Why William Lawrence
An independent, nonprofit boys camp built around shared cabins, outdoor activity, close counselor relationships, and the freedom to try new things—and the confidence to become more independent.
Our promise
William Lawrence is intentionally small so counselors, instructors, and camp leaders can know the boys in their care. Electricity-free and device-free cabins, shared meals, spirited tradition, and a broad and balanced activity program keep camp life centered on participation, friendship, and fun.
Campers do not need to arrive as experts. They can return to favorites, try something unfamiliar, and take on more responsibility as they settle in.
Our Core Promises
Six practical choices create an experience where boys can participate fully, form lasting friendships, and grow in confidence and independence.
Choosing activities, caring for cabin space, and doing his part give each boy daily opportunities to make decisions and become more capable.
With no electricity or devices in the cabins, boys spend their days outdoors—playing, exploring, talking, and engaging with the people around them.
A 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio and small cabin groups give counselors and campers time to know each other and become a close family. Each boy is known, seen, and heard.
Campers can move among waterfront, playing fields and courts, range, climbing, wilderness, and workshop activities without the pressure to specialize.
Sharing a cabin, meals, cleanup, traditions, and activities gives boys the time and space to form genuine friendships.
William Lawrence Camp is an independent nonprofit supported by tuition, alumni, families, and donors. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.
Room to be himself
Our cabins are electricity-free for a reason. Campers live in screened cabins with bunks and attached counselor quarters. There is a special kind of magic that happens when a group of boys stops staring at phones and fully engages in the lost art of storytelling and healthy conversation.
People who know him
Cabin leaders live alongside campers, instructors see them throughout the week, and the whole camp gathers for meals, games, and traditions.
Counselors notice who is joining in, who is hanging back, and who may need a little encouragement—giving boys the support to find their place without taking away their independence.
Freedom to discover
A camper might sail in the morning, join a soccer game after lunch, and work on an archery qualification later in the week. A varied schedule introduces him to new possibilities while leaving time to revisit favorites.
No specialization is required. Instruction begins with the camper’s current skill level. What matters is his willingness to participate, practice, contribute, and grow.
Values lived every day
Try something unfamiliar. Offer a hand. Be open to learning.
Show up for your cabinmates and contribute to the camp community.
Welcome someone new, share in the fun, and know that you belong.
Play wholeheartedly, respect others, and celebrate effort.
Our mission & philosophy
Through a fun, balanced program, in a camp family atmosphere with positive role models, William Lawrence Camp encourages the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of the whole boy in a caring, nurturing, spirited, challenging, yet safe environment. While allowing a kid to be a kid, the camp seeks to enhance positive values and skill development leading to a productive and responsible adulthood.
The camp experience builds character and fellowship, provides new and different experiences, improves group living skills, provides an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and countries, and fosters an appreciation of nature and the environment.
Each camper is encouraged to increase self esteem, realize his potential, share and develop his personality, develop lasting friendships, and become a part of the camp family, which many consider a second home.
A national standard
ACA accreditation gives families an independent, public sign of a camp’s commitment to camper and staff well-being. William Lawrence Camp’s practices are reviewed against national standards covering health and wellness, staff qualifications and training, facilities, program design, administration, and risk management.
It is one more way we turn our promise into daily practice—through thoughtful preparation, clear procedures, and continued improvement.
Could this be his place?
William Lawrence works well for boys who are open to shared cabin life, outdoor activity, group traditions, and doing their part in camp life. Our team can talk with you about readiness and individual support.
“stepping outside of comfort zones, unplugging, teamwork and friendship of [William Lawrence].”
Kathy Ann Purdy · Parent
Excerpt from a parent account shared on our testimonials page.
Considering William Lawrence?
Tell us about his interests, experience away from home, and any support questions. We’ll give you a direct picture of camp and help you assess the fit.
