Summer 365 Camper of the Week: Founder of Sweet Loren's

Quiet please, dedicated to … Loren! We love you Loren. Oh yes we do. We don’t love anyone as much as you. When you’re not near us, we’re blue. Oh Loren, we love you!

This is the cheer you immediately want to sing after meeting our Camper of the Week, Loren Brill (and tasting the deliciously baked cookies she has in tow). You can’t help but be enamored with her infectious smile and addicting sweets. Her eponymous line of ready to bake cookies is literally the sweetest treat you can give to yourself. Loren’s mission as Founder and CEO of Sweet Loren’s is to make the most delicious and healthy baked goods possible. And if her goal were translated into camp terms, it’s safe to say she has won color war! We had a blast interviewing this totally sweet Camper of the Week and baking up a storm in the Sweet Loren’s kitchen/HQ. Obviously, we needed to do some research and taste testing and YES these cookies are the perfect exteriors to make a cookie s’more.

Where did you go to camp, how many years did you attend, how long was your camp session length?

I went to several camps: West Point Gymnastics camp for 1 week when I was 10 years old; Brown Ledge for one month when I was 11 and 12 yrs old; and then a traditional coed sleepaway camp, Camp Chateaugay for 2 months when I was 13-18 yrs old. Then, I became a counselor there, and had the best time of my life!

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I am from NYC, and live there now too.

What are you currently doing?

I have a start-up called Sweet Loren’s (sweetlorens.com)—it’s an all natural, gourmet cookie dough company made from only real, whole-food ingredients. We offer both retail cookie dough sold in Whole Foods, FreshDirect, 16 Handles, and other retailers, as well as food service cookie dough. It’s tons of fun and challenging all at the same time.

How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?

Camp influenced me so much. I love environments that foster creativity, fun, friendships, and freedom – and that’s what camp has always been about for me. I love kids, being active, and the summer time is a sacred time as you’re growing up where you get exposed to so much. We now sell our cookie dough to camps! How cool is that? I remember the cookies they served at camp growing up. When you’re away from home, it’s those little treats that add comfort and are strong memories. I love know that we are giving camps wholesome and tasty treats – I think natural food is a natural right for every kid – and it’s cool to think that kids will hopefully remember the cookies their camp serves them, and look forward to it during the year before they head to camp.

What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?

Bikini (because I was always wake-boarding); sneakers (because I was always running); and a cute dress (because socials were my favorite evening activity at our co-ed camp).

What are three words to describe your camp experience?

Adventurous, hilarious, impactful.

Who was someone at camp that you looked up to?

I looked up to our camp director Mitch. He always had a smile on his face, he loved every camper, and knew how to make everyone laugh or follow orders. He made life fun at camp every day and was respected by everyone.

Why do you think it is important to go to camp?

It was very important for me, especially growing up in NYC, I needed to be active every day, be outdoors, and be exposed to kids from all over. I was exposed to so much at camp, and built such strong friendships with kids from all over North America—people I still keep in touch with today. It’s important to feel like a kid can learn and play at the same time. It’s a safe space where you can have a lot of your “firsts”, and grow up the way you want without your parents or school around. It’s a time to explore who you want to be and be in a fun, nonjudgmental environment that lets kids be free.

How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?

Camp taught me a lot about building long-term friendships and bonds. Once they’re built, they’re unbreakable. It also taught me to love long hiking trips, all outdoor activities, and that you barely need anything but good people around to have the best time.

Words of wisdom for current and future campers?

Make sure to build real relationships that you will cherish for years. And, to enjoy every moment. Don’t get caught up in the little things—make every day an opportunity to play, express yourself, try new things, and grow.

How do you keep in touch with your camp friends?

We stay in touch through emails, visits, texts, and phone calls. I am going to one of my best friends from camp’s wedding this summer! It’s crazy how we are growing up, but we are still the same giggly, adventurous, funny girls we were back then. We make sure to always have a fun time when we are together. We’ve been there for each other all these years.

What is your favorite camp tradition?

Talent Show.

What was your favorite camp food?

Salad Bar or the Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches they made.

What is your favorite movie about camp?

Wet Hot American Summer!!

What did you prefer – pool or lake?

Pool for laps but lake for wake boarding!!!

Favorite canteen candy?

Frozen York Peppermint Patty

Favorite / most requested item on visiting day?

Chinese food from my favorite place, that they drove 7 hrs up to me, and even though it was luke warm, I still loved it.

What was your favorite camp activity?

Wakeboarding.

What is your favorite camp word/expression?

Big Dip (our cabin)

What were the biggest trends/must have items when you went to camp?

Disposable camera, sleeping bag, favorite boxers and tanks to sleep in.

Any firsts at camp?

YES, so many. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, kiss, performing on stage, dancing, rifelry, archery, basketball.

We know what happens at camp stays at camp…but got anything good to share with us?!

Our bunk of 14 year olds were very mischievous – we once got caught for climbing the rafters in our cabin. They called our parents, it was a big deal. There’s much more too….but I am sworn to secrecy on those!

So “be sweet to yourself” and order yourself some today.