EMPOWER CAMP 2024
Save the Date! Friday, June 28 - Monday, July 1 at Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake. Our program is a WHOLE day longer and a WHOLE night longer for extra bonding, more empowering activities and a whole boatload o' lakeside fun! Registration will open in 2024.
Our Camp Home: Camp Whitman
The Empower Camp Program
What is Empower Camp?
The “Magic” of Empower Camp
The “Magic” of Empower Camp
Empower Camp is all about having an incredibly good time while campers discover their true selves and ignite their inner power!
Designed for young women of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, ages 13-18, our program includes traditional camp activities with an Empower Camp twist to spark growth and personal transformation.
Empower Camp launched with an eruption of energy and success in Summer 2018. We had an incredibly good time and well...we'll let our campers tell you what Empower Camp meant to them (check out our camper testimonials!).
Many of our campers attend camp on scholarship because we wholeheartedly believe that if a young woman wants to attend camp, she should have the opportunity to do so! Sponsor a camper or donate today to give the gift of camp to young women in our community.
Nervous about coming to Camp or trying something new? That’s okay - We specialize in making you comfortable outside your comfort zone!
The “Magic” of Empower Camp
The “Magic” of Empower Camp
The “Magic” of Empower Camp
Psst! Ready to be let in on our "magic" secret? Empower Camp "magic" is REAL! Not only is there magic simply being together in nature and connecting with each other, but our program is packed with dynamic, creative and engaging sessions to spark your personal transformation and growth:
- #TeamChallenges are customized life-sized puzzles and obstacle courses inspired by the CBS television show "Survivor" and are designed to promote openness, trust, and encourage self-reflection. We‘re sure you’ll be cheering LET’S GO TEAM in no time!
- #PowerZones are where you explore and experiment with different empowering hobbies and activities to add passion, purpose and power to your life! Discover a new hobby or activity that totally energizes you and reminds you that you got that POWER in your soul!
- #RealChats are small group interactive discussions that provide you time and space to connect with your authentic self. The discussions are focused on self-empowerment topics and provide you with meaningful resources, powerful insights and peer support to ignite your inner power.
- Our #campfire is an uplifting experience including music, s’mores (of course) and personal stories of Empowerment...because creating a network of support with other empowered women is kind of our thing!
Why Empower Camp?
Benefits of Empower Camp
Benefits of Empower Camp
Leading an empowered life will take confidence, strength, self-assuredness, and a little bit of goofiness for good measure (trust us, camp hath no boundary for being goofy).
Our aim is to create a life-impacting experience, as you’ll create friendships with girls you can relate to and you’ll learn tools to help you navigate challenges that you will face in the future.
Our program allows you to step away from day-to-day digital distractions and life pressures, to gain confidence, to create meaningful friendships, and to discover your strengths...plus Empower Camp is a ridiculously good time!
Benefits of Empower Camp
Benefits of Empower Camp
Benefits of Empower Camp
You will...
- Spend time in the great outdoors (Did you know that spending time in nature is great for boosting energy, improving your immune system, enhancing creativity AND helps us better connect with ourselves and others? So cool!)
- Self-discover and build your confidence through dynamic and customized activities
- Challenge yourself in a supportive and safe environment
- Build independence and personal empowerment...because at camp, you are responsible for your words, actions and decisions...be the YOU you've always dreamed of!
- Be instantly a part of the Empower Camp Fam and make new friends who you can relate to and seek support from (both now and in the future)
- And ultimately, IGNITE YOUR INNER POWER!
Need-Based Scholarships
Empower Camp believes that if a young woman wants to attend camp, she should have the opportunity to do so regardless of her family’s financial situation. With the support of generous donors, the Empower Camp Scholarship Fund exists to provide need-based scholarships.
To receive financial assistance, complete the Scholarship Application. When deciding how much to ask for in scholarship, we ask that you use the honor system. Scholarships are limited and we want as many young women to experience Empower Camp as possible. Your careful consideration of how much you request in scholarship is appreciated.
Your request will be reviewed by assessing individual need and merit of each applicant and scholarships will be awarded on a case by case basis. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Daily Schedule
This is an example of what a typical day at camp looks like, some days may look slightly different, but the components will always be the same!
8:30am - Breakfast
9:30am - #PowerZone
10:30am - #RealChat
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm - F.L.O.B (Flat Laying On Bunk aka rest time)
2:30pm - #PowerZones
5:30pm - Dinner
6:30pm - #TeamChallenges
8:00pm - #CampFire
10:00pm - Lights Out
Camp whitman
Welcome to Camp Whitman!
Located on the west side of Seneca Lake between Geneva and Watkins Glen, right off of Route 14, this beautiful 117 acre property features private lake frontage, woods, ravines, meadows, a pond, and playing fields. The facilities are simple and rustic.
Empower Camp will be renting this stunning premier lakefront property for our 2023 summer camp program.
Accommodations
Campers will sleep in simple, rustic cabins. Fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of nature - waves hitting the shore of Seneca Lake and crickets singing their happy tune! Cabins are assigned by age and campers have the opportunity to request one cabinmate in their camp registration.
Part of cabin life is cabin spirit! Each cabin group will be assigned a team name, team color and a part of the Empower Camp Chant! Historically, our campers have built deep relationships with their cabin groups throughout the experience...essentially becoming family!
Campers will have access to a shared bathhouse which is a short walk from the cabins.
Dining
Overlooking Seneca Lake, we will eat together in the Dining Hall where delicious food is aplenty. Our certified cooking staff does an incredible job of providing options to meet the dietary preferences and needs of each camper. You can specify specific dietary needs on your camp registration form.
With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on our camp surveys since 2018, the food at Empower Camp has become an infamous part of camp! As one of our campers stated, "I love trying the delicious foods that was made for us!"
You will never go hungry at Empower Camp with mid-day snack deliveries and as many second helpings as your heart desires.
Hydration will be top of mind and each camper will receive an Empower Camp water bottle to bring to all activities...hydrated and happy!
Our head chef is certified by SafeServ, the National Restaurant Association.
Transportation
Bus Schedule
Parent/Guardian Transport
Parent/Guardian Transport
Optional bus transportation is available at no additional cost to campers with two pick-up/drop-off locations:
(1) Hutchinson Central Technical High School
(256 S Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201)
(2) Transit Road Thruway Park & Ride
(6650 Transit Rd. Buffalo, NY 14221)
The 2024 Bus Schedule will be posted soon.
Parent/Guardian Transport
Parent/Guardian Transport
Parent/Guardian Transport
Parents/guardians are welcome to transport campers to/from camp!
Street Address: Camp Whitman, 150 Whitman Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Camp Whitman is a recognized location on Google Maps.
Arrival and departure times for 2024 will be posted soon.
Directions to Camp Whitman
Google Maps will recognize Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake as a location.
Street Address:
150 Whitman Road, Penn Yan NY 14527
Directions from Buffalo:
- 90 East towards Albany.
- Take Exit 42 toward NY-14/Geneva/Lyons.
- Turn right onto NY-14 South and drive for 5.7 miles.
- Navigate through Geneva: (1) Turn right onto N Rte 14/Seneca Street and then (2) Turn Left onto South Main Street.
- Stay on Main Street for 16 miles.
- Turn Left onto E Leach Rd.
- In a half mile, turn right onto Whitman Road.
Testimonials
"Empower Camp was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I was wary about attending at first because I knew only one other girl that would be going, but once at camp I truly felt welcome. Everyone was very energetic and inclusive, and I found myself making new friends almost immediately. From the songs to the games to eating in the dining hall, I was always meeting new people and making memories. One of my fondest memories of Empower Camp was our final campfire. Everyone was singing and dancing with eachother and it was astounding to see how fast we all had bonded. By the end of camp we all knew each other by name and felt comfortable confiding in eachother. There is truly no other experience like that of Empower Camp, and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to attend."
- Marcianna
"My experience at Empower Camp was amazing.
The atmosphere of the camp itself, meeting new people, the singing and dancing, the empower talk, stories from the volunteers was just an amazing opportunity. I felt like I belonged there with everyone. While doing the puzzle challenge we thought one group had all of the missing pieces but it turned out that the other remains group had the other pieces. We came together and we completed it together. Together we are stronger. I’ve learned that women tend to compete with each, instead of coming together as one to support each other. But at Empcamp we were united. Nothing is impossible until you try hard and have people around you that will motivate you to accomplish your goals. While leaving camp I felt like a piece of me was still there at camp and I really wanted to stay a little longer to be with everyone."
- Fato
"One thing I've always struggled with is self confidence - the confidence that I'm smart, I'm beautiful, I'm important, I'm worthy, I'm strong, I'm enough. I never believed any of this until I went to Empower camp. Empower Camp helped me realize a lot about myself and the people around me. In two short days I learned that we are all unique and should embrace who we are. More importantly we are all smart, beautiful, important, worthy, strong, enough. I also learned that we all have a voice and that our voices matter. We should never be afraid to speak up. All it takes is a little bit of confidence to have a different outlook on who we are and what we are capable of. Empower camp taught me to embrace who I am and to love myself. For this I am very thankful for Empower camp and I strongly suggest anyone who is interested in the camp should go as it could be a life changing experience or a real eye-opener."
- Lexie
"Empower Camp was one of the best weekends of my life. It was a weekend away from stress and full of new friends, fun experiences, and powerful life lessons. I learned that I have control in my life and that I am ready for the challenges that may come up in my life. We've all got that power in our souls!"
- Hannah
“Empower Camp meant a lot to me because normally kids aren’t the nicest to me. When I went to this camp, it made me feel welcomed and it made me feel like I had another place to be my true self. I learned that no one judges or leaves you out of anything. It was nice to make some true friends that I can trust and talk to anytime. The camp counselors are like moms and it made me feel very safe and welcomed. I can’t put it in any better way than I loved this camp. They are like another family and I will come again! Thank you so much for great memories, amazing friends and a new home away from home.”
- Isis