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.