The camp's leadership is currently in the third generation. The camp was founded on the conviction that a resident summer camp gives children opportunities for developing independence, social skills, physical prowess, and lifelong interests. Forest Lake has promoted these goals by maintaining relatively small groups, giving campers access to a wide selection of programs, and encouraging a personal atmosphere. The operating season is eight weeks in length and is divided into two 4-week sessions. Some campers attend the full eight weeks, but most attend one of the four-week sessions, and the overall camp program is designed accordingly.
Forest Lake offers a broad, flexible program in a variety of areas.
Campers select their activities on a daily basis from within the categories of team and individual sports, waterfront activities, hobbies, performing arts, wilderness trips, and horseback riding. The program is arranged to provide campers with breadth to their program and enables them to make daily choices. There are four activity periods per day. Horseback riding is an extra charge. Trips and special activities are included in the basic fee.