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Today was one of those unforgettable days at Camp Chen-A-Wanda—filled with energy, excitement, and a touch of internet magic! We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Zach and Brian from The Make Shift Project to camp, and to say they were a hit would be an understatement.

From the moment they arrived, these viral sensations jumped right into camp life. They spent the entire day participating in activities, taking on fun challenges, and just hanging out with our campers. The buzz around camp was electric—everywhere you turned, you could feel the excitement of having two internet stars right here with us at Chenny. The pride our campers felt was contagious, and what made it even more special was how genuine and kind Zach and Brian were to every camper they met.

Our day ended on a high note as we all packed into Shields Hall for a special evening activity where The Make Shift Project put on a performance that brought the house down. With laughter, connection, and unforgettable moments, they gave our campers a night to remember.

What made their visit truly impactful wasn’t just their online fame—it was the joy, positivity, and down-to-earth presence they brought to our camp community. Zach and Brian reminded us that sometimes the best memories are made when we’re all just being present, having fun, and sharing the experience together.

We’re grateful to The Make Shift Project for making today so special—and we know our campers won’t stop talking about it anytime soon!

Today couldn’t have been more perfect for our very first Trip Day of the summer—even with a few unexpected twists along the way!

Our Freshmen, Juniors, and Middies had an absolute blast at Camelbeach Waterpark, splashing, sliding, and soaking up the sunshine. Meanwhile, our Inters, Collegiates, Seniors, and GCs were all set for a thrilling day at Knoebels Amusement Park, but when the rain rolled in, we quickly shifted gears and headed to the movies. It turned into the coziest, most relaxed Plan B—and the kids embraced the change with total ease and great attitudes. Flexibility is one of life’s greatest lessons, and your kids practiced it beautifully today.

Our CITs enjoyed a completely different kind of adventure—an on-camp camping experience they made their own! They pitched tents, battled it out in an epic sand volleyball game, threw a pool party, and even cooked their own dinner over an open fire. With camp all to themselves, our oldest campers made the most of every moment. When the rain returned, they made the wise and cozy choice to move their sleeping bags into the bunk for the night—and they did it with big smiles and lots of laughs.

Now that we’re all back at camp, safe, happy, and absolutely exhausted, it’s time to rest. Tomorrow’s late wake-up announcement got a standing ovation this morning, and after today’s adventures, it’s well earned.

We couldn’t be more proud of our Chenny kids. Everywhere they went today, we heard the same thing—how respectful, kind, and well-mannered they were. That’s the Chenny way, and it shows.

What a day. What a summer. Life is truly great when you’re a Chenny Kid.

Our hearts are heavy today, standing in solidarity with the entire camping community, and all the camps along the Guadeloupe River and all those affected by the unimaginable tragedies that have occurred in Texas. Like many of you, we’ve been deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news. Summer camp is meant to be a place of joy, growth, and unforgettable memories—a space where children thrive, connect, and feel safe. The families who sent their children off for a summer filled with laughter and adventure could have never imagined such loss. Our hearts break for them.

Though this tragedy happened far from our own campgrounds, the pain feels close. Within the camping world, we are all connected by a shared purpose and that is to enrich the lives of children and give them experiences that shape who they become. The loss endured by the camps in and around the Guadeloupe River community is a loss felt by all of us who dedicate ourselves to the same mission. In times like these, we are reminded of what truly matters. It puts everything into perspective. The little things we worry about seem smaller and we just don’t sweat the small stuff. The gratitude we feel for each day we get to spend with your children feels even deeper. And the importance of compassion, community, and connection becomes more clear than ever.

Here’s a look at our day full of Chenny Games:

• Inter Boys Baseball: CAW 16 @ Westmont 0

• Inter Girls Softball: CAW 6 @ Wayne 12

• GC/CIT Girls Softball: CAW 5 vs. Westmont 3

With the summer sun in full swing, there was no better treat than a surprise visit from Kona Ice! Campers lined up with huge smiles, enjoying cool, delicious ices that made the warm afternoon that much sweeter.

Our Super campers kicked off their first overnight trip in style, heading out early for an epic day at Kings Dominion Amusement Park before making their way to Virginia Beach. Laughter, thrill rides, and new memories were the perfect start to what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

Back at camp, the evening was buzzing with fun:

• Freshmen through Inters gathered in Shields Hall for a favorite: Do You Know Your Counselors?

• Collegiates raced through a high-energy Road Rally across camp.

• Seniors battled it out in a Pickleball Tournament, then let loose on the Slip N Slide and roasted s’mores under the stars.

• GC & CIT Boys hosted a Biddy Basketball Tournament, showing heart and hustle on the court.

• GC Girls cozied up in the Chen-A-Plex, enjoying time together watching their favorite shows.

• And our CIT Girls had a delicious night cooking up fun in the Cookhouse.

It was a day filled with connection, joy, and gratitude—the kind of day that reminds us why camp is such a gift. As we keep the Texas camp community close to our hearts, we treasure every single moment we get to share with your children.

Something caught my attention as I walked through center camp during our first elective. Today, a group junior and middy campers were nestled under a shady tree in Center Camp, completely immersed in their books and coloring pages. They chatted quietly about how calm and peaceful it felt, with only the soft sounds of birds chirping in the background. There’s something truly magical about the Coloring and Reading elective at Chenny. While camp is usually bursting with laughter, cheers, and nonstop action, these two electives offer a rare and beautiful moment of stillness. It was as if nature itself had joined them, creating the perfect soundtrack for a moment of calm connection. In a place where every day is packed with excitement, this quiet time allows campers to slow down, take a breath, and just be. These electives don’t just encourage creativity and imagination—they nurture peace, presence, and joy in the simplest, most meaningful ways.

Another fantastic day filled with action, teamwork, and Chenny pride across our fields and courts!

Game Highlights:

• Freshman/Junior Boys Basketball: CAW 10 @ Starlight 20

• Middy Boys Flag Football Tournament @ IHC: CAW won 2 of 3 games and earned 2nd Place

• Inter Boys Flag Football Tournament @ IHC: CAW went undefeated, winning all 3 games and taking 1st Place

• Collegiate Boys Baseball: CAW 1 @ Wayne 5

• Senior Boys Basketball: CAW 54 vs. Starlight 18

• Super Boys Tennis: CAW 2 @ Island Lake 2

• GC/CIT Boys Basketball Tournament @ Poyntelle: CAW 20 vs. Wayne 25 / CAW 56 vs. Lohikan 15

• Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Softball: CAW 10 vs. Starlight 6

• Freshman/Junior Girls Basketball: CAW 14 vs. Starlight 4

• Super Girls Soccer: CAW 4 vs. Wayne 0

Our campers showed up with determination and spirit, representing Chenny with heart, hustle, and incredible sportsmanship. Win or lose, they gave it their all—and we’re so proud!

And then came the magic of the night…

Upper Camp Sign & Song lit up Shields Hall with unforgettable energy and emotion. It was an evening filled with creativity, unity, and tradition. Girl side stole the show with dances that wowed the crowd and captured the spirit of camp. Each bunk brought their own flavor, making it nearly impossible for our judges to choose just one winner—but in the end, Bunk W took home the crown for their electric performance. The CITs were showered with love and support from everyone in the hall, making their final summer one to remember.

The plaque competition was equally impressive, with incredible craftsmanship and meaning behind each design. Boys Bunk R and Girls Bunk X earned top honors for plaques that will now be part of Chenny’s forever history.

Nights like these remind us what makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda so unique—connection, community, and the joy of shared traditions. The Sign & Song legacy continues, and it’s more powerful than ever.

Today was one of those magical days at camp—the kind that reminds you why this place is so special. The sun was shining, the fields were full, the pool was buzzing, and the energy was contagious. Campers were smiling from ear to ear, soaking up every moment, and creating memories they’ll carry with them forever.

During snack call, one of our Freshman campers, Cameron, ran up to me with pure excitement. He proudly shared that he made the basketball team and couldn’t wait for tomorrow’s big game against Starlight. He told me he needed to be “locked in” and that his coach, Delly, was proud of how hard he had practiced. Cameron met Coach Delly just seven days ago, and yet, the impact is already so deep. “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” Cameron said with a huge smile. Cameron even invited me to come watch him play. And you better believe I’ll be there, cheering him and his teammates on as they give it their all on the court. These are the moments that define what camp is all about. Letting people in that impact your worlkd.

Our athletes have been showing up in big ways all week, playing with heart, sportsmanship, and team pride. Here’s how they did today:

• Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball: CAW 6 vs. Wayne 5

• Middy Boys Basketball: CAW 26 @ Wayne 22

• Middy/Inter Boys Lacrosse: CAW 8 @ Starlight 4

• Collegiate Boys Basketball: Game 1: CAW 46 @ Starlight 43 / Game 2: CAW 41 vs. Starlight 44

• Collegiate Girls Softball: CAW 15 @ Starlight 1

• Collegiate Girls Tennis: CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

• Senior/Super Boys Flag Football Tournament at IHC:

  • Game 1: CAW 0 vs. IHC 7

  • Game 2: CAW 18 vs. Blue Ridge 20

  • Game 3: CAW 38 vs. Towanda 8

Tonight’s evening activity was one for the books—Sign and Song—a long-standing Chenny tradition that connects us to generations of campers who came before us. Each lower camp bunk designed a unique plaque with camper and staff names that will be proudly hung in their cabins for years to come. It’s a timeless tradition, and every summer, alumni return to find their plaques, reliving the memories of their own camp days.

But that wasn’t all—our lower camp girls took center stage and lit up Shields Hall with dance routines inspired by their bunk names and themes. The energy, the creativity, the spirit—it was incredible to witness. Every bunk brought their A-game, but special congratulations go to Boys Bunk J and Girls Bunk L for their standout plaques.

And for the first time ever, a Freshman bunk took home the top prize for dance—Girls Bunk A stole the show! These little stars danced with heart, confidence, and so much sass, captivating the entire camp and making history with their win. It was pure magic.

Tomorrow it’s the big kids’ turn to shine—and if tonight was any indication, we’re in for something extraordinary.

Just another unforgettable day in our summer paradise.

There’s truly nothing like celebrating the 4th of July at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. It’s not just a day on the calendar—it’s a full-on experience, a camp tradition bursting with pride, unity, and pure joy. From the moment the bugle rang this morning, the energy was off the charts. Campers and staff alike were dressed head to toe in red, white, and blue—faces painted, tutus twirling, flags waving, and USA spirit radiating from every corner of camp.

You could feel the excitement in the air. It wasn’t just the decorations or the outfits—it was the shared feeling of being part of something special. From our youngest Freshmen to our oldest CITs, everyone was all in—laughing, dancing, and soaking in every magical moment. The 4th of July at Chenny is about togetherness, pride, and joy, and today, that spirit was alive in every smile, high-five, and hug.

Our Chenny athletes had another incredible day of competition, showing up with heart and hustle:

• Middy Boys Hockey: CAW 8 @ Wayne 6

• Inter Boys Softball: CAW 8 vs. Westmont 0

• Collegiate Boys Lacrosse: CAW 1 @ Wayne 9

• Supers Boys Basketball: CAW 41 @ Westmont 21

• Supers Boys Basketball: CAW 36 vs. Morasha 48

• Middy Girls Basketball: CAW 14 vs. Starlight 6

• Collegiate Girls Soccer: CAW 7 @ Island Lake 2

• Senior Girls Softball: CAW 6 @ Westmont 7

• Super Girls Basketball: CAW 18 @ Wayne 19

• GC/CIT Girls Soccer: CAW 16 vs. Lavi 1

Win or lose, our campers played with heart, determination, and Chenny pride!

But the highlight of today wasn’t just in the games—it was in the kindness. Today, we celebrated one of the most meaningful honors at camp: our Kind Campers. These individuals consistently go above and beyond to show care, compassion, and kindness to those around them. We are so proud of them!

Kind Campers – Girls Side:
Harlow Fass, Noa Ockner, Fara Kimowitz, Charlotte Schwartz, Ava Nadel, Paige Cohen, Lulu Harris, Maya Park, Mollie Behar, Sydney Garnock

Kind Campers – Boys Side:
Logan Bank, Devin Luhrs, Evan Freeman, Mac Cohen, Noah Pease, Linus Itzkowitz, Beckham Tunis, Miles Geller, Harrison Pilkington, Sam Schrager, Gabe Horton

We also honored our Cleanest Bunks—because keeping your bunk neat and tidy matters!

• Boys Side: Bunks J & Q

• Girls Side: Bunks K & V

To cap off an unforgettable day, we threw an epic 4th of July party for the ages. Our party was outside under the nights stars and the weather was perfection. Campers and staff danced their hearts out—feet flying, voices singing, and smiles stretching from ear to ear. It was a night to remember, filled with pure camp joy and celebration. From light up rings and necklaces to a food extravaganza made this night just so special.

Days like this are what make summers at Chenny truly magical. From start to finish, it was a day overflowing with joy, energy, tradition, and heart.

Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Today was the kind of day that reminds us why camp is pure magic. The sun was shining, the skies were crystal clear, and the energy around camp was simply electric. From the moment the bugle rang this morning, there was a sense that something special was in the air—and it didn’t disappoint.

We kicked off our first Wayne County Games of the summer, and our campers showed up with spirit, heart, and hustle. Whether they were on the fields giving it their all or cheering on their friends from the sidelines, the sense of unity and pride in wearing “CAW” across their backs was unmistakable. Here’s how our amazing athletes did today:

• Middy Boys Soccer: CAW 11 @ Westmont 2

• Collegiate Boys Softball: CAW 7 @ Westmont 5

• Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer: CAW 8 vs. Westmont 1

• Collegiate Girls Lacrosse: CAW 13 @ Westmont 11

• GC/CIT Girls Basketball: CAW 10 vs. Westmont 27

Win or lose, every player gave it their all—and that’s what makes us so proud. The sportsmanship, encouragement, and love of the game were front and center all day long.

But the day didn’t end there…

As the sun dipped behind the mountains, we all gathered together at the amphitheater for our Chenny Fireworks Spectacular—and it was nothing short of breathtaking. The sky came alive with color. The music played, the fireworks soared, and the oohs and ahhs echoed across camp.

For so many of our campers, this was their first fireworks show under the stars at Chenny—and the joy on their faces said it all. It’s a night they’ll never forget. Watching their eyes light up with wonder and hearing the laughter and cheers all around, we were reminded once again why these shared moments mean so much.

It wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of community, of friendship, and of everything we’ve already experienced together in just a few short days. These are the moments that shape a summer. These are the memories your children will carry with them forever.

From competitive games to magical skies, today was everything we love about Camp Chen-A-Wanda. And the best part? We get to do it all again tomorrow. Let the summer magic keep rolling!

One of the most wonderful things about camp is that even when plans change, the magic still shows up. Today was the perfect reminder that flexibility, fun, and friendship go hand in hand at Chenny. While we originally planned to kick off our first trip day with an epic Color Run, Mother Nature had other plans, and with rain in the forecast, we knew we had to pivot. What a day it turned out to be!

Our Inters through CITs loaded the buses and headed out to catch summer’s hottest new blockbusters. The energy on the bus rides was high, and the excitement of a spontaneous movie trip had everyone smiling from ear to ear. Once at the theater, they settled into comfy seats, shared giant tubs of popcorn, and enjoyed some downtime watching a great film with their best camp friends. There’s something special about experiencing a movie together—it becomes more than just a film, it’s a shared memory. And for campers and counselors alike, it was the perfect rainy-day escape.

Meanwhile, back at camp, the Freshmen through Middies had the entire camp to themselves—and they loved every second of it! They ran from activity to activity, and soaking up that special feeling of having Chenny all to themselves. The smiles were huge, the laughter was nonstop, and the freedom to explore camp at their own pace made for an unforgettable afternoon.

As the sun set, our younger campers all gathered in Shields Hall for a cozy movie night as they watched Minecraft: The Movie. With blankets, pillows, and their bunkmates by their side, they wrapped up the day in the most heartwarming way possible—together, happy, and already buzzing about what’s to come.

Today was proof that at Chenny, even when Plan A turns into Plan B, the result is still something truly special. Rain may have washed away our original plans, but it couldn’t dampen our spirits. Our campers rolled with the changes, embraced the day, and created new memories that will last a lifetime.

We can’t wait to reschedule the Color Run and keep the good times rolling—because here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda, every day is an adventure, no matter the weather!

What a  Day!

The sun was shining bright over Camp Chen-A-Wanda today, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect start to our summer together. The first official day of camp was filled with tradition, energy, and pure Chenny magic.

Our campers woke up to the sound of the bugle playing reveille and the familiar, joyful voice of Brian Leahy greeting everyone with a booming, “Gooooooood morning Camp CHEN-A-WANDA!” That call will be their wake-up each morning for the next 47 days, and it’s already becoming part of their daily rhythm. Each morning starts with a trivia question from Brian, and the campers rush to Headquarters with excitement, hoping to win a coveted canteen ticket. It’s a beloved Chenny tradition that sparks fun, connection, and a little friendly competition to kick off the day. A huge congratulations to Middy camper Linus who for the past 2 days has been our trivia winner. His knowledge of fun random facts is so impressive. Go LINUS!

With our swim tests that behind us, it was time to PLAY. And play we did! Every field, court, and corner of camp was buzzing with action, laughter, and joy. There were tryouts galore and so many happy campers giving it their all. Whether it was sports, games, or just hanging out, today was all about jumping in, making memories, and feeling the joy of camp life. It was beautiful to see new friendships already blossoming and returning campers embracing new faces with so much kindness and lots of excitement.This is what makes Chenny so special—watching kids open their hearts to new friendships and make space for one another.  Today at cooking, our Inter girls were having a dance party while they waited for their pizzas to bake.  Jon and I sat with a few of the new Inter girls and some returners at the Chenny Shack and the conversation was exactly what we want for our girls when a returning camper turned to a new friend that she just met 3 days ago and said, ” I’m so glad you decided to come to Chenny, you make our bunk awesome.” We’re building something meaningful together, and it’s only just begun.

Tonight’s evening activity was off the chart fun—literally! We danced and danced and danced some more. A camp favorite of ours, Rak Dan lead us through so many fun dances and everyone in Shield’s Hall jumped in with both feet, let loose and had the absolute best night. Lower camp was rocking out and then it was the big kids turn and they all bought in and had the time of their life. It’s a sight to see every camper letting loose and leaning in!!!

All the kids are in their bunks, exhausted from a day spent well. And the best part is we get to do it all again tomorrow.