For Crystal Campbell, Camp Lau-Ren isn’t just a summer getaway — it’s a special family tradition. Her camp journey began with her father and aunt, who were campers themselves.
When it came time for the next generation, Crystal and her siblings followed in their footsteps. “I attended Girls’ Camp every year without fail,” she recalls. “I’d ask my mom how soon I could sign up!”
Crystal eventually returned as a counsellor, then stepped away to start a family. But when her daughter Emily was old enough, Crystal was back, this time as a camp leader. Inspired by her daughter’s excitement and her own fond memories, she reached out to an old friend from her camper days and soon found herself leading crafts at Intermediate Camp. Emily, known as Toothbrush, is now a camp counsellor herself. “I loved every second of it,” Crystal says. “That’s when I thought, why not take the next step and join the Board?”
Now a dedicated board member and newly minted Secretary, Crystal has a deeper appreciation for what keeps Camp Lau-Ren running. “It’s not just the staff and campers. There’s a whole community behind the scenes — directors, volunteers, board members, even people from outside the area — who all come together to make it happen.”
Her favourite part of board meetings? The opening reflections and hearing about camper registration. “It’s heartwarming to know that kids are still excited to sign up early, just like I used to be.”
Crystal’s favourite camp memories include diving off the raft, singing around the campfire, and those “scary” but hilarious walks to Owl’s Nest cabin after dark. “Camp was amazing all around,” she says. “It felt like seeing long-lost friends every year.”
Looking ahead, Crystal is excited for upcoming events like the May 9 Spring Clean-Up Day, the June 13 Open House, and the opening of the 2026 summer camp season. She encourages everyone — campers, parents, and alumni — to get involved, whether through volunteering, helping with fundraising, or joining Friends of Camp Lau-Ren.
If she had to sum up Camp Lau-Ren in three words? “Inspiring. Delightful. Community.”
“Camp helped me grow,” Crystal says. “As a quiet kid, I could join in when I wanted or just enjoy the moment. It made me feel included. I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible place all these years later.”
For more information on how you can get involved with Camp Lau-Ren as a board member, leader, at work week, etc., contact Executive Director Steve McCulloch at ExecutiveDirector@camplau-ren.rocks. Registration for summer camps is currently open at camplau-ren.com.