Showing posts with label Lifeguards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifeguards. Show all posts

Monday, July 28, 2014

Meet the 2014 CW Aquatics Staff

     This summer our aquatics has been awesome both on and off the water.  When they aren't at the pool or on the lake guarding, we can usually find them hanging out with one of our camps getting to know our campers.  Most of the lifeguards are returning staff from past years, except Amanda, who joined our staff after her sister Laura (also a lifeguard) worked at camp last summer.  We asked them some questions about their camping experiences and here are their responses.

Aquatics Director Kayla, and Lifeguards, Amanda, Laura, and Jess
One of our Lifeguards Joe!

Were you a camper at Camp Whitman as a Child?


While Joe was not familiar with CW until he came here as a counselor four years ago and Amanda said that she regrets not coming here as a kid, Kayla, Jess, and Laura were veterans of camp when they joined our staff.  Jess attended 4th and Fifth Grade Camp when she was young, and Kayla highlighted her years as a sailing camper as some of her favorites.  Laura also recalled very fond memories of Girl Power camp!


What is your favorite activity as aquatics staff?

Of course all of aquatics really enjoy different water activities.  Kayaking is at the top of Kayla and Jess' list and Joe loves anything that campers participate in on the lake.  Laura and Jess also have a great time guarding swim time for our D.R.I.V.E students and campers with developmental disabilities.  Amanda's favorite part of being on the aquatics team is blowing the whistle for Buddy Checks at the pool.  Laura also made a point of saying that she really enjoys eating homemade ice-cream with the campers after they make it.

Kayla teaching our High School campers how to rig a sailboat


Do you have a least favorite part of camp?

The only problem that aquatics staff has with camp is that they cannot get enough of it.  Joe said he is only disappointed when he has to go home on Friday and the rest of aquatics said that they wish they had the opportunity to get to know the campers better.
4th and 5th grade campers


What advice do you have for first-year campers?

Try New Things!!!

Aquatics staff making cookies for some other staff members
What is something new you have learned during you time at camp?

Everyone was able to describe a new skill they have gained because of their time at Camp Whitman.  Joe has learned how to make successful tie-dye. Kayla has learned how to teach sailing to campers as well as drive our Boston Whaler on the lake.  Laura and Jess talked about their excitement to work with our campers with developmental disabilities, and Amanda has gained new resources after witnessing several of camp's worship session.

Laura Guarding on the Lake

Finally, describe a typical day at camp.

After breakfast, we usually start our day with swim lessons or sailing depending on the age group we are working with.  After lunch we have swim time, and different camps do canoeing and kayaking on the lakefront.  When everyone has finished dinner, we take different family groups banana boating or our adult campers will enjoy a ride on the motor boat.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Welcome Back!

Back for Round 3!
Believe it or not, summer 2014 is right around the corner (staff training starts on June 25 and we welcome our first group of campers on July 6).  We are super pumped about all the staff members we have returning this year! A handful of returning staff members weighed in on what they are most excited about in 2014. 


Jess T.I'm looking forward to reuniting with old staff members and previous campers. I am also eager to meet all the new people and work with my sister this year!

Jeremy:I am looking forward to spending my summer outside with the campers rather than inside with Netflix. And smelling a campfire rather than air conditioned air.
Jeremy, Amber, and Ileya at the ropes course in 2013.
All 3 will be back for more this summer!

Ileya:I am looking forward to my last summer being the best one yet and helping campers have a week they will never forget. Also working with my sister again!

Megan: I'm so so so excited about having campfires! But in all reality I'm stoked to be working with my best friend this summer, also some of my closet friends, and I'm excited to meet the new staff as well!

Erin: I'm looking forward to our new camps.

Kayla: going kayaking and enjoying some s'mores with everyone.

Chris: welcoming the new staff into their new positions!


What a crew!
Michaela: Night hikes!

Lacey: I am looking forward to seeing returning campers and getting to know new campers.

Laura: I am looking forward to smores on the fire, because they are the best I am excited to be on the waterfront all the time as well

Jess C.:I'm looking forward to seeing all the returning staff, meeting the new staff, and just enjoying another summer spent at Whitman!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

15 Things to Expect on Your First Day of Camp

It's Sunday at 2:00. You've packed (and repacked) your suitcase, backpack, and shower bag... but what's next? Here's what to expect on your first day of camp at Camp Whitman.

1.  You arrive at the main lodge...



2. ...where these people are SO EXCITED to greet you.

seriously...why are they so excited? And why won't they stop singing?
3. You check in with the camp director and camp nurse...

4. ..and then meet your counselors out on the porch.


5. When everyone arrives, you play some name games / icebreakers.

These games may or may not involve a rubber chicken...

6. Then it's time for the safety hike so that you can get to know camp a little more. 



7. The safety hike ends back at your campsite, and you move into your cabin. 

Perfect for sleeping, friendship bracelet making, and letter writing.


8. If you're in a camp that does a lot of boating, you might have time to squeeze in a swim test before dinner. 


Lifeguards! Assemble!

9.  It's finally time to go back to the lodge for dinner!

I can't believe I'm so hungry already! And why won't they stop singing?


10. After dinner, everyone goes to Sam's Point for all-camp vespers. 


11. After vespers, your counselors might perform some skits about the camp rules.


12. You might have time for a main field game...

This particular main field game appears to have involved a pterodactyl.

13. ...or some team building exercises. 


14. You finish out your night with a fire back at your camp site...



15. and you start to think that this week might be pretty awesome!




Check back soon for more about what you can expect in 2014 (really...the snow just means we're a step closer to summer!). 













Sunday, June 16, 2013

Q&A About Day Camp at Camp Whitman

Last week in this post, we mentioned Camp's new day camp. Here are the answers to some questions about this exciting new program:

When is the day camp? Who can go?

Day camp will run Monday - Friday from July 1 - August 16, 8:30am - 5:30pm, with optional extended hours. Campers who will be in Kindergarten - 6th grade this fall are eligible for day camp.

What will I do at camp?

Every day will involve some games and crafts, Bible study, lunch, rest time,  and swimming. Campers will have the opportunity to enjoy boating on Seneca lake.

Enjoying some main field games!

Who will my counselors be?

The day camp coordinator is Courtney R, whose bio can be found here. CW counselors will collaborate with her every week to plan and lead all of the camp activities. All counselors have training in working with children at camp, as well as CPR and first-aid.

These counselors and lifeguards are ready for you!
How much does it cost?

Day camp is $40/day or $150/week.

How do I sign up?

Registration information can be found at www.campwhitman.org or by calling the Presbytery of Geneva at (315) 536-7753.

How can individuals, communities, and churches get involved?

A great way to get involved and help enhance the day camp program is by contributing supplies on the day camp wish list (below) . A lot of the things that we need can be found around the house!



• paper towel tubes
• toilet paper tubes
• Cereal Boxes
• Old newspapers
• Bottle caps
• peanut or wasabi pea cans
• #6 plastic empty bottles
• Shoe boxes

• elastic cord for bracelets
• Plastic eggs
• Potting Soil
• construction paper
• poster board
• bird seed
• paper bags
• Toothpicks
• Shower caps
• Shaving cream
• Sprinkler
• Bubble soap
• Watercolors or watercolor ingredients
• Water balloons
• Regular balloons
• Wax and wicks
• Large Sponges
• Cotton balls
• Crepe paper
• Borax
• Pencils
• Fishing line
• Googley eyes
• Face paints



For more information about how you can register to spend a week boating, swimming, and maybe finding out exactly what we have planned for all those craft materials, visit http://campwhitman.org/registration