As our first day has come to an end, I couldn’t think of better words to relay the feeling of summer at Camp Chen-A-Wanda than this poem written by Jason Levine who grew up here at camp. He so perfectly chose words about the magic of summer that resonates with all of us. How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful place with positive passionate people doing incredibly fun activities all summer long. After a long day of travel, combined with some nerves and lots of excitement your kids are soundly sleeping. Camp is quiet and it is so awesome to have all our campers back at their summer home. There is lots to do in these next 49 days and we won’t waste a minute. So to you, our Chenny Families at home, we say.. enjoy reading our blogs, combing through the thousands of pictures and smiling when you view our videos. THIS IS SUMMER!!!

Chenny Out.

 

This is summer 

When endless days fade into unforgettable nights 

When the cool lake makes the heat okay 

and the warm embrace of a friend warms your face til the nighttime ends 

This is summer

When summer rain can’t take away our fun and games 

We run and say the day is long we long to play 

This is summer 

When Bells become Bugles

and classrooms turn into courts 

When homework becomes home runs 

Exit the exam

quit the quiz 

erase the essay 

because

This is summer 

When fields are filled with fun 

the sun shining on pool parties and biddy basketball the cool competition let’s settle it in tetherball 

This is summer 

When adventure awaits the bold and brave 

You can ski you can climb you can jump you can fly 

This is summer

When basketball is the only task we ask for 

or toss a baseball play lacrosse launch a ball across the crossbar 

This is summer

When we take breaks at the lake shore

We ache, we want more

This is the two we live ten for

This is summer 

When lonely winter’s cold hands no longer hands us frozen snow it shows on our smiles miles away from home 

We’ve waited and hated the wait. 

created a bond that never fades. 

This is summer 

When who you are becomes who you act like and you act like who you wanna be 

When friends are family and family is forever 

When a bunk becomes a brotherhood 

and sisters stay awake saying never stray away, stay here 

hear that? 

Summer is here 

and This. Is. It. 

This is Chen a Wanda 

To you, our Chenny Parents at home that have read our blogs, watched our videos and sifted through thousands and thousands of pictures and believed in us enough to send your kids to spread their wings with us at Camp Chen-A-Wanda – we simply say thank you for sharing your amazing kids with us all summer long. I have spend the past 49 nights writing to you at home hoping to give you a glance and what is happening inside our gates but tonight I wrote this letter to your children for our last evening activity of Summer ’18. It has been an honor and a privilege spending the summer with your kids. Thank you again for your belief in us and enjoy your kids when they are back in your arms tomorrow. We will miss them so much. Thank you again.

To Our Incredible Chen-A-Wanda Family – 

It has been 49 days since we stood in this very spot and welcomed you to Summer ’18 at Camp Chen A Wanda and now we are back here for our last evening at our summer home. It has been 49 days of incredible moments, 49 days of total freedom, 49 days of navigating this experience with your friends by your side and your counselors holding your hands. These 49 days will stay with you through your life and these moments help shape who you are and who you will become. As you saw from the hundreds of alumni that came back here last weekend,  summers spent here in their youth shaped who they became and boy what they would do to be able to spend just one more summer here at this place that has never ever left their hearts. We watched you open your arms and your hearts to them as you listened to their stories they shared with you and now you share a common bond with all of them – THE LOVE WE ALL FEEL FOR CAMP CHEN-A-WANDA – It ties us all together. You are now part of of this incredible community too, as one day we hope you share your stories made here at Chenny. You are part of something special and like every single camper and staff that came before you, your story matters!!

As we look out at all of your faces, we see incredible people sitting before us. We see bravery, we see empathy, courage and kindness, we see honesty, we see hilariously funny and talented people and a hall full of campers and staff that made us smile every single day. It is hard to describe the feeling in this place to other people and do justice to how amazing it is in here but there isn’t a person in this hall that hasn’t felt what we have feel. Together,  We are the definition of family and each and every one of you make Chen-A-Wanda the incredible place it is. We come from every corner of the globe and together we have created something insanely special.

Our staff is undeniably the best of the best and nobody said it better than Lyla Miller in the ‘This is Why I Wanda” video we just watched when she so perfectly said, “The counselors here take really really really good care of you,” or when Stevie Fuetterman so eloquently described how they aren’t like teachers but more like older sisters or how Spencer Wexler relayed how he doesn’t have an older brother at home but after 7 years here it’s as if he has 20. You made it happen for our kids, you protected them, you listened to them, you helped them through tough moments and most importantly you made an IMPACT!!! Thank you for giving so much of yourself to our kids. We can only hope they impacted you as much as you impacted them.

From the freshman who stole our hearts this summer. You came into camp and dominated with your cuteness. To each and every Junior and Middy, Inter and Collegiate you brought something incredibly special to camp; your sweet generous spirit and your love to play. Regardless if you were outside tossing a ball with a buddy or inside playing jacks, you played and enjoyed a summer of just being a kid. No phones, Netflix shows or fortnight occupied you this summer. You played and talked to one another all summer long and made connections that are real. This is why friendships are so deep here because they are created without distractions and sustained by human contact, not virtual ones.

To our Navajo kids, you spent you summer with more optional nights and later curfews. You are the big kids on campus who along the way took the time to listen more, judge less and show kindness always. Lessons aren’t always easy but you defined that you can’t always change the beginning but you can stay right where you are and change the ending. We are so proud of each and every one of you and thankful you are part of our summer family. GC’s – It’s now your turn on the Hill. We can’t wait to see you shine next summer and have no doubt you will be AMAZING CIT’s!

So now to the back of the room, our CIT’s of 2018. You set the tone this summer with your infectious spirit and insane determination. Even through the ties, lessons were learned and together as a group you  showed this camp what leaders are and how to end with grace, dignity and a whole lotta love. Off you go onto your next stage – as you enter your junior year of high school, don’t ever forget about that summer you spent stargazing, singing Build me up Buttercup, holding hands, giving piggy back rides, breaking the floor and without a doubt leaving your roots here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

So here is where Summer ’18 ends, right where it began – We hope you have created incredible memories this summer, made some new friends, believed how truly special each and every one of you are and most importantly had the time of your lives. You all made an impact on us and YOU are the reason why We Wanda!!!

Thank you Chenny. We Love you!!!

Jon & Elissa 

Reality has set in that our last days of summer 2018 are upon us. It is a mix of emotion here at camp as we are organizing for the end. Cleaning out our cubbies and night stands, reminiscing about the last 7 weeks, making plans for winter get togethers and feeling not ready to leave this place. It is really happening and there is just no way to make time stop. We know we all must leave but it’s just so hard. From the Freshman to the CIT’s, nobody is ready to step out of this life yet but all great things must come to and end.

As the sun was setting over Fiddle Lake, we were all dressed up in our best outfits and headed to center camp where we took pictures together with our friends & counselors. Everyone looked beautiful. Groups stood on the dock, arm in arm smiling for that group picture that will be looked at 1000 times as soon they return home only to remind us of this very night. They captured those moments that made us feel whole on the inside. They know everything about us, they accept everything about us. You can see it in the ease on your children’s faces. Living happy is how we choose to live up here. This night was perfect and as they walked into the Lodge, our campers were transported out of this world. It was aliens and planets and it was oh so cool.  We dined on fried chicken & filet sliders, Caesar salad, honey glazed carrots and tater tots. The kids loved their meal but the big hit was dessert as everyone went crazy for the edible chocolate chip cookie dough!

After dinner it was off to Shields Hall for our end of the year division Awards. Each Division highlighted the following campers in 3 areas; Honor Camper, Athlete of the Year and All Around Camper. They are truly standout campers and we couldn’t be more proud to highlight and honor them on this great night. To receive on this night is the highest honor we can give our campers. These are remarkable campers who deserve all the accolades and praise they were given. We have outstanding campers and tonight the light was bright on the campers we recognized with these extremely prestigious awards.

	CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2018 – Girls side
	HONOR		ATHLETE		ALL AROUND
FRESHMEN	Meredith Jacobs		Morgan Bauman		Roxie Bishop
JUNIORS	Billie Margolis		Lindsay Gelfman		Lexi Greenblatt
MIDDIES	Ashley Schwartz & Sydney Mallah		Sammi Witz & Sloane Pariser		Gigi Leeds
INTERS	Sarah Fernbach		Elizabeth Kamelhar		Addison Rubovitz
COLLEGIATES	Gracie Frankel		Summer Housenbold		Sammi Leon
SENIORS	Ashleigh Brett		Jordyn Shohet		Marli Cohen
SUPERS	Morgan Klein		Mackenzie Rubovitz		Molly Williams
GC’s	Julia Peskin		Lindsay Komson		Sarah Haber
CIT’s Of The Year	Dylan Grabow & Madison Grabow
OVERALL CAMPERS OF THE YEAR
	HONOR		ATHLETE		ALL AROUND
Lower Camp	Ashley Schwartz		Elizabeth Kamelhar		Lexi Greenblatt
Upper Camp	Julia Peskin		Mackenzie Rubovitz		Sammi Leon

 

	CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2018 – Boys Side
	HONOR		ATHLETE		ALL AROUND
FRESHMEN	Brady Kotler		Jake Shiffman		Jack Zaben
JUNIORS	Jake Marin		Jake Mongeluzo		Max Schwartzberg
MIDDIES	Charlie Horton		Jacob Santiago		Jason Marks
INTERS	Bennett Votano Trent Hernandez		Derek Herzog		Jack Komson
COLLEGIATES	Derek Satz		Kash Bishop		Jack Komson
SENIORS	Jake Gold & Jack Einzig		Alex Frank & Turner Katz		Sean Pesner & Ethan Schwartz
SUPERS	Jordan Yagaloff		Josh Petchers		Jake Root
GC’s	Noah Hirshfield		Jake Becker		Danield Greenfield
CIT’s of the Year	Matthew Gershman & Jack Santoro
OVERALL CAMPERS OF THE YEAR
	HONOR		ATHLETE		ALL AROUND
Lower Camp	Brady Kotler		Derek Herzog		Jason Marks
Upper Camp	Jordan Yagaloff		Alex Frank		Sean Pesner

After the Awards, it was party time and we danced all night long. Shields Hall was full of campers who let loose and danced until their feet hurt. It was over the top fun having our last true dance party with our summer family. It’s so hard to believe the summer is over but we definitely went out with a bang. As campers headed back to their bunks full of glow sticks, T-shirts, glow rings and other items that were given out at the party, everyone was exhausted and elated and had the times of their life tonight. It was a party like no other as we celebrated an amazing season. It was just an incredible way to end an incredible summer. One more day to go!

Chenny out

We spent the last official day of regular activities having the best time playing everything and anything. The pool and lake were full of happy campers. The fields had tons of games going on and the biddy city had happy ballers while the Chenny Shack was busy making burgers and pizza. It was like we all knew that this is it. Our last day of regular activities in summer 2018.

Congratulations to our very last Campers of the Week of summer 2018. A huge shout out to these awesome kids.

Freshmen –   Lyla Miller & Ashton Nadel

Juniors – Marissa Holtzman & Brady Bornstein

Middies – Alex Lendenbaum & Emma Erlich

Inters – Abby Goldblatt & Austin Berstein

Collegiates –  Liv Mallor & Ethan Schwartzberg

Seniors – Shaya Roth & Emma Denson & Hunter Galan

Supers – Bella Derose & Aidan Tessler

GC – Emily Weiss & Evan Kay

CIT – Ava Kreshover & Jessie Altman & Matt Glickman

 

The night was all about Late Night with Leahy and the excitement was in the air. It is an amazing culmination of  incredible videos & skits by our very own creative genius Brian Leahy and produced by the insanely talented media Team of Joe Co and Nate. It is highly anticipated and did not disappoint.  The night referenced everything funny about camp this summer. Every camper and staff member laughed till it hurt. It was like watching a real late night show with comedy sketches, give away prizes, Top Ten Thank You Notes and a camp favorite, Bad Lip Reading. The hit of the night was our very own trailer A Quieter Place. It is a must watch. This evening’s activity is a camp favorite and even our counselors that were off duty, stayed in to watch because it’s just that entertaining. Campers absolutely went crazy for own home grown Late Night Show.

Everyone is looking forward to banquet tomorrow. It is the best celebration and we do it in style. We dine on amazing cuisine as we are all dressed up in our best duds. Then it’s back to the bunk to get on comfortable clothes and shoes for one amazing night of dancing and celebrating. Best night of CAW is just around the corner. It’s one big party and everyone looks forward to this night all summer long. We just can’t believe it’s actually here. Feels like we just rolled into camp and started this journey but 48 days have passed and we are looking at the end of an experience that has changed who we are. Here’s to the last 2 days of living the Chenny dream.

Chenny Out.

With the last day of Color War upon us, everyone was working hard, having fun and giving it every ounce of effort they had. It meant that much to all of us. Win or loose, each team put their heart on the line and played hard. Each field and court was full of Red and Gold spirit, chants and cheers. Everyone was giving it their all. To see groups of kids rally around one another in the true sprit of competition and do it in a way that is uplifting and encouraging is awe-inspiring. It’s the way it should always be and it exists here at camp.

The CITS’s gave their psych speech before breakfast and shared feelings on this being the last and final Color War day they will ever have as a camper. They spoke from the heart and spoke of no regrets and embrace every event because in a blink of an eye, it ends. This group amazing CIT’s have left their mark and today marks the beginning of their finale.

There is a long standing Color War event called the axe hunt. A wooden axe was hidden on day one and at the beginning of each lunch 2 CIT’s from each team are given a clue to where it is. They have a timed 15 minutes to look for the axe. To this point in the competition, it has yet to be found. If it was not found today, this would be the very first time it had not been located. There was intense pressure for both teams to find the axe. Some were convinced it was nowhere on this camp, but oh it was. Hidden somewhere they hadn’t yet looked and it was waiting for them to find it. This was the last race and the entire camp was waiting in the Lodge, just waiting for the runners to appear holding the axe. Today, the last day of the axe hunt.  There was a certain CIT girl that was running the hunt today and she was nervous and actually asked her Captain if they would swap her out and pick a faster runner. I saw her right before lunch and she was terrified she wouldn’t be able to keep up. Every doubt she had about herself rose to the top and her fears almost over took her courage. Regardless of her fears, she stayed in the race. This event was timed for 15 minutes and with just 3 minutes to go, still nobody found the axe. With only 60 seconds left, I saw that same CIT running down the hill with her teammates next to her and that girl was waving that axe high in the air. That girl was my daughter Maddy and she found it with only 1 minute to go. Her face was pure joy and she did something she really thought she couldn’t. She found her courage today when she committed to finding that axe. Nobody before her in the past 5 days could find that axe but she did. Her worry , doubt and fear was replaced by pure joy that translated into confidence and a belief in herself. It was a moment that Jon and I will never forget and she certainly won’t either. A lesson she lived to never doubt herself and believe that what you feel is impossible may just be within your reach. She whispered in my ear, “I did it Mom, I found the axe.” and I whispered back, “You didn’t just find the axe Maddy, you found something way bigger.” We couldn’t have been more proud, not that she found the axe but that she never gave up.

Tonight was a silent meal and never was The Lodge so quiet. It was oddly silent as this is the place where we dance and sing but tonight in Color War tradition, we ate silently.  The campers wanted more than anything to talk but knew that every word spoken would loose points for their team. Try and visualize The Lodge full of campers and counselors that just don’t speak. It was a sight to see.

As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed as characters from Trolls and Shrek, the Incredibles, Up and so many other amazing costumes, there was a sense of elation and true Color War pride. This was it, and everyone knew it. The scores were so close it was all coming down to SING. Each team presented their plaque and banner and they were truly works of art. True art master pieces that took our breath away. It was time for Sing and both were ready to perform the songs they worked so hard on and had so much meaning in every verse. There were tears as Red Pixar sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics that embodied the feelings they have as their summer comes to an end:

Spent all this time here with you

Don’t know how Ill make it through

Winter Nights alone

This place will always be our home

Friendships different over the phone

But I’m just a call away

It was emotional and everyone knew that the end of Color War signifies the end of camp. What we have all gone through will be with us forever but for now is ending and the last three days as two teams are now back together as one amazing camp.  Gold Dreamworks so poetically conveyed in their Alma Mater:

5 days have flown by

Fearing our last goodbye

My summer home, my sweet escape

A Legacy lives on at Fiddle Lake

The Bonds you’ll find here are so rare

Nothing can compare

All the love behind these gates, is something the we can’t explain

In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his/her seat was GOLD and that relayed the winner of Color War 2018. There was joyous elation throughout the Gold team but just for a moment as we hugged our friends and then busted out in a giant dance party. Joys of winning Color War and tears from defeat were replaced by intense and over the top energy that literally was explosive and electric. We could have moved a mountain with all that energy and then the realization that camp is nearing its end – the tears started to flow. So many feelings flooded us all and now with Color War behind us, summer 2018 is just about done.

We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two very separate teams but came out as One! The love we all feel and the connection we have formed is transformative and experiencing Color War 2018 was icing on the cake. When you think it just can’t get better, it does. Now we down shift to the final 3 days here and we won’t wast a moment.

Chenny out

Everyone matters in the Apache Relay and every camper plays a key role. No matter if you are being wrapped in toilet paper, running around the quad track, painting an entire oak tag board or are heading into the School of Rock for the infamous “unknown”, you count. It is a race that includes EVERYONE. It is fun, it is intense and it is Apache. When you think of the true meaning of this camp wide relay, you understand how connected we all are and how each part makes up the whole. There was a camper who really didn’t want to run his race today. For whatever reason he didn’t like his task. He was teary and sad and wanted to switch his with someone else’s. But in the very long standing tradition of Apache, there are absolutely no switches or tradsies. We live and die by the history of Apache and today was no different. What happened next was magnificent. I saw his counselors, captains and lieutenants of his team stand by this boy who was nervous of letting the team down. They would not let him fail. No matter if he walked it, they were doing it together and that is exactly what happened. He got up and waited for the baton to be handed to him and as he wiped away his tears, he ran that race with counselors in tow all telling him how he can do this. He wasn’t alone and their encouragement was the push he needed. After he was finished, he dropped tp the ground and lofted his arms like Rocky Balboa. I did it, he said. It was hard and running from the canteen all the way up to mini golf isn’t an easy fete but with people by his side showing him that he can, he did!!

Girl’s side ran their hearts out at their track meet and boy’s side jumped in the pool and swam to their finish line at their swim meet this afternoon. It was a full day of active campers here with Apache and the swim and track meets.Our kids are pushing themselves to their personal best and it shows. We are all exhausted but the War isnt over and our team needs us.

Our campers downshifted a bit as they were spectators at our staff game night. The staff played basketball, volleyball, softball and wiffle ball and our campers cheered them as they fought for Color war points. The weather was perfect and night was ideal. The sky was actually pink as the sun set over fiddle lake. It was one of those summer nights you dream about.

The excitement is growing and the kids are giving everything they’ve got into this Color War. There is a mere 31 points the separate 1st and 2nd Place and both teams are fighting for every single point. Tomorrow is the last day of games and we end this 5-day competition tomorrow night with Sing. In the end as it always does, it all comes down to Sing.

Chenny Out

 

Boy’s side had their track meet today and girls side battled in the pool at their swim meet. The kids had so much fun as they relayed to their finish lines getting cheers, praise and encouragement for their hard work and effort. The spirit was high and heat was on. To watch how this community gives one another support and encouragement is really life changing. It starts from our staff as they jump up and down cheering for the campers and that is infectious and it just catches on from there. There is so much positive energy in this camp, it is infectious, it is contagious and it is everywhere.

Knowing what Color War means to our campers, makes these 5 days not only emotional but significant in the entire summer journey they have been on. Every single camper is an integral piece to the whole and they each matter to the outcome. They wear their colors with pride and everyone on camp is putting  their heart into every match, game and meet. You can see it on their faces and feel it in their effort and hard work. Your kids are digging down deep and giving it all they got. You be beyond proud of them. The cheers of victory are deafening and the anguish of defeat is real. This War matters to each of us and it is providing meaningful competition and pushing ourselves when we think we can’t, we are being encouraged knowing that WE CAN. When we think we’re tired, we get up and push harder. This ability to find that fire inside each one of us is an experience that will be with us forever. It will help define who we are and how we grow.

Not a day goes by where I don’t witness a moment that tells a story of why this experience is so profound. In Color War, there is ample opportunity to bear witness to greatness, strength, grit, determination, sportsmanship and selflessness. Today was no different and I was blown away at one of these many moments. It happened at the pool where the girls were competing in a swim meet and one camper was a bit panicked and nervous for her portion of the relay. She didn’t want to let anyone down but was so fearful she would be the reason her team wouldn’t win the race. her fear got the best of her and she tried to tell her team she just couldn’t do it. You saw it on her face, you heard it in her voice and when she was just about to bow out and quit, her teammates got behind her and said ” WE NEED YOU and who cares if we win this race. It’s more important that you swim with us.” It was a moment that defined why Color War is so impactful. I saw this happen, I heard what was said and as I watched that camper get into that pool, the result of the race didn’t matter. She already won!

This Color War is so close and the teams are within a mere  36 points of each other. Red Pixar has earned 1900 points with the Gold Dreamworks just a hair ahead with 1936 points. It is anyones war as these teams head into Quiz night tonight. Tonight was all mental as campers and staff had to answer questions about anything and everything from pop culture to math equations to Camp Chen-A-Wanda facts and everything in between. All day, our bodies were challenged and tonight we stretched our minds.  There isn’t a camper or staff who isn’t giving it their all and pushing it to the limit. It is an outstanding Color War and with just 2 more days to go and the scores so close, it is anyones game. So here is to 2 more amazing days of exhaustion, exhilaration, competition and meaningful moments. Bring it on!

Chenny out.

Today was an incredible day for so many reasons. The obvious is that we are having an insane color war. The weather was beyond perfect and we played all day long. But that was not the reason why this day was remarkable. We had our first ever alumni day and we welcomed 250 alum from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s all the way through the 00’s. It was as if a Chen-A-Wanda history book walked through our gates. They were so incredibly happy to be back at their summer home and more importantly, your children were so welcoming, gracious and inquisitive to each and every alum that was on camp today.

There was a gentleman, Tom Wilbert and his wife that went to this camp in the 1950’s and had met here. They have been married for over 60 years and were literally celebrities. Dozens upon dozens of campers surrounded them, listening to stories from way back when. He shared his childhood with us today and and a piece of his heart. He told us all that wherever he traveled to or whichever stage of his life he was in, his time at this camp was pivotal in making him the man he is. He shared stories of his youth and how important this place was for him and for out kids to not take one day for granted. He mentioned that he often thinks about this place and it brings him joy. He hasn’t been back for over 50 years but the feeling is the same. This was nothing short of amazing and your children showed such admiration and excitement with every word Tom shared with them. I watched Tom relive his youth as he told story after story. It was a treasure chest of wonderful moments that we all can relate to. He ended with telling everyone he could, to not waste a moment because time here is finite and all you will be left with are memories.

The day was just emotional and joyful. Our alumni visited their old bunks, searching for their plaques, going building to building reliving the best time of their lives. And your kids were in awe. It was a common bond everyone on camp shared. The thread that linked us all together. From 7 – 95 there was a common bond that linked us all together. Your children are part of a long history of a place that has changed lives and is so meaningful to so many. They too will one day come back and have stories of their own to share. They too will feel the impact of how this place changed them and they too will never forget their summers at this magical place. They may not remember every score of every game or recall every name to every counselor they had but I can bet with 100% certainty, they will never forget the way this place makes them feel. That was the theme today with each and every alumni that was on camp. The way this place made them feel changed who they are for the better. It was a day that took our breath away.

Tonight at Rope Burn, we all sat a little closer, embraced one another a little longer and all took what Tom Wilbert said to heart – embracing each moment we have the privilege of spending here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Life Was Is and Will Always Be GREAT at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny Out.

Our campers could hardly sleep as they were filled with excitement from last night’s amazing breakout. The energy from last night’s Jake Miller show wiped us out but we were ready for day 1 of Color War to day. It is a feeling like no other, a feeling of competition, spirit, camaraderie, and just pure love of camp and all that it stands for. We were dodging the rain but nothing could stop our love of Color War.

The action packed morning was followed by an afternoon full of games. There was newcombe and softball, there was steal the bacon and soccer and of course a fierce BBG game. The kids were head-to-toe in Red & Gold and the serious Chenny pride was out and about.

After an amazing afternoon, the evenings event was Contest Night.  The weather was still a bit rainy so all of Contest Night was inside Shields Hall and though it couldn’t possibly get as loud as the night before, we went round 2 for insane energy in the Hall. The campers raced in relays, flying turtles, tunnels races, balloon pops and hippity hops. Games you only play at camp. Even if you were not competing you got into the groove.  There were Conga Lines that went all through the Hall. No matter what song played, the kids went nuts. Camp inspires us to let go and have fun no matter what we are doing.

It was a great day 1 of Color War ’18. This is by far the best part of camp. Color War embodies every important part of our incredible journey through the seven beautiful weeks we live at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Day 1 is in the books and there is so much more to go. Not taking one day for granted.

 

Chenny Out.

The day started out like any other awesome day, sun was shining, happy kids going to activities and then it was lunch. All kids were enjoying the delicious BBQ brisket sliders when a message popped up on the movie screen in the Lodge. It read, stay in your seat… stay in the lodge…stay in your seat …stay in the lodge… it repeated for minutes until everyone was done with with lunch and their tables were cleared.. Then and just then another video began. It was an incredible highlight vid of internet and pop sensation Jake Miller. The kids were going bananas and then the video cut to a message Jake made for our kids. He said that he was hoping to making to Chen-A-Wanda this summer yadda yadda yadda but he couldn’t get out of LA yadda yadda yadda and it was great bumping into some of the campers in LA yadda yadda yadda then he looked into the camera and told us all to go to Shields Hall… Go now to Shields Hall. The Lodge erupted and everyone ran screaming Jake Miller is here!!!

They entered the Hall and a video played of incredible clips from Pixar and Dreamworks hit films. Then out from the side of the stage came our characters;  Poppy and Branch from The Trolls, Dore from Nemo, Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story, Sully from Monsters Inc. and Toothless from How to Train a Dragon. There was an excitement yet a hush because they thought Jake was waiting for them. After the movie video clip finished, Brian Leahy excitedly welcomed every to Color War 2018 a voice from behind the screen interrupted and said, “How ’bout I help breakout this Color War, It’s Me Camp Chen-A-Wanda Jake Miller. The Hall went CRAZY!!!! The screen lifted and he was here, Jake Miller was at our camp and it was unreal. Most of our younger campers had never heard of him but the excitement from our older kids set the tone. They were in and they knew something pretty special was happening at camp today. Jake welcomed everyone to Color War 2018 and then explained he was performing a private concert for all of us tonight! The crowd again went wild. The teams were announced and it was Red Pixar vs. Gold Dreamworks and with that we have a WAR!!!

Jake went by every single bunk and took bunk pictures with the kids. He was gracious and friendly, he was engaging and approachable. As he traveled all around Chenny, he was in amazement of how lucky our kids are to be at a place like this. He even spent some time tubing and playing in the Aqua Park. He was a camper for the day and loved every minute. Jake was in awe of the spirit here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda and couldn’t get over that a place like this exists. After bunk pics it time for Tugs of War and our kids had the best time pulling for their team. The energy was off the charts. Jake brought the vibe and our kids ran with it. An absolute incredible Tugs of War we had.

The main event was Jake performing a private concert for our camp and it was AWESOME. He played his hit songs  proudly wearing a Chenny Staff shirt and the kids sang along in unison. We had a real live concert that was INCREDIBLE. There was so much spirit, so much love, so much Chenny pride and so many happy kids. It was an epic breakout and everyone knew it. Boys, girls, younger kids and older experienced something pretty special at camp today. We will never forget the summer that Jake Miller broke out Color War at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Life is Great!!

Chenny out.