Counselor Leah's Staff Interview

     Leah's first year of counseling has been a wonderful addition the the CW family!  She has brought a great energy, attitude, and new ideas that her campers are very thankful for.  This week, we interviewed her for some of her thoughts on camp life and her favorite parts about Whitman so far.

Leah and campers cake decorating

How did you hear about Camp Whitman?

     I knew about Camp Whitman because I came as a camper!  I'm not sure how my parents heard of the camp, but maybe it was through my aunt who also went here when she was camper age.

What have been some of your favorite activities this year?

     One of my favorite activities was paper making with All About the Arts.  Paper making is something I've been doing since I was little, so it was really awesome teaching others how to do it.

Leah making paper with some campers

What has surprised you about working at Camp Whitman?

     I was surprised by how easy it was to get back into the swing of being at camp.  Everyone; campers, counselors, and leadership are so welcoming and excited to be here - it's great.

Counselors, Leah and Erin, working with their campers to create a Play

If you had a piece of advice for a first year counselor what would it be?

    "Fake it 'til you make it" is definitely helpful, but also asking for help when you need it.

Leah playing Fetch with Pastor Colin's dog at C-field

Please describe Camp Whitman in one word.

Important.

Wilderness Survival Camp!

     This week's high school camp was Wilderness Survival, where their counselors worked with them to learn new outdoor skills and survival techniques.   On Thursday morning this group went to the Cayuga Nature Center and had the opportunity to observe many different kinds of animals and enjoy the outdoors.

Camper Samantha, with our Counselor Lacey

6 story Tree Fort

     We had the opportunity to observe several types of snakes, a few of which were in the midst of shedding their skins, which was something a couple of campers (and staff) found very interesting to observe.  There were also turtles, flying squirrels, and many other animals, including a Peacock, Peahen and his family of newly hatched chicks.

One of the snakes shedding its skin while we visited

Martin observing some of the reptiles

 One of the last activities the campers were able to participate in, was exploring inside of enormous tree fort that Cayuga Nature Center had on their site.  This was definitely some of the campers' favorite event of the day, and we all spent some quality time hanging out in the very top of the fort talking about the week.

Samantha and Phoebe saying hello from the fort

The very top of the fort

Samantha, Matt, Pastor Leah, and Phoebe enjoying the view

   

An Energetic Morning Wake-up

     A few family groups celebrated their last night at camp yesterday by sleeping outside of their cabins after the dance.  Our adventures campers enjoyed a night under the stars while sleeping on the main field and our CITs slept in our main lodge while enjoying a movie after the dance.

Adventure Camp's Sleep-out location

     The real excitement came this morning however, when our volunteer chaplain, Colin, took on the responsibility of waking the campers.  His dog Chanah, was very excited to see so many people sleeping and was more than willing to wake them all up.  We found this method for waking them up very effective and most campers were up and ready to go with 15 minutes.

Getting everyone up bright and early

Chanah making sure she didn't miss anybody

     The CIT campers were a little more stubborn.  After Chanah failed to get them to leave their sleeping bags, one of our counselors, Chris, turned on our sound system to play them, "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham! while our newly arrived Day Campers prodded their favorite CITs awake.

Counselor, Jeremy cuddling with Chanah

Pastor Colin letting Chanah know who her next victim should be

Counselor Riley waking up from her first sleep-out

Meet the Staff: Erin's Camp Whitman Experience

Erin has been with us for several years as a camper, volunteer, lifeguard, and now as a counselor for the 2014 season. Here's what she had to say about her Camp Whitman experience:

Erin at camp in 2013

How many years were you a camper at Whitman?

I was a camper for 7 years, starting when I was going into 5th grade.

What was your favorite activity as a camper? Why?

My favorite activity as a camper was tie dye. It's always different, and I used to spend all year deciding what I wanted to do with my next tie dye shirt. I still do, actually.

What's your favorite activity as a counselor?

My current favorite activity is sailing. It took me a lot of practice, but now I can't wait to be back on the lake!

Do you have a least favorite part of camp?

My least favorite part of camp has to be getting sunburned.

What advice would you give to first time campers?

As a first-year camper, remember that there's nothing wrong with being goofy!

Why do you keep coming back?

 keep coming back to camp because I miss camp at home more than I miss home when I'm at camp.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

I would like to be a dolphin because I wonder what it's like to swim the way that they do,

Meet the Camp Staff: Jess is Here! A Returning Lifeguard's Camp Whitman Experience.

At the waterfront in 2012. 

Jess is back for her 3rd year on our aquatics team this summer! Here's what she has to say about her experiences at Camp Whitman.

What is your favorite part of camp and why?

My favorite part of camp is the waterfront, because I think it's really beautiful, and I love going out on the lake and taking groups kayaking.

Do you have a least favorite part of camp?

My least favorite part of camp is training week because I am always so eager for the regular camp season to start, so we can spend time with all of the campers!

Describe a typical day at camp for you. 

During my typical day at camp, I will go to breakfast. After that, I usually teach swim lessons and lifeguard for a group at the pool. After lunch, I spend my whole afternoon lifeguarding at the pool or taking groups out on the kayaks or canoes. After dinner, I will either help with groups going banana boating or attend the various events throughout the week at camp.

Jess helping out at the camp store at our Anniversary Gala. 

What do you do during the non-camp months of the year? 

During non-camp months of the year, I attend Messiah College as a Biochemistry major. There, I work a lot with organizing volunteers for various school events. I also like to travel and spend time with my friends.

What advice do you have for first time campers? 

As a first time camper, you should be open to new experiences. You should always give every activity a chance!


If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I would be a fish. I think that this would be fun because I could go swimming really deep in the ocean and see all the cool plants and animals down there.

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!

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!

60th Anniversary: A Past Staff Perspective

We were very fortunate to be able to connect with Lea Kone, who has experience as not only a Whitman camper and counselor, but has also worked as a Program Committee member.  Her interview pinpoints what makes the Whitman Experience special for campers and shows how a couple of weeks in the summer can really influence a person's life.

1. How are you affiliated with Camp Whitman?  (Were you a volunteer, camper, staff?)

Yes, all of them! I began attending Camp Whitman in 1988, during the summer before I entered 4th grade, and attended as a camper for the next 8 years!  After attending 4th & 5th grade camps, I started coming to camp for at least 2 weeks each summer in 6th grade.  My favorite camp weeks were Footloose camp (a hiking camp) and Music Camp, which I began attending in 8th grade.  The summer leading into 10th grade I went through CIT training and then began volunteering as a counselor for as many weeks over the next two summers as they would let me!  I joined the counseling staff in 1997 and 1998 and then was a Program Committee member from 1998-2000.  In recent years I have been trying to reconnect with my Whitman roots and have attended a few volunteer days and programs through my church.

2. How many years were you involved with camp for?

12 years!

3. What are some of your fondest camp memories or traditions?

I have so many memories from my years at Whitman.  My time as a camper and staff member were truly foundational in my building my character, spirit and faith.  When I think of camp, my mind drifts to sunny and breezy days sitting on the porch of the main lodge, playing tetherball, hand-cranking ice-cream that never seems to quite harden before we would be compelled to eat it, hands tie-dyed for days along with t-shirts hanging out on the line.  I can almost still hear the sounds of the crickets at night, birds singing during the day, endless verses of Johnny Appleseed and Boom-chick-boom, and the sweetest harmonies from Music camp.  I learned to quiet my mind at camp and feels God's presence in simple beauty of the camp property. I learned to open my heart to new friends, who were different than I was.  I fell in love for the first time at camp, had my first kiss at camp, and had my first heartbreak at camp. I hiked the Adirondack High Peaks with camp, learned to canoe, sail, build time-tested campfires, mastered the art of using an outhouse without having to breathe, how to calm a homesick camper, handle myself in times of crisis, be part of a team and at the same time an individual.  I spent my teen summers experimenting with poetry, sketching and exploring my faith-much different than what I could have been doing back at home.  And of course, I have hundreds of personal memories that make me laugh, cry or shake my head when I think of them now.  They are full of small triumphs, camp pranks, inside jokes, mistakes made and lessons learned.   

4. Did you remain in contact with any of your camp friends throughout the year after camp was over?

Yes, of course.  I have hundreds of letters that I still keep from years of post-camp correspondence with friends from more than 20 years ago.  We couldn't text, email or Facebook each other then, so we wrote a lot of letters between camp and short reunion weekends. I am still friends or have re-connected with many Whitman friends and hardly a month goes by that I don't talk to at least one camp friend.  

Some of Lea's pictures from her time at camp

5. Have you been involved with camp in any capacity in the years after you stopped coming?

I have tried to connect with camp in the years since I have returned to the Rochester area-but I haven't felt that there were many opportunities to do so in a meaningful way.  My years at Whitman inspired me to become a professional camp director, so I have been involved in the industry with other camps for the past 15 years and am eager to bring my passion and experience for camping back to the place that inspired me.

6. What do you think it is about Camp Whitman that has allowed it to remain popular after 60 years?

The property is one of the most naturally beautiful camp properties I have ever been to (and I've been to dozens).  The expansive view of Seneca Lake is the first thing you see as you enter the main area of camp, and that view will always make campers want to come back again!  I also think that there is a simplicity to Whitman-both in its rustic facilities and laid back programming that is so appealing in these days of too much clutter in our children's lives-they can truly unplug and connect with nature and each other.

7. What do you think might be some of the biggest differences between your time as a camper and what campers experience today?

Culturally the world and Whitman in particular have matured in the 25 years since I began attending camp. Where there were once Hogans, there are now cabins. Our cabin areas were once named an uninspiring A, B, C and D-now they are named after beautiful trees.  In the early 90's I used to smuggle in a duffel bag full of tapes, batteries and a giant boom box to play music.  I also used to sneak to the pay phone on the loading dock to call home, campers now try and find a way to sneak in their cell phones or I-pads.  A highly involved camp activity in 1990 was making friendship bracelets and boondoggle for hours-today it's advanced sailing and art programs.  Our bible study programs were simple and sparse in those days as well.  We begged for some centralized camp worship-and today the campers and staff have that opportunity and a beautiful place to worship at Sam's point. But those things are in the details.  Ultimately, I think camp today is still more similar than it is different to the camp I knew in 90's.

60th Anniversary: An Early Camper's Experience

     As we continue to celebrate Camp Whitman's 60th anniversary, we are happy to celebrate and share the experiences of any of our past campers and staff.  This is the experience that Karen Watson had while she attended camp and it is so exciting to hear that she is part of a family that has multiple generations of campers.  Do any of these traditions sound familiar?  Let us know, we would love to hear your stories :)  Thank you so much for sharing your story!!

     I would like to share with you some of my earliest memories of Camp Whitman. Although I attended camp several times during the mid to late 60's, I think that my first camping experience was the most memorable. As our family were members were members of Park Presbyterian Church, each camper received a "campership" to help defray the cost of camp for the week.   I can remember arriving on Sunday afternoon, with of course, the first stop being the Camp Nurse, and then later, having to complete the swim test in the FREEZING COLD swimming pool.   We also kept busy collecting wood and stacking it properly (tinder, kindling, etc), for our unit. Camp ended on Saturday morning, not Friday night, so it seemed like it was going to be a long week.

Back in those days, of course, there were the hogans--lovely canvas tents, with four iron bunks, and that was about it (except for plenty of spiders, mosquitoes, and other assorted insects).  If you were smart, you brought your belongings in a large suitcase that you could slide out from under your bunk.  When they told you NOT to pack snacks, they were not kidding.  There were plenty of very friendly raccoon who were happy to make your acquaintance, and to share whatever those moms had packed, the moms who thought their child might not eat all week at camp!  Outside each hogan was a clothesline for wet bathing suits and towels.

     The first year I was at Camp Whitman, we were assigned to the "B" unit, which is the furthest unit from everything!  We all got lots of exercise that week! My counselors were Bonnie Timmerman (from Arkport, NY) and Terry Coye (from Lyons, his dad was the vet at the time).  Bill and Jane Wilcox from Genesee Presbytery were the camp directors that year.   At meal times, it was always fun to see which "duty" you had for that meal.  There were cardboard cards at each table, they kind of resembled BINGO cards, and sometimes you were the "server" or the "jumper", depending on which seat you occupied at the table.  And if you were really lucky, you landed on the free spot, and had no chores for that meal!

     There was always plenty to do--crafts were my favorite (I recall this really neat paper where you could put bits of things on it--flowers, leaves, etc--you covered it with a piece of glass and left it in the sun, and by magic, there was the image of the flowers and leaves on the paper.  They made really cool postcards, on which you could write home!)  Not to mention boondoggling... The camp store was only open on Sunday (arrival time) and Saturday, for a short time, at check out. I believe we still have a Camp Whitman sweatshirt at home.

     The hike to Punnett's Puddle was another highlight of the week.  As I recall, we had brown bag lunches that day, and we hiked to the pond.  There, around the edges of the pond were all kinds of animal tracks, where we made plaster of paris impressions of the tracks.  I made one that actually had both a deer and raccoon print on it.  I was so excited to be able to make a "cast" with TWO FOOTPRINTS IN ONE, and I remember bringing it to school in 6th grade to show the teacher, where it fell off his desk and broke. :(

     I guess the MOST MEMORABLE thing that first year, however, was the sleepover on the beach by the lake.  In those days, there were no lovely wooden steps like there are now. You basically had to find your way down the hill down the well-worn path, or take the "long way"--the path over off to the side, to get to the beach.  We all laid out our sleeping bags, and after devotions, finally fell asleep.   Sometime during the night, it started to rain, and it rained hard.  We all had to grab our belongings and trudge up the path to the field, where a tractor picked us up, and carried us all, soaking wet, soggy sleeping bags and all, to the Dining Hall, where we "camped out" around the fireplace (which is now gone too). 

     I'm sure I drove my parents crazy on the 40 minute ride home from camp that Saturday morning.  There was so much to talk about and tell them.  I couldn't wait to go again the next year. 

     Years later, I became a parent, and both of my daughters, Sarah Bryant Whitcomb, and Jessica Bryant, were also fortunate to be able to attend Camp Whitman.  They have many stories of their own to share.  Last summer (2013), two of my grandchildren, Braden and Lindsey Whitcomb, attended Camp, and have become the third generation of our family to be campers there.   Our family has also family camped whenever possible, a tradition which we hope to continue.   

Meet the Director!

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! 

Fall Volunteer Day

     Last Weekend, Camp Whitman welcomed volunteers to assist in closing camp for the winter.  We thank all those who were able to donate their time and make sure that all our end of year tasks were completed smoothly.

4-square court being repainted

Chimney being removed

Volunteers cleaning the labyrinth

Laura collects leaves for an activity

 While the adults were busy cleaning cabins and packing things up, some counselors came back for the day and held an Autumn Day Camp session for the children of some of the volunteers. A few of our Summer Day Campers were able to return to camp for some fall activities and see camp when all the leaves are changing.  It was great to be able to experience camp again even though the season is over for this year.

Campers making a fall themed jar

60th anniversary Bulletin board