Category: Uncategorized

  • The Blog is Back

    I’m back—and I can honestly say this trip was even better than I ever imagined. I learned so much, did things I never thought I would (or could), laughed endlessly, and bonded with our campers in a way that only travel together can bring. We explored parts of the country I had never seen before and made memories that I know will last a lifetime. Experiencing this journey through the eyes of our kids was pure magic.

    Our adventure began in Los Angeles—and wow, was it fabulous. Showing the campers my hometown in all its glory was such a joy. We even had the bus make a spontaneous stop just to capture that iconic shot of the Hollywood sign! There was shopping, eating, and yes—more shopping—plus a perfect day at Santa Monica Beach and an unforgettable visit to Universal Studios. Every moment was a hit with the kids, and truly, what’s not to love about LA?

    But that was just the beginning. Next, we headed to Nevada, where the adventure ramped up. The kids weren’t sure they could kayak up the Colorado River… but they did. Every single one of them. Watching them push through their doubts and paddle together was one of the most rewarding sights of the trip. That evening, we gathered under a sky so dark that the stars felt close enough to touch. We sat around a bonfire, cooked hot dogs, roasted marshmallows, and watched shooting stars streak across the desert sky. That night was my personal highlight—and I know it was theirs too.

    Then came the Grand Canyon. Somehow, I had never been—and now I can’t believe I waited this long. Its breathtaking, majestic beauty left us all speechless. Standing at the edge of that vast canyon makes you feel small in the best possible way. In Sedona, the scenery shifted to striking red rocks and our adventure continued with pink Jeep rides through the mountains—an experience none of us will forget. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we landed in Phoenix for a VIP tour of the Suns arena. Watching our campers shoot hoops on an NBA court and seeing the pure joy in their eyes was like watching dreams come to life. We topped it off with a Diamondbacks game, complete with on-field batting practice. Surreal doesn’t even begin to cover it.

    And yet, the real magic wasn’t just the places we visited—it was being together. Sharing these experiences as a true camp family made every moment unforgettable. Every second of this trip was pure joy, for me and for our campers.

    When Jon and I created this trip for our GC’s, our goal was simple: give them something truly special. A chance to combine the adventure of travel with the heart and spirit of camp. Now that I’ve lived it, I can say without a doubt—it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Teen summers come with so many choices, but the chance to travel with your entire camp division—kids you’ve grown up with—is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s the best of both worlds, and I hope every family who has this opportunity in the future says “yes” to it.

    This trip was beyond incredible. Our kids have created memories and bonds that will stay with them for life. As we boarded the plane back home, Jordana Kohen summed it up perfectly: “This was the best trip ever… and I’m so ready to go back to camp. I miss it.” Me too, Jordana. Me too.

    And now, we return for the best week of the summer… and maybe, just maybe, a Color War is around the corner. So my blogs are officially back and I will be reporting on everything that happens these next 10 days. I can’t wait to see all the kids in the morning and give them all hugs – I truly love our summer family.

    Life is great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

     

  • Why I Write My Blog

    Since 2010, I’ve ended every single day at Camp Chen-A-Wanda the same way, sitting at my desk way after midnight, writing a blog to share with our camp parents that are home. What started as a way to update you on sports scores has turned into something much deeper. Over time, it evolved into a space for reflection, storytelling, and connection. No matter how tired I am, I sit down and write because I need to share the moments of the day that made it remarkable and wanted you at home to feel what is happening at Camp.

    There’s always at least one moment that takes my breath away and reminds me why this place is so extraordinary and some days, there are dozens of these treasured moments. While I can’t capture them all in every blog post, I try my best to bring you into our world, to help you feel the joy, the laughter, the growth, and the magic we experience here daily. Truthfully, I’ve never known who actually reads these blogs. I’ve always hoped someone out there did but Visiting Day so many of you came up to me to say, “I read your blog every morning, it’s part of my routine.” And I can’t begin to tell you how much that means to me. To know my words resonate and help you feel connected to your camper’s journey, that means everything.

    But these stories I share, they aren’t mine. They’re built from the moments I witness, the conversations I overhear, the emotions that unfold right in front of me. These seven weeks fill my heart in a way that lasts all year long. In a world that can often feel chaotic, confusing and heavy, camp is a reminder that connection, kindness, freedom, and joy still thrive. For seven weeks, the world just makes sense. So I write. And apologies for the typos (usually typed with one eye already closed), but the stories are always clear in my heart and I truly hope they come out the way I intend them to. To share the beauty of what’s happening in here.

    Tonight, I’m heading out west with our GC campers and taking this amazing group to LA and beyond for the trip of a lifetime. And for the first time in 15 years for these next seven nights, I won’t be able to blog for you. Leading this trip means stepping away from the keyboard, and being fully present for the kids who’ve been waiting and dreaming about this trip for years and its finally here and this is where my focus needs to be.

    So, I hope you’ll understand the pause. I’ll miss writing to you and I hope you’ll miss reading it, too. But when I return to camp, I’ll be back at my desk, still exhausted, still inspired, and ready to share all the stories waiting to be told.

    Elissa

  • GIRLS SIDE PUT ON A SHOW


    Today was a truly special one at Camp Chen-A-Wanda as we welcomed our sibling rookies for Rookie Day. It was their very first chance to be official Chenny campers. After years of watching their older siblings head off to camp, today was their turn, and they embraced every moment with wide eyes and full hearts. They swam, played, laughed, and lived a full camp day just like their older siblings. One sweet moment captured the spirit of the day perfectly: a rookie turned to his new rookie friend and said, “Maybe we can be in the same bunk next summer,” to which the other replied, “I hope so.” And just like that, the spark was lit. New friendships formed effortlessly, and a new generation of campers began to bloom. Watching these little ones dive into the Chenny experience with such joy and ease was pure magic. Today wasn’t just a visit, it was the beginning of something big for so many. Their journey has officially begun.

    Chenny Game Recap:

    Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Wayne 1

    Inter Boys Hockey Championship Game – CAW 4 vs. Wayne 6

    Collegiate Boys Soccer CAW 5 @ Westmont

    GC/CIT Boys Soccer CAW 4 vs. Wayne 0

    Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer Championship – CAW 11 @ Starlight 1 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

    There’s truly nothing like camp traditions and Girls Sing sits right at the top of the list. It’s the heart and soul of Girls Side and a shining example of what makes camp so special. For days, the energy has been electric as each division rehearsed their songs, perfected choreography, and poured their hearts into making their performances unforgettable. You could feel the pride in every practice, every run-through, every lyric — and tonight, it all came to life. It was all about Girls Sing — and it was INCREDIBLE. This tradition defines the spirit of Chenny. Every girl on campus was all in — from our adorable, wide-eyed Freshmen to our powerful, passionate CITs. They lit up the stage with unity, spirit, and sisterhood. The performances were stunning, emotional, and full of heart. What makes this tradition even more beautiful is the support from Boys Side. They filled the hall, sitting in awe for over two hours, cheering on their sisters in camp — and when Boys Side gives Girls Side a standing ovation, you know you’re witnessing something truly special.

    Each division chose a unique theme and delivered it with soul. But the most moving part? Their Alma Maters. The songs they wrote and sang were filled with meaning, sung to a room that hung on every word. The chills were real. These moments, singing shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm — are memories that will stay with them forever. This is sisterhood. This is camp.

    A huge congratulations to the Inter Girls for winning Lower Camp Sing with their breathtaking ” InterTainment”performance. The girls were spectacular and put on a show that definitely Intertained us all.  Our GC’s stunned the entire camp with their powerful performance of  “GC JACKSON,” a tribute to Michael Jackson. Between the costumes, the choreography and the moon walk, it was flawless. They earned the win for Upper Camp and the GC curse seems be a thing of the past.

    Congratulations to all of Girls Side for delivering the best Girls Sing we’ve ever had. These songs will echo through their lives for years to come, they’ll never forget the lyrics, the themes, or the feeling of standing on that stage, together. Life is so great on Girls Side — and tonight, it was simply unforgettable!

  • Hearts Are Full – Visiting Day 2025

    Thank you for making Visiting Day 2025 nothing short of spectacular. Watching you run to your children’s bunks and wrap them in that first hug, there is simply nothing sweeter. That moment when your arms are around your child again, even just for a few hours, makes everything feel right in the world. The anticipation on your kids’ faces, waiting to be scooped up off their porches, is a sight that never gets old. Family is everything, and today, camp was overflowing with that beautiful energy. It was a gift to witness your reunions and see you soaking in every moment together. From porch chats and photo ops to laughter-filled lunches and proud performances, today was a celebration of everything camp is and everything it means to your children.

    There were countless special moments — like when our cast of 101 Dalmations and Dance Team lit up the stage and we watched you light up right along with them.  That’s why we do what we do, to create a space where your kids feel safe, supported, joyful, and free. A place where they build confidence, discover who they are, and make memories that will last forever. We hope today reassured you that your children are exactly where they’re meant to be , surrounded by people who love and care for them deeply, encouraging them to try new things, explore the outdoors, and embrace all the wonder of what summer brings.

    Tonight, we kept the fun going with a pie eating contest that had the whole camp laughing. (Be sure to ask your kids about it — it was hilarious!) Followed by an epic silent disco party which was off the charts fun. With 3 more weeks to go, we’re not slowing down. We plan to make each day better than the last.  Thank you for your trust, your love, and for sharing your beautiful children with us. And a special thank you to all of you who told me today how much you’re enjoying the blog — it means the world to me. My goal has always been to give you a window into this magical place and share just how inspired I am by your kids every single day. The stories are created by your kids, I just find the words to share their beauty and Im so glad you enjoy reading them.

    Running a city of this size and spirit is no easy feat, and we never take for granted the incredible responsibility we’ve been entrusted with. Every decision, whether simple or incredibly difficult, is made with one guiding question in mind: How will this impact our campers, and will it positively enhance their experience? That compass guides everything we do. Today, so many of you took the time to share your appreciation and support, not just for what we do, but for how we do it. Hearing from you that your children are thriving, growing, and genuinely happy means the world to us.  You can’t imagine how deeply that affirmation resonates. It reminds us why we do this and fuels us to keep giving our all, every single day. Thank you, our Chenny families who are part of our village.

    Visiting Day 2025, it’s a wrap. What a day. What a community. What a gift.

  • We’re Ready For You

    As we prepare to welcome you to camp tomorrow, our hearts are full. Visiting Day is one of the most special moments of the summer. It’s a day filled with love, hugs, stories, and the beautiful reunion of families. We know how much you’ve been looking forward to seeing your camper, and trust us, they’ve been counting down the days too. Watching you run toward your child’s bunk and wrap them in that first hug is a moment of pure magic — it’s truly unforgettable to witness.

    But we also want to gently remind you, this day can bring a wide range of emotions, not just for you, but especially for your child. For the past four weeks, your camper has done something truly extraordinary: they’ve adjusted, embraced, and fully immersed themselves in camp life. They’ve grown in ways that are hard to explain until you see it for yourself. And tomorrow, you’ll get that chance.

    That said, transitions can be tricky. For some campers, the excitement of seeing you is mixed with nervous energy and as the day winds down, that emotion can sometimes show up as tears, clinginess, or even acting out. This is completely normal. It’s their way of processing the shift between the world they’ve created here and the deep bond they have with you. Please don’t be surprised if your camper becomes emotional or has a tough time as the day nears its end, it’s all part of this remarkable journey.

    We’ve planned an exciting afternoon and evening full of fun activities right after Visiting Day ends; pie eating contest, water balloon throw and a phenomenal silent disco, things that quickly help campers return to their camp mindset and routine. These moments bring them right back into the swing of summer and help ease the transition after saying goodbye. So even if your camper has a hard time saying goodbye, it’s up to you to depart quickly and trust us that we’ve got them.

    Throughout the day, we encourage you to let your camper take the lead. Soak in their stories. Meet their new friends. Let them show you where they live, where they eat, and where they play. We’ve worked hard to create a schedule that gives you plenty to do but we hope the day is less about following an itinerary and more about being with your child and celebrating their journey so far.

    Enjoy every minute. Tomorrow is a day to celebrate your camper, the friendships they’ve made, the confidence they’ve gained, and the memories they’re still creating. We are so excited to welcome you into their summer home.

    See you soon, and get ready for the best Visiting Day ever!

    Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!

  • & Basketball Makes for a Great Day

    Today was far from ordinary at Camp Chen-A-Wanda — it was Corn Man Day, and that means pure joy from sunup to sundown! One of the most anticipated days of the summer, our legendary guest made his grand return, and camp was buzzing with excitement. Campers showed up in full spirit, dressed head-to-toe in green and yellow to celebrate the occasion — yes, dressing like corn is absolutely a thing here!

    From the early morning hours, the mouthwatering smell of roasted corn filled the air, drifting across the fields and bunks and building anticipation with every passing hour. By the time the Corn Man was ready to serve, our campers were more than ready. And let us tell you — he delivered. That golden, sweet, perfectly roasted corn on the cob was an absolute hit. The kids devoured it, savoring every buttery bite with smiles stretched across their faces. There’s something magical about having that much fun over something as simple as corn — it’s the kind of moment that makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda so special. Laughter, friendship, and a whole lot of corn made today truly unforgettable. What a deliciously perfect summer day.

    Chenny Games Recap

     Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball

    • CAW 3 @ Starlight 1CHAMPIONS! Our boys brought home the title in an incredible championship win!

     Inters & Below Boys Hockey Tournament @ Lokanda

    • Game 1: CAW 3 vs. Lokanda 4

    • Game 2: CAW 4 vs. Lavi 3 – A strong bounce-back performance!

    Collegiate Boys Softball

    • CAW 1 vs. Seneca Lake 3

     Senior Boys Basketball

    • CAW 94 vs. Morasha 99 – A high-scoring battle that came down to the final minutes!

    GC/CIT Boys Softball

    • CAW 12 vs. Westmont 19

    Freshman/Junior Mixed Tennis Tournament

    • Red 6 vs. Gold 3 – Red Team with the win!

     Inters & Below Mixed Girls Lacrosse Tournament

    • Red 3 vs. Gold 7 – Gold takes it in a great team effort!

    Inters/Collegiates Mixed Basketball Tournament

    • Red 19 vs. Gold 18 – A nail-biter with Red edging out the win!

    Collegiate vs. Senior Girls Intra-Camp Basketball

    • Seniors 5 vs. Supers 1 – Senior girls took control and sealed the W!

    Gymnastics Meet @ Bryn Mawr

    • Vault: Addie Orgel – 9th Place | Logan Cohen – 6th Place

    • Bars: Addie Orgel – 7th Place | Logan Cohen – 11th Place

    • Beam: Logan Cohen – 12th Place | Liv Santiago – 9th Place

    • Floor: Logan Cohen – 10th Place | Addie Orgel – 15th Place

    • Team Overall: 4th Place Finish!

    • Special Shoutout: Colbie Magged contributed on Vault — great job, Colbie!

    The buzz around camp all day was all about one thing — Chenny Jam. Tonight’s evening activity brought the heat as Girls Side and Boys Side faced off in an epic staff basketball showdown. The stakes were high, pride was on the line, and the energy was off the charts. Girls Side came decked out in pink, Boys Side in all black, and the team spirit was absolutely electric. This wasn’t just any basketball game — it was the event of the summer. Honestly, it was more exciting than any NBA game we’ve seen with a halftime dance performance that entertained the crowd. The game was tight from start to finish, with lead changes keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. But with a fierce push in the second half, Girls Side pulled ahead and claimed victory!

    Still, the real win was the energy and fun that went through every camper and staff member that were on Biddy City. The cheers, the chants, the sheer joy — it was unforgettable. Nights like this are what make Chenny magic. When a staff basketball game makes every camper feel like they’re part of the action, you know you’re doing something right. Only 2 more sleeps until you hug your babies!!!

  • Three More Sleeps Until Visiting Day

    This evening was pure magic, all thanks to the thoughtful, creative, and loving Senior Girls who pulled off a surprise birthday celebration for their bunkmate and friend, Sophie. From the moment breakfast ended, the girls were on a mission. They approached me with a sparkle in their eyes and a plan already forming — they wanted to throw a surprise party for Sophie and include their entire division. I challenged them to take full ownership of the event, and they ran with it.

    They created invitations, sought approval from their Division Head to use the Cookhouse, and respectfully asked the Cookhouse Lead if they could host a cupcake-decorating party. They organized the guest list, decorated the space with care, and made sure every detail was in place. Most impressively, they kept the surprise a secret — no easy feat in a bunk full of excited teenagers!

    My job was to escort Sophie to the Cookhouse under the guise of a division “chat” — a phrase that instantly sets the tone at camp. But when Sophie walked through those doors, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Her entire division was there, beaming with joy, ready to celebrate her. The moment was electric. Laughter filled the room, music played, cupcakes were decorated and devoured, and an overwhelming sense of love and friendship was felt by everyone in that room.

    It was, without question, a special night for Sophie. But it was more than just a birthday party — it was a celebration of community, sisterhood, and the kind of thoughtful, selfless love that makes camp so unforgettable. Tonight, everyone felt seen, included, and part of something bigger. These are the moments that shape the summer and leave lasting memories for a lifetime.

    Chenny Games Recap

    Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer Tournament @ Starlight

    • Game 1: CAW 1 vs. Wayne 4

    • Game 2: CAW 2 vs. Westmont 4

    • Game 3: CAW 2 vs. Starlight 6

    Inter Boys Basketball

    • CAW 29 vs. Lavi 31 – A tight game that came down to the wire.

    Inter Boys Tennis

    • CAW 4 vs. Lohikan 1 – A commanding win on the courts!

    Collegiate Boys Tennis

    • CAW 3 vs. Lohikan 2 – Great focus and teamwork led to victory.

    Senior/Super Boys Softball

    • CAW 2 vs. Westmont 6

    Jacobs Cup @ Timberlake

    • Game 1: CAW 35 vs. Wahnee 55

    • Game 2: CAW 41 vs. Baco 37 – A strong comeback and well-earned win.

    Inter Girls Basketball

    • CAW 8 @ Morasha 12

    Inter Girls Soccer

    • CAW 3 vs. Wayne 2 – An exciting and well-deserved win!

    Collegiate Girls Softball

    • CAW 6 vs. Westmont 3 – CHAMPIONS!  Huge congrats to our girls for bringing home the title!

    Senior Girls Tennis

    • CAW 1 vs. Starlight 4

    Evening Round Robin Recap

    Tonight was an absolute summer stunner with a full slate of amazing divisional evening activities!

    • Freshman Girls faced off in a high-energy Gaga tournament, while the Freshman Boys cooled down with slip ’n slide fun followed by s’mores under the stars.

    • Junior Girls got creative in Arts & Crafts, making beautiful jewelry, while the Junior Boys hit the field for a competitive flag football showdown.

    • Middy, Inter, Collegiate, Super & CIT Girls poured their hearts into Girls Sing rehearsals — and from what we’ve seen, it’s shaping up to be something truly spectacular.

    • Middy Boys were all in for an epic game of Wiffleball, and the Inter Boys battled it out in a basketball tournament at Biddy City.

    • Collegiate Boys enjoyed a laid-back pool party followed by fireside s’mores at the beach.

    • Senior Boys and Girls teamed up for an adventurous Road Rally that brought lots of laughs.

    • Super Boys and GC Boys played an intense soccer match on the Major Field, while the GC Girls whipped up some delicious creativity during Cake Wars.

    • And to top it off, the CIT Boys lit up the courts with a nighttime tennis tournament under the lights.

    It was a perfect summer night across camp — and all anyone can talk about is what’s just around the corner. Only three more sleeps until Visiting Day, and the excitement is building! We can’t wait to welcome you all this Saturday!

  • Trip Day Fun

    Today was one for the books—a phenomenal Trip Day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories for every division. Our Freshman, Junior, and Middy campers spent the day at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, where they rode rollercoasters, played carnival games, and indulged in all the best park snacks. The energy was sky-high as campers raced from ride to ride, shared cotton candy with friends, and tried their luck at winning oversized stuffed animals—some of which made their way back to camp in proud arms. They rolled back into Chenny at the end of the day totally exhausted but absolutely exhilarated, smiles stretched from ear to ear.

    Meanwhile, our Inter and Collegiate campers made a splash at Kalahari Water Park, one of the biggest and best indoor water parks around. With every twist of a slide and every wave in the pool, the campers soaked up a day of pure water-filled fun. Whether floating down the lazy river or racing down body slides, the joy was nonstop.

    Our Seniors, Supers, and GCs started their day in a more relaxed way, enjoying the serenity of a nearby state park. They tossed footballs, lounged with friends, played music, and just enjoyed being together in the beautiful weather. The vibes were relaxed and easy—exactly what they needed. Later, the group split up for more fun—half went to the movies and the other half went roller skating. One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when our Head Counselor, Nikki, was waiting in line for snacks at. the theater and was approached by a woman who asked if she was in charge. When Nikki replied yes, the woman said she had never seen such well-behaved and respectful kids and that we should be incredibly proud. It was one of those moments that reminds us how special this community truly is and how proud we are of how our campers engage with the world outside of camp.

    Our CITs had a fantastic day of their own, kicking things off with breakfast at Bingham’s, a beloved local gem known for its incredible food. From there, they headed to The Crossings for some fun shopping and, as if that wasn’t enough, made their way to Dickson City to cap off the day with more shopping and dinner.

    Now, with the sun set and camp buzzing with stories from the day, every camper is back, completely spent from the excitement—but full of joy. All of camp is back. All of camp is exhausted. And all of camp is happy. Another great day spent at our favorite place.

  • Living The Moment

    The brand-new Chenny Speedway has quickly become one of camp’s most exciting additions—bringing nonstop fun and high-octane joy to our campers. With remote control cars zipping around a track that’s as impressive as it is imaginative, it’s a place where pure childhood wonder comes to life. Today, I watched a group of Junior boys completely immersed in the action—racing their RC cars, launching them off jumps, and weaving around obstacles, all while bursting into uncontrollable laughter. From my spot over by the new Slip N Slide, I could hear their joy echoing from 50 feet away. They weren’t just racing cars—they were living the moment.

    There’s something magical about watching kids unplug, unwind, and just play. No competition, no structure, no score—just freedom and fun. Some of the boys were running alongside their cars, others cheering each other on as they pulled off epic stunts, completely lost in their imaginations. It was racing heaven. And in that moment, the world felt perfect. These are the moments we hold onto—the ones that don’t happen on a field or court but in those in-between spaces where kids are simply being kids. No pressure, no judgment, just joy. Watching it unfold is a reminder of what makes camp so special: creating space for carefree, unforgettable moments of laughter, friendship, and pure fun.

    Chenny Games Recap:

    Freshman/Junior Intra Boys Baseball Tournament – Red 3 vs. Gold 0

    Middy Boys Basketball – CAW 30 @ Island Lake 18

    GC/CIT Boys Soccer – CAW 14 @ Poyntelle 1

    Freshman/Junior Intra Camp Girls Softball Tournament – Red 2 vs. Gold 0

    Middy Girls Tennis Championship – CAW 1 @ Wayne 4

    Inters/Middys/Junior/Freshman Girls LAX – CAW 13 @ Westmont 7

    Collegiate Girls Soccer-Rama Tournament @ Bryn Mawr – Game 1 CAW 10 vs. Blue Ridge – Game 2CAW 5 vs. Towanda 1 – Game 3 CAW 2 vs. Bryn Mawr 4

    Upper Camp Girls Basketball Tournament @ Tyler Hill – Game 1 CAW 39 vs. IHC 16 – Game 2 CAW 19 vs. Timberlake 30

    Tonight our upper soccer field was transformed into a scene straight out of Friday Night Lights as we hosted the highly anticipated Chenny Bowl—a thrilling showdown between between boy side as our GCs and CITs took the field with confidence . The Hill was packed, the lights were shining bright, and the energy was electric from the opening kickoff.

    From the first snap, it was clear this would be a battle to remember. Both disvions came to play, showcasing incredible heart, hustle, and skill. The lead changed hands multiple times, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The intensity on the field was matched only by the enthusiasm from the sidelines as campers and staff cheered loudly for their team and of course dance to crazy frog, fireball and Jai ho.

    The game was so tightly contested, it couldn’t be settled in regulation—sending us into a dramatic overtime. In the end, the CITs pulled away, securing a hard-fought 35–28 victory. Cole Sadofsky earned MVP honors for his outstanding performance, leading his team with grit and determination.

    The football atmosphere was incredible. The warm summer night, the sounds of the crowd, and the glow of the lights made for an unforgettable experience. Whether on the field or in the stands, every camper felt the magic of Chenny tonight. This was more than just a game—it was a memory in the making.

  • Which one is the good shower?

    This summer, we welcomed an incredible new camper named Rachel to Chenny. Unlike many of her peers, Rachel joined a division where most campers had spent multiple summers together—tight-knit, familiar, and full of shared memories. It’s not easy to walk into a group that already feels like a family, but Rachel did it with grace, courage, and an open heart. From the moment she arrived, she jumped into every activity with excitement, connected quickly with her counselors, and embraced all the fun that camp has to offer. She’s been smiling through swim, rocking it at sports, and is already counting down to upcoming trips and events.

    In her division of four bunks, there were so many opportunities for friendship, but over the first few weeks, Rachel realized something important: the strongest connections she was forming were with campers in a bunk she didn’t live in. And at a place like Chenny, where relationships are the heartbeat of everything we do, that realization really mattered. Rachel showed incredible emotional maturity when she shared what she was feeling—bravely opening up about how she was navigating this new space. It was never about not fitting in—it was about finding the right fit. And for Rachel, her gut told her it might just be next door.

    With compassion and care, we presented Rachel with the option to move into the bunk where she felt the strongest sense of connection. We guided her through the process, making sure she felt empowered every step of the way. The most beautiful moment came when we shared the news with the girls in her new bunk. Their reaction was instant and full of joy: “We’re so happy she’s in our bunk now!” When Rachel walked in, she looked at her new friends and asked with a smile, “Okay guys, which one is the good shower in here?” Without missing a beat, her bunkmates leapt up, laughing, and excitedly pointed her to the best one. It was as if she had always been there.

    There’s so much to learn from moments like this—from Rachel’s courage to speak her truth, to the empathy and inclusivity of her new bunkmates, and the shared understanding that sometimes, change is exactly what’s needed. Camp isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding your people, your rhythm, your place. And today, Rachel found hers.

    Chenny Game Recap:

    Freshman/Junior Boys Intra Camp Basketball Tournament  – CAW Red 21 vs. CAW Gold 20

    Junior/Middy/Inter Boys LAX – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 1 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

    Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 13 vs. IHC 0

    Super Boys Soccer – CAW 4 vs. Island Lake 2

    Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Basketball Tournament –  CAW Gold 16 vs. CAW Red 22

    Middy vs. Inter Girls Intra Camp Tennis Tournament – Middy’s 1 vs. Inters 6

    Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 8 @ Starlight 0

    Senior/Super Girls LAX – CAW 16 @ Starlight 10

    Love and laughter were  in the air tonight as we gathered in Shields Hall for one of camp’s most beloved evening activities—The Dating Game! With charming bachelors and bold bachelorettes from every division, the energy was electric and the comedy nonstop. The laughter pouring out of Shields Hall could be heard across camp—it was that good. From the Freshmen all the way up to the CITs, the questions were creative, the answers were hilarious, and the spirit was pure Chenny magic. It was a night full of fun, friendship, and feel-good moments. Days like this remind us why we love it here so much.