Where is Camp Laurelwood?

Camp Laurelwood is located on 140 acres in the middle of North Madison Ct. located off of Exit 61 , I-95. Camp Laurelwood is easily accessible from New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Hartford and New Haven areas.

What safety precautions are in place for my child?

During orientation all staff are trained in safety and security procedures. All visitors must report to the camp office on arrival, appropriately escorted. The local police authorities visit camp several times each day. Staff is assigned to examine and monitor the perimeters of camp.

What are the bunks like?

Campers entering second through seventh grades live in bunks. Our cabins are rustic, and include wooden bunk beds with guard rails and new mattresses for campers and counselors. Ample storage unit cubbies are provided. Cabins have indoor plumbing toilets and sinks, and the shower houses for Boys and Girls are cleaned on a daily basis.
Campers entering eighth and ninth grades live on another side of camp with cabins featuring indoor plumbing, bathrooms, sinks and showers.

How does laundry service work?

Campers attending 3, 4 or 7 week sessions have weekly laundry service, which is sent out as a bunk. Two-week mini-campers have laundry service once during their session. When laundry returns to each bunk, campers are responsible for sorting, folding and storage.

My child has food allergies, can you accommodate them?

Laurelwood chefs work hard to accommodate various dietary needs including lactose free, gluten free and vegetarian diets. Laurelwood is not a peanut butter-free camp; however food is not made with any peanuts. Peanut butter is served as a lunch option. You will have the opportunity to speak with our chefs to make sure your child’s special needs are met. If the camp cannot meet the dietary needs of your child a full refund will be made.

Who are your staff and where do they come from?

More than half of Camp Laurelwood’s staff are former campers. All of the staff are thoroughly screened and come to us with extensive backgrounds in summer camping and/or working with children. All specialty staff members are professionals in their area and maintain the appropriate certifications and training required. The majority of our counselors and specialists are American, however some of our staff hail from England, Australia and Israel.

Is everyone Jewish at Camp Laurelwood?

Most Laurelwood campers and staff are Jewish. However we welcome all campers and staff, who are expected to participate in all activities. We hope everyone leaves with a stronger sense of Jewish community and peoplehood. Our diverse and strong Jewish camp environment embraces everyone. We hope to continue building Jewish leaders and strengthening Jewish identities.

How does Laurelwood celebrate my child’s summer birthday?

Camp birthdays are always special at Laurelwood. The camp provides signs, decorations and a home made cake for each birthday child. Each birthday child is honored at dinner with all campers singing Happy Birthday! Parents may also provide additional money for a special birthday treat.

Is there a visiting day? Can I drop in and say hello?

During each camping season there is one visiting day for campers who spend the entire summer at camp. Dates and hours are posted in the manual. We strongly discourage families from dropping in and saying hello. For many campers a surprise visit can not only disrupt their experience at camp but also their bunk mates. We work very hard to make sure that all campers assimilate as quickly as possibly and enjoy their daily routine. Parents are welcome to call the office and check in on their campers during office hours.

What if I need to reach Camp Laurelwood after regular office hours?

The camp office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm, Saturdays 9:30am -9pm and Sundays 9:30-9:00pm. After hours the phone is checked on a regular basis. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. The camp can be contacted at (203) 421-3736, fax (203) 421-3570 or via email at info@camplaurelwood.org . It is our goal to make sure calls are returned in a timely manner.