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.

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!

Meet the Camp Staff: Interview with Former Camper and Current Counselor, Michaela!

How many years were you a camper at CW?
I was a camper between 5-7 years. 

What was your favorite camp activity?
My favorite activity as a camper was banana boating. 

What's your favorite activity as a counselor?
My favorite activity as a counselor is campfire time and sailing.

Why do you keep coming back?
I keep coming back because it's easy to see that everyone bonds really quickly. 

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
If I could be any animal I would be a butterfly or a dragonfly.... It's always warm when you see them, they can fly, and I always feel relaxed when I see them because of family stories about them growing up.

Michaela thoroughly enjoying campfire time at the end of camp in 2013. 

Ultimate Action's Ultimate Camp Experience

Last week, high school campers in Ultimate Action had an epic week of sailing, kayaking, canoeing, leadership development, and other Camp Whitman classic activities. We had an awesome group of campers who were up for anything, and who were great friends with each other by the end of the week.

Some of the Ultimate Action campers with their counselors on Friday morning. 

Kayla driving the boat with campers tubing behind her. 

Campers comment on their personal Camp Whitman experiences

"Over the five days, we went sailing, swimming, we tie dyed, and played many fun games while talking about our Lord. We had many fun things to do all day long!"

"Camp is a great time to do fun things and meet new friends. I think the best part about Camp Whitman is that you are doing something fun even while you are waiting for lunch. The activities at Camp Whitman are also great. Banana boating, games, ropes course, sailing, cookouts, canoeing, boating, ice cream, tie dye, fishing and frisbee golf are just a few of these activities. I would highly recommend Camp Whitman to anyone who would like to go to camp for the first time or are just looking for something to do. Also, the counselors are really nice and make sure you have fun."

"Camp is a great place to go to meet friends, go sailing, swimming, banana boating, and play games. Camp means a lot to me because it's a tradition. It's lots of fun!