What Our Parents Say
“It’s hard to put into words the type of camp BLC is. You may think camp is wonderful no matter what, but the truth is Brant Lake isn’t just a camp; it’s one of a kind and unmatched. There is no other place I would send my two boys.
No other place that has been owned by the same incredible family who have somehow been able to make every single camper and family become their own. The leadership is unparalleled. Max, Alexa, Zach, Andy—every Director there is the best at what they do, and it’s true that this is a camp built on legacy and being TRUE educators.
They go beyond coaches and counselors—they are your sons’ friends and mentors. It’s giving your boys the very best there is—how to be a good friend, athlete, brother, leader—all while with the utmost confidence, comfort, and courage. They will never learn better sportsmanship or how to grow as a person in a more profound way.
My boys dream of being back at BLC all school year until they’re back in their happiest place in the world.”
— Jenn, Bedford, NY
“We did a lot of research on camps before deciding where to send our son for his first summer, and Brant Lake immediately stood out as a place that would not only support him now, but truly grow with him—a camp he’d want to return to year after year, all the way through the end. The way the program is thoughtfully tailored to each age group gave us complete confidence that his experience would evolve with him over time.
Brant Lake proved to be everything we hoped for and more. Our son felt comfortable and safe from day one, made wonderful friendships, and discovered a new level of confidence in himself. When he came home, even his sports coaches commented on how much more confident—and skilled—he’d become. He returned glowing, telling us that Brant Lake is his favorite place on earth. We are so grateful for the care, spirit, and community the camp provides.
We are endlessly grateful for Brant Lake Camp. It’s a gift to watch our children thrive in a place that they love so much!”
— Rebecca, New York, NY
“As parents of three boys, we—especially Eric, who proudly called Brant Lake Camp home for eight summers—can say with complete confidence that BLC is unlike anywhere else.
From day one, the head staff has welcomed our family with warmth and authenticity, carrying forward a legacy rooted in character, community, and care that they intentionally pass on to every camper. Those values extend well beyond the summer months, showing up in thoughtful handwritten notes, meaningful check-ins, and off-season gatherings that remind our sons they are part of something enduring.
Our boys truly live “10 for 2,” counting down until they can return to their home away from home.
Perhaps most uniquely—Brant Lake Camp has been able to cut through the noise of childhood and adolescence to consistently reinforce life’s greatest luxuries: time with the people you love, doing what you love most.
I’m confident their time at BLC will help shape them into confident, kind, and grounded young men for generations.”
— Chelsea, Miami, FL
“Being from the South, we always knew we wanted my son to experience something bigger than the world he already knew, a place where he could meet kids from everywhere, see a different part of the country, and be stretched in all the best ways. With his love of sports, we researched endlessly… and then we found Brant Lake Camp.
From the very first email we sent inquiring about the camp, it was evident that this was a community that wraps around each child with genuine warmth. Every drop off brings that same sense of trust, that he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. And by pick-up, it’s always clear that what happens at Brant Lake isn’t just a ‘summer experience.’ It has become part of who our son is becoming, shaping him in ways we see long after he’s home.
The love, the care, the facilities, the coaching, the values they teach… every single part of Brant Lake has exceeded anything we could’ve hoped for. The friendships he’s built, the confidence he’s gained, the lessons he’s learned, it’s all been life changing. He started this journey four years ago, and the growth we’ve seen is unbelievable. He has friends from every corner of the country now. He stands a little taller, he believes in himself a little more, and he carries a quiet strength that comes from being truly supported.
When they say Brant Lake is like a family, they aren’t exaggerating. They mean it. They live it. And we feel it.
There will never be enough words for how grateful we are that they have accepted, encouraged, and loved our little boy exactly as he is. Brant Lake doesn’t just give him memories, they give him a second home, a second family, and a foundation he will carry for the rest of his life.
We adore this place, and we will be forever thankful for what it has given him, and us.”
— Glenn, Montgomery, AL
“It’s not easy to hand your children over to someone else’s care. My tears at drop-off never stopped, but the worry certainly did.
Brant Lake is so much more than a place for my children, who bleed green and gray (well… maybe a little more gray). Everything at Brant Lake is thoughtfully done, steeped in tradition, centered around the kids, and built with care.
As much as sports are a part of the core culture at camp, Brant Lake emphasizes the importance of being a good person far more than being a good athlete, which is why the only special awards at camp celebrate citizenship and character, recognizing the most helpful, most considerate boys.
At BLC, being competitive and being kind are not mutually exclusive. This value shows up in the staff as well. Yes, many are former coaches, college athletes, or former campers running incredible training sessions and skills clinics. But what really stands out is their loyalty, their enthusiasm, and how they come back year after year.
These values also show up in BLC’s approach to what most camps traditionally call “color war.” Calling it “Green and Gray” instead, refusing to frame it as a fight, creates a different kind of competition and a different kind of respect, the kind you often find in families. And having campers join teams for life creates a bond that is quintessential BLC.
At my son’s Senior C “graduation ceremony” (another tradition unique to BLC), all the parents sat together, overwhelmed with emotion, overlooking the lake. We looked at each other and said the same thing: we made the best decision sending our kids here.
Max once told me, “You don’t have to be a great athlete to go to Brant Lake, but you do have to be up for action.” And that’s what you’ll get at BLC—years of action… along with a few well-earned lazy Sundays.”
— Tara, Scarsdale, NY
“Brant Lake Camp is truly an extension of our family. Every visit feels like coming home. The camp’s deep, family-rooted traditions are felt in every moment—there’s a warmth and continuity that makes you feel part of something enduring and special.
It is one of the rare places where children can simply be themselves and fully enjoy being kids. In that freedom, they build friendships that are deep, genuine, and lasting—connections that stay with them long after the summer ends.
Brant Lake Camp challenges children to rise to every occasion and stretch beyond their comfort zones. They learn to compete with focus and passion while encouraging and supporting others, growing both their skills and their character.
Brant Lake isn’t just a camp—it’s a joyful, nurturing community shaped by tradition, connection, and heart. We are endlessly grateful for the magic it brings to our family year after year.”
— Kristen, Greenwich, CT
“Brant Lake Camp is, quite simply, the most special place in the world. For our boys, it has become a true second home — a place where they can be their truest, fullest selves.
What makes BLC extraordinary is its heart. It’s a genuinely family-run camp, led by the most incredible staff who are deeply invested not just in our children’s skills, but in their growth as kind, confident, good humans. The sense of brotherhood and joy that lives there is unmatched; fun is woven into every moment, and the friendships built there last a lifetime. And the sports — they’re done right. It’s never just about winning or being ‘the best.’ It’s about learning the game, showing sportsmanship, being a great teammate and an even better opponent. These life lessons stay with our boys long after summer ends.
We are endlessly grateful for Brant Lake Camp. It’s a gift to watch our children thrive in a place that they love so much!”
— Alyssa, Roslyn, NY
“When we first considered sending Leo to sleepaway camp for seven full weeks, we were admittedly skeptical. But Brant Lake Camp came highly recommended by my cousin, who sent all of her boys there, and we decided to take the leap. Now, as Leo prepares to enter his fourth summer at BLC, I can confidently say this camp has exceeded our wildest expectations in every possible way.
What strikes us most is how BLC has nurtured Leo’s social growth. While he was already an outgoing child, we’ve watched him develop a deeper social maturity over the past three summers. He’s formed genuine friendships with boys from around the country and world—connections that have enriched his perspective and will last a lifetime. From Richie and Max to every staff member, the kindness and care Leo receives at BLC is extraordinary. It truly feels like he’s spending his summer with family. The enthusiasm he has for the gray and green activities (Leo is a proud gray like his cousins!) and the singing competitions between ages is infectious—these traditions have become touchstones of his childhood.
Visiting day is always bittersweet for us as parents. Stepping onto the BLC grounds feels like entering a wonderland outside of time, where kids aren’t glued to screens and where I see genuine hope for the future. Honestly, it’s hard for us adults to leave! We’re already looking forward to enrolling our younger son once he reaches the right age. Brant Lake Camp isn’t just a summer camp—it’s become part of our family story.”
— Raj, Brooklyn, NY
“I am not a camp mom. I wasn’t a camp kid. It was never in my plans after I became a mom. We came upon Brant Lake as a West Coast family almost by a stroke of luck, and within ten days we were at the bus stop across the country in tears.
In fact, I was in such big tears, parents were leaving their kids to make sure I was okay. I wasn’t, but it was still very sweet.
That summer we signed him up for a short time and ended up sending him back to finish it because he had so much fun. The following year we were finally able to take part in Visiting Day, and it became really clear why my son loved it.
Brant Lake is a whole effect. It’s a lifestyle, it’s a culture, it’s a network of support and just love for boys being boys. I felt it from afar, but to experience it up close was something different.
The counselors have this rhythm about them—they are friends, they are support, they are leaders. They are an extension of family. To have them be a part of the moments I miss and lead him through difficulty, celebration, and friendship is simply an honor.
I am moved by this village every year. And to our pleasant surprise, the Brant Lake effect extends itself far beyond the camp dates. We’ve gotten together with families, met some on vacation, and have bonded with them in ways we don’t have at home.
We are just about to gear up for my annual emotional breakdown at that bus stop, and I know Alexa will be texting me before I even break apart. This is truly a family, and we’re so happy to be a part of it.”
— Channing, Salt Lake City, UT
“There is no place like BLC. It can sound cliché but it is so true. It’s a gift and experience that we are so grateful to give to our son.
There’s a special sauce that you can feel at BLC… this unique environment that allows for him to thrive—trying new activities, becoming skilled in all sports, and becoming more independent and proud of himself.
Most importantly, he continues to grow as an individual and within a tight-knit group of friends.”
— Lauren, Port Washington, NY
“My husband went to Brant Lake Camp as a kid and loved it so much that he always hoped our son would get to have the same experience. I honestly couldn’t be happier that we ended up at Brant Lake Camp.
From the moment we joined, it felt like more than just a camp — it’s a real community, almost like an extended family. The traditions being passed down from generation to generation make it feel really special and rooted in something meaningful.
The boys are kind, the culture is positive, and you can tell how much the key staff care. Many of them have been there for years, and their dedication and love for the camp really shows in everything they do.
What we appreciate most is how much the camp reinforces the same values we focus on at home — good sportsmanship, respect, friendship, and character. Kids come from all over, and our son has made truly lasting friendships.
He’s grown in independence and confidence, and he gets to have the kind of carefree, outdoor, unplugged summer that feels harder and harder to find these days — the kind we grew up with.
We feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Brant Lake Camp community.”
— Meredith, Connecticut
“Brant Lake is childhood at its best: fresh air, a digital detox, new activities, improving skills, healthy competition, a staff that truly knows its campers, countless laughs, incredible traditions, and friendships and memories that last a lifetime. We feel so lucky that three generations of our family can call BLC their summer home.”
— Harlan, NYC
“The spirit of Brant Lake is something you have to experience to understand. For our sons, it’s a place where competition meets a real sense of belonging.
We love that they are part of such a special legacy—the values and brotherhood they’re gaining at BLC are things they’ll carry for a lifetime.”
— Jessie, New York, NY
“Brant Lake Camp is a very special place. Our boys get to enjoy a summer playing sports, gaining independence, making new friends and deepening friendships from past summers, and growing their self confidence.
Competition is embraced, but post-game graciousness and attitude is emphasized more than wins and losses.
Max, Alexa, Andy, B, Zach, and all the senior staff have managed to figure out how to create a strong family with all 300+ boys.
In a sports focused camp it’s admirable that the age group song contest and the talent show are truly loved by all.
Our older son is starting his sixth summer and our younger son is starting his third. We couldn’t think of a better place for them to spend their summer and are grateful to have the privilege of being part of the BLC family.”
— Arielle, Mamaroneck, NY
“We were initially a bit apprehensive about sending our son, Kabir, to sleepaway camp, as this was a first for our family. We couldn’t have picked a better place.
Kabir had an incredible time and enjoyed every moment of his experience at Brant Lake Camp. What stood out most to us was the warmth of the community, the strong values, and the gentle encouragement to try new things.
We are so grateful for such a positive, fun, and meaningful experience for him. Brant Lake Camp truly is a magical place, and Kabir can’t wait for summer.”
— Sabeena, Houston, TX
“Brant Lake Camp has been the greatest gift I could give my boys. They live for the joy of hitting the ball over the Green Monster and experiencing sports in a way that exists nowhere else. The traditions are strong, the values are genuine, and the camp truly feels like a family we’re lucky to be part of. What they learn there is an extension of what we strive for in our home — integrity, teamwork, confidence, kindness.
My boys are safe, challenged, and unbelievably happy at BLC. They look forward to summer with a kind of excitement I never could have imagined. Brant Lake has become their place, their joy, and their second home.”
— Lauren, New York, NY
“BLC is truly our son Will’s happy place- a place where he has the greatest group of friends and challenges him in the best possible way to always try his best, be a good sport and be a solid friend. The counselors and leadership at BLC are awesome- they know how to motivate the kids and teach them all the skills to improve their game in so many sports, connect with them and are great role models. Green and Gray is filled with amazing competition that brings out the best in every camper! GO GRAY! BLC is not just a gift to our son it is a gift to us as parents- 7 weeks knowing our son is well taken care of, so happy, and busy is the best!”
— Lauren, New York, NY
“We have been part of the Brant Lake Family for 13 years and counting. We started sending our oldest son because his older cousins were there even though we live in the Chicago area.
We signed Max up for 4 weeks with Richie telling us that Max is welcome to stay the whole summer. Within the first week we were getting texts from our nephews saying Max wanted to stay and needless to say he hasn’t stopped going.
At one point we had all three of our kids there at the same time and it was just magical. It literally is our kids’ favorite place — all the stuff from the outside world gets blocked out and they are fully present.
Every year they would come home saying that was the best summer ever. Even the summer that Max went when he still had a cast on his leg and was not allowed to play sports the whole summer — he absolutely loved it.
They have made friends for life. Max even has gone back to work for the past two summers, working alongside some of his former bunkmates.
I have gotten the pleasure of watching these boys go from campers to counselors, with one of them being our youngest son’s counselor for the past five years. If that doesn’t tell you something about what an amazing place Brant Lake is, I don’t know what does.”
— Rebecca, Chicago, IL
“The directors and key staff are incredible — they truly know my kids and bring out the best in them, in both sports and beyond.
I went to Brant Lake myself, and somehow it keeps getting better while still feeling exactly the same in all the best ways. It’s the perfect balance of fun with amazing sports, and so well-run.
My kids can’t wait to go back every year and we couldn’t love it more.”
— Bryan, New York, NY
“Both of my boys absolutely love Brant Lake! I remember visiting BLC with my older son and before we got to the car and without hesitation, he looked at me and said, “I’m going here next summer.” It was the best decision!
They have made incredible friends, love getting to play sports all day and just hanging with their friends in their bunks. BLC is an incredibly special place and I am so grateful that my boys get to spend their summers there.”
— Rae, Armonk, NY
“It’s a community that embraces every camper and helps them grow.”
Stephanie, Pleasantville, NY“Sending my son to BLC for the first time was a big step, and I’ll admit we were a bit apprehensive that first summer. But from the moment Senior Camp began, he was welcomed with open arms and truly became part of the BLC family. The support, warmth, and genuine care he received were evident in every interaction—with counselors, coaches, and every staff member we met. He even came home with a cool new camp nickname!
What started as a one-summer trial quickly grew into a tradition he looks forward to all year long. He loved his first experience so much that he has returned for the full summer every year since. The sense of belonging, the friendships, and the strong sports program have made an incredible impact on him.
This camp is more than just a place to play sports—it’s a community that embraces every camper and helps them grow. The family feeling and dedication from the staff shine through in everything they do. This is truly the place to be!
Our son comes home more confident, more independent, and more himself every single year. The friendships, the counselors, the traditions — they’ve all become a huge part of who he is.
We’re endlessly grateful that Brant Lake is his favorite place on earth, and that we get to watch him grow up there.”
— Stephanie, Pleasantville, NY