Empower Camp
Empower Camp 2020
After several months of committee and American Camp Association meetings and monitoring developments across New York State, Empower Camp has made the very difficult decision to cancel camp in August 2020. This is not the decision we wanted to make, but due to restrictions on large-group gatherings, distancing requirements and safety concerns it is the right decision to make. We promise that we are continuing to monitor the situation and will bring our camp family back together when it is safe to do so. We hope that it will be before Summer 2021!
Registration Process
Stay tuned for further information for registering for Empower Camp 2021!
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 with our inaugural camp at Camp Duffield in Delevan, NY. With 27 campers and 28 volunteer staff, there was never a dull moment. Our 27 campers attended from 16 different schools and well, we’ll let them tell you what Empower Camp meant to them (check out our camper testimonials!).
Half of our campers attended camp on scholarship because we wholeheartedly believe that if a young woman wants to attend camp, she should have the opportunity to do so! In 2018, our scholarship fund was available because Empower Camp won FIRST PLACE at the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County’s Pitch 10 Event. In 2019, 65% of our campers attended on scholarship which was funded by many community supporters. 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
What is the "magic" of Empower Camp you ask? We're so glad you've asked! Not only is there magic simply being together in nature and connecting with each other, but our program is packed with really 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 and trust, encourage self-reflection, and well, we‘re sure you’ll be cheering LET’S GO TEAM in no time!
- #PowerZones provide you the opportunity to discover different ways in which you can empower yourself! It's a bit of a mind-body-spirit thing where you get to try activities to figure out what suits (or in some cases doesn't suit) your style! It's all about self-love and trying new things. Self defense (ka pow!), Yoga (it's a mind-body-spirit thing!) or Fashion (go forth and be fabulous!) are just a few examples.
- #RealChats is a time for you to create “your best you!”. These are small group interactive discussions on the "important stuff" and provide you with meaningful resources and peer support on topics such as self-talk, self-doubt, self-care and more!
- 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...
- Challenge yourself in a supportive and safe environment
- 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
- 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!
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 2021 summer camp program.
Accommodations
Campers will be housed in simple cabins with solar powered electricity. Each cabin sleeps four people. Cabins will be grouped and each group will have two counselors and approximately eight gals. Cabins will be assigned based on age.
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.
Dining
Overlooking Seneca Lake, we will eat together in the Dining Hall where delicious food is aplenty. Nutritious and delicious - each main course will leave your belly full and happy.
Our cooking staff does an incredible job of providing options to meet the dietary preferences and needs of each camper. With a rating of 5 out of 5 stars on our camp surveys in 2018 and 2019, 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, PB & J sandwiches available at every meal and as many second helpings as your heart desires.
Hydration will be top of mind and will be served with every snack, meal and available throughout each day. (H2O is the way to go!)
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
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 - #RealChat
10:30am - #PowerZones
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
Transportation
Directions to Camp Whitman
Directions to Camp Whitman
Campers can be dropped off at Camp Whitman by a parent or guardian OR take advantage of our busing option!
There is no additional fee to ride the bus to camp.
Pick up and drop off locations for 2021 to be announced.
Directions to Camp Whitman
Directions to Camp Whitman
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
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.
Camp Packing List
Directions to Camp Whitman
Camp Packing List
Sleep items
- Sleeping bag (or blankets)
- Extra Blanket for cold night!
- Pillow
- Twin Sheet (for mattress)
Clothing – check the weather report!
- T-Shirts / Sweatshirts
- Pair of Shorts
- Pair of Jeans/ Pair of Sweatpants
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Bathing Suit
- Pajamas
- Indoor shoes (slippers)
Outerwear
- Sunglasses
- Rain coat
- Hat
- Sneakers/boots
- Water Shoes
Toiletries
- Fli
Sleep items
- Sleeping bag (or blankets)
- Extra Blanket for cold night!
- Pillow
- Twin Sheet (for mattress)
Clothing – check the weather report!
- T-Shirts / Sweatshirts
- Pair of Shorts
- Pair of Jeans/ Pair of Sweatpants
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Bathing Suit
- Pajamas
- Indoor shoes (slippers)
Outerwear
- Sunglasses
- Rain coat
- Hat
- Sneakers/boots
- Water Shoes
Toiletries
- Flip flops
- Toiletry Bucket or Bag
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Hairbrush / Hair ties
- Face soap / Body Soap
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Face towel / Shower towel
- Deodorant / Powder
Other
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medications
- Beach Towel
- Day backpack
Camp Scholarships
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 a limited amount of partial, need-based scholarships.
To receive financial assistance, complete the Scholarship Application which is posted each camp season. The typical window to apply for a Camp Scholarships is January through May. 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.