Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake — FAQ
- Where is Camp Whitman located?
- Camp Whitman’s 117 acres of wooded forests, scenic ravines, peaceful meadows, bountiful ponds and beautiful lakefront are situated on the western shores of Seneca Lake. This is in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of Western New York. Our Map and Directions page offers more detail.
- Facilities
- Camp Whitman has over 117 acres on the west side of Seneca Lake. Campers live in small cabins clustered in family groups around a village lodge, and they eat in a large dining hall. Many opportunities for exploring abound in the woods, ravines, meadows, Punnett’s Pond, and the lakefront. Organized recreation takes place on the playing field, in canoes and sailboats at the lakefront, and at the pool for supervised swimming.
- Sponsorship
- The camp is sponsored by the Presbytery of Geneva and the Presbytery of Genesee Valley of the Presbyterian Church, USA.
- Program
- The Presbyteries of Geneva and Genesee Valley have designed a type of camping experience in which young people and counselors live, plan and celebrate together in a family group for a week
The emphasis is on the campers’ needs. Our purpose is to provide personal and spiritual growth for each camper through the experiences of Christian fellowship, a simple lifestyle, worship and Bible study.
We believe the message of Jesus Christ speaks to the development of each human being as a whole, complete person, who recognizes their own uniqueness as loved by God, and celebrates live by loving and caring for themselves and each other
Believing in the importance of this type of Christian living, the Presbyteries of Geneva and Genesee Valley subsidize the cost of all campers.
- How many campers attend Camp Whitman?
- We have 85-90 campers on site at one time. This includes 24 campers in our camp for youth and adults with developmental disabilities.
- What are the ages of the campers?
- Our campers range in age from 8 to 18 years old.
Our campers with developmental disabilities range in age from 11 to 70 years old.
- What should campers bring with them to Camp Whitman?
- Campers should pack clothing that is comfortable and suitable to the activity in which they will be participating.
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- Clothing:
- Underwear (for at least 5 days)
- Socks (many pairs - they get wet!)
- Pajamas
- Shirts, T-shirts, etc.
- Shorts (several pairs)
- Long pants (several pairs)
- Heavy sweater (1)
- Sweat shirts
- Sweat pants
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Sneakers (extra pair)
- Hard soled shoes (closed toe / sturdy construction e.g. Hiking boots)
- Swimming Suit (2)
- "Flip-flops" (for shower or pool)
- Extra pair of old sneakers / water shoes (for lake use)
- Sandals (optional)
- A white article of clothing (e.g. T-shirt) or a piece of white cloth for Tie-Dying
- Other Essentials:
- Soap & Soap dish
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Deodorant (non-aerosol)
- Comb / Brush Plastic cup
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Writing material (stamps)
- Insect repellent (non-aerosol)
- Hat
- Laundry bag
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Backpack or book bag to carry articles to shower house
- Medications:
- All medications must be given to the camp nurse and cannot be left with the camper.
- Bedding:
- sleeping bag or blankets for bed roll
- pillow
- extra blanket (for cool nights)
- Linen:
- towels including a beach towel and washcloths
- Optional Articles (depending upon campers interests and specific needs):
- Pencil, paper, envelopes & stamps
- Book (for possible quiet times)
- Musical instruments
- Camera
- Film
- Boots
- Bicycle / safety helmet
- Note: We will supply a Bible for campers to use while at Camp Whitman
- What campers should not bring to Camp Whitman:
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- Any aerosol cans — bad for our environment
- Radios, CD or tape players, electronic games
- Cellular telephones
- Pocket knives (of any kind)
- Money (there is no camp store) There are T-shirts, sweatshirts, vests and postcards to buy at registration, but afterwards there is no other reason or opportunity to buy anything.
- Snack food, candy, pop, gum, cough drops (animals can sniff these out and enter your cabin for a treat!)
- Note: We will supply a Bible for campers to use while at Camp Whitman
