When WLC alumni, young and old, come back to the Knoll, they seem instantly transported back to their days at Camp. Countless WLC traditions bind together a shared experience across all ages. In a myriad of ways, William Lawrence Camp has been the same screen-free experience since 1913.
Today, Camp offers what used to be taken for granted: a phone-free, tech-free experience. It is all about face-to-face interaction alongside time to play, explore, and make friends.
Read more on why today kids need summer camp more than ever in Steve Baskin’s blog post:
https://www.afterbabel.com/p/why-kids-need-summer-camp
LIT Luke Bassida describes what makes William Lawrence Camp truly unique:
Each school year I am always looking forward to camp, but camp is so much more than a fun way to spend the summer, it’s a place to learn, disconnect, and create lifelong relationships with the other boys; and has had a significant impact on my life. When I first came to William Lawerence I was a timid, and socially awkward boy with low self-confidence who was scared to be away from home. When I first got to camp I was greeted by two boys, who were smiling and laughing and looked like they genuinely wanted to be there. This meant a lot for me as I was very nervous to let go of the routine that I had known for over a decade. I said goodbye to my parents, and walked up to Copp cabin marveling at the towering climbing wall wondering who could even climb such a structure, later climbing to the top. I met my cabin mates, and was surprised to hear that they had been coming for years prior and knew each other by name. It wasn’t long before everyone had arrived and I’d been introduced to everyone. They told me the camp schedule and went out of their way to draw up a map to show me where everything was and made me feel accepted. I would come to learn that there was no bottom to the kindness and everyone would go out of their way to make me feel welcome and accepted. Surprisingly camp impacted me the most when I left; after my first camp experience ended, I was thrilled to see my loved ones again, but I felt a sense of loss. Something had changed within me. I found myself doing things without thinking, like setting the table and making my bed—a newfound sense of responsibility. The magic of camp didn’t fade with time; I stayed connected with my camp friends throughout the year, cherishing our friendships. But I realized that there was something truly unique about William Lawrence camp. When circumstances prevented me from returning due to Covid, I attended another camp, but it couldn’t compare. William Lawrence camp instills skills and fosters bonds that no other place can replicate. That’s why I eagerly return year after year, drawn by the camaraderie, personal growth, and the indescribable spirit that sets it apart.
Written By: Sharon Paul
