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.