Merry Christmas to All...

"For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”  - Charles Dickens

From the Camp Whitman family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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: An Interview with Lindsey

Lindsey (far left) at Camp Whitman last summer. 

Lindsey Jensen came on board as a counselor in 2008 and is about to begin her 3rd summer as the Coordinator for the Camps for People with Developmental Disabilities. Here's what she had to say about Camp Whitman.

What is your favorite part of the camp? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite part is getting to meet so many different people. I love to hear their stories and know their background. I also enjoy finding things in common with them and becoming life long friends.

Do you have a least favorite part of camp?
I don't have a least favorite part of camp, except having to say goodbye.

Describe a typical day for you at camp. 
My typical day is crazy! I wake up super early and spend all day doing activities with the campers including; the dance, talent show, motor boating, crafts, games, sing a longs. I also spend time meeting with people to plan for the rest of the week and summer.

What do you do during the non-camp months of the year?
When I'm not at camp I am a fifth grade teacher. I spend most of my time off with my puppies Bailey and Bentley and when I have additional free time I travel.

What advice do you have for first time campers?
The advice I would give first year campers is to come to camp with an open mind and willing to try something new. You never know what you will love once you try it.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be a butterfly! Who wouldn't want to fly and be pretty?

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!

You Know You're Ready For Camp To Start If...

1. You spend the first warm day of the year outside in a hammock, Wilderness Survival Camp style.

2. You realize every story you tell has to do with camp, and you're friends are starting to get annoyed.

3. You've already broken out your camp sandals, and the tan lines are not far behind.

4. Calling on people to sing at meals is not working quite as well in your school cafeteria or workplace break room as it does at camp.

We call upon Chris to sing us a song...

5. You haven't had a rubber chicken accompanying you on your adventures for quite some time.

6.  Your chicken has not been door-slammin' lately

7. You actually miss your counselors singing (ok...shouting) the birdie song to wake you up in the morning. 

Not to mention waking up to this...

8. It's been too long since this has happened:

Group camp hug!

9. Windy spring days are making you think of sailing on Seneca lake.

10. You're not sure how much longer you can last without having this kind of fun with awesome friends at your favorite place on Earth!

Keeping the Cold At Bay: A Midwinter Cookout

     The weather in 2014 has left many of us thinking of ways to stay warm after several weeks with below zero degree temperatures.  The CW staff is no different.  A few weeks ago, some staffers got together to make a Camp Cookout Favorite, Door Slammin' Chicken.

In the spirit of camp, we cooked our rice in cast iron even though we had to make do without a campfire.

We used all of the same ingredients campers are familiar with from CW.

Even though this meal was delicious and helped keep us warm for the night.  It was not the same without our campers and fellow counselors to provide great company.  We look forward to seeing you all at camp this summer so we can enjoy our cookouts together!!

The Finished Product :)

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.

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!).