School Year Ends, Summer Camp Begins

Day, Residence Camp Helps Girls Saddle Up For Horse Riding, Care Instruction Program

This summer, all girls grades K-12 can take a free bus service from Tolland to Camp Laurel in Lebanon, CT. There, girls can take horse riding lessons, learn how to take care of horses, and participate in a number of fun, traditional activities that summer camp has to offer.

With its sprawling fields and rustic buildings, Camp Laurel gives girls the opportunity to participate in horse riding and care instruction. Its programs, “Saddle Up” and “Horse Savvy” offer campers time at the stable with riding instruction, equestrian theory, and general horse care. Girls will be able to grow and strengthen their confidence and comfort while riding. The program which is for girls entering grades fourth and higher, also offers girls the opportunity to participate in other traditional camp activities including boating, hiking, crafts, and archery.

Camp Laurel, a day and residence camp for all girls K-12, is operated by Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Camp Laurel is proud to be licensed by the State of Connecticut and accredited by the American Camping Association which shows a commitment to offering high quality programs, meeting safety standards, and following the best business practices.

Camp Laurel, also a residence camp, places girls into living units based on their entering grades for the fall 2015 school year. Each unit has multiple groups with counselors and a Unit Leader. Girls sleep in wood-framed rustic cabins or platform tents with cots with no electricity.

At Camp Laurel, each member of the summer camp staff has been carefully screened and chosen for their skills and experience. All staff receives more than 30 hours of training in child development, teambuilding, safety, and risk management.

Summer camp helps boost girls’ self-esteem and confidence, thus improving their social skills and establishing a greater sense of independence. During their summer at Camp Laurel, girls can develop leadership qualities, learn outdoor skills, swimming in our pools and more! Younger girls begin by leading songs and playing games. Camp Laurel offers theme-based activities for all girls, including songs and theatre-based activities. Girls in grades nine through twelve can also participate in a number of leadership programs.

All girls in grades K-12 are welcome at Camp Laurel, which offers bus services from many local towns. To learn more about Camp Laurel, visit www.gsofct.org.