It was a regular kind of day, sorta..The sun was shining, activities were poppin’ but all chatter was about Color War. Fields were full, zumba was packed, lake was the place to be but you just couldn’t escape color war talk. Rumors went flying from “I hear there will be a marching band coming through camp tomorrow.” to “I heard they may cancel Color War this year.” Regardless, the talk was all about it today and you could feel the energy. It was as if every bugle that rang and every song that came on in center of camp was a clue. The tension was real and excitement was growing. The day was coming to an end with nothing yet. Dinner came and nothing yet was out of the ordinary until….dessert was called and like normal, the Division Heads headed back into the kitchen to bring it out. Just then in the middle of a huge sing-a-long party to Build Me Up Buttercup, the music stopped and out came each Division Head sporting a Krispy Kreme hat carrying boxes and boxes of hot and fresh donuts. The kids went nuts and a video played on the giant screen of krispy kreme vs. Dunkin Donuts. The Lodge erupted as everyone enjoyed their donuts. Just as the video ended, it #fakeout! There wasn’t a staff or camper who didn’t absolutely go gaga for this fakeout. This is what Color War is all about and why our summers are spectacular. Color War is coming but not just yet.

It was time for Chenny Globes, which is a camp favorite award show. Not your typical awards but the ones that living here for 6 weeks makes total sense to us. Most likely to be a Head Staff Member or Camp Comedian or even Most Likely to Win the XGames. So many categories and just so much fun. The kids love this evening activity and so do the staff. We even have some fun categories just for them, Most Likely to have their own reality show and Most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse to name a few.  It was a night of laughs and fun and when the show was over and Brian Leahy was dismissing the campers, the lights turned off and the siren alarmed. There was a mission impossible style note going across the screen directing everyone to center camp. That was all that was needed for the kids stampede of happy excited campers to run to center camp. The music started and the firework show began. It was like those fireworks were right above our heads so close we could touch them. With each new song that played, out came a character. There was Darth Vader and Obe One and some dressed as Game of Thrones Favorites. There was even William Wallace from Braveheart and as the finale of our firework show ended music from Back to the Future started and in rolled the Delorean, flux capacitor and all. The kids went crazy for this crazy cool car and out camp Mart McFly. The stage was set with all the characters and our 2019 Color War was officially underway. Red Medieval Madness vs. Gold Sci-Fi Fantasy is set to be one incredible War! Lets GO!!!

Chenny out

Totally forgot to add this to last nights Blog – A huge congratulations to this weeks Campers of the Week!!! They earned it, they deserve it and we are oh so proud of them!!

Freshman – Emerson Shulman & Zach Lederman

Juniors – Alexis Burbank & Mason Slater

Middies – Lindsay Gelfman & Max Schwartzberg

Inters – Jordyn Hansel & Jake Seilback

Collegiates – Addie Rubovitz & Jack Wellikoff

Seniors – Sydney Garfield & Drew Schimer

Supers – Lexi Tantleff & Seth Haber

GC’s – Evie Glickman & Matthew Kellner

CIT’s – Maddy Marcus & Parker Schnell

Way to go to our amazing Chenny kids!!!!!!

The sun was out and the day was incredible. It is as if we all now our time here is numbered in days so we are doing every activity, we are playing every game and we are getting it all in before August 14th. With only a week and a half to go, life continues to be great up here and the smiles on your children’s faces say it all.  But it’s just not time yet to pack our bags because….. 1, 2, 3, 4 we want a Color War.

“Somebody has to be Champions…Why Not Us”…by unknown

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 3 @ Westmont 2

Boy did we put on a show tonight as our Circus show took our breath away.We had tumblers and acrobats, adagios and lyra performances. There were single trapezes and spanish web and our kids dazzled us with their abilities on the triple trapeze. To watch our kids create a performance that defies gravity and takes total 100% concentration and are able to execute with such ease and grace is a testament to our Circus Directors and specialists. Rodrigio, Ricardo, Lucas, Johanna, Marta and Emily produced a show that was INCREDIBLE. From start to finish our minds were blown as we watched our kids do things that they only learned here at camp. They were brave and fierce, talented and composed.  You just can’t imagine how spectacular your kids were as they were the main acts. To watch you kids pour their heart and soul into this program and show us all what dedication looks like is truly what its all about. There is nothing they can’t do when they apply themselves and try until they nail it. So many kids may look at that huge trapeze and see it’s enormity as something they can’t do but this summer, our campers saw what they can do and we could not be more proud of each one of them. So many kids in the audience were in awe and said to me afterwards that next year they DEFINITELY trying out for the Circus show. They soared tonight and literally flew to new heights. They worked so hard and it showed. The show was phenomenal, funny, entertaining, electric and just awesome. Here is to our incredible team who taught our children to dream big. Bravo Bravo!

Chenny out

There are 11 more days of camp left and you can feel the shift towards the end of camp approaching. Brian Leahy’s message to boys at morning lineup was Carpe’ Diem. He must have said that at least 10 times. “Boys, play baseball today as camp is winding down with only so many regular days left – Carpe’ Diem!” “Boys, don’t waste a moment of today, Carpe’ Diem.” “Boys, no regrets, Carpe’ Diem.” It was the theme of the day and the message was strong. So strong that later that afternoon, I was watching the Freshman boys play an awesome game of Gaga as they were laser focused and having fun, one of them shouted out “carpet dem everyone, carpet dem.” I asked one of them what does carpet dem mean, he looked me dead in the eye and said “Leahy told us to carpet dem today and make every activity count like it was our last day at camp.” He followed up by saying that us freshman boys are gonna play hard, have fun and carpet dem!  This little cutie may not have known the exact correct pronunciation but he certainly got the message.. So today, tomorrow and every day until we leave our summer home, we will all Carpet Dem!!!!

“Forget the Mistake. Remember the Lesson” …By unknown

Freshman/Junior Girls Basketball – CAW 12 vs. Westmont 6 – CAW Wins CHAMPIONSHIP!

Super Girls Soccer (championship game) – CAW 1 @ Starlight 3

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 31 vs. Starlight 12

GC/CIT Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 6

Collegiate Boys Tennis – CAW 3 vs. Island Lake 2

Senior/Super Boys LAX – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 12

GC/CIT Boys Hockey – CAW 3 @ Starlight 4

The night belonged to Chenny Idol. The show was incredible and our top 10 blew the roof of the Shields Hall. The talent was insane and the entire camp was singing along with every performance. What began with over 150 auditions came down to 10  performances. A huge congratulations to our solo artists Addison Goldstein, Dylan Bass, Maya Knobloch, Jessica Marks, Sydney Gurewicz, Lanie Bishop, Emma Goldenberg who sang from their hearts. Our duet performances Lexi Klein & Audrey Winter and Hadley Cohen & Izzy Huttner were soulful and sweet while the only boy trio Sean Pesner, Elon Dagan and Jordan Goldklang was a crowd favorite. The intensity grew as everyone was wondering who would be crowned our Chenny Idol. All of the performers took center stage and the top 3 were announced – Dylan Bass, Emma Goldenberg and Lanie Bishop. You could feel the excitement. All three girls stood arm in arm supporting and congratulating one another for a great show. Our host Scott Arkin received the final judges decision and it was time name the winner… Congratulations to Lanie Bishop for winning Chenny Idol!!!!!

Another unforgettable day at CAW.

Chenny out.

The GC’s rolled back into camp early this afternoon after their West Coast adventure with smiles on their faces and a look that sad, We’re Exhausted. As they grabbed their bags and headed to their bunk to sleep, with one eye halfway a camper saw me and ran into my arms and said, “This was the best trip of my life and brought us together as a division. It’s just like you said it would be, life changing. Thank you for giving us this incredible experience. It changed me forever.” That was verbatim and it is why we do what we do. These experiences change our children for the better. Every single camper was so beyond appreciative and grateful for what they just experienced. Some couldn’t put it into words but their faces said it all. We know how this trip positively effects our GC kids and allows them to feel safe as they travel together, experience together, be together, laugh together, connect together and come back home together. It is a trip they have longed for and heard about about since they were Juniors and though it is now over, them as a truly bonded division has just begun.

The Supers had a very similar experience on their trip to Vermont and Boston. The smiles on your kids faces were priceless. They too expressed so much gratitude for their experience they just had, it was awesome. They couldn’t stop sharing hilarious stories together as a group, it was exactly what you would want for your children. To go out in the world feeling safe and connected and sharing experiences with a group of people you care deeply about. The destinations may have been Vermont and Boston but it was all about the journey. The moments that mattered were being together and experiencing as a division. This is why our friendships are so meaningful and camp is so magical.

“Fall Seven Times…Stand Up Eight”  by unknown

Inter Girls Softball – CAW 3 @ Westmont 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Middy/Inter Boys LAX – CAW 10 vs. Tioga 1

Dance Comp Team Takes 1st Place at Camp Wayne Dance Competition

It was Camper Talent Show #2 and there is nothing quite like watching your kids take center stage. The confidence, the courage, the support and the talent feels like the sun was shining inside Shields Hall. A song sung in an off key, who cares – A dance move that was forgotten, we don’t mind. But the courage they have to share their talent with all of us is what makes the show so special. Your kids are superstars and we love watching them shine.

It was the CIT Mystery trip today and we had our oldest kids on a wild goose chase all day. They were confused, excited and couldn’t figure out where they were headed. The wait was not that long because at 4pm, we gave them exactly 45 minutes to get ready for a summer concert that would not disappoint – Train and Goo Goo Dolls. It was an incredible show and a perfefct way to end their incredible Chenny journey. This is it for our CIT’s as they are heading into their last 12 days as a Chenny camper. Going out with a blast is how we do it here. It was an absolutely perfect night and we were so happy to give them this experience. They deserved a night like tonight. One they will never forget.

All kids are back at Chenny and now we head to the last 12 days of our summer. Trips are done and the only thing left is to have a Color War!!!!! Let’s get to it

Chenny out.

For days now the kids have been asking me when Kind camper is and today was that day. It seems as if kindness is catching and so many campers are spreading sunshine all throughout camp. As I read each nomination that is submitted, I have a smile on my face because our kids love to be kind. You see it everyday here and that is not to say that unkind moments happen, yes they do but kindness is everywhere and it always wins over being unkind. “She always has a smile on her face.” “She puts others before herself.” “He knows the nighttime is hard for me and is always by my side.” “He always has my back.” These are just a sample of what you kids say about their kind friends. It is definitely our favorite award we give here. Congratulations Kind Campers.. You do spread sunshine all throughout camp and deserve this recognition. Lyla Miller, Ava Mallin, Emma Erlich, Paige Arenberg, Taylor Klein, Sydney Cahn, Fiona Baldinger, Kylie Ross, Abby BAskind, Abby Weiss, Zoe Gorsky, Morgan Camche, Layla Cahn, Sammie Keane, Livia Sherman, Brooke Arenberg, Taylor Gold, Jolie Krieger, Jillian Shohet, Derek Satz, Zach Marasia, Ben Yatch, Noah Hirshfield, Mason Shulman, Quinn Pruss, Max Eber, Trent Hernandez, Sam Brief. 

The night was all about Wiffle Cup. Girls side was determined to bring home the win tonight but Boys side wanted the repeat.  Girls side was decked out in everything neon as boys side was showing their solidarity wearing all black. There was chants, cheers, dances and of course a crazy fun game of wiffle ball. Boys lead the way the entire game but in true Chenny form, It ain’t over till it’s over and girls side came up from behind and pulled within reach of a win. It was crazy and it was fun but boys had a 32-31 victory over Girls side. A huge congratulations to our MVP on girls side, Maya Porat and to our MVP on the winning boys side, Ian Rubin. The game was incredible and everyone was involved. You didn’t have to be on the field to feel the craziness. There were give aways all throughout the game. We were all part of the fun. So proud of our kids. We just wanna have fun and boy do we know how to do that here at Chen-A-wanda!!!! Another incredible day down but we still have more to go!!!

Our GC’s are heading back home tonight and land at JFK early tomorrow morning. We cant wait to see them around lunch time tomorrow and hear all about their incredible trip out West. The Supers will also be back tomorrow but late night and the word is that this trip was INCREDIBLE. Two groups will be back tomorrow and then our house will be full again. Off to the best and last 13 days of summer ’19.

Chenny out

This is it, our last trip day for Summer 2019. Crazy to think that there are 14 days left to our magical summer at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Our Freshman, Juniors and Middies spent their day at the Rail Riders (Yankee AAA) game. They munched on ballpark goodies and watched the Yankees vs Mets (triple A teams) battle on the field. For an extra special treat for our baseball loving kids, Tim Tebow was there and played today for the Syracuse Mets. Nothing says summer like catching a baseball game with your friends, eating a hot dog at the park and singing Take me Out To the ball game for the 7th inning stretch. The kids came back to camp for dinner and a movie in Shields Hall.

The Inters & Collegiate’s loved their day spent at Great Wolf Lodge where they had a full day at the water park. It was a perfect way to end their trips for the summer. They all rolled off the buses with wolf ears and tomorrow will be the official Wolf Wanda Wednesday Day.. Every Inter and Collegiate will proudly be wearing their wolf ears. When you go to Great Wolf Lodge, you gotta sport the ears all around camp.

The Seniors rolled back into camp tonight after their overnight at MountainCreek Water Park. It was a perfect addition to  their Senior summer. They spent the entire day exploring an awesome water park and it was a hot one so being in the water was beyond ideal. Lots of smiles from our seniors. They are a happy group of happy campers. Love it!

The Supers spent their morning exploring famous Quincy Market as they ate and shopped themselves into oblivion. Just when they thought it couldn’t get better, it was off to a VIP tour of Fenway Park where they met up with Red Sox All Star Tommy Pham, on the field and even grabbed a photo. The kids loved their tour and then got to enjoy the game. It was an incredible night for our Supers. This trip is blowing their minds and they have two more days to go.

The CIT’s had their last trip spent  all together at Hershey Park. What could possibly be better than spending a day at Hershey with your camp besties. It was rollercoasters and chocolate. This group went on this trip when they were Seniors and now as they face the last 14 days of their camper career, it was back to a place they loved when they were 13 years old. As their bus rolled into camp tonight, they all knew that was the last time they would do this as a camp family.

The GC’s have made it to their last destination of their dream vacation. They are enjoying a little R&R in Phoenix. After teh week they have had, it is nice to relax by the pool, take some well deserved naps, get a manicure and get ready for the last leg of camp. It has been a trip of a lifetime for our GC’s and we are so happy they loved every minute of this incredible experience. It bonded them as a group and they will all come back closer to having shared this trip of a lifetime.

Other than our GC’s and Supers who are still enjoying their trips, everyone is back at camp safe and sound. Camp is quiet and full of exhausted children who are sleeping peacefully. Now onto the last and best 14 days of Chenny.

Life is so GREAT at Camp Chen-A-Wanda

Chenny out.

Our Seniors got off this morning for their second overnight of the summer. First stop was TreEscape for some zip lining, climbing trees and adventure course. The kids loved their day and are super psyched for Mountain Creek Water Park tomorrow. It just keeps getting better and better.

The GC’s enjoyed another day in the desert as they explored the Red Rocks of Sedona in a Pink Jeep Tour. These kids are having the time of their life or West. It’s not time to slow down yet. Our kids are living the dream.

The Supers started their day at Bromley Adventure Mountain for lunch and some fun adventure then off to the Basketball Hall of Fame. It was a fantastic day for these super Supers. Last stop of the evening was checking into the hotel in Boston and having a nighttime pool party before it was off to bed. More Boston adventures await this group tomorrow.

It was another fantastic day at Chenny for the Freshman, Juniors , Middies, Inters & Collegiates who have camp to themselves. The big kids are all away (minus the CIT’s)  so camp belongs to the younger kids and they love having it all to themselves. Camp looked and felt amazing as everyone was outside playing under the gorgeous bright sun. As we are approaching the last 16 days of camp, we are appreciating every single moment we have here and making every day count. Time is flying but we have lots more to do.

“Don’t Ruin A Good Today By Thinking About A Bad Yesterday”……by unknown

Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer – CAW 5 @ Wayne 1 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Seniors Girls Basketball – CAW 25 @ Morasha 34

CIT Girls Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

There is nothing quite like dressing up in your Halloween costume in July. Our campers went all out  and the costumes were awesome. There were jocks, princesses, Winnie the Pooh, clowns and ghosts. The kids went all out. There was even an inflatable pickle and T-Rex. Just way too much fun having Halloween in summer.  We started inside Shields Hall with our annual costume contest and our campers strutted their stuff.  They showed off their ghostly creations and creative costumes. Everyone was in on the fun and loving celebrating Halloween-A-Wanda together. After the parade, it was off to trick or treat and campers went station to station and they filled up their bags with oodles and oodles of treats. Halloween is always fun and a camp night standout. It was a perfectly spooky night.

Chenny out

The Supers loaded the buses with so much excitement as they left camp en route for Vermont. Their day was spent making their very own Teddy Bears from the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. After it was maple syrup and cheese tasting followed by a tour of the famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Day number one was incredible and our Supers are having a SUPER time.

Our GC’s left Vegas and headed to their day at the Grand Canyon. The beauty of where they were at took their breath away and sharing it with their camp brothers and sisters was as grand as that beautiful canyon. This trip keeps getting and better.

“I Never Lose…I Either Win or I Learn”.. by unknown

Freshman/Junior Boys Hockey – CAW 6 vs. Starlight 3

Collegiate Boys Baseball – CAW 0 vs. Wayne 5

Senior Boys Basketball – CAW 34 vs. Wayne 44

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 16 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 cheering proud and loud for their talented friends. Imagine being 8 years old and singing all by yourself as a packed house was singing along with you. That initial shaky voice 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 our kids. Every year this evening activity restores my faith in how good we are to one another here and how brave we are to get up on that stage. One camper came to camp so very shy that it was hard to believe this was her singing center stage. It was a thought she probably never thought she would do  but she did and she was fabulous. Standing off stage she was visibly nervous before she went on. She looked fear in face, took a deep breath and put one foot forward as she moved to center stage. We are so proud of every camper who had the courage and confidence to share their talent with us and so incredibly proud of the audience who so graciously supported them. Way to go Chenny Kids!

Chenny out

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t sit in awe of what kind of support for one another we have here.  People who just met only 5 weeks ago are now forever connected and it’s not just the kids and counselors in the division that share this incredibly strong bond.  There was a group of senior boys playing basketball with some adorable freshman girls on Shields Hall court at free play. We have all fully integrated into one camp family. The connections between us all are real, organic and meaningful. There was a camper that was having a hard moment today. She was sad and had a good cry – she was immediately surrounded by loads of people who were there to support. I watched not only her bunk mates and counselor but 4 older campers and a specialist that wasn’t even in her division, go to her and give support. She had a a team of people to pick her up. Whatever disappointment she was feeling was immediately seen by anyone who walked by and was drawn to help her. They listened to her, they hugged her and they got her through this moment.  The sad moment was temporary but the love she received was not. I want you to know that this is how your kids get through the tough times here. It is the magic of leaning on others and getting support at that moment that fills our hearts and allows us all to move forward. Can you imagine feeling sad and have people, lots of people rush to you and tell you it’s going to be alright while they are literally putting their arms around you? This actually happens here on the daily here. I often tell our kids here that the only way to move that mountain in front of them is to lean on those around you and they will carry you through. It works. I see it everyday as your children get support and provide it for others. They get support and they give it right back. This caring thing that is alive and well here and we get to experience this all summer long. I’m feeling pretty grateful that there is a place where this attention to caring for others is front and center.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”…By Unknown

Middy Girls Softball – CAW 14 @ Westmont 0

Collegiate Girls LAX – CAW 8 @ Starlight 15

Senior Girls Soccer – CAW 6 @ Westmont 9

Senior/Super Girls LAX – CAW 11 vs. Lohikan 12 (game went into overtime)

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 3 @ Westmont 4

CIT Boys Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 5

It’s that time again to honor our outstanding Campers of the week. They each earned it and deserve the recognition. We are beaming with pride and as we announced each name, the look on their faces were simply priceless.

Freshman  – Sophie Portnoy & Jonathan Hare

Juniors – Alexa Lieberman & Alex Michaels

Middies – Alex Goldblatt & Cole Rand

Inters – Jolie Weiss & Justin Gorchain

Collegiates – Lexie Klien &

Seniors – Addison Goldstein & Logan Salzman

Supers – Ashleigh Brett & Jason Rosenbaum

CIT’s – Emily Weiss & Evan Kay

It was a awesome Miss Chen-A-Wanda show tonight in Shields Hall. Some of our camp favorite Guys, strutted their stuff on stage but looking very different than we usually see them at camp. This was a beauty contest where the more beautiful and outrageous the better. Our guys put on quite a show as they were dressed up as gorgeous Miss Chen-A-Wandas. They were gowns, lots of makeup and even a boa. It wasn’t all about the beauty but these fellas brought the talent as they sang, danced, told jokes and juggled. It wasn’t your typical beauty pageant and her at Chenny, we don’t do typical. The show was hilarious and so much fun. The kids absolutely went bonkers for our evening show. Another amazing day followed by an incredible night.

Chenny out