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 Cherokee campers (Freshman,Juniors and Middies) had a great day at the State park as they played in the lake, tossed the ball around, relaxed on their towels, listened to music and spent a perfect afternoon soaking in the sun. A little rain moved in so it was off to a bowling alley followed by a roller skating party. The fun just never ended for our littles. They rolled back into camp and were exhausted from a daw spent well.

Inters thru GC’s spent their trip day at Dorney Park. It was a full day of coasters and rides that the kids enjoyed. Nothing says summer quite like a day at an amusement park.  Our campers just had the absolute best day at Dorney. As the kids rolled back into camp and off the buses, they were exhausted but so beyond happy. The kids looked beat but exhilarated, tired yet satisfied. A perfect long and fun day.

The CIT’s spent their day off at Ithaca and Cornell.  It’s never too early to scout colleges and Cornell set the bar very high. These raising Juniors were so impressed with the University that studying for their upcoming SAT’s and ACT’s is on their minds.. But first they have to continue enjoying the summer. Plenty of time for school after camp ends but they loved seeing Cornell and hanging in Ithaca. They have the college bug.

All campers are back at camp safe and sound and exhausted from their fun day out. We have a late wake up tomorrow to get some extra zzzzz’s and enjoy a an extra 45 minutes of sleep. The kids went bonkers when we announced it on their buses and cheered in appreciation. Morale is high here and the next big celebration is when you all come to join us on Saturday. Visiting Day is just 4 days away and we all can’t wait.

Chenny out.

It was a brunch wake up today and we all LOVED the extra sleep. After an intense 3 days of Olympic Battle, we needed the sleep in. The bugle rang at 9:30 am this am but I was on my deck at 8:45am and camp has never been that silent  at that time. I was blown away by the quiet but so happy that the kids were able to recharge and sleep in for another incredible day that lay ahead of them.  After a delicious brunch, it was off to the Carnival for one amazingly fun day. There were dunk tanks, carnival games, water slides, climbing tower, inflatable obstacle courses, snow cones, cotton candy and so much more. The weather was hot the vibe was amazing and it was a perfect day to head to a carnival. It’s a camp tradition to give away Carnival T-shirts on this special day and this years was a huge hit. There is something special about everyone wearing the same awesome camp T-shirt. Brings us all together.

After dinner it was time for Camp of The Week. We love honoring our standout kids. It’s a big deal to receive this honor and we hope you feel the pride at home at just how awesome your kids are. Congratulations to our Campers of the week.

Talk about twists and turns and lead changes by the minute. This Olympics was beyond unexpected and who was leading in the morning dropped by lunch. There was so much movement with the leader board, we couldn’t keep up and the anticipation was just so much. Olympics is tradition and it is something that campers did here decades ago and still do today. Traditions are what connects us all to this place and to one another. Camp traditions are bigger than each of us but has become the thread to our shared experiences here. To go through an Olympics together bonds us to one another. For the past 3 days, every camper dug deep and gave it their all to contribute for a win for their team. New friendships were made and connections deepened. To think that a kickball game or a waterpolo match brings so many people closer together is why we love Olympics.

The Olympic games ended as all three teams presented their songs, banner and plaque inside Shields Hall. Each team presented their Cheer, March and their Alma Mater and the words of Gold Australia said it so beautifully in their Alma Mater…. ” Can’t believe there’s only 4 weeks left to go. Wishing that we could rewind and that time would move slow. Just can’t imagine what my life was without you and when we split apart I don’t know what I will do.”  These words are from the heart and everyone feels it. It is why this experience means so much to us all. When you let camp in, it overtakes your heart and changes who you are.

Now it was in the hands of judges as the decision of who would win Olympics 2019 was about to be announced. Shields Hall was packed with our campers dressed head to toe in their team colors waiting on bated breath and all at the edge of their seats. The time had come and the judges raced on scooters to a photo finish as Blue crossed the finish line. It was Blue Argentina who took the Gold tonight!!! This was one close race.

Final Scores:

• Blue Argentina – 2026
• Gold Australia – 1991
• Red Norway – 1858

What we learned from these games were that we all played hard, respected the game, supported each other and believed that in the end it wasn’t just about getting the win but being there for one another. Two and half days ago, we began as Red Norway, Gold Australia and Blue Argentina and tonight we are back to One Camp Family.

Chenny out.

We are in full competition mode and everyone is loving every minute of our Olympic games. There is so much spirit in the air and each team is putting their heart and soul into every battle. There are wins and losses, there are cheers and chants and above all there is a respect for the game. From steal the bacon to flag football games, the day was packed with such great competitions.  The kids just played their hearts out today and worked so hard for a common goal – to bring home points for their team. We congratulate those who have brought home a victory and support the teams that may have lost their games today. It is having respect for one another that makes these Olympics Games so magnificent.

Tonight was all about Apache Relay. Each team has 75 events to complete and the first team to finish will be crowned the winner of the Relay. The horn blew and the race began and every single member counted tonight. No matter if you were being wrapped with toilet paper or having to leap frog from the lake to Arts & Crafts you matter. No matter how big the event was or how small, it was equally significant to being a part of this team event.Every member of each team is an integral part of the race. No matter if you are a Freshman or a CIT, your parts are equally important. This event emphasizes the importance of doing your part to get to a greater goal. Events like Apache bring us together. I was watching a CIT girl carry a freshman boy on her back running from the Lodge to the New Court.  These two campers didn’t know one another before the race but they sure do now. This event brings us all closer to one another. It defines what a camp family looks and feels like.  It was a great night and one that we wont’t soon forget. Red Norway crossed the finish line first tonight with Blue Argentina not too far behind and Gold Australia bringing in 3rd place. It was exciting to be here and being a part of  Apache is like no other experience as we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. Just pure awesomeness.

After a full day of games, our Olympic athletes were glad to get to bed. They know that the battle continues tomorrow with more games and ends with Olympic Sing.  There can only be one winner. Red Norway Blue Argentina and Gold Australia are all determined to bring home the Win but if you are familiar with Olympics, IT ALL COMES DOWN TO SING!!!

Chenny out.

There was a buzz all around camp today about when Olympics would break out. A rumor began and the chatter turned from when Olympics would breakout to if we were having Olympics at all this year. Questions were flying and the excitement was building. You could actually feel the energy in the air but the day just went on as business as usual.

Let me WIN. But if I cannot Win, let me be Brave in the Attempt….by Special Olympic Athletes Oath

Inter Girls Basketball – CAW 18 vs. Lohikan 28

GC/CIT Girls Tennis – CAW 5 vs. Poyntelle 0

Collegiate Boys Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Poyntelle 4

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Poyntelle 1

Our campers did not have to wait long as the entire camp was enjoying snack call at center camp when a very familiar song began to play throughout camp. The Olympic Fanfare sent chills up our spine and out from every area of camp emerged our Head Counselors with a lit torch symbolizing Olympics is upon us. Everyone ran into Shields Hall and the excitement was palpable. USA chants were growing louder and louder that turned into cheers of CHEN-A-WANDA. The entire hall was chanting in unison and the feeling was of total camp unity.  There are moments that bring us all together and this was one of them. We announced the Captains and highlighted what the games are all about. We will compete, we will play hard, we will show spirit and dedication, we will play fair but most importantly we will have fun in our Olympic Games! Our camp is now split in three equal teams, Red Norway, Blue Argentina and Gold Australia.

Just when we thought that camp could not possibly get any better, Olympics takes us to a whole new level. The games officially begun with lighting of the Olympic rings. Tonight was a great night as we started our battle with Tugs of War. There has never been a Camp Chen-A-Wanda TUGS OF WAR WITH MORE SPIRIT AND INTENSITY.  It was an electric night. We are so proud to be part of these games as we watch your children thrive and be the best they can be. Best news is we get to do this again tomorrow. There is no place like Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out.

Tag you’re it! That is what the junior girls were playing at center camp today. Every camper was involved and as I sat and watched this group run around on this gorgeous day, all I could think of was this is exactly what kids should be doing..running around and playing tag. The smiles came from their hearts and the giggles were heard loud and clear. I couldn’t stop watching this beautiful sight of a simple game of tag. No amount of technology or latest video game could bring the joy that this game of tag brought to this group of darling junior girls. Sometimes the best times are the most simplest.

Never let a win get to your head, or a loss to your heart……by Chuck D

Inter Girls Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2

Senior Girls  Soccer – CAW 7 vs. Lohikan 1

Super Girls Tennis  – CAW 1 @ Westmont 4

GC/CIT Girls LAX – CAW 4 vs. Wayne 14

Super Boys Tennis – CAW 1 vs. Westmont 4

GC/CIT Boys Basketball – CAW beats Perlman

We had the absolute best time at our New Years Party Chenny style!! It was a dance party social that was beyond fun. Every camper was glowing… literally glowing from the light up headphones and glow sticks and flashing glasses. The energy was off the charts and for our New Years, every camper was up and ready for the countdown. Shields Hall was lit up and the music was bumping. Kids were dancing all night long until the countdown began. Everyone was in unison counting down 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! As the kids and staff were high-fiving and hugging with cheers for a happy and healthy New Year.. the Olympic Rings flashed on the giant screen in Shields Hall and the kids went NUTS!!! Shouting “Olympics is here” and just when we thought the energy couldn’t get any more intense Brian Leahy walked across the stage with our lit Olympics torch and the entire Hall started screaming louder and louder. These kids want Olympics but as the kids grew louder, a huge OLYMPIC FAKEOUT message flashed across the screen.. We had an amazing night and the kids loved tonights social but loved the fakeout more!!! What a night..

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 was the place to be. It was a beat the heat kind of day and it was exactly how you want to spend hot summers days, getting wet, eating ices and laughing with friends. Another idea Chenny day.

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus…..by Bruce Lee

Senior Girls Tennis – CAW 5 vs Tioga 0

Freshman/Junior/Middies Boys Tennis – CAW 0 @ Wayne 5

Inter Boys Soccer – CAW 1 @ Lohikan 2

Collegiate Boys Tennis – CAW 5 @ Lohikan 2

Senior Boys Baseball – CAW 16 vs. Starlight 21

Senior/Super Boys Hockey – CAW 7 @ Wayne 12

The night belonged to Boys side with an amazing Boys Lip Sync at  Camp Chen-A-Wanda. We always hear from parents that their boy just won’t get up and dance and every year not a single boy opts out as they come together with their division, lip sync, dance and have an amazing time. From the cutest and most adorable Freshman through the emotional and impactful CIT’s, these boys put on one heck a show. The entire Shields Hall was mesmerized as they watched, clapped and sang along with the boys on stage. I looked out at the crowd who all had smiles from ear-to-ear as they supported each other. It is the absolute best part of camp watching the support we give each other. We call it Chenny Pride but call it whatever you want, it is how we become family to one another. To see boys let loose, dance in front a packed house with such confidence and joy is awe inspiring. This type of outlet for our boys is just plain inspirational.  We had to choose the winner of Boys Lip Sync 2019 and for lower camp it went to Middy Mania and for upper camp the win went to the GC’s. Those boys put on quite a dance and deserved the win. Though the GC’s brought home the “W” it was the CIT boys who stole our hearts. After the CIT’s were done with their dance they all sat on the stage arm in arm as Andrew Grisack and Sam Tell spoke these words.

That says it all.  Life is GREAT at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!!

Chenny Out

Tuesday at Chenny means it’s Trip Day and these days are always memorable and standout as a summer favorite. When you look back at your summers spent at camp, the days you leave and adventure out with your friends are always full of great memories and today was that day for all of our campers.

Our littlest kids (Freshman, Juniors and Middies) on camp spent their day at Camel Beach. They were so excited to board the buses this morning they could barely contain their energy. They were literally  jumping with joy. The kids were swimsuited up and ready to go.  They swooshed down the toilet bowl, got lazy down the lazy river, slipped down the slip and slide and got bounced off the giant bungee blob. They had an absolute ball today. When the buses rolled back into camp, these same darling kids that couldn’t contain their energy, were exhausted and could barely keep their eyes open. It was a perfect day and one they will always remember.

The Inters and Collegiates spent their day jumping around at Skyzone Trampoline Park. It was a two-hour jump-o-rama and they loved every minute. After being beautifully exhausted from jumping around it was off to the movies to catch a summer blockbuster. The kids sat munching on popcorn and zoning out as they were totally entertained. It was a perfect day for our mohican campers.

Seniors rolled in late tonight and had the biggest smiles on their faces because their first overnight at Hershey was the highlight of their summer.. so far. Every single Senior camper had the time of their life. But as we say in our own family, going away is awesome but there is nothing like coming home. So happy to have them all back.

Supers and GC’s had a packed day. They spent their morning at the State Park. They relaxed by the beach getting some sun rays and just chilling out. A perfect relaxing morning followed by an afternoon at Skate Escape where they roller-skated, played mini-golf and ran around playing laser tag all afternoon. To end their perfect day out, it was off to the movies to catch a summer blockbuster. They loved their fully packed day and we loved providing it to them. They rolled into camp late tonight and all were exhausted but has an incredible day out. Just another perfect summer day spent with great people. What more can anyone want??

All campers are safe and sound in their bunks, sleeping soundly from a day spent well. This is what it’s all about – playing hard and making memories that last a lifetime. Tomorrow is late wake-up and the extra sleep is very much appreciated by all. Chenny kids are living the dream.

Chenny out.

If you had to choose a word to describe today it would definitely be Chillin’. There was a vibe on camp and maybe the pace of the first week and half has brought us all to just feel relaxed and at ease. You would walk throughout camp and everyone was just super chill. Camp felt calm which is a fete in and of itself. There was a cool breeze that swept through camp all day and it felt like everyone downshifted. I watched a group of Middy boys and their counselors play catch with a football at center camp while every single swing was taken with kids enjoying the ride. There was a bunch of boys sitting round the apple tree playing card games and there too you can only describe it as kids just chillin’ on a perfect summers day. This vibe was felt by everyone on camp as the energy just felt easy and calm. It was noticeable and it was perfect.

Our Seniors left camp this morning for their first of two overnights and headed for Hershey Park. These kids couldn’t have been more excited. They were packed and ready to go and loaded the buses all with an excitement that was written all over their faces. They were the envy of everyone on camp. I overheard one younger camper saying to another, “They are so lucky they get to go to Hershey Park” to which the other camper replied, ” We get to go when we are Seniors. That’ll be so cool.” The Seniors had the BEST DAY EVER!!!

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts… by anonymous

Middy Boys Soccer  – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 1

Inter Boys Tennis – CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

Super Boys Basketball @ Tyler Hill – Competitive Tourney today. CAW won several games to get in the qualifying rounds and lost in the quarter finals.

Family Feud was the evening activity tonight and it was Family Fun. The kids loved being part of the action. We surveyed 100 people and the top answer is on the board. What is the Best Camp Around?…. CAMP CHEN-A-WANDA!

Just another incredible day. Livin’ the dream and lovin’ every minute.

Chenny out

To be a Camper of the Week is to be recognized at the highest level. Those who are honored are truly standout campers that are helpful, friendly, participates in all activities, have positive attitudes and are just awesome kids. To see the expression on the faces of the kids when their name is announced as this week Campers of the week is priceless. They deserve this honor and we are proud of each one of our outstanding campers. Congratulations to the following campers:

Freshman –    Lexi Plotnick  & Ryden Rubovitz

Juniors – Remy Friedberg & Anthony Scarcella

Middies – Abby Foodim & Noah Kepke

Inters – Hannah Nudelman & Matthew Steinbock

Collegiates – Febe Wasserman & Ben Gruberger

Seniors – Sami Talbot & Wyatt Jacobs

Supers – Alexa Starikov & Scott Steinberg

GC’s – Elana Kessler & Jordan Yagaloff

CIT’s – Alexa Haber & Ben Kimelman

In addition to Camper of the Week we love to honor our Kind Campers. There is truly nothing better than to see kids nominate their peers and highlight their kindness. To be kind is the ultimate and best quality to posses. There is truly nothing better than to see our kids being kind to one another. Success to us is watching kindness spread and it is spreading all over Camp Chen-A-Wanda. If your camper was selected as this weeks Kind Camper, kuddos to you and job well done – your children are truly kind kids. We hope your hearts are full knowing you have kind kids! These campers are spreading sunshine all over Camp Chen-A-Wanda: Marissa Holzman, Sofia Levy, Maya Porat, Alex Goldblatt, Billie Margulis, Lexi Greenblatt, Sylvia Millstein, Taylor Diamond, Owen Isaacson, Jonathan Hare, Asher Goldstein and Chase Schwartz.

Things Work Out Best For Those Who Make The Best Of How Things Work Out…By John Wooden

Middy Girls Tennis – CAW 1 vs. Island Lake 4

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 4

Inter Girls Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

Inter Boys Basketball – CAW 41 @ Starlight 40

Collegiate Boys LAX – CAW 0 @ Wayne 18

Super/GC Boys Soccer Tourney @ Equinunk – CAW advanced to semi finals