I was watching the Senior/Super boys softball game today vs. Equinuk and was struck by what I saw. It was a championship game and both teams played really hard and really well but beyond their talent on the field something grabbed my attention. Even as these boys were playing for a championship, there was an ease and joy and they were playing for the love of the sport. They were having fun and it was evident above all else. No pressure when our boys struck out. No harsh words when they missed the fly ball. No yelling at the umpire when they disagreed with a call. It was like watching a field full boys, on both teams just play to play the game. Nothing more nothing less. Chenny was leading until the very end, it was one tough inning that gave away the championship but after each team lined up to high five after one another, I heard one of our kids say, ” Hey guys, we’ve got the Chenny Shack this period and I think were making burgers, let’s go”. They all ran down the hill, still in their cleats and went from the field to the kitchen within minutes. I watched them as they sat around their tables, learning how to grill the perfect barbecue cheeseburger with smiles on their faces. The loss of the championship game they played just moments before didn’t stay with them. It was gone with the wind and they were off to other important moments, like making the most perfect cheeseburgers with their buddies. This is what it is all about!

“Winning Provides Happiness. Loosing Provides Wisdom” – John Wooden

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 1 @ Starlight 5

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Tioga 0 – Chenny Wins Championship

Middy Boys Hockey – CAW 6 vs. Starlight 2 – Chenny Wins Champioship

Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 7

Middy Boys Gold Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Tioga 5

Senior Boys Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Tioga 5

Senior/Super Boys Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Tioga 1

Senior/Super Softball – CAW 4 vs. Equinuk 7

Tonight we were mesmerized with Brad Henderson’s ability to hypnotize some of our staff. He put our counselors in such a trance they did things on stage that made us belly laugh so hard. When you watch your counselor bark like a rabid dog or sing into their shoe or even perform a rockin’ dance front solo in front of the entire camp, your night is just awesome. The fun was off the charts and our kids had a ball watching a show with their counselors front and center. Just they took their final bow and the show was had ended, the theme from Jurassic Park started to play and th eHall went bananas. There wasn’t a camper or staff who wasn’t chanting 1..2..3…4..WE WANT COLOR WAR.. It was intense and it was loud and it was crystal clear that our camp is READY FOR WAR!!! As thew music hit its crescendo and everyone was getting louder, popped out from the curtain was a giant TREX and the cheers got louder, It was happening tonight but then out from costume came Brian Leahy who began dismissing each division without missing a beat. Disappointment blanketed the Hall and it wasn’t going to be tonight. The break is on everyones mind and the excitement is building. You can feel it in every corner of camp. SO they will have to wait until just the right time for our War to makes itself known. Just like Goldilocks and the three bears, it will be not too long but not too short and will happen when it’s just right.

Life is Great when we wait for Color War!!

Chenny out.

It’s official, Summer ’18 Trips are done. It was our last trip day and the kids all had a great time out of camp. Rain was in our area so we had to do some switch-a-roos with the schedules and move to indoor venues. Our kids were fabulous and rolled with it. Sure there was disappointment with some not heading to where they thought they would be spending their day but in the end our kids rolled like the river and went with the flow. We can control a lot of things here at camp but the weather is something that we haven’t yet mastered. And you would be be so proud of your kids that went with plan B. To see the silver lining in a change of plans is gift and a they all got it. Yes, Dorney would have been awesome but it didn’t define their day or mood. We just couldn’t be more proud of your children who showed us today that were and are the RIVER!!!!

Our Freshman thru Inters had an absolute ball at Kalahari Indooor waterpark. They loved every minute of their last trip and it was the ultimate way to end their summer trip days. So many smiles and so many memories made with  for our youngest campers. They rolled back into camp exhausted but beyond happy with what was a fantastic day spent well.

Our Collegiates spent their morning at camp before they headed out for their day of fun. It was spa morning for our girls who all got facials, manis and pedis then had a hair straightening party. It was relaxing and got our girls ready for their trip. Boys spent their morning relaxing in the Chen-A-Plex watching some fun comedy shows. The laughter that was coming from the plex was deafening. They had a fun morning then it was off to Skyzone. When we say they had a great day at Skyzone is an understatement. They jumped around four hours, playing dodgeball and trampoline basketball. The group was terrific and the fun they had today was off the charts. After they were all jumped out it was off to the theater to chill out and grab a summer blockbuster. They munched on popcorn and spent their night being entertained by the movie of their choice. Nothing quite like sitting next to your camp friends, sharing a tub of popcorn watching a movie together.

Our Navajo campers started their day at the State Park (before the rain came) as they relaxed at the beach, chilling out, laying out, tossing a ball, listening to music, chatting with friends. It was a perfect morning then it was off to Skate Escape where our oldest campers roller skated the night away. Our kids love rollerskating and at this venue they also have lazer tag. It was just a big play space for good old fashion-fun and our kids loved it. Eating hot pretzels and enjoying Icees then off to roller skate is just a fun time. I remember when I was their age and I spent my evenings at my local roller rink. Somethings have radically changed but some things just stay the same.

Our CIT’s are back from Lake George and their last trip ever as campers. It was an amazing end to their journey as Chenny kids. Their last hoorah was memorable and meaningful. Full of great moments and lots of adventure. They are all now facing the countdown and see what is around the corner. The end is around the corner and they aren’t taking 1 of the next 11 days for granted.

So our house is full again and we will end the summer just as we began, all together! So with our last trip now officially behind us, there is something coming soon…… 1,2,3,4….WE WANT COLOR WAR!!!!!!

Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out.

Hard to believe that we have 12 more days. It is going at lightening speed and it is just so hard to believe that in just 12 days summer ’18 is coming to an end. There is just so much more to happen and experience that we will not waste a minute. There are those camp events that indicate camp is coming to an end and with Girls Sing behind us we all know that Color War is within reach. Even with only 12 days to go there is so much camp we must get to. No matter how tired we are or how exhausted we feel, there is something magical that happens when Color War breaks and a surge of energy overcomes us all. We push through to the finish line. The end is near but we gotta more to do here. 12 more glorious days spent at he best place on earth. Life is Great!!

“Do Not Judge Me by My Successes, Judge Me By How Many Times I Have Fallen and Got Back Up” – Nelson Mandela

Freshman/Junior Girls Softball – CAW 6 vs. Towanda 4

Inter Girls Soccer Tournament @ Towanda CAW 4 vs. Towanda 0 / CAW 6 vs. Blue Ridge 0

Collegiate Girls Basketball (Gold) – CAW 10 vs. Towanda 24

Collegiate Girls Basketball (Red) CAW 56 @ Tyler Hill 2

Super Girls Basketball (RED)- CAW 35 vs. Island Lake 17

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 30 vs. Lavi 42

Freshman/Junior Boys Basketball CAW 36 vs. Tyler Hill 12

Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball CAW 0 vs. Towanda 3

Inter Boys Soccer Tournament @ Towanda – CAW wins 3 out of 5 matches

GC Boys Basketball – CAW 60 @ Tioga 47

Tonight was Head Staff Lip Sync Finals and it was INSANELY GREAT!! I urge you to watch the video when it comes out on line. It was incredibly entertaining and our kids loved it. There is nothing like watching Head Staff Lip Sync in the Hall. The energy is palpable and tonight was no exception. When anyone in our camp family takes the stage, it feels like each of us are up there with them. This sense of pride blankets each one of us. You cant explain it but you love to feel it. The talent, the choreography, the lip syncing, the costumes, the heart and soul behind each performance made tonight exceptional. The last performance of the night was the slam dunk. Melvin our basketball Director morphed into Patrick Swayze as he danced The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing. When he did the lift with Kaitlyn, the zumba specialist everyone jumped to their feet and exploded with cheers. Every step, every turn, every dip was from the movie and you were transported back to that scene. Even for our youngest campers who have not yet watched that movie classic, they felt the spirit of Jonny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman!! A night we won’t forget.

12 More Days!!!

Chenny out.

Our Seniors were off to their Hershey trip, finally… and they were so beyond excited to get on that bus. It was the overnight they were looking so forward to and have waited for all year long. With bags packed and happy faces our seniors were off for an incredible day at the park. It will be a chocolate heaven for all our Seniors who patiently waited for this day to come and today was the day. We can’t wait to hear all about their adventures and fun they had when they get back to camp late tomorrow night.

It was off to Lake George for our CIT’s who will enjoy their last official trip of their Chenny camper journey. These kids have 3 days and 2 nights of adventure fun. Their first stop was white water rafting then off to explore downtown Lake George. They ate and shopped and loved every minute of their day. Just when it couldn’t get any better, our CIT’s went to a Haunted House for some scary night time fun. What a way to end an era than to be on an awesome trip with your brothers and sisters. It’s good to be a CIT!

“It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters.” – Evander Holyfield

Collegiate Girls Basketball – CAW 34 @ Lavi 16 – Chenny Wins Championship

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Towanda 3

Dance Team Competition at Camp Wayne for Girls – Chenny takes 4th Place

CAW Internal Gymnastic Competition-

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 3

There seems to be a vibe on camp that is quite contagious. As we are quickly approaching the last ten days of camp, there is a renewed appreciation of where we are. We are all noticing how fast our summer is going by so we aren’t sweating the small stuff here. We are trying to stretch the days and lengthen the nights. With each bugle that rings it means that time is passing and soon we will be heading home so we are getting it all in while we can and making every second matter. Friendships are becoming deeper and more meaningful by the minute. In just two weeks from today, we will be in our own living rooms and not in our bunks. We will be searching the camp website, reliving each moment through all the videos and pictures. It will happen in a blink. It’s unreal that what we experience here everyday has to end in just fourteen days but what we are left with are hearts full of great memories and a summer that made us each better people.

“People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs 

Senior Boys Soccer – CAW 1 vs. Wayne 5

The night was all about Girls Sing and it was spectacular. The pride, the joy and the honor of this night is tremendous. Each division worked so hard and it showed. When boys side can sit in awe for 2 hours, you know something special is happening. The support boys side gives girls side is just breathtaking. From our adorable freshmen through our crazy talented CIT’s, they all brought the house down. I could never bring justice to describing the bonds these girls have with one another but watching them up on stage perform together allows us all to witness it for ourselves.  They have all created a sisterhood that will follow them throughout their lives.  Each division picked a theme, danced and sang from their heart. The emotion that was felt by every single camper and staff inside Shield’s Hall could have moved the building. There were chills upon chills as each division wrote and sang their alma mater to a very captive audience. The held hands and did it together and by the time the CIT’s performed an extremely heartfelt performance, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

It was hard to pick a winner of both lower camp (Freshman – Inters) and upper camp (Collegiate – CIT’s) but the winners were Inter Girls for their Inter WarZone theme and CIT Candyland. The Inter Girls dressed in military garb represented the armed forces with serious pride and amazing talent. They delivered a performance that was sensational. The CIT’s left us all speechless as they performed an absolutely adorable and incredibly visual candy explosion. It was everything Candyland and our CIT’s performed from their heart. They dazzled us with a unique and heart warming performance and ended with a picture slide show of each one from their first summer that flashed across the screen. They sat on the stage arm in arm and cried their eyes out as the end is near. Their days as a camper is now ending and everyone in Shields Hall felt what they felt. We all cried with them and watched as this group of amazing girls took their final bow.

I am now writing this not as a Camp Director but as a Mom of two girls who have gone through this experience with a group of amazing young women who I have watched grow together summer after summer. Each summer is different, some better then others, some more dramatic some less but all equally important in shaping these young girls into young women. I have watched this group have their ups and their downs, their highs and their lows but in the end, I have watched something spectacular happen to my own children. They have created a sisterhood that will stay with them for the rest of their lives and tonight on that stage, holding each other so very tight they performed their final Girls Sing and in the Camp world, this was a biggie. There will be no more Sign and Songs, no more Olympics, no more Girls Sing for them but what they are left with is heart so full it shaped who they will become. So please take it from a mom who has watched their highs and listened to their lows and let them navigate this great experience to a place where it all makes sense and changes who they are for the better. It was love on that stage tonight and it was beautiful to see. A perfect end to a long and windy road that will stay with each and every one of those CIT girls forever!

Chenny out

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t sit in awe of what kind of camp family we have here. The term family applies to every aspect of this experience. People who just met only 5 weeks ago are now a connected. You can’t walk by people here without feeling the strongest connection. Everyone knows one another. There was a camper that was having a hard moment today. He was sad and having a hard time and immediately had 10 people around him. I watched not only his bunk mates and counselor but 5 older campers and his CIT and a specialist that wasn’t even in his division, put their arms around him and gave support. He had a a team of people to pick him up. Whatever disappointment he was feeling was immediately seen by anyone who walked by and was drawn to help him. They listened to him, hugged him and got him through this moment. I want you to know that this is how your kids get through the tough spots here. It is the magic of leaning on others that gives a helping hand and allows those moments to be tolerable. It is a village who cares for your kids here. There is nobody that doesn’t receive this support here. Can you imagine feeling sad and having 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 a daily basis here. I often tell our kids here that the only way to move that mountain in front of you is to lean on those around you and they will carry you through. It really works.  I see it everyday as your children get support and provide it for others. This caring thing is alive and well here and we get to experience this for 50 days, all summer long. Only two more weeks of it here but the effects stay with us forever and always. It is why we all come back here summer after summer. It is how we get through hard times and why our relationships are solid here.

“YOU CAN’T GO BACK AND CHANGE THE BEGINNING BUT YOU CAN START WHERE YOU ARE AND CHANGE THE ENDING” – unknown author

Inter Girls Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Lohikan 1 – Chenny Wins Championship

Collegiate Girls Tennis – CAW 6 vs. Lohikan 3

Inter Collegiate Boys Hockey – CAW 16 @ Westmont 11

Super Boys Baseball – CAW 10 vs. Starlight 8 – Chenny Wins Championship. I chose the quote above because this is exactly what happened in this Championship game. Our Super boys were trailing all through the game  and at the bottom the 5th inning we were down 5 to 1. As you see the final score, Chenny won 10 to 8 and clinched the Championship. After trailing for the entire game, we couldn’t go back to the beginning but we started where we were at and changed the ending. It was a moment the boys won’t soon forget and a lesson they will have throughout their lives.

It was our Broadway Review Show tonight and it was fabulous. The performers sang and danced and entertained us with their talents. The kids put on quiet a show and were just adorable. There is something magical that happens when our kids takes center stage, they shine and feel special. Bottom line is when you put yourself out there and perform a song, a dance, a poem  or whatever, our camp family embraces you. We stand and shout your name. We get behind you and let you know YOU ARE AMAZING!!! So our actors, singers and dancers put on The Greatest Show and we loved every minute of it.

Chenny out.

Our GC’s rolled back into camp this morning and like the day we all arrived here, there was a crowd that gathered as the busses let the campers off. They looked exhausted, tan and so beyond happy. Each sporting their UCLA sweatshirts with bags in hand. Everyone gathered around the kids as they exited the busses and couldn’t wait to hear all about their trip. Even through their exhaustion from the red eye flight they just took last night, the elation on their faces said it all. I overheard one camper say, “I just can’t believe that happened to me. I t was like a dream.” This incredible group experienced something together that will forever connect them. The littlest Freshman to our CIT’s were so excited to see them back at camp. We are a family who sends our members off with hugs and high fives and greets them back home with more hugs and more high fives. No matter how awesome traveling can be, there is nothing like coming hime. Welcome Home GC’s!

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

Freshman/Junior Tennis

Middy Girls Basketball – CAW 6 vs. Tyler Hill 8

Middy Girls Tennis – CAW 2 @ Wayne 3

Collegiate Girls LAX – CAW 0 @ Westmont 4

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 1 vs. Westmont 8

Freshman/Junior Boys Hockey – CAW 8 vs. Westmont 2 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP

Middy Boys Hockey – CAW 13 vs. Westmont 2

Inter Boys Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Tyler Hill 5

Fr/Jr/Middy/Inter Boys LAX – CAW 8 @ Westmont 18

Inter Boys Basketball – CAW 38 vs. Tyler Hill 40

It was a PERFECT Chenny night with our Round Robin Night. Each division has their own evening activity and camp was buzzin’. There were pool parties, pizza making parties in the Shack, Quest in the Hall, cake wars in the Lodge, Spa Night in the Canteen, Movies in the Chen-A-Plex, Candy Sushi in the Cookhouse and a Road Rally. Camp was full of happy kids and awesome activities on this beautiful summer night. The weather was perfect but the vibe was even better. Just one of those nights that make you want to stop time.

Our Supers rolled back into camp around 10:30pm from their awesome trip to Vermont and Boston. When the kids got off the busses, it was all smiles and rave reviews. Every single camper couldn’t say enough about their journey and as one Super girl said as she hugged me as she exited the bus, “This was the best trip I have ever been on. Thank you so much for giving us this experience. We became one division on this trip.” The kids may have left as separate bunks but they came back a bonded division. Their smiles said it all.

So as of late tonight after our Supers returned, we are ALL IN. It feels like good to have the gang all back together. Now let’s get to the last 2 weeks.

Chenny out.

It was a late wakeup and our kids absolutely loved sleeping in getting the extra zzzzz’sss. The rain dodged us today and we got a full day of activities in. The Chenny Shack is the place to be. It was pizza day here at the Shack and your kids know how to make the perfect pizza pie. The fun they have together as they create delicious pies is contagious. there is something incredibly special when you cook together then eat together. It defines what families are all about. A group of Senior girls were busy making pizza’s and chit chatting and laughing their way through the activity period. The Shack sits right outside my office so I was mesmerized watching these girls spend the hour talking, laughing and making pizza. If I could define the overall feeling I observed, it wold be Freedom, Total Freedom! They didn’t have a care in the world and after a while I joined them and there wasn’t a girl who didn’t offer me a slice. I got way more than a delicious slice of pizza today. I got food for my soul watching these girls have the absolute best time together, making pizzas. It’s the simple moments we have here everyday that present the most value. It’s everywhere I look and today it was right on front of my eyes.

“The World is Changed by your Example, Not by Your Opinion” Maya Angelou

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Lohikan 0 CAW headed to Chamionship

Collegiate Girls Basketball – CAW 41 @ Westmont 36 CAW headed to Championship – Liv Mallor led the team with 25 points

Senior Girls Basketball – CAW 18 @ Morasha 36

Dance Competition @ Tyler Hill – Chenny took Creativity Award

Nothing like trick-or-treating in July. It was Halloween tonight at Camp Chen-A-Wanda and we all got in the spirit. Everyone got dressed in their costumes and had a ball at the costume walk in Shields Hall.  The costumes were great this tonight and so creative. There were peas in a pod, donuts to go, so many morph people and adorable life guards. The costumes were awesome and everyone was in the Halloween spirit. There was spooky music all throughout camp and . It was the perfect summer halloween night. Bags were full of goodies and with bellies full of treats, our campers are fast asleep, dreaming of another amazing day in paradise.

Chenny out.

It was trip day here at Chenny and the kids had a ball. There was rain in the forecast so it was all indoor fun for our kids. The day was full of movies, skating, trampolines and more!

Cherokee Campers ( Freshman, Junior and Middies) headed off to the movies in the morning to catch a summer blockbuster.  Then in the afternoon, these cuties had the greatest time rollerskating and lazer tag at a nearby skate rink. It was old school fun for our youngest campers. They rolled back into camp and it was pizza party time followed by a giant Bingo game. It was a perfect day, rain and all!!

Inters spent their day at Skyzone jumping around on trampolines, flipping through their morning followed by a movie. As the Inters rolled off the bus when they got back to camp, the campers had smiles from ear to ear and were exhausted from a full day of play.

Our Collegiates had an amazing day at Great Wolf Lodge. They absolutely loved their day at this incredible indoor water park. They spent an entire day on water rides, lazy rivers and wave pools. There wasn’t a camper who didn’t return with a huge smile on their face and wolf ears on the head. It’s a thing when you come back from Great Wolf Lodge. When the campers were walking back to their bunks, every collegiate was howling. It was howlarious!!!!

The Seniors started their day at the movies followed by an afternoon and at Skyzone. It was a perfect rainy day Tuesday trip. When they returned to camp, so many campers ran over to me asking if we can put Skyzone on their trip schedule for next summer. One camper said to me, “This trip was my favorite, ever.” and when I asked why, she said “Two words, Mama Mia followed by jumping around, I mean that is a perfect day.” Enough said.

The Supers are still loving their Boston trip and spent their day touring Fenway Park and Quincy Market. It was everything Boston and it was everything awesome. Our kids are moving through their journey with eyes wide open and arms open wide. This trip has been incredible for our super Supers!! More to come for these kids tomorrow with a visit to Harvard Sqaure.

The GC’s have made it to their final locale and are resting and relaxing on Phoenix. They are lounging by the pool and soaking in the last few days of their trip of a lifetime. It is really good to be a GC.

Rain or no rain, our kids know how to have a great time. Life is still Great at CAW.

Chenny out

Our Seniors were just about to board  buses heading out to Hershey for their overnight but just at that moment, we received a note from the park notifying us due to weather they were closed. As we walked over to the kids telling them the change of plan, each and every camper handled it with grace. They completely got it and though there was disappointment, a few campers came to me and said, “Elissa, We are the River and we are going with the flow.” I was so beyond proud of this group of great kids who I knew felt disappointment but ultimately handled this predicament with so much maturity. Of course this trip will be rescheduled and the campers will get to experience their Hershey overnight but your kids defined what being the river is. Bravo Seniors!!!

“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

Inter Girls Gymnastic Meet @ Bryn Mawr – Chenny takes 5th Overall (14 Teams competed – Skye Housenbold comes in 10th overall – Ava Derose 7th on Floor

Inter Girls Basketball – CAW 15 @ Morasha 22

Collegiate Girls LAX – CAW 8 vs. Wayne 9

Collegiate Boys Basketball – CAW 54 vs. Tioga 14

CIT Boys Flag Football Tournament at Tyler Hill – CAW plays 2 games and had a great time.

To feel the love in Shields Hall tonight was to be in the presence of something pretty special and moving. When our kids take that stage, no matter if they  play guitar, sing a song or do card tricks, they receive an ovation of cheers followed by hundreds of people cheering them on. You have to see it to believe and be there to feel it. Can you imagine the feeling of getting that response when you muster up the courage to take center stage and perform in front of camp? Confidence is built here and support thrives amongst us all. We love making our fellow campers feel the love and tonight was off the charts. I watched one freshman camper who sang her heart out and the look on her face during her performance was priceless. As the entire hall sang along with her, you could actually see the joy she experienced having the entire camp behind her. She walked off that stage with a swagger and sweet smile that came from her heart. Tonight was incredible for every single person in the Hall. Our hearts were full tonight.

Chenny out.