Our Communications & Camp Director, Rhonda Everdyke, spent some time talking to us about why she loved camp as a kid, and why she still loves it today.
How many years were you a camper at CW?
10 years (3rd-12th grade)
What was your favorite part of camp when you were a camper? What kept you coming back year after year?
My favorite part of camp was making new friends each week/year. Those friends have lasted a lifetime. I still get together with friends that I made as a young camper. Whitman is a very special place that is why I think we all keep coming back or visiting year after year. I am just blessed that I get to work for a place that meant the world to me as a kid. It is a place where your peers don't know who you are, where you come from, what kind of house you live in, etc. You are just campers, no clicks, no past, everyone starts out on on Sunday in the same boat and that week is an amazing experience getting to know each other and enjoying the great place that IS Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake.
Describe a typical day at camp for you as the director.
I have learned there are no typical days. Each day has different challenges and joys! Each day it is all about the campers :)
What is your favorite part of the camp day or week?
I love attending the talent shows each Tuesday night! The whole Camp Whitman community comes together for a night of laughs and enjoyment! The talent of our campers and staff is just amazing week after week!
What do you do during the non-camp months of the year?
I am still working all the time to get camp up and running for the following season. Even though Camp Whitman is only open in the summer for formal camping, there is a lot to be done each week of the year for this amazing place! This year has been especially busy as 2014 is the 60th Anniversary for Camp Whitman. There are fun events happening each month this year! Check it out on our website! Buy your tickets for the 60th Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction in May now! :)
What advice do you have for first-time campers and their families?
First things first, get ready for a fun week! :) Labeling clothes is helpful and during check out make sure you have all of your belongings before you leave camp! Other than that, everything else will be just fine - it's going to be a week you will not forget!
