About Us
Our Mission
For generations, Camp Seneca Lake has been the place where Jewish lives are shaped and Jewish leaders emerge. At CSL, we step away from the pressures of daily life to build courage, develop skills, and form friendships that last far beyond summer. Jewish identity is celebrated, kids become who they want to be, and community is carried home.
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.
Camp History
In the summer of 1928, Aaron Rose brought 30 campers from Rochester NY to a campground in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Those 30 campers became the first campers of a new overnight camp, Camp Conesus. Camp Conesus would continue on to serve boys and girls until a new property was purchased in 1939. The property would become Camp Seneca Lake. Today, over 95 summers later, Camp Seneca Lake continues to provide a meaningful summer camp experience where children from all backgrounds develop independence, form lifelong friendships and build their Jewish identity all in a safe, compassionate community.
What makes Camp Seneca Lake 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.
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.
CSL welcomes 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.
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.
Give the Gift of Camp
By making a donation to Camp Seneca Lake, you give children the opportunity for life-changing experiences. Our goal is to make camp possible regardless of a family’s financial ability.
DONATE TODAY