A Summer That Shapes a Lifetime: One Family’s Journey at Camp Lawrence
For Stephanie Lee of Bedford, NH, YMCA Camp Lawrence has become more than a summer tradition for her family—it’s a place where her boys grow, connect, and discover who they can become. Three of her five children attend the Y’s island camp on Lake Winnipesaukee: Nathan, 17, a second-year Counselor in Training; Abner, 14, a senior camper; and Phinehas, 12, a middler camper.
“We loved camp culture and its traditions,” Stephanie said. “We’re an outdoorsy family, so this type of experience was perfect for them.” The Lees first learned about Camp Lawrence through a coworker, and from the very first summer in 2021, they were drawn to the sense of community that the camp fosters.
Stephanie has watched her children thrive in ways that stay with them long after they return home. She credits the CIT program with helping Nathan step into his strengths. “He developed leadership skills and learned to take ownership and responsibility,” she said. “There is a trust and respect they learn when they rise to the challenge, and it carries with them into their lives at home.” This fall, Nathan became captain of his high school rowing team—a confidence she believes began at camp.
Stephanie loves how the tech-free camp means the boys are present. They are free to play, learn and be creative. “I’m impressed at how hard they work, and the fun they create,” she said.
For Stephanie, the impact goes beyond skill-building. She loves seeing how her boys create a community with their cabinmates, support one another, and embrace new traditions. “It is such a unique experience for a kid to go away to camp, to create a community. They learn accountability, responsibility, and build new skills while leaving technology behind.”
She also emphasizes the care and preparedness of the Camp Lawrence staff. Their training, accessibility, and commitment to safety made it easy for her to feel confident sending her sons to an island camp. “The counselors have a profound influence on the campers. They are amazing, positive role models.”
For the Lee family, Camp Lawrence is transformational—a place where young people explore the outdoors, try new things, and discover their full potential together.
