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Camp
Seneca Lake is committed to providing a wholesome Jewish camp community
dedicated to developing the physical, social, and emotional identities
of its campers. Campers experience a balanced program of group and individual
activities led by a mature and skilled staff. This is accomplished while
providing campers an exciting and fun-filled summer in a beautiful lakefront
setting, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Whatever their interests, campers are sure to find lots to get excited about at CSL. All campers select individual hobbies at which they will spend many periods developing and refining skills. Hobby choices include such activities as photography, drama, waterskiing, sailing, tennis, outdoor adventure, arts & crafts, archery, canoeing, soccer, lifeguard training, nature, and lots more!
Campers also participate in many camp activities by bunk, promoting the friendships and social growth of small groups of children of the same age and grade. Creative village programs capture the imaginations of our campers and bring them together in larger groups for some of their fondest camp memories.
Waterfront
We
have two professional ski boats for waterskiing, kneeboarding, wakeboarding
and tubing, and a large fleet of sailboats (including three beautiful,
new 17' Hunter sailboats), playaks, canoes and rowboats that provide waterfront
recreation at many skill levels. Seneca Lake provides a magnificent backdrop
for all of these adventures. Our waterfront staff is highly trained and
Red Cross certified. Campers receive instruction in all waterfront activities.
Swimming
Our
large in-ground pool provides a safe and attractive setting for Red Cross
instructional and recreational swimming. Pool lights permit special events
such as moonlight dips or midnight pool parties on especially hot summer
nights- a favorite surprise for campers! There's also a swim area at the
lake for beach parties, sand volleyball, and small group swims.
Hiking
From
nature hikes in camp to forays into the Finger Lakes National Forest and
canoe trips in the Adirondacks, our hiking program offers campers a taste
of the great outdoors. Campers will experience bunk overnights under the
stars and learn important campcraft skills. Individuals with a stronger
interest in hiking may join the "Adventure and Exploration Hobby
Group" for more challenging endeavors!
Drama
Our
Drama Director helps each camper find the "actor/actress" hidden
inside. Campers with a stronger interest join the CSL players in our camp-wide
productions each session. In recent summers the CSL Players have performed
"Fiddler on the Roof," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat," "Krazy Kamp," and other musicals! All campers
also receive instruction in various aspects of the dramatic arts.
Ropes Courses
Our
Ropes program has three separate and exciting parts to it- a Low Course
where group cooperation, communication, and problem-solving activities
are stressed; a 35 foot high three-sided climbing wall that every camper
gets to ascend; and a series of seven high rope elements 30 to 40 feet
above the ground where older campers build self-confidence and explore
risk-taking. The campers' favorite is our zipline, which whizzes them
through the woods for nearly 200 feet! The High Adventure course also
includes a Burma Bridge, Pamper Pole, Vertical Playpen, Cargo Net, Grape
Vine and Cat Walk. Our Rope Staff are intensively trained.
Athletics
Traditional
sports abound under the guidance of a qualified Athletic Director, but
camp favorites such as speedball, ultimate Frisbee, and our Adventure
Ropes course generate the most enthusiasm from campers. Village leagues
promote competitive sportsmanship, and our tennis program is extremely
popular among campers of all ages. Also there's volleyball, archery, soccer,
basketball, safety lacrosse, ping pong, softball, floor hockey, football,
tumbling and MORE to challenge all levels of athletes!
Jewish Identity
The enthusiasm with which the Shabbat is welcomed and the warm feelings of oneness with each other during Friday evening and Saturday morning services keep us very much aware of the commonality within us all at camp- we are a Jewish family and we practice our faith daily in the form of blessings, songs and traditions. All-camp programs with Jewish themes play an important role in our overall camp program, and campers in cabin groups work together to provide a special mitzvah each week. CSL also hosts Shlichim (Israeli counselors) each summer to give campers insight into the culture of Israel. All meals served at camp are kosher-style and prepared by a trained food service staff.
Creative Arts
From
tie-dye to ceramics, boondoggle to batik, candle-making to sculpture-
the Arts and Crafts abound in our program. Age appropriate activities
are taught by our Arts and Crafts Director. CSL's Visiting Artist Program
further provides campers with the chance to work in small groups alongside
well-known artists for a full day during each session. Campers interested
in photography have the opportunity to learn to develop film in our own
darkroom.