Jewish Life and Israel

DAILY SCHEDULE    ACTIVITIES    EVENING PROGRAMS    SIGNATURE PROGRAMS   JEWISH LIFE    CABINS & FOOD    REFER A FRIEND    CSL IN ISRAEL   STAFF-IN-TRAINING    FAMILY CAMP

Camp Seneca Lake welcomes all children and teens, regardless of Jewish affiliation or education. Our campers range from those with Jewish day school education to those for whom CSL is the only exposure to Judaism. Campers are encouraged to explore their cultural, traditional and religious heritage in a warm and supportive environment.

Judaism is infused into daily CSL life. We highlight Jewish values in our thematic programs, campers recite blessings both before and after meals, sing Jewish songs, participate in Shabbat, and so much more. Camp Seneca Lake’s kitchen provides delicious, kid-friendly meals and snacks using Kosher ingredients. Dairy, meat, and parve dishes are prepared separately in accordance with Kashrut standards and our kitchen staff is trained in kosher cooking. Camp Seneca Lake’s kitchen is not supervised by a Mashgiach.

Shabbat is the most special time for campers and staff at CSL. We signify the beauty of the day of rest by dressing up on Friday evening, and altering our camp schedule to create a more relaxing environment. We celebrate as a community, with Friday evening services at our lakeside Fire Circle and Saturday morning services held overlooking Seneca Lake at Golden View. On Saturday nights, we end Shabbat with a Mishpacha (camp families) program, and close the night with Havdalah. 

Download the CSL Siddur and Songbook

Our connection to ISrael

Camp Seneca Lake is proud to celebrate our connection to Israel. CSL’s approach to Israel includes:

  • Chinuch (education): We offer Israel-oriented events throughout the summer (Yom Yisrael is a highlight!), visiting facilitators from the iCenter who work with our teens, and a dedicated Israeli Programming Specialist who plans programming to educate our campers about the people, culture, and history of Israel. 
  • Kesher (connection): campers learn from our large delegation of Israeli staff including the four Rochester Shinshinim and our Israel Education Specialist. 
  • Yedidut (friendship): The cornerstone of our Israel experience is the connection that each of our North American campers and 30+ Israeli campers build with each other.