Penn Yan Summer Camps

Camp Seneca Lake is the summer home for about 450 campers, ages 8-16. The majority of our campers are from the Jewish communities of Upstate New York (Rochester, Syracuse,Ithaca, Binghamton, Buffalo and Elmira) as well as from cities in the eastern U.S. and Canada. We have many second and third generation campers who come from across the country.

Staff and campers share rustic cabins . Each bunk is staffed by two counselors who share responsibilities for the happiness and well-being of their campers. Counselors are either assigned throughout our program areas as instructors or spend the day with their campers moving from activity to activity.

Our varied activities are led by a mature and skilled college-age staff, many of whom are in the education field. Each area of the Camp Seneca Lake program is led by a talented Head Specialist who has considerable experience and knowledge in the area. We look for staff who have expertise in their field and are committed to providing an enriching camp experience for children. Many of our staff were campers who graduated from our Counselor-in-Training program to become a Camp Seneca Lake staff member.

The CSL experience combines fun, friendships, spirit, and personal growth. Campers participate in a variety of exciting activities, including waterfront adventures, swim lessons, athletics, Jewish culture, hiking, nature, drama and arts and crafts. The camp provides a wholesome Jewish camp community that promotes development of the physical, social, and emotional identities of our campers.

Camp Cory is located on the shores of Keuka Lake, just outside Penn Yan, New York in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Only 60 miles from the city of Rochester, Camp Cory offers 27 beautiful acres along with three beautiful waterfront areas for swimming, sailing, canoeing and a variety of other water activities.

Campers sleep 8 to a cabin with one or two counselors assigned to live in every cabin. Accommodations are basic and bathrooms are shared. The youngest campers have bathrooms and showers inside their cabin, while the older campers use modern bathouses. All meals are enjoyed "family style" in the dining hall and there is a daily opportunity to visit the Camp Store for treats and treasures. A modest amount of money can be put in the camper's "bank" during Sunday registration for use throughout the session.

Campers arrive on Sunday afternoons and depart Saturday mornings. Transportation is available to/from Camp for an additional fee. Campers staying consecutive weeks can remain at camp between sessions through our stayover program. Cabin assignments are made prior to arrival and are based on information provided on the registration materials. There is an opportunity to request one roommate on the form. Campers are placed in cabins with other campers of similar age and grade.

Our staff receives extensive training in leadership skills, first aid and safety, as well as the various program areas. The majority of our staff are also certified lifeguards. Since some of our counselors are international students, campers often have the opportunity of getting to know staff members from all over the world!

Camp Cory also offers 9 Sessions of Day Camp as well as year round programming and rentals.