What makes CSL Special?
CSL is a safe, compassionate community. Our highly trained staff work hard to create this warm and nurturing environment for our campers. Many of our counselors are former CSL campers themselves, and are now trained and prepared to provide the fun and memories they once received to a new generation of campers.
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At Camp Seneca Lake, we believe that everyone is unique, special and deserving of being embraced and celebrated for exactly who they are. We are a supportive and inclusive community where people of all backgrounds are welcome.
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CSL welcomes those who are Jewish, not Jewish, and interfaith. We invite everyone to participate in our Jewish rituals in the way that feels comfortable to them. We believe in the Jewish value that all human beings are created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. This belief underlies our commitment to the full inclusion, acceptance and equity of people of all gender expressions and identities. Accordingly, we affirm the right of all people, including gender nonconforming and transgender individuals, to be referred to by their name, gender and pronouns in our programs.
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CSL supports campers with special needs in many ways during the summer. We always have onsite camp mental health professionals who are available to meet with campers as the need arises. We also hire extra staff with special training to help support campers with a wide range of MESSH (Mental Emotional Social Spiritual Health) concerns.
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Camp Mission
CSL will provide a fun, adventurous program with immersive, experiential learning that builds Jewish identity, facilitates personal exploration, cultivates an appreciation of nature, and establishes the importance of Jewish community.
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Camp life fosters a strong sense of responsibility, self-reliance, independence, and self-worth.
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Adventurous outdoor experiences create a connection and appreciation for our environment in the Finger Lakes region.
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CSL provides a space and community to build lifelong friendships and develop interpersonal relationship skills.
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Intentional and meaningful programming establish the importance of a Jewish identity and creates a deep connection to a tight knit community that is strong at its core.
Camp Seneca Lake serves youth and teens entering grades 3-12. Each cabin consists of 6-12 campers, staffed by at least 2 college-aged counselors.
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