Camp Whitman's 2014 Camping Season Begins!

     This past Sunday, was Camp Whitman's opening day of the regular camping season for graded campers as well as our program for people with developmental disabilities.  It was awesome to see so many new and familiar faces this year in the registration line!

1st year counselor Matt, helps some Sports and Games campers
make their buttons

Adventures campers kickstart a game of Kickball

     We were able to welcome campers from 6 different camps this week.  In graded camp we had, Adventures (3rd-5th grade), Sailing (6th-8th), and our Counselor-in-Training (CITs) camp, while our campers with disabilities came for Sports and Games Camp as well as Explorations Camp.

Sailors getting to know each other

Counselors Jeremy, Riley, and Leah leading name games in Adventures camp

3rd year counselor Ben heading to Main Field

Our staff was very excited to finally meet campers after our week and a half of training, and jumped right into singing songs and getting to know everyone.  After meeting such great campers on our very first Sunday, we are very excited about what the rest of the summer will bring.

Our CIT Campers ended their evening with some Teambuilding
and trying to untangle a Human Knot.

     We want to extend a huge thank you to our volunteer Chaplain this week, Colin Pritchard from Victor, NY.  Campers are very excited for the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to all of our family groups.

Volunteer Chaplain, Colin, leading a song to close our Sunday
vespers service.

   

Our new Graded Camp Coordinator, Courtney spent
Vespers with Colin's dog, Chauna.

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! 

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!).