As I was awaiting the return of 54 campers from their Tuscarora Senior Camper trip, I reflected on what the next steps would be for these teens in terms of their future at CSL. I am excited to share with you how Camp Seneca Lake’s envisions their role over the next two years. With a focus on community building, leadership and personal growth, our multifaceted program has at its core a love for Camp and for Jewish values.
Senior Camper (entering the 10th grade): This program is designed to strengthen individuality and emphasizes community as two of its central components. Campers learn to appreciate each other's unique talents and interests, while working to achieve many different community-wide goals. Senior Campers lead teams during Mass Programs, participate in a self-directed Tikkun Olam project, run at least one evening program for the entire camp, are responsible for one of our 2 banquets, and write and lead services for the final Shabbat of the summer.
CSL in Israel (entering the 11th grade): This program has had incredible enrollment in its first two years of running. Since its inception for the summer of 2013, CSL has sent over 70 teens to experience the Jewish homeland. This five-week program exposes participants to the beauty of Israel from the inside out. Participants travel the entire country - hiking, touring, tasting, learning, and exploring. Each Shabbat will be celebrated with a different community, enabling participants to experience some of the many ways that Israelis celebrate Shabbat. The program includes time at several kibbutzim, as well as time in the desert. Additionally, the participants will spend some time with families in Modi'in, Rochester's sister city in Israel.
Hachshara Program (entering the 12th grade): CSL’s staff training program provides the opportunity to experience life as a staff member, while still being able to learn on the job. They have the opportunity to work with a bunk, speciality area, create programs, and attend in-service training sessions throughout the summer. Each participant is encouraged to grow in their own way, seeking out specific opportunities that will challenge them and allow them to grow as young adults. Each Hachshara is mentored by a Hachshara coach (director), as well as unit heads and head specialists. We firmly believe that it takes a village to nurture our staff!
It’s not uncommon for these teenage years to be the twilight summers of one’s Camp experience, but at CSL we hope to provide the path that allows them to stay connected to CSL, while growing into a contributing member of our Jewish Community.j
Now that the Senior Campers have arrived back at camp, exhausted but eager to share their stories and memories of their incredible trip, I am looking forward to the participants of CSL in Israel to join us back at camp where I can marvel at their personal growth and enthusiasm for Israel.
In the spirit of camping,
Aaron Cantor
Camp Director
