Elite US Summer Camps Face Legal and Financial Turmoil

Camp Laurel, an $18,000‑a‑summer sleepaway camp in Maine, and its parent Coastal Camps Inc. have sued charter operator White Plains Aviation Partners, alleging breach of contract, negligent supervision and unjust enrichment. The camp claims the firm failed to provide promised private‑jet transport and seeks at least $355,000 in damages.

Separately, Simad Holdings, a real‑estate investment firm owned by Israeli brothers David and Michael Shabsels, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early June. The filing covers the company’s portfolio of more than two dozen elite camps serving roughly 20,000 children, including Camp Echo. The brothers are accused of transferring $34 million to themselves, missing interest payments and leaving bonds in junk status, with liabilities estimated between $500 million and $1 billion.