Category: General News

When the big kids are away… the little kids will play. As the Collegiates were having a great time at Great Wolf Lodge, Seniors were enjoying their day in Hershey Park, Supers loved their time in Virginia Beach and our Wanderers spent their last day in Phoenix before they return to camp tomorrow afternoon. Our Freshmen through Inters had camp all to themselves and had an amazing day at camp. It was lower camp takeover and our youngest campers ruled the campus. Faces were painted and campers were fierce with spirit and camp pride.  There were relay races, tetherball tournaments, mass dodgeball games and so much fun here at camp today we couldn’t contain our joy. It was just a crazy fun day.

The big event of the day was Wiffle Cup 2014. Boys side was dressed in all black and girls side was everything neon. There were chants and cheers but it was all about the game. Boys side was feeling the pressure as girls side brought home the victory last summer. The players for todays Cup was:

Girls side: Stevie Futterman, Lily Passen, Jessie Gatto, Tali Fox, Remi Shapiro, Sydney Steinberg, Mia Wallis, Olivia Leviss, Molly Williams, Sydney Rosenberg, Allie Fien, Kylie Gorsky and Brooke Marshall

Boys side: Jack Resnick, Ethan Sukoneck, Ethan Coulthard, Josh Baum, Tyler Jurist, Scott Steinberg, Ben Farhi, Jordan Yagoloff, Jared Simpson, Michael Stulberger, Dylan Bortnick, Charlie Newman and Zach Weiss

The game was insanely fun and while boys side was ahead the majority of the game, it was at the top of the 6^th that girls made a giant run for it. As the girls batted for their last turn they caught up and the score was tied at 46 /.46. Boys side had to score or we were headed into extra innings. First batter hit a single then the second batter struck out.  With a home-run from the third batter, it was all over and boys side was victorious tonight. Congratulations to Michael Stulberger as he was honored with MVP of Wiffle Cup 2014.

Our evening activity was just more fun for lower camp as Steve Max entertained us all with the best Simon Says game ever. Simon Says put your hands on your head, Simon says put your hands on your hips, Simon Says summers spent at Chenny are just the BEST!!

Chenny out

 

 

We woke to a little rain today and as I was walking through boy’s side this morning, I heard something that grabbed my attention. Two collegiate boys were on their porch as they were getting ready for inspection and as the rain was coming down they were both chatting about the rain. One said to the other, “ A little rain makes everything grow.” And the other camper so plainly replied with, “Yeah, you’re right – It makes the grass greener and the trees taller.” I was there at just the right moment to catch this exchange and it made me smile. They didn’t complain that they couldn’t get out to play but saw the silver lining. These boys view life as half full rather than half empty. It was just a refreshing moment to witness.

Another Championship for Chenny!!

Inters/Middies Boys Softball – CAW 5 vs. Tyler Hill 3 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Freshman/Junior Boys Gold Soccer – CAW 10 vs. Tioga 1

Inters Boys Gold Basketball – Tioga 16 vs. CAW 14

Gymnastics Tourney at Bryn Mawr – A big congratulations to Ava Golden who placed in the uneven bars and Sydney Kesslemen in the beam. We are so proud of our gymnasts!!!

Our Super kids departed this morning for their 4-day trip to Virginia Beach. They had a great time at Kings Dominion Amusement Park and then it was off to check-in to their hotel. They are loving their trip so far and more fun is on its way!!

Our Senior kids left for their Hershey Park overnight and spent twilight in the park. It’s nighty night for now but in the morning, back to everything Chocolate at Hershey Park.

Our Collegiates left on their overnight to Great Wolf Lodge and had a fantastic afternoon in the waterpark. They too get all day tomorrow to do it again.

Our Wanderers keep on wandering as they spent their day at the most southern rim of the Grand Canyon. The fun continued as they were off to their last stop in Phoenix for some due relaxation after the last 9 days spent on the road. It has been one extreme trip and tomorrow they will spend their day at Point Hill Squaw Peak Resort to enjoy a day of fun in the sun relaxing as they reflect on the amazing journey they  just were on.

It was BINGO night in Shields hall for our freshmen thru Inter campers and oh what a night it was. Led by Jon and myself, we called out numbers like you’ve never seen numbers at a bingo been called before. Amazing prizes were flying out quicker than they could call out BINGO!!! The energy was insane, the kids were pumped and we had way too much fun with you kids tonight!!!! A night we wont forget….

Chenny out

 

Another remarkable day is in the books for summer 2014. What a beautiful day it was here at Chenny and the campers soaked it all up. The morning was spent in regular activities as they sun was shining brightly down on us all. Spending our days outside in this gorgeous landscape is a gift we all cherish. Beauty is all around us. The fresh air, the green trees, the mesmerizing lake, the rolling green grass and billowing clouds, provide us with our connection to nature. We all get to live in and spend our summers amongst this truly awe-inspiring space. There were six Senior girls sitting in a circle in the center of camp this afternoon and each one of their heads was in the lap of their friend so they were all interconnected and intertwined. You could see they were in conversation but all were gazing upward as they just chatted and staring into the bluest sky.  This moment of total relaxation, without a care in the world, watching the clouds pass them by just being with one another was a lovely sight to see.

A huge congratulations to our Collegiate Boys Basketball team as they won the Championship game today with a 41 -38 victory over Camp Morasha.

It was friendly game of wiffle ball today for our Freshman/Juniors girls as we hosted Camp Westmont. The girls had a ball. Lots of fun, giggles and laughs were had by both teams. Wiffle Ball is just super fun play!

Our Super girls LAX team was victorious today with a 17 – 6 victory over Blue Ridge.

Our Inters, Collegiates and Seniors went out to the movies tonight and had a great time watching some awesome summer blockbusters. The Freshmen, Juniors and Middies stayed in camp tonight and had their own movie madness. They got in their jammies and cozied up to watch a great summer flick in Shields Hall.

Our Supers are heading off to their 4-day trip to Virginia Beach tomorrow morning and enjoyed a long-standing camp tradition tonight with Road Rally followed by their own ice-cream sundae party. It is a what our Supers do the night before they depart for their trip and they owned all of camp, running around in groups of 4 in a giant camp scavenger hunt of sorts.

Our Wanderers left Las Vegas this morning en route to the Grand Canyon. They took a Pink Jeep tour through he canyon as they gazed in amazement at the glory of this national wonder. Something so vast and beautiful made each one of our kids sit in awe as they will never forget the day they went to the Grand Canyon with their camp family.

Just another day fabulous at the office!!!!

Chenny out

 

Without a doubt, today was amazing. It was a regular day of activities for our campers and they enjoyed every minute of it. As the day went on, the temperature got hotter and everyone wanted to cool down. Our Lake, Pool and the Zone were full of campers beating the heat. It was picturesque watching it all happen.

Congratulations to our Campers of the Week. They are outstanding campers who deserve the high honor and recognition this week. They have gone above and beyond and we’ve noticed!!

 

Freshmen                 Ellyana Frank                           Charlie Butler

Juniors                     Lindsay Chekoff                        Jared Mahler

Middies                    Elana Kessler                              Ryan Bornstein

Inters                        Sofia Jaffe                                    Josh Foodim

Collegiates              Rachel Garfield                           Justin Oresky

Seniors                    Ben Schuster                                Emily Locker

Supers                     Amanda Behrens                        Tommy Quinn

It was fun day for our athletes playing the games they love.

Middy Girls Soccer – Wayne 3 vs. CAW 2

Middy Girls Softball – Blue Ridge 6 vs. CAW 5

Super Girls Tennis – Starlight 5 vs. CAW 0

Freshman/Junior Baseball – CAW 8 vs. Starlight 4 – CAW advances to the Championship Game.

Inter Boys Soccer – Starlight 3 vs. CAW 2

Senior/Super Boys LAX (CHAMPIONSHIP Game) – Starlight 11 vs. CAW 4

Tonight we had a great night in Shields Hall playing Trivia Mania. It was the most fun game show that we’ve had here at CAW.  Our campers buzzed in their answers, hula hooped for 100’s of points, sang the endings of pop songs and popped balloons with everything but their hands, feet and face. It was a crazy fun night that engaged every single camper. It was outrageous and over the top fun.

Our Wanderers are still wandering, as they loved being in Las Vegas. They enjoyed their day exploring amusement parks and shopping. Then it was off to see The Chris Angel Show tonight. They are absolutely loving this trip and what makes it that much more special is who they are sharing it with. It’s good to be a Wanderer!!!!

Days like today fill our hearts with pure camp joy. How lucky we all are to have moments like this in our lives. As we remind ourselves that for ten months our kids work hard, study harder and navigate through all of life’s daily stresses. But here at camp, we connect, we engage and we just play!

Chenny out

 

It was Chenny domination today on our fields and courts. Our athletes put everything they’ve got into today’s games and three of our teams have advanced to the Wayne County Championships!! There was so much Chenny celebration today you felt it all throughout camp. The pride and support we feel and give one another is beyond comprehension. Our collegiate girls were battling it on the soccer field this morning and a group of Middy boys were walking by headed to their next activity and every single one of them cheered in support, “You got this Chenny Girls.” We are a family up here and when one wins, we all win and when we face defeat, we do it together. Each athlete and team played with intensity, character and amazing sportsmanship. We couldn’t be more proud of how each of our kids played today and showed such great character.

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2 /CAW advances to the Championship Game

Senior Girls Basketball – CAW 37 vs. Morasha 19

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 28 vs. Nesher 24 / CAW advances to the Championship Game

Middy Boys Roller Hockey – CAW 3 vs. Lavi 2 / CAW advances to the Championship Game

In the words of one of our counselors who has spent that last 10 years of her life here at Chenny, said it best after tonight’s evening activity, “This was the BEST evening activity I have ever seen here.” It was our first annual Lip Sync Battle. Each division had a Head staff member represent them in tonight’s battle and the show was INSANE!!  They danced, they lip synced and they brought Shields Hall to a whole new level. We were on our feet singing along with them as each round eliminated a contestant. The final round was intense as Ally Grossman represented who Middy Division was going head to head against Kevin Breen who was representing the Super Division. The song choices were brilliant, the costumes were spot on and their performance will go down in Chen-A-Wanda history as one of the BEST NIGHTS EVER!!!!!! But in the end, it was Ally who pulled off tonight’s win as she won the entire Middy division a pizza party. The place went wild and everyone was a winner as they enjoyed one heck of a show put on by the by the most entertaining and talented staff ever.

It was a travel day for our Wanderers as they said goodbye to Los Angeles and boarded the buses for Las Vegas. They are having a trip of a lifetime and as they dined at Carmines and saw the lights of Las Vegas strip, they are eagerly looking forward to spending tomorrow at Circus Circus. Another perfect day for our Wanderers!!!

Chenny out

 

Each summer I am amazed with the simple things I see your children spending their time playing with and today was no exception. With all the excess stuff our kids are surrounded by, it was a simple game of Jacks that occupied this group of phenomenal Inter girls today. They had a Jacks tournament and this simple game consisting of a little red ball and 10 metal jacks brought so much joy to this group of girls. Watching these happy campers play something that existed decades before they were even born, connected them to a time when life was much simpler than today. It wasn’t a screen that your children were gazing at today but a little red ball, 10 metal Jacks and their friends by their side. When given the opportunity, our kids thrive with the simple things and being able to offer these moments to your children is our mission here. This game of Jacks doesn’t light up, talk back to you or have to be downloaded it but it sure feels great play with your friends.

Chen-A-Wanda wins its first Wayne County Championship of Summer 2014!!

Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer – CAW wins Championship!!  CAW 8 vs. Wayne 2 – Congratulations to our girls who scored in today’s game. Jessica Locker, Sloane Brodie, Tali Fox, Jillian Baskind and Jillian Oresky!!

Middy Girls Gold Soccer – Westmont 4 vs. CAW 3

Senior Girls Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2

Middy Boys Basketball – Tioga 22 vs. CAW 18

Inter Boys Baseball – CAW 17 vs. Chestnut Lake 7 – CAW moves onto Championship Game

Collegiate Boys Basketball – Tioga 23 vs. CAW 20

Collegiate Boys Tennis – Westmont 3 vs. CAW 2

It was Round Robin Tonight and our kids had an absolute great night. Freshman girls cuddled up in their PJ’s and watched Frozen in Chateau Leahy while the Freshman Boys made candy Rice Krispie treats in the Cookhouse. The Junior girls spent their night playing a mass game of kickball under the lights while the Junior boys had their own fun playing in a huge dodge ball tournament in the roller hockey rink. The Middy girls made were in the canteen making chocolate as the Middy boys enjoyed a night at the Wiffle Ball stadium having their own crazy fun up there. The Inter girls spent their night in Arts and Crafts learning jewelry making and creating beautiful works of art. It was Chipwhich making in the Lodge for our Inter boys tonight. Collegiate girls and boys watched a movie in the Chen-A-Plex. Senior girls had a mass BBG game and had a ball. Senior boys had March Madness basketball tourney in Shields Hall. Super girls spent their night enjoying S’mores at the campfire. Super Boys got wet and wild at the Slip n’ Slide. It was an absolutely perfect night for all.

Our Wanderers had their own amazing last day in Los Angeles spending their day hanging at the hotel pool. Then it was off to Six Flags Magic Mountain for a fun night at the amusement park. They are off to Las Vegas in the morning and are having the time of their lives out west.

Just when you think it can’t possibly get better, it does!!

Chenny out.

 

 

 

For over three weeks now, we have lived together in this magical world we call Chen-A-Wanda. Every single day unveils more magic as we learn more about one another and ourselves; opening ourselves up to the possibilities of new connections; discovering what kind friends we want and what kind of friend we want to be. This is where your children learn these crucial social valuable lessons that help shape who they are. Today, two boys had a disagreement and didn’t know how to express how they felt about what had happened. It was not about avoiding the issue at hand or walking away from each other but it was about engaging in resolution and that is exactly what they did. Camp provided these two boys the opportunity to learn something about themselves today. Of course they worked it out and moved on as the argument became so secondary. The process was where the magic happened. With the support and guidance of some amazing counselors, these two boys grew a little more today and got through a challenging situation today. They coped today, they shared today, they resolved conflict today, they listened to someone else’s feelings today and today will stay with them always.  The benefits of these experiences are immeasurable and your children thrive as they grow by leaps and bounds every single day.

Five Wins and a Tie today for our Chenny athletes.

Freshmen/Junior Girls Gold Basketball – CAW 12 vs. Tioga 10

Freshmen/Junior Boys Gold Basketball – CAW 10 vs. Tioga 10

Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 8 vs. Island Lake 2

Inter Boys Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Weequahic 1

Middy/Inter Boys Softball – CAW 6 vs. Equinunk 3

Collegiate Boys Tennis – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 0 (CAW moves on to Championship)

We all had a great time tonight as we played Minute To Win It in Shields Hall. Each division had a contestant who was representing their division at tonight’s exciting game. They played 8 rounds of games from Ka-Broom to Rapid Fire to Sticky Situation to name a few. As each round eliminated a contestant, we were left with 2 finalists who battled it out at he BIG VOLCANO. The last standing were Carly Wills who represented the Super girls and Jake Quadrino who represented the Super Boys. As both stood on platforms, they were attempting to drop Mentos into a soda bottle creating a huge volcano explosion. The task wasn’t easy but Jake Quadrino was victorious and hit the bulls-eye. As the soda erupted so did Shields Hall. Jake won a pizza party for his division and in camp those are worth gold!!!

Our Wanderers enjoyed their day in Santa Monica. They spent time at the beach, played on the pier and shopped on 3^rd street. They ended their day watching the Anaheim Angels play the Baltimore Orioles. Another fantastic day at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!!

Chenny out

 

There is something quite special about heading out of camp on trips with your campies. Everyone is wearing their camp shirts and we all load the buses to some amazing fun places. It unifies us as a group as we exit our gates for some fantastic adventures. Each group had a ball today as they enjoyed themselves beyond imagination.

Our youngest Freshmen campers spent their day at Claws and Paws Zoo and it was remarkable. They fed the giraffes, they watched the monkeys play, they saw some great animal shows and in one adorable Freshmen’s own words, “That was the best day ever.” They rolled back into camp right at shower hour, all with the stuffed zoo animals they bought there. The cuteness was too much too handle. After a yummy dinner, they brought their new zoo animal friends into the Chen-A-Plex as they watched The Lion King.

The Juniors and Middies started their day at Leahy’s fun park where they played in the arcade, zoomed around the go-kart track, played mini-golf and had a blast of a day. They arrived back to camp just in time for dinner and then spent their night in Shields Hall, watching a movie in their jammies. An absolutely remarkable trip and a fun relaxing night back at camp.

Inters and Collegiates got wet, wild and wacky at Camel Beach today. It was a hot day and there is no better way to spend it than with your campies swirling around the giant toilet bowl!!!! They relaxed in the lazy river and had a blast in the wave pool. It was an all around perfect way to cool down and have an ideal summer day day.

Seniors and Supers spent their day at Great Wolf Lodge and it was perfect. This huge indoor water park was the ideal spot for these campers. They relaxed at the pool after they spent hours on the rides. It was another amazing day for these campers who made memories that will last their lifetime.

Our Wanderers had a true LA day as they strolled down Hollywood Blvd checking out the stars and hotspots. They ate at Farmers Market, window shopped through Beverly Hills and spent their evening at Universal Studios. They are getting the real deal Los Angeles experience and we couldn’t be happier for them. They are soaking it all in and enjoying every moment.

With the exception of our Wanderers, we are all back in camp, snuggled in our beds and sleeping soundly from a day well spent.  We are not wasting one moment here and living out our summer dreams.  Best news is we are only halfway through our summer and  there is so much more to do.

Chenny out

 

It was back to regular activities today and camp was looking and feeling great. The lake was full of happy campers and the fun we all had today was just incredible. The fields and courts were full happy campers playing on them.  The trapeze was busy with highflying campers. Wiffle Ball Stadium was also the place to be today with bumping music and homeruns over the big Red Monster. It was one of those perfect camp days we dream about all winter long. Being outside playing with our friends without a care in the world.

Our athletes had a great day playing their fav sports today.

Junior/Freshman Girls Soccer – CAW 4 vs. Starlight 0

Inters/Middies Girls LAX – Westmont 12 vs. CAW 6Girls Swin Meet at Starlight – CAW took 5^th Place

Super Girls Softball – Island Lake 11 vs. CAW 0

Inter Boys Roller Hockey – Equinunk 9 vs. CAW 5

Inter/Collegiate Boys Tennis Tournament at Tyler Hill Congratulations to Justin Oresky who came in First Place at today’s tournament

Our Wanderers landed in Los Angeles and had the most amazing first day as they toured UCLA and lunched in Westwood. After a busy afternoon, they checked into the hotel and spent the night at the pool. They are back in their rooms having a good night sleep as they prepare for the amazing day they have ahead of them. It is a trip of al lifetime and they get to experience this with their camp family. What could possibly be better? We will continue to post pictures and updates on our Facebook page throughout their journey.

Tonight we were entertained by a legendary folk singer, Nancy Tucker. It was good old-fashion fun as we sung songs together that are campy and squeeky clean. We did the jellyfish and a little peanut butter and jelly sprinkled in with other camp favorites that we wont soon forget. They are songs that were easy to sing and fun to learn. It was just a throw back to the songs we sung when we were kids. Once you hear them and sing them, they stay with you forever.  It was just an amazing old school fun campy night. It just keeps getting better and better.

The night ended as we hosted Camp Weequahic for 2 staff games. Chenny was victorious in both games as we won Mens’ basketball 62-45 and our Men’s soccer with a 2-1 victory. Our campers loved cheering on our staff. Serious camp pride and spirit was all around tonight’s game!!!!

Chenny out

 

 

A father of a camper mentioned something to me yesterday at Visiting Day that stuck out and was worth mentioning in tonight’s blog. He was overwhelmed with emotion as he described how his daughter shines here and is authentically herself here. “She is free to be exactly who she is here and for that I am eternally grateful”, he said.  “There is no inhibition, no worries that she will be judged here.” There is no way to pretend to be someone you are not day in and day out. The mask comes off here and the real you is encouraged to emerge. You get to be yourself, without judgment or ridicule. There is acceptance and appreciation here. His daughter shines here. She found her stride here. He thanked me and enjoyed the day with his beautiful daughter. I watched them throughout the day and as she was smiling cuddled up beside him, she exuded a confidence from the inside out. We have watched this camper blossom and become her authentic self. This is a world like no other as this is the story of what happens inside our gates.

It was beautiful day for our athletes who put their everything into each game. We are proud of their effort and the sportsmanship they exude on the fields and courts.

Senior Girls Tennis – Tyler Hill 3 vs. CAW 2

Super Girls Soccer – Wayne 3 vs. CAW 0

Inter Boys Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Westmont 0

Collegiate Boys Basketball – CAW 30 vs. Westmont 26

Super Boys Basketball – Westmont 39 vs. CAW 27

Super/GC LAX – CAW 16 vs. Lohikan 5

GC/CIT  Boys Basketball – CAW 52 vs. Island Lake 10

Camp is where shine and tonight we were as bright as the sun, as our campers took the stage in the Camper Talent show. There were 13 acts that stood up on our stage 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. Every year this evening activity restores my faith in how good we are to one another here. A collegiate boy camper took center stage and started playing his guitar. A few keys were missed but he kept the beat and within just a few moments he had us all singing Radioactive along with him. We joined in with him and as he looked out at the entire Shields Hall singing with him, he had his moment to shine. It was electric and everyone in that hall had chills upon chills. We are a community, a family of sorts and tonight allowed us to be our authentic self and shine. Our Chenny kids are remarkably unique, brilliant, and talented and they put on one fantastic show tonight.  Just another day in paradise.

Chenny out