor if they cannot teach this skill to the campers. In hiring the right staff, a balance of fun and skills progression is reached, and Camp Laurel campers are able to stay engaged while also improving their fundamentals.

 

The Facility and Equipment

 

While the instructors teaching campers are very important in running a high-level program, the best instructor is limited without proper facilities and equipment.  At Camp Laurel, all facilities and equipment are in great shape and are consistently updated to make sure that optimal conditions are met for campers; all soccer fields are level with regulation size goals; all sailboats have fully functioning sails and rudders, etc. In addition, there is ample space within each program area. Campers aren’t sitting around, waiting their turn. Instead they are always engaged and learning new skills.

 

So if you’re looking for a specialty camp of any kind…give Camp Laurel a look!

Brant Lake Sports Academy

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Halloween is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! After a day on the field and down at the lake, the girls at BLSA like to unwind with some fun and creative evening activities. This is probably my favorite time of day because many campers come out of their shell and the group tends to bond as a whole. Through wacky expression, campers let their guard down and truly enjoy themselves.

Polar Bear Challenge Motivates Campers

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Jumping into a teeth-chattering cold lake every morning isn’t the most pleasant sounding idea at camp, but you would be surprised by how many people willingly do it and there’s actually a great reason why they do. At camp there is a special club you can be a part of if you jump into the lake every single morning of the summer.

Jump in, splash around and embrace the cold and you’ll be a member of the prestigious Polar Bear Club. Each morning campers from all the divisions jump into the lake to complete the daily task of being in the Polar Bear Club. No skips are allowed, even if it’s extra chilly in the morning, and if you successfully complete this challenge there is a special party at the end of the summer just for you. It’s a silly challenge but there are so many benefits to being a part of the Polar Bear Club because of everything it teaches campers.

For a camper to participate in this means they start their day completing a challenge a lot of people won’t even attempt to do. When a camper starts every morning overcoming a challenge and feeling accomplished, it sets them up to have a positive day where they can accomplish many more things. This ripple effect will translate into campers realizing how much potential is inside them, motivating them to tackle larger and more difficult challenges.

The Polar Bear Challenge also shows campers the importance of determination and to never give up, especially on mornings when it’s a bit nippier than usual. Their hard work pays off when at the end of the summer they realize they are one of few campers that were actually motivated enough to become a member of the Polar Bear Club, the rewarding feeling is something that makes all those cold mornings well worth it.

 

 

Camp Laurel South

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Many camps claim to be the “full-package”, but not many camps compare to the experience offered at Camp Laurel South. At Camp Laurel South, we combine incredible staff with excellent programming and world-class facilities, all in a family atmosphere. The four-week experience includes instruction in Athletics, Tennis, InterArts, Watersports, Outdoor Adventure and Equestrian from our expert staff who join us from across the country and around the world. In addition to programmatic diversity, campers have the chance to explore the beautiful state of Maine through both age-specific and all-camp trips. Sending a child to camp is a tremendous act of faith by parents and Camp Laurel South takes that responsibility very seriously by creating an environment that encourages both safety and health, and reinforces a positive self-image.

 

The unique program at Camp Laurel South gives campers the ability to develop new skills in their favorite activities. Our facilities include pristine fields and courts for all major sports, art studios for visual and performing arts, adventure courses, and a 10-horse barn; all laid on the backdrop of beautiful Crescent Lake, a virtual beehive of activity with every watersport you can imagine. Campers are able to tailor their schedule to their personal interests. Whether your child wants to play sports all day, loves to be on the waterfront, or is an aspiring artist – the program at Camp Laurel South provides campers the opportunity to explore all activities at their own pace.

 

Campers at Laurel South often boast that the Directors, Roger and Dagni, seem more like parents than camp directors. That’s because they create an atmosphere of warmth that they then instill into the staff during the hiring process. Each staff member goes through a rigorous application and interview process before attending a week-long Orientation. Here they have a chance to get to know the program, their responsibilities and the children they will be taking care of all summer. Roger, Dagni and the incredible staff provide each camper with an unforgettable experience filled with friendship, skill development and self-growth.

 

If you’re looking to send your child to a ca

mp with the “full-package”, take a peak at Camp Laurel South.

 

Set Green and Gray Aside This Month and Wear Pink

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Brant Lake Sports Academy

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s time to show your support! In recent years, many sports teams and organizations have embraced the movement; promoting breast cancer awareness games, uniforms, and merchandise in order to raise money for breast cancer research. For at least one game or one small portion of the season, competing teams are united in a vital cause. In addition to promotions, there are also many organized events that are held around the world, such as walks or runs, to help publicize breast cancer awareness. So grab your team, show your support and wear PINK…it’s for a great cause!

 Why Kids Need Camp Now More Than Ever

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Camp Laurel

It doesn’t seem like too long ago when the first iPhone came out, or when wifi started to become mainstream; those were 10 and 20 years ago respectively. As the world evolves and technology progresses, the importance of camp increases exponentially. Kids today are growing up in a significantly more technological world than the one their parents grew up in; a world where they need camp now more than ever. Here’s just a few reasons why:

 

Camp Teaches Kids How to Interact

 

The days of calling a friend’s house phone and saying “Hello Mr./Mrs. Smith is John home?” are over. Kids are getting cell phones at a younger age and have mastered the ability to interface through texting, Snapchat, Instagram…the list goes on and on. Through these constant and instantaneous interactions, kids are losing many interpersonal skills they’d have gained through face-to-face interactions or phone calls. This is where camp comes in. Because there is no technology for campers at camp, kids are able to truly be with each other. They talk, laugh, tell stories, and really learn the proper way to interact with one another. Whether in times of happiness or times of conflict, campers gain the ability to better navigate their relationships.

 

Camp Allows Kids to Focus on the Moment

 

We often take for granted the fact that we have a “super-computer” in our pocket at all times in the form of a smartphone. This is especially true for kids, who have only ever known a life where technology is readily accessible. But while smartphones are advantageous in an immeasurable number of ways, they also create a very large distraction. Kids are constantly immersed in their screen — surfing the web, perusing their preferred social media feed, or “Snapping” their numerous Snapchat friends. With this, they lose the ability to be fully focused on the moment they are in. At camp, such is not the case. Campers are not allowed cell phones, which creates an environment where campers are engaged in their endeavors. Rather than being immersed in their phone screen, they are immersed in their activities, or their friends. While being fully focused on the moment, campers are able to get the most out of everything they do.

 

So as technology continues to advance and to weave its way into everyday life…do your kids a favor and send them to camp!

NYC Dance Performances: Fall 2017 – Brant Lake Dance Camp

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What an amazing summer 2017 was at Brant Lake Dance Camp. It was a summer full of laughter, friendship, and of course, dance! We’re excited for the year ahead and are looking forward to staying in touch in the coming months. In the meantime, here are some expert dance performances in the New York City area to keep your dance fever alive:

  1. Fall for Dance: Fall for Dance at City Center is open now and is a great way to see a variety of talented dance. Tickets are $10 and they go fast! https://www.google.com/search?q=fall+for+dance+nyc+tickets&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
  1. Twyla Tharp: Twyla Tharp and her incredible dance troupe are at the Joyce Theatre in late September through early October.

http://www.joyce.org

  1. NYC Ballet: The NYC Ballet begins its season with Swan Lake on September 17th.

http://www.playbill.com/article/new-york-city-ballet-will-kick-off-fall-season-september-19-with-swan-lake

BONUS – Game of Thrones: Rock Musical: There is a Game of Thrones parody opening on Broadway from October 10th through October 29th. https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/theater/game-of-thrones-parody-off-broadway-this-fall.amp.html

Camp Laurel

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There are many camps across the United States with various program concentrations, but Camp Laurel stands out among these camps. Combining a family atmosphere with world-class programming and facilities, Camp Laurel is truly one of a kind. Campers receive unparalleled instruction in Athletics, Tennis, Watersports, Arts, Outdoor Adventure and Equestrian from our talented staff who join us from all over the world. Sending a child to camp is a tremendous act of faith by parents and Camp Laurel takes that responsibility very seriously by creating an environment that encourages both safety and health, and reinforces a positive self-image.

 

The facilities at Camp Laurel are second-to-none and consists of pristine fields and courts for all major sports, art studios for visual and performing arts, adventure courses and a 20-horse barn; all laid on the backdrop of beautiful Echo Lake — nine miles around. The program features guided choice where campers are given increasing freedom to select activities as they get older. In one day at camp, a camper can play any sport of their choosing, waterski behind one of our Mastercraft speed boats, work on their serve on one of our 15 hard-surfaced tennis courts, learn to cook global cuisine in our world-class culinary studio, explore the high ropes on our adventure course and ride one of our 20 horses and ponies…all before dinner!

 

While the program and facilities are impressive, what really makes Camp Laurel stand out is the family environment created by the staff. Jem and Debbie Sollinger, Laurel’s camp directors, have overseen Camp Laurel for 20+ years and know each camper and family on an individual level. The staff are hand-picked from colleges and universities and go through a rigorous application and interview process. Once hired, the staff attend a week-long orientation where they have a chance to get to know the program, their responsibilities and each child in their cabin prior to the campers’ arrival. The directors and well-trained staff ensure each and every camper is having an unforgettable experience filled with self-growth.

With many camps to choose from, Camp Laurel’s premier program, facilities, staff and environment stand out from the rest.