Friday, May 23, 2014

Top 10 Reasons We're Excited for Camp in 2014 (Part 2)

Part 1 can be found here.


5. Pioneer Camp is back! 

Last year, we began a 2-day program (with an optional overnight stay) for campers entering grades k-5 to come give camp a try. It was so much fun, we're doing it 3 times this summer! On July 10 & 11, July 31 & August 1, and August 14 & 15, you can come experience what camp is all about with new friends, swimming, boating, crafts, field games, and maybe even a camp dance. If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can stay the night and find out just how awesome it is to have s'mores with all these new friends and sleep in a cabin.


Having a blast during Pioneer Camp in 2013!

4.  We have a new camp for people with disabilities!

We have a ton of different camps for people with disabilities this year. From Whitman Under the Stars to Explorations, there is something for everyone, no matter where your interests lie. A new camp that we have this year is Pay It Forward, which will give campers the opportunity to work on service projects during their week at camp and make camp better for everyone. This week is sure to be an amazing show of Whitman spirit!

Baking a cake to share with everyone at lunch.


3.  The week of August 3 is the week of epic nighttime adventures!

Night Owl camp has been a high school favorite since it was created 8 years ago, and Moonlight Mystery is quickly becoming a middle school favorite. In addition to all of these adventures, last year, we started Whitman Under the Stars camp for people with disabilities.  During all of these camps, campers have the opportunity to stay up late and enjoy adventures like glow in the dark ultimate frisbee and detective work. This year, these camps are happening at the same time, along with a Night Camp themed Day Camp so that we can all celebrate how awesome nighttime in the summertime can be (and sleep in...we like that too...). 






2. Camp is not "Real Life"...

If you've ever been to camp, you know that there is never a dull moment. Someone is always singing a silly song about penguins, playing a field game that involves a rubber chicken, or getting ready for the next big sailing or bike trip. These are the things that make up a normal day at camp, and it's pretty stress-free. We're busy, but there's no work or homework to worry about, no phones ringing non-stop, no need to hurry (unless you're playing glow in the dark ultimate frisbee), and nowhere we need to be except right there. It's quite a relief. 

"Sail away with me, what will be will be..."


1. ...but Camp is as real as it gets!

Camp can be a welcome break from "Real Life" (as we jokingly refer to our lives outside of camp), but at the same time, Camp is totally Real Life. Ask anyone who has spent a week at camp, and they can tell you stories about what they did there, what they learned, and who they met who is still an important person to them. Many of us call Camp Whitman our second home and our camp friends our second family, which is why we are overflowing with excitement for everything we have in store for this summer!

Camp friends are the best friends!














Monday, May 12, 2014

The Top 10 Reasons We're Excited for Camp Whitman in 2014 (Part 1)

Last year, we put together a list of the top 10 reasons we were excited for camp in 2013 (here and here). These are all still  reasons to be excited about camp this summer, but we had to give 2014 it's own list because it's going to be extra awesome!


10. 2014 is a major milestone for Camp Whitman!

2014 is Whitman's 60th anniversary, and we're celebrating all year! This year, the camp adventures start before we even arrive at camp with the Silent Auction and Gala on May 31 at King's Catering in Canandaigua. This is Camp's big-time birthday party: there will be dancing, a bounce house, and camp friends of all ages...not to mention some pretty cool baskets and items in the silent auction. Sounds pretty perfect to me! For more info about the Gala and Camp's 60th anniversary, check out www.campwhitman.org

Working on a 60th anniversary bulletin board at camp.


9. 2014's staff might just be the coolest staff yet. 

A whole bunch of staff members from 2013 are back for more adventures this summer, and we couldn't be more excited! These are people who LOVE all things camp and have been looking forward to the 2014 season since we left last August. We are also super excited about welcoming all of the new staff into the Whitman family this summer; they are bringing all kinds of skills and experiences with them that will help this summer be the best summer ever.


Yup...definitely the coolest. 

8. Volunteer Chaplains are back!

Just like last summer, this summer we will be welcoming several pastors from local churches to spend a week with us to lead worship experiences and join in all the camp fun.

Pastor Colin did not miss out on a minute of the fun when he was with us for a week in 2013!


7. Camp Mondays will be Christmas Mondays.

This year, our curriculum has a special focus on Jesus.  Every day, each of the family groups will spend a little bit of their morning and evening exploring a different story about Jesus' life and ministry. For example, every Monday we will be looking at the story of Jesus' birth, which means that you should come ready to hear some Christmas songs in the middle of the summer!

I think we'll put the Christmas tree right behind those dancing counselors...


6. Day Camp 2.0. 

After a hugely successful first season in 2013, our day camp programs are back for round 2 for 8 weeks this year! Starting June 30 and running through August 22, this program offers campers who are entering grades k-5 in the fall the opportunity to experience all kinds of camp fun for a day, a week, or even the whole summer. Each week will have a different theme, such as Pirates, Arts and Crafts, Sports, and Water Rec. This is a great way to get outside, make some new friends, and have some fun while Mom and Dad are at work all day!

Last year, our new day campers wasted no time in learning all kinds of camp traditions!


Amber working on a craft with Laura and Sophie. 

Watch next week for the rest of the count down!