Camp Laurel, a private sleepaway camp in Maine with tuition around $18,000 per summer, has filed a lawsuit against aviation company White Plains Aviation Partners. The camp alleges the firm failed to provide chartered private jets for campers and parents, seeking at least $355,000 for breach of contract, negligent supervision, and unjust enrichment.
The suit was filed by Camp Laurel and its parent company, Coastal Camps Inc., on Monday. Court documents indicate the camp claims the aviation firm did not honor its agreements and did not return funds after the flights were not supplied.
Elite summer camps, particularly in regions like Maine, have seen an increase in affluent families opting for extravagant expenses, including private jet charters, to transport their children. Some parents reportedly view these costs as an investment in the networking opportunities their children gain during the seven-week sessions. The alumni parent network is often cited as a key benefit of these high-end camps.
Camp Laurel is situated on the banks of Echo Lake in Maine's Belgrade Lakes region. The camp itself offers a traditional summer camp experience, with activities and facilities designed for young campers.
The use of private aviation for camp transportation reflects a broader trend among wealthy families who seek convenience and exclusivity for their children's summer experiences. These expenses can add thousands of dollars to the already substantial cost of elite summer camps, which can exceed $20,000 per child.