Category: General News

You can’t escape the excitement of what is happening tomorrow. Everyone is getting to see his or her families and the feeling is tangible. We are all so excited for what tomorrow will bring.

Even with the anticipation of tomorrow, we were able to play some great games.

Girls 3^rd/4^th Grade Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Tioga 0

Girls 7^th Grade Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Weequahic 3

Girls 10^th/ 11^th Grade LAX – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 18

Boys 3^rd/4^th/5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Westmont 1

Boys 6^th Grade Soccer – CAW 9 vs. Seneca Lake 0

We had a friendly basketball tournament for our 3^rd/4th grade boys as Westmont came to play.

CAW White 34 vs. Westmont Blue 4

CAW Red 20 vs. Westmont White 18

CAW Gold 14 vs, Westmont Red 2

We honored our Campers of the Week and we are so thrilled to give these campers their very well deserved dog tags. They wear them with pride and they should. They are great campers with tremendous character.

Freshman – Zoe Wood & Jake Konigsberg

Junior – Sydney Wood & Eli Kroskin

Middues – Maddy Marcus & Drew Brassloff

Inters – Kaley Morabito & Asher Slotkin

Collegiates – Jordan Brunner & Adin Bridsky

Seniors – Sydney Salk & David Smolowitz

Supers – Melissa Frank & Josh Antell

GC’s – Morgan Perlman & Jason Teich

Wanderers – Sam Pollack & Jason Levine

Tonight we were thoroughly entertained by our Top 13 Chenny Idols. They were spectacular and put on such a great show. The only thing that topped our performances was the amount of energy the audience provided. It was a packed Shields Hall and everyone was singing along and took tonight to a whole new level. The spirit of Chen-A-Wanda was alive and kicking tonight. All our performers truly felt like superstars. They owned that stage and felt the love. Isn’t that what it is all about? Feelin’ the love. Wish everyday in the real world made us feel the love like this but so grateful we get to experience it all summer long.

We can’t wait to see you all tomorrow morning.

Chenny out

 

 

 

 

Getting Ready For You

 

You can’t escape the excitement of what is happening tomorrow. Everyone is getting to see his or her families and the feeling is tangible. We are all so excited for what tomorrow will bring.

Even with the anticipation of tomorrow, we were able to play some great games.

Girls 3^rd/4^th Grade Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Tioga 0

Girls 7^th Grade Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Weequahic 3

Girls 10^th/ 11^th Grade LAX – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 18

Boys 3^rd/4^th/5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Westmont 1

Boys 6^th Grade Soccer – CAW 9 vs. Seneca Lake 0

We had a friendly basketball tournament for our 3^rd/4th grade boys as Westmont came to play.

CAW White 34 vs. Westmont Blue 4

CAW Red 20 vs. Westmont White 18

CAW Gold 14 vs, Westmont Red 2

We honored our Campers of the Week and we are so thrilled to give these campers their very well deserved dog tags. They wear them with pride and they should. They are great campers with tremendous character.

Freshman – Zoe Wood & Jake Konigsberg

Junior – Sydney Wood & Eli Kroskin

Middues – Maddy Marcus & Drew Brassloff

Inters – Kaley Morabito & Asher Slotkin

Collegiates – Jordan Brunner & Adin Bridsky

Seniors – Sydney Salk & David Smolowitz

Supers – Melissa Frank & Josh Antell

GC’s – Morgan Perlman & Jason Teich

Wanderers – Sam Pollack & Jason Levine

Tonight we were thoroughly entertained by our Top 13 Chenny Idols. They were spectacular and put on such a great show. The only thing that topped our performances was the amount of energy the audience provided. It was a packed Shields Hall and everyone was singing along and took tonight to a whole new level. The spirit of Chen-A-Wanda was alive and kicking tonight. All our performers truly felt like superstars. They owned that stage and felt the love. Isn’t that what it is all about? Feelin’ the love. Tonight was a great way to head into one amazing day tomorrow.

We can’t wait to see you.

Chenny out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s days like this that remind us why we’re here. The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky and Fiddle Lake was glistening and looked like there were diamonds shimmering on the water. It was just an absolute perfect day here at CAW. Campers were out and about enjoying themselves. Where do kids get to play outside all day long? No television, no computers, no cell phones to occupy your children. Just wide-open fields so your kids can play.  When you send them to camp, you have provided them a summer to just play. A truly essential experience that kids these days get so little of.

It was a busy day of games for our CAW athletes. Watching them play is such a great experience and wonderful sight to see. They play for the love of the game and that shines through.

Girls 7^th & 8^th Grade Gymnastics – Single Day competition at Wayne for Girls – CAW came in 7^th Place Overall

Girls 5^th Grade Basketball – CAW 24 vs. Poyntelle 2

Boys 6^th Grade Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 3

Boys 7^th Grade LAX – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 9

CAW hosted a 5^th Grade Boys Basketball Tourney.

CAW White 25 vs. Tyler Hill 28

CAW White 18 vs. Westmont 30

CAW Gold 31 vs. Tyler Hill 20

CAW Gold 19 vs. CAW White 13

CAW Gold 24 vs. Westmont 8

CAW Red 31 vs. Westmont 21

CAW Red 35 vs. Tyler Hill 9

CAW Red 30 vs. CAW White 20

CAW Red 22 vs. CAW Gold 6

CAW Red won todays tourney. All the boys had a great time and got to play all afternoon.

All of our Freshman and Junior Boys went to Camp Westmont this evening to play in a friendly soccer tournament they hosted. We had an absolute ball with a total of 4 games being played and CAW won 2 and Westmont won 2. Our CIT Boys joined them tonight and cheered them on. Faces were painted, signs were made and our oldest campers spent the evening cheering on our youngest campers. It was quite a special sight to see these friendships developing between these campers. One CIT said cheering on the Freshman and Juniors reminded him how quick this experience goes and how he wishes it was him on that field just starting his CAW journey. In a blink of an eye.

It was Round Robin tonight and boy did everyone have a great time. Our Freshman girls were having cupcake wars in the Cookhouse while our Junior Girls loved playing night time kickball under the stars. Inter & Collegiate girls enjoyed movie night in the Chen-A-Plex while Senior Girls enjoyed a spa party while Super Girls had a campfire and S’mored it up. GC girls spent their night playing board games and our Girl Wanderers dressed up as nerds and had a blast playing BBG. Middie Boys spent their night playing Wiffle Ball palooza while the Inters & Collegiates were in Shields Hall enjoying their Gaga tournament. Seniors & Supers  had a blast playing Flag Football.  Our GC’s boys loved playing Kan Jam.

Like I started this blog is how I will end because it’s days like this that remind us why we’re here. Life is simply Great here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

 

 

 

The entire camp headed out to the Scranton RailRiders (Yankees AAA).  We all spent the morning in our regular fun activities but everyone was so excited about heading out to the ballpark. We got a few games in before we all headed out this afternoon.

Girls 5^th Grade Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Tioga 6

Girls 9^th Grade Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Cayuga 2

Boys 5^th Grade Basketball – CAW 50 vs. Tioga 10

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Tyler Hill

Boys 5^th/6^th Grade Roller Hockey – CAW 5 vs. Equinunk 10

Boys 6^th Grade Softball – CAW 0 vs. Westmont 1

Boys 9^th Grade LAX – CAW 13 vs. Poyntelle 3

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Seneca Lake – CAW 8 vs.Seneca Lake 0

The evening was all about baseball and we had a ball.  The entire camp filled the stands in PNC stadium where we watched Derek Jeter play with the RailRidres. The night started out amazing as we cheered on Associate Director Brian Leahy as he and Freshamn camper Max Wasserman threw out the first pitch. Am awesome sight to see and for Max and Brian, a night they will never forget. We cheered for our favorite players, we sang songs in the stands, we did the wave and we all had a great summer night at the ballpark. The night was ideal. What could be better than hanging out with your friends, eating ice cream and watching the game?  The spirit was high and the energy was just so much fun tonight. Another standout night spent with great friends.

It was a Camp Chen-A-Wanda takeover at the stadium. Little kids, big kids and staff all proudly wearing their Chen-A-Wanda shirts, which define us as one giant family and as we departed the stadium tonight, the other fans and staff complimented on how well behaved, polite and respectful our kids were. We were proud of them and as we all rolled back into camp, once again we were home.

Chenny out

 

 

 

It was Cherokee (Freshman, Juniors and Middies) camp takeover today at camp and our youngest campers loved every minute of having camp all to themselves. They spent the day sliding down our 150ft slip and slide, doing wet wacky relays, and playing dodge ball followed by wiffle ball tournament. They ruled the roost here at camp and after a huge pizza party it was time to unwind and watch a movie in Shields Hall.  They had an absolute ball today.

Mohikan camp (Inters & Collegiates) had an amazing day at Great Wolf Lodge. They spent the entire day in the coolest indoor water park.  After they dried off it was right into the arcade to play games and win prizes. Then it was off to an amazing dinner.  As the campers rolled back into camp, they jumped of the buses saying this was the BEST trip they’ve ever been on. It was homerun of a day and you didn’t see a Mohikan camper without a huge smile on their face. A trip that won’t be forgotten and many will most likely ask you to take them back when they return home. It was just that fun.

It was a chill day for Navajo camp (Seniors, Supers and GC’s) as they spent their day at the State Park lying in the sun, having a catch with their buddies or taking a dip in the lake. They had a bbq at the lake and enjoyed dinner just as the sun set. They dried off, changed clothes and headed for a nighttime movie. These big kids rolled back into camp at 9:45pm and had an amazing time. Days like these, we wish we could stop time and freeze so they would last forever.

Our Wanderers had their own special treat today as they ate breakfast at Binghams and for those of you who are familiar know that they ate very well. Nothing quite like the French toast at Binghams. Then it was off to the movies followed by a day shopping at the mall. They spent a great day hanging out with one another, working up an appetite so it was off to have dinner in Scranton. Our oldest campers just love being with each other and getting to do big kid stuff together is what they have looked forward to since they were Middies.. So even the simplest trip to the mall is insanely fun because they all get to do this together.

As each bus rolled back into camp, you see the look of exhilaration on each campers face of how much fun they all had today. There is no denying that. But there is nothing quite like the feeling of rolling back into home and tonight we are all back home.

Chenny out

 

It was late wake up today and we all appreciated the extra sleep. After the past few days of incredible physical exertion, hearing the bugle this morning at 9:30am felt amazing. We all needed the recharge.

At camp, we show our authentic self.  At school, it is much easier to put a “mask” on in order to fit in to be accepted. It is virtually impossible to wear a mask 16 hours a day every single day here. This is where the mask comes off and we find acceptance and appreciation of our true self.  The friends we make here, see the real us and accept of us for who we are. You see this every day here at Chen-A-Wanda. It is where we celebrate one another and lift each other up. This attitude was highlighted at this evening’s Camper Talent Show.

There were 22 acts that stood up on our stage tonight and performed in front of the whole camp. That is not an easy fete for anyone but this Chenny audience was overwhelmingly supportive giving standing ovations after each performance. Imagine being 8 years old and singing all by yourself as a packed house was singing along with you. That initial shaky voice very quickly grew stronger with each note. Looking out a the audience who was rocking out, clapping along and singing with you gives you something you can’t quite explain; a confidence that will be with you forever. To be present at these moments is seeing the best part of humanity. No matter if we sing off key or miss a step in our dance, it just doesn’t matter. You are a superstar up there and our camp family will let you know that you are amazing. A Junior girl walked off stage after her performance and summed it all up in one sentence, “I was so nervous when I started to sing, then halfway through my song, I felt like a real rock star at my own concert.” That says it all.

Chenny out

 

 

 

After two and half days of intense Olympic competition, Red Morocco prevailed as the winners. It was a battle to the very end and in true Chen-A-Wanda form, it all comes down to Sing. The heat was on high today and each team was out in full force ready to bring home the Gold.  There were games on every field and court and what was more impressive than watching teams win was the amazing support we give each other when one team looses.   We take the best quality of good competition and infuse it with an overwhelming sense of sportsmanship. We play to play and after each game, the main question is,” did we have fun?” There are no upset spectators, nobody who is disappointed when a shot is not made. Our Olympic games highlight what sport was intended to be and how magnificent just playing to play can be.

Three separate teams entered Shields Hall tonight all dressed in their team colors. They each had their moment to sing their teams Cheer, March and Alma Mater and show their works of art as they presented the banner and plaques. It was a emotional night as the words of each Alma Mater resonated with everyone in the room. Red Morocco so beautifully summed it up with their lyrics:

 

We’re now split into three

But still one family

And tonight

We will all re-unite

You and I return to being best friends

You and I

Will be together ‘till the end

You and I

Will never be alone

Because this place we all love

is all our second home

As the winning team was announced, there was a sea of red that exploded with excitement. Their hard work and determination was validated with the sweetness of getting the win. That only lasted for mere moments as those in red t-shirts were hugging their friends wearing blue and gold. Within minutes, the colors on our shirts didn’t separate us. We were back together as one camp family.

Shields Hall went crazy with excitement as we announced that tomorrow is a brunch morning with a 9:30am wakeup!! We all played hard these last few days and all are looking forward to some extra zzzz’s.

Olympics 2013 will go down in Chen-A-Wanda history as one to remember. We all participated in something spectacular and all went through it together. That is the magic of this place. This crazy shared experience is now forever etched in all our minds. It was just another amazing day here and it reminds us all why Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny Out

 

Our Olympic games stands out as a true picture to why Chen-A-Wanda is truly a remarkable place. Victory is not defined by wins or losses. It is defined by our effort. If you can truthfully say, ‘I did the best I could, I gave everything I had,’ then you’re a winner. Today our campers gave it everything they had. Every camper put their heart and soul into each battle and gave it their all in every competition. The battles were fierce, they were fun and in the end it was the undeniable effort that made today such a standout day. We played hard, had fun and in the end supported one another. When you walk around camp, in the midst of hearing all the chants and cheers during all the games, you also heard “great job, amazing effort, proud of you.” There is something equally valuable to encouraging those around us that actually feels better than getting the win.

Being part of a community that comes together and supports one another regardless of the outcome is what makes Chen-A-Wanda Olympics so spectacular.  Tonight was the Apache Relay and everyone from our Freshmen campers to our Wanderers, play an integral part.  Each individual makes up the team and everyone counts.  No matter if you had to blow up a balloon until it popped, leaped frogged from the lake to arts & crafts or had to ride a bike to the finish line, the team depended on you. Tonight, Blue Thailand finished Apache by hitting that pole first as they rode on to Camp Rd. knowing that 1^st place was so close. Red Morocco ended the relay in 2^nd place with Gold Costa Rico just moments behind. The excitement to finish the race was amplified by each member of the team knowing they had a part in something bigger than themselves. It is the essence of belonging to a team and the importance that we all finished this race together.

It was time again to recognize our outstanding campers of the week. Congratulations to these stand out amazing campers. We are so proud of you and the qualities you posses that earned you camper of the week.

Freshman – Skylar Salk  & Braden Miller

Junior – Olivia Leviss & Mason Berlin

Middies – Kelsey Bloom & Jared Schwartz

Inters – Nikki Younger & Josh Klein

Collegiates – Lexi Lichten & Josh Polansky

Seniors – Julia Blee & Jeremy Schier

Supers – Amanda Model & Matthew Seganti

GC’s – Alexa Zysman & Jason Rossell

Wanderers – Hillary Schier & Ethan Gallant

When all is said and done, it’s not the shots that won the championship that we will remember, but the friendships we made along the way that will stay with us forever. All are sleeping peacefully as we rest our bodies for another amazing day of Olympics. Doesn’t get much better that this!!!

Chenny Out

 

It was another amazing day here at Chen-A-Wanda.   The sun was out, the heat was on and we were all enjoying this glorious day. The lake got a lot of love today as campers could not wait to jump in. The Zone was hoppin’ with crazy water balloon battles. It was a perfect day to get and stay wet.  The buzz around camp was all about Olympics and when it would break. As the entire camp was eating lunch, it was the perfect time for an Olympic fake out. All the Head Counselors entered The Lodge holding the torch with the Olympic fanfare playing loudly overhead. The place went wild with excitement chanting Olympics 2013!!!! Just as the entire camp thought this was it, the music switched and all of Head Staff started dancing to the Harlem Shake. Campers just need to wait a bit longer for Olympics 2013 to begin.

Even amidst the Olympic craze, we were able to get a ton of games in today. We played hard today and we couldn’t be more proud of the effort set forth from our athletes.

6^th Grade Girls Softball – CAW 15 vs. B’Nai Brith 5

9^th Grade Girls Basketball – CAW 27 vs. CAW 20

9^th Grade Girls Tennis – Tioga 5 vs. CAW 0

5^th Grade Boys LAX – CAW 12 vs. Tioga 0

7^th Grade Boys Basketball – Tioga 19 vs. CAW 17

8^th Grade Boys Baseball – CAW 8 vs. Lavi 3

The Circus show is a Chenny favorite and with over 150 campers auditioning for the big show, we are proud to announce those who will be in this years’ production. It takes hard work and a tremendous amount of dedication and we know this years Circus Show will be spectacular. We can’t wait to see you all fly!!!

Congratulations to our 2013 Circus Kids Cast: Daisy Zand, Bennet Goldstein, Jordana Leff, Skylar Bloom, Sarah Kaplansky, Hannah Pollack, Brooke Mohr, Melissa Borker, Sami Flyer, Olivia Hornick, Sami Miller, Samantha Broder, Jenna Seitler, Sofia Quadrino, Alexis Siegal, Ava Golden, Zoe Grabow, Noelle Breitweiser, Daisy Chaskin, Abby Baskind, Sydney Kesselman, Mackenzi Rubovitz, Jordan Leeds, Abby Nussbaum, Ally Heller, Sam Tell, Parker Moritz, Jaret Fensterstock, Daniel Geenfield, Michael Stulberger, Zach Fox, Emery Cohen & Max Rovner.

Well, our campers didn’t have to wait too long as late this afternoon when all were at their activity…. A familiar song played throughout camp. IT WAS OLYMPICS and we all knew what to do. Our Head Counselors started at The Lodge and passed the torch to one another followed by all of our camper’s trialing behind them. We all made it up to the soccer field and as we announced our Captains, the official Olympic rings were lit and the games officially have begun. Our camp is now split in three equal teams, RED MORRACO, BLUE THAILAND and GOLD COSTA RICA.

Just when we thought that camp could not possibly get any better, Olympics takes us to a whole new level. Tonight was a great night as we started our battle with Tugs of War. It was fierce, fun and full of friendly cheer. An absolute awesome evening!!!! Best news is we get to do this again tomorrow.

Chenny out

 

There is something quite special spending the 4^th of July at camp. It is a full day of celebrations. Everyone is dressed in Red, White & Blue, faces painted, tutus on and camp is decorated proudly displaying our American pride. Everyone felt the spirit of today. You couldn’t help but part of it, we all were. Seeing our youngest Freshman to our oldest Wanderer all dressed up and proudly showing their American pride is awe inspiring.

The spirit and energy today was following us all throughout the day as we had a giant dance party in The Lodge at lunch. Everyone was up on his or her seats singing and dancing. We didn’t want it stop. If you have ever been in a room singing at the top of your lungs and just letting loose by dancing as if no one in the world is watching you, you can understand how we didn’t want lunch to end today.

Games, Games and More Games!!!!!

3^rd / 4^th Grade Girls Basketball – Westmont 22 vs. CAW 17

5^th Grade Girls Tennis – Starlight 5 vs. CAW 0

7^th Grade Girls LAX – CAW 13 vs. Trails End 5

10^th / 11^th Grade Girls Tennis – Starlight 5 vs. CAW 0

10^th 11^th Grade Girls Basketball  – Nesher 40 vs. CAW 28

5^th Grade Boys Soccer – CAW 9 vs. Lohikan 0

7^th Grade Boys Tennis – Tyler Hill 4 vs. CAW 1

8^th Grade Boys Basketball – Starlight 40 vs. CAW 32

9^th Grade Boys Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Lohikan 1

It was an incredible day here at Chenny but we all knew that the night was the best part and it did not disappoint. The weather was ideal and we all enjoyed an incredible BBQ dinner, which we all ate outside as the sun shined down on each one of us. It was one of those nights that everyone was just in a great mood. There was this vibe here at camp that was happy and contagious. A perfect summer night with hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, ice pops and your friends and counselors right by your side. It was magical and we all knew it.

As dusk turned into night, we all headed up to the outdoor pavilion decked head to toe with glow sticks galore & flashing headbands.  We started the night with the biggest dance party to get us going and that it did. The countdown began and the first firework shot up in the air and was spectacular. I truly don’t know what is more impressive to watch; the sky light up with a rainbow of colorful fireworks or the look of amazement on your children’s faces as they watch with such anticipation for each firework to unveil above them.  They were just in amazement of what they were seeing and watching them enjoy it so, was a gift they gave to us. No matter if you are 7 or 77, 4^th of July fireworks amaze us but spending this day with your camp family makes today a summer standout. Hope you all had a great 4^th because we sure did.

Chenny out

 

Today was a spectacular day full of activities, games and our Chenny Idol Finalists were announced. It was another fun filled day here at CAW. We had a camp full of happy campers embracing every moment of this beautiful day.

A moment that stood out and exemplified how we all feel about this place happened today between a new Middy girl and her counselor. They were on their porch at rest hour talking about how the week has been going and this new camper who so beautifully conquered her homesickness, relayed that she feels this place isn’t camp for her but it feel like home. To say this says it all is an understatement. Something happens here, something magically wonderful happens that allows us all to make this place our home. It’s comfortable, it’s easy, it’s reassuring, and t’s home.

It was a busy day of games and our athletes persevered on the courts and fields.

Congratulations to Jayden Bier who placed 1^st in the 6^th & 7^th Grade Girls Wayne County Singles Tournament at Tyler Hill. Casey Kaplan and Corinne Packel placed 3^rd in Doubles in the same Wayne County Tournament. We are so proud you. Way to go girls!!

7^th Grade Girls Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Morasha 0

8^th Grade Girls Basketball – Morasha 23 vs. CAW 35

9^th Grade Girls Softball – CAW 21 vs. Wayne for Girls 20

7^th Grade Boys Softball – CAW 6 vs. Poyntelle 5

9^th Grade Boys Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Lohikan 1

The big news tonight was our evening activity as we announced our Chenny Idol Finalists. A few days ago we posted the Top 25 and with over 150 auditions, that list was narrowed down to the Top 13 finalists. Our talent pool runs deep here and this years production of Chenny Idol is set to be the best one yet. Shields Hall was simply electric with energy as we all sang along as each finalist was announced, called up on stage to receive his or her golden ticket. Congratulations to the Top 13 who will all perform live in front of our packed house waiting to see them shine.

Ally Heller

Maya Cohen

Jordana Leff

Jordan Leeds

Daisy Chaskin

Sami Miller

Justin Oresky

Daniel Gur

Julia Bromley

Alexis Ash, Amanda Beherens, Maci Rubenstein & Carly Wills

Sam Tell, Derek Wills & Adam Caplan

Dylan & Maddy Grabow

Matthew Leviss & Max Rovner

We all cannot wait to be entertained by the tremendous talent our three celebrity judges have chosen for the Big Show. Tune in next week, as each vocalist, group or duo will be vying to be the next Chenny Idol!

Chenny out