Blog

  • It feels good to be home for the summer!!!

    As the buses rolled in and each camper got off the bus they were greeted with open arms, hugs and high fives. The sun was shining bright today on all of us. It’s the first day of camp and you could feel the energy from here too the moon. Our returning campers jumped into the arms of their friends and counselors with tears of joy running down their faces. It is what they have been looking forward to all year long. I heard one camper say to her friend as she jumped from the bus into her friends arms, “It’s really happening, we are back home and we are together all summer long – I am so happy.” Then they hugged one another so tight and ran off holding hands. The pure joy they find in each others friendship was authentic, real and profound. It is why they keep coming back to this magical place, for one another. It was a day that felt good from our toes to our the top of our head. Smiles came from the heart and it was plain as day that Camp Chen-A-Wanda was full of love today.

    Our new campers had wonder in their eyes as they saw what was in store for them. They were greeted with a big warm embrace and you could see their excitement as their journey has just begun. There is just so much positive energy and joy here, it just doesn’t seem real but it is. It is exactly what you want your kids to feel and experience all summer long and it’s just day one. After our lice checks, it was playtime and our fields and courts were full of campers running around playing. Exactly what we want our children to do. No stress, no tests, no chaotic schedules. They are in a beautiful place experiencing nature in its purest form and your children are filling their tanks with friendships that matter, kindness that is contagious and a peacefulness that is just indescribable.

    There is nothing quite like a meal in the Lodge and tonight was insane. The music was bumping and your children stood up on their tables and sang without fear of being judged. They let go and embraced the Chenny spirit tonight. We danced, sang and ate. Everyone in the Lodge felt it and it felt GREAT. Then it was off to Shields hall to kick summer 2016 with our first evening activity. The hall was packed and the energy from the Lodge just transferred to Shields Hall. It was an incredible day. One that we all won’t forget. An absolutely perfect day. Lights are out and all are sleeping safe and sound. Summer 2016 is off to one amazing start! Thank you for giving us your children for the summer, they give this place its heartbeat.

    Chenny out.

     

  • Until I See You Again

    To you our parents at home that have sifted through 1000’s of pictures, watched all of our videos, read our blogs and let their children spread their wings with us all summer long – we say thank you for trusting and believing in us with your beautiful children. We read this letter tonight to them at our last evening in Shields Hall.  We give them back to you a little taller, a little more confident, a lot more capable and with a ton of more friends and a summer family that loves them dearly.  Thank you for sharing them with us. We will never forget summer 2015.

    To our Summer Family:

    It’s hard to believe it’s over and that tomorrow we all go back  home to a year of school, work, SAT’s, college applications, school team tryouts, homework, play dates, Hebrew school and spending 10 moths away from our summer family. Everyone in this Hall has shared a piece of him or herself with each another and we are all better because of that. There are never two summers that are exactly alike and this one was definitely a standout. Every single one of you matter and helped make summer 2015 insanely awesome.

    At this time of the year I typically stand in front of you and reiterate all that you have done and accomplished this summer but this year I must address the invaluable lessons that you taught us every single day. Spending the summer with a group of energetic, creative, fearless, talented, inspirational, funny and caring people enrich our lives and change who we are for the better. You had no devices to separate you from your friends and your connections to each other were stronger than ever. You didn’t text or tag all summer long but instead you talked and had real conversations. You proved to all of us, even me, that a break from the World Wide Web is the best thing you can ever do. We lived in a “real” world these past 7 weeks not a virtual one. You showed us that with laughter and kindness the world is just a better place.

    To our incredibly talented, caring and loyal staff:

    We watched you give and give and when you thought you had no more to give, you gave more. You put others first and that will forever change who you are. When your campers fell, you picked them up and held them tight. When they felt homesick, you sat with them, put your arms around them and told them they were going to be ok and they would get through this time with you by their side.  When they struggled and felt things were way too hard, you sat with them on your golf cart until wee hours in the morning and showed them how to face their problems. You made them believe that there was no problem too big they couldn’t conquer. When they cried you were there, when they laughed you laughed with them and you affected their lives in ways you will never truly grasp. We are in awe of your spirit and ability to give of yourselves selflessly to our children. Thank you.. thank you.. thank you, from the bottom of our hearts thank you.

    To our campers:

    You always bring the heartbeat into this camp from the moments the buses roll in, the party starts and it ends the minute you all board those same buses and head home. So many of you faced things this summer that made you better people. You dealt with being away from your parents for the first time and you got through it. You opened your arms to new friends that came into your life and with each new relationship you embraced, your heart grew bigger. You climbed to the very top of the climbing tower even when at first glance you said you cold never do that, you did and with every step, you were encouraged by a group of friends who told you can!!! You found your voice and sang out loud and you learned that dancing in front of your friends in the Lodge is just plain cool. These things you would not ever dare do at home, you do here. The rules here are just different here.  There is no judgment or fear here and this is where you can be the best version of yourselves. We want you to always remember that you are perfect just the way you are.

    And when I stood right on this very spot 49 days ago and shared with you that this was the summer of Kindness and challenged you to do 2 kind acts a day for someone else this summer, YOU ALL turned that small idea into a huge movement. Our hearts exploded seeing that kindness box overflowing with over 1300 nominations this summer. There were 75 kids who are sporting the coolest “I’m an kind camper” T-shirt but the truth is everyone here deserved that same recognition as we read each and every nomination you all put in that box.  When we sat in base camp and sifted through hundreds and hundreds of kind acts every week, tears would fill my eyes as you described the kind things you saw your friends do this summer and maybe more importantly how they made you feel. When you wrote, “She included me when I felt left out” and “He made me smile when I felt sad” and maybe the one that tugged our heartstrings the most was – “My friend saw me crying after everyone fell asleep in my bunk cause I was homesick so he came over to my bed and put his arm around me and told me it’s gonna be ok because we’d get through this night together, just him and me” Those moments define why Camp Chen-A-Wanda is a family. Thank you for sharing those priceless moments with us. We could not be more proud of everyone on this Hall for being so kind to one another. It changes who you are and changes the world we live in. Keep it going and bring kindness home. Spread the love so everyone knows how good it feels to be kind.

    So this is it Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Summer 2015 is officially in the books. Don’t ever forget the time we spent together and always, always be the river.  Thank you… Thank you …from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!!!!!

    Until next summer….Chenny out

     

     

  • Chenny University Class of 2015

    Reality has set in that our last days of summer 2015 are upon us. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and the mood was just pure excitement for our big night. It’s banquet and this camp was looking good.

    As the sun shined bright 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 so beautiful.  We walked into The Lodge for an amazing dinner, and were all in awe of how beautifully decorated the room was. It was College Night for banquet 2015 with pennants and pom poms everywhere. From the Big East, SEC, PAC 10, Big 10 to the Ivy league Universities, all were represented.  As all the college fight songs were played, we dined on a 5-course meal and so enjoyed this night we all look forward to all summer long.

    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.

    CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015 – GIRLS
    HONOR ATHLETE ALL AROUND
    FRESHMEN Abby Isaacson Brooke Gordon Rebecca Stulberger
    JUNIORS Brooke Lindenbaum Olivia Mallor Sloane Kesselman
    Lexi Heifler Kylie Richardson Jaime Delillo
    MIDDIES Marin Hersley Taylor Diamond Jordyn Shohet
    Ava Cahn Lexi Tantleff Shellie Limsky
    INTERS Jackie Marpet Molly Williams Cami Delillo
    COLL. Charli Feldman Lauren Kerner Kelsey Bloom
    Lindsey Komson
    SENIORS Sydney Jacobson Sarah Gershman Jordana Leff
    SUPERS Sara Kay Samantha Flyer Hannah Pollack
    GC’s Jessica Leichter Carly Wills Melissa Borker
    CIT Gillian Stapler Lauren Konigsberg
    CAMPER OF THE YEAR
    HONOR ATHLETE ALL AROUND
    LOWER CAMP Jackie Marpet Molly Williams Sloane Kesselman
    UPPER CAMP Jessica Leichter Sarah Gershman Hannah Pollack

    CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015 – BOYS
    HONOR ATHLETE ALL AROUND
    FRESHMEN Trent Hernandez Ben Tavel Lincoln Williams
    JUNIORS Corey Ash Ari Hirshfield Derek Satz
    Brett Halfkin
    MIDDIES Seth Haber Turner Katz Max Leff
    Max Gutman Jake Fersko Jacob Adler
    INTERS Jared Simpson Eli Kroskin Mason Berlin
    Aiden Tessler Jake Root Bradley Lutz
    COLL. Colby Frankel Jake Wolf Jake Ashkenase
    Aaron Marasia Adam Caplan Derek Wills
    SENIORS Matt Sussman Jack Gottlieb Ben Einzig
    Kobe Koren
    SUPERS Andrew Roisenberg Alex Cohen Andrew Lahrheim
    GC’s Ethan Greenfield Jeremy Schier Mack Schnell
    CIT Sam Metzger
    CAMPERS OF THE YEAR
    HONOR ATHLETE ALL AROUND
    LOWER CAMP Max Gutman Turner Katz Jacob Adler
    UPPER CAMP Matt Sussman Jake Wolf Mack Schnell

     

    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 flashing rings, tiaras, glow sticks, glasses and T-shirts 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

     

  • Late Night With Leahy – A Camp Fav!!!!

    Today was the last official day of regular activities and we enjoyed every single minute. Camp was full of happy campers. Our fields & courts were full of campers playing on them. We all knew that this is it and everyone was getting it all in before we load those buses on Saturday. Reality is setting in and the end is in sight for everyone here and we just don’t want this feeling to end.

    Center camp looked like a movie set with kids having a catch together, throwing the Frisbee to one another and swinging on swings without a care in the world. Can you imagine a world where there is just no pressure and good feelings surround you? Your children are in that world for at least the next 2 days!!

    It was time for the last Kind Camper Awards for summer 2015 and the kids were excited to see who received this new camp favorite award. Congratulations to our kind campers. We could’t be more proud of your kindness: Devin Chen, Alex Brandoff, Alexa Selter, Ben Selter, Ben Yatch, Sarah Haber, Hannah Nissenbaum, Sabrina Marpet, Jacob Pinsk, Olivoa Metzger, Noah Marcus, Lexi Tave, Jake Berlin, Dylan Grabow, Talia Kaplan, Cole Sussman, Jordana Deandrea, Sydney Rosenberg, Jack Santoro, Hailey Wolff, Matty Kellner, Drew Sandler, Lily Glickman, Mack Schnell, Mychael Schnell and Julia Bromley

    The night was all about Late Night with Leahy and this is by far the most anticipated show of the entire summer delivered by our truly remarkably talented Associate Director Brian Leahy. Brian produces the most hilarious and relevant array of great videos and presentations that leave us in stitches. It was hilarious and referenced everything funny about camp this summer. Every camper and staff member laughed till it hurt. It’s our very own late night show with comedy sketches, TV commercial spoofs, head staff mean tweets and a Top 10 List. This evening’s activity is a camp favorite and even our counselors that were off duty, stayed in to see tonight’s show because it’s just that entertaining. Campers absolutely went crazy for the hilarity of what they witnessed. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day.

    Everyone is looking forward to banquet tomorrow night. It is an incredible evening to celebrate the summer we all had and we do it in style. We dine on amazing cuisine in the Lodge, which will be transformed to our theme of off to College!! Then we all head into Shields Hall for our big end of the year Awards ceremony and honor our campers and counselors that have shined this summer.  After awards, it’s back to the bunk to get on comfortable clothes and shoes for one amazing night of dancing and celebrating. Best night of Chenny is just around the corner. It’s one big party and everyone looks forward to this night all summer long. It’s hard to believe it’s actually here as it feels like we just rolled into camp but 48 days have passed and here we sit at the end. Just a few more days to go and we plan on cherishing every single moment we still have together. Going the distance with all these amazing people makes it so difficult to say goodbye.

    Chenny Out.

     

  • Red Cowboys Win Color War!!!

    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. The feeling on camp is just plain inspirational. 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 be and it exists here at camp.

    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 and a hilarious buzz of silence.

    As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed as Cowboys and Indians, there was a sense of elation and true Color War pride. This was it, and everyone knew it. Each team presented their plaque and banner and they were truly works of art. Masterpieces if you will. 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 Cowboys sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics that embodied the feelings they have as their summer comes to an end:

    We stand here, looking at the faces around

    At this amazing place and friendships  we’ve found

    I have been changed because of you Even when I didn’t know, I need you

    But in these next few days, we’ll go our separate ways

    Tears fall from our eyes as we start to say goodbye

    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 five days as two teams are now back together as one amazing unified camp.  Gold Indians so poetically conveyed in their Alma Mater:

    Chenny’s far from ordinary, nothing can compare

    ‘Cause this isn’t the end of our story, I’ll leave a page for you so don’t worry

    I’m telling you to take one look at what we’ve been through

    Just keep in mind, that a piece of you will always remain here cause going on without you will always be my fear

    In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his seat was Red and that relayed the winner of Color War 2015. This years Color War was so close, a mere 21 points separated these two incredible teams. There was joyous elation throughout the Red team but just for a moment until they realized that their fallen Gold comrades suffered feelings of defeat. What amazed me in Shields Hall tonight was to see the empathy and compassion of the Red team embracing their friends on the Gold team. There was that moment beyond the win, it was true friendship and respect. There was honor and good will, there was pride and compassion. We all put into practice what we learned all summer long. That kindness matters more that winning and true friendship is more important than competition. This is the essence of Camp Chen-A-Wanda.  There were so many tears tonight. Some were of joy from winning this 5 day battle, some were of loosing and the heartache of defeat but regardless of why we all began to cry we all ended in tears because we know the end to summer 2015 is near.

    We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two very separate teams, dressed head to toe in costumes representing our separateness but we all walked out back together as one camp. Sad tears quickly turned into tears of joy as everyone held onto one another and walked back to their bunks and cherished the night being together. We have three more days and much more fun to be had here at Chenny. Though the end is near, Life is still so great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

    Chenny out

     

  • Nothing Beats Apache

    It was an absolutely perfect day for an Apache Relay. This race includes every single player on both teams and everyone matters in the Apache Relay. No matter if you are doing the elephant walk, diving to the bottom of the pool to pick up 8 spoons or assigned for infamous “unknown”, you count. There are 56 events that make up the Apache and each one of them are essential to the integrity of the race. It is a 3-hour event that utilizes the entire camp and being a part of it is just plain insane fun. To run the Apache is like nothing you have ever done before and after you have done it, you can’t wait to do it again. The race was close the whole way through with lead changes happening at every turn. You could hear the cheers from each team that took the lead but in the last few challenges Gold Indians crossed that finish line only to beat the Red Cowboys by a mere few minutes. It was so close and a race well run. Apache 2015 is in the books as one of the most exciting races ever run at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. So close and so much fun. Your kids are having an absolute ball.

    Before each breakfast and dinner during Color War the Captains and Lieutenants give psych speeches that will inspire and motivate their teams. A speech that stood out tonight was given by a Lieutenant on the Red Cowboy team, Jason Levine. He spoke from the heart about how important being on a team is supporting your teammates help define your charter. He shared how he grew up as a camper here at Chenny and he wasn’t the most athletic or the loudest camper by any means but he always loved the Apache Relay because his contribution mattered and it played a part in the outcome to a team he was committed to. Jason is no longer a camper but a tall, smart, confident leader who spoke words that resonated with every camper listening tonight. He told them how it feels to be part of something bigger than themselves and to give their all and some day those of you who may not be the best athlete on the field or those who may be quiet and shy will lead their team as he is as a Lieutenant in a Color War. You could hear a pin drop as he inspired everyone at line up tonight.

    It was skit night tonight and it was hilarious. Each team created creative and brilliant skits that told the story of their journey through Color War 2015. Red Cowboys got all countryfied while Gold Indians shared their stories and the Camp Chen-A-Wanda ancestry and how it camp about. Both were fantastic but the overall winner of skit night went to the Gold Indians. At the conclusion of skit night the scores were read only 31 points separate both teams right now as the Red Cowboys are in the lead. Tomorrow is our last day of Color War and like we alway say…..IT ALL COMES DOWN TO SING!!!!

    Chenny out.

     

  • Game Changing Moments

    Boy’s side had their track meet today and girls side battled in the pool with 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. To sit back and watch the encouragement we all give one another here 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 feels as if there is a constant stream of encouragement all around us.

    When we sit back and watch what Color War means to our campers, it is apparent that they all believe in it with their heart and soul. 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 would be so proud of them, we sure are! 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 changes who we are and how we see ourselves.

    I had the privilege of watching a softball game between the Senior girls and a very special camper had a moment that will forever stay with me. I saw this camper, who is certainly not the most athletic, she hit a home run with such fury and passion, it went way beyond the center fielder. Something she had never ever done before. She ran around those bases as her team was chanting her name, and  I saw the look of pride she felt bringing in those runs for her team. Hitting that homerun would have been a great moment for her, something she had never done before but in the last inning with her team up by only one run and the opposing team had a player on first base, this same camper made the play of the game by catching a line drive and making a double play to end the game and cinch the win. It was incredible to watch as this feeling she felt went way beyond a softball game for her. She found a confidence that she didn’t know she had during that game. I know how much this meant to her as this camper is my daughter and I saw something magical on that field today happen with her. She walked over to me after her game and whispered in my ear, “I didn’t know that I could do that mom.” She smiled a smile I hadn’t seen before and ran off with her friends. As a Camp Director, I see this everyday with your children and today I was just a mom, watching my own daughter find something inside of herself she never knew was there. A moment, I will forever cherish.

    This Color War is so close and the teams are within a mere 54 points of each other. Red Cowboys have earned 2271 points with the Gold Indians close behind with 2212 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 anything in between. All day, our bodies were challenged and tonight we stretched our brains.  It was such a great night and we are all giving everything we have into this Color War. It’s not over yet and we have more to give to our team and of ourselves. It just keep getting better here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Life is GREAT.

    Chenny out.

  • Burn Baby Burn

    The day belonged to color war games and we were all outside playing all day long. There were basketball games, softball, volleyball, BBG & soccer bouts being played all day long. Campers were pushing themselves and so committed to their teams. They laid it all on the fields and courts. You have to see an intense wiffle ball game of girls wearing tutus and face paint. Red Cowboys & Gold Indians where everywhere today. It is the best part of Color War that we can play hard and continue to have the most amazing time with a sense of spirit that is infectious. You can’t watch any one of these games without watching everyone on the sidelines cheer on their team with undeniable support and camp spirit. It is the essence of what these games are about. Play hard, cheer harder and have the best time of your life!!! After every goal there is a high five, after each basket there is a “way to go” and even after an intense game of BBG, there is a giant group hug. It is awesome to watch our kids truly enjoy themselves and embrace their last week of camp.

    The scores were read at dinner and the entire camp gasped as they were read. Red Cowboys had earned 1610 and the Gold Indians had secured 1609. Only 1 point had separated these two battling teams. It has been an incredible Color War so far as we headed into rope burning with a mere one point difference.

    The night belonged to rope burning. We all watched with great anticipation as Gary Shields counted down and rope burning/water boiling officially began. Gold Indians got off to an early start with a Camp Chen-A-Wanda  record breaker – the girls started their fire and boiled their water in 8min and 41 seconds. This has never is the history of Camp Chen-A-Wanda happened and it happened tonight. Within minutes of the Gold teams water boiling, the Gold Team boys had started their fire and it was taking shape. Their fire grew fast and furious and their rope burned quickly. All of the gold team jumped up with excitement and elation and they took all the points in tonights competition. Red Cowboys didn’t slow down or quit. You never quit, you dig down deep and finish what you start. They worked as a team and built a fire tonight and they too burned their rope. It was a celebration for everyone tonight regardless of the outcome. There is more Color War to get to tomorrow with the track and swim meets. Will be another incredible day of Chenny fun. These unforgettable moments we share with our summer family create a world that is hard to explain but incredible to experience.

    Life is so great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

    Chenny Out

     

  • Red Cowboys vs. Gold Indians

    The air was crisp, the sun had just risen over Fiddle Lake and it was time to wake up our campers and counselors to Color War. At exactly 7:00am a traditional Native American chants and songs were played over the loud speaker until every single person on this camp flew out of their bunks and headed to center camp. You could hear campers screaming with joy that this is it, COLOR WAR IS HERE!!! When they got to center camp, they saw a group of Indians making beats on their drums, standing in front of a massive tipi. It was awesome and campers knew this was no takeout. As our Indian Chief made a declaration for War, the Coboys were a hooting’  and a hollerin’ in a old time wagon as they were driven into camp by four majestic clydesdales. It was an incredible sight to see these giant horses pulling our Cowboys into an meanwhile our Indians were fierce and focused. As the Cowboys exited the wagon, they squared off with the Indians and a war was about to begin. We are definitely more lovers than fighters so what better way to start a Color War that to have a Riff Off and that is exactly what we did. It was perfect and our campers any along as they watched Head Staff battle it out Chenny style. And just like that, we had ourselves a Color War!!

    The morning started with Tugs of War. There were chants and grunts  from our Indians as they fiercely pulled that rope while the Cowboys were holding on as they were rustling cattle yelling Ye Ha. Everyone was in the spirit and after this incredible display of force, passion and dedication to their team, scores were announced at launch and for the first time in Chen-A-Wanda history, Tugs of War was split evenly with each team earning 150 points. It looks like it is going to be one close War.

    The day was packed with games and everyone was in it. You could feel the spirit on camp today and day 1 of of Color War 2015 was off to an incredible start.  It was mass games tonight with BBG, kickball, softball, flag football, basketball and sand volleyball. And just to add more fun to the night after mass games, it was contest night with races, balloon pops, hip pity hops, flying turtles and dizzy lizzy’s and more. The laughter that emanated from Shields Hall was contagious and infectious. Your kids a GREAT day today and it is just the beginning. So Color War 2015 is off to an amazing start and your kids are the stars of the show. Color War IS camp and we are in it to win it!!!

    Chenny out

  • And The Chenny Globe Goes To…..

    We are getting it all in and with only 8 days left there isn’t much time. Someone wake us up and say it isn’t so but the calendar doesn’t lie. A Freshmen camper came up to me today and said it so perfectly,”I feel like I’m just getting started, how can we be leaving in a week?” as he followed that with, “Is there any way you and Jon would make a school up here.” We completely get it as this place gets into your heart and makes you never want to leave. He’s not alone in how he feels so rather than worry about the clock ticking away, we are living in the moment and loving every second!!!

    Now from our sports desk:

    Freshmen/Junior Girls Soccer (Gold ) CAW 2 vs Tioga 0

    Collegiate Girls Softball  CAW 7 @ Blue Ridge 10

    Collegiate Girls Lacrosse CAW 2 @ Tioga 8

    Super Girls Basketball  CAW 48 vs Tioga 36

    Middy Boys Soccer (Red) – CAW 7 @ Westmont 0

    Middy Boys Soccer (Gold) – CAW 1 @ Westmont 1 (CAW lost in penalty kicks 2-3)

    Middy Boys Tennis (Gold) – CAW 0 @ Tioga 5

    Inter Boys Softball Championship Match – CAW 7 @ Westmont 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

    Around this time of summer, there is a constant paranoia about when this Color War is breaking. Everything is a clue and everyone is watching. Anything that seems out of place or strange becomes the focal point to what may be breaking out at any minute. It is beyond fun watching this heightened sense of excitement and then dismay when nothing actually happens. So in true Chenny spirit, during dinner, nothing that out of the ordinary occurred until….the giant screen in the Lodge turned on and the screams started!!! A video of old Coke & Pepsi commercials played while kids were chanting, “We Want Color War” It was dramatic and powerful. It was intense and persuasive. Could this be it? Is this what we all have been waiting for? Head staff all dressed in Red and Gold ran quickly throughout The Lodge selectively handing out Coke & Pepsi to every single camper. There was confusion and music and chants and cheers and then Associate Director Brian Leahy gets on the mic and speaks of these two giant beverage company battling it out for many many years. He has Red team hold up there Cokes and the Gold team hold their Pepsi’s high and then just when everyone was waiting, another video played this… COLOR WAR… 2015.. IS……NOT TONIGHT!!! Enjoy your beverage! The place erupted and there wasn’t a camper in the Lodge that didn’t love that Fakeout!!!! This was an insane one. Ask your kids about it and they will agree, it was just awesome. But they will all have to wait just a little bit longer for the real breakout…

    We had amazing night as it was the Chenny Globes and the stars were out. It is our annual awards show and the kids love it. There is a red carpet, paparazzi and of course the Globes.  Nobody know who is nominated in 10 categories and the audience just goes crazy when those names are read. Campers dress up for the big night, as this is a real deal Hollywood-esque celebrity show. Without further adieu, Tonight’s Chenny Globes goes to:

    Camp Clown – Lexi Heifler & Justin Horowitz

    Most likely to Save the World – Lily Glickman & Josh Polansky

    Most likely to become President – Sammi Leon & Corey Ash

    Best Hair – Kylie Richardson & Tyler Skrief

    Most likely to have a Minion Following–Bella DeRose & Matt Rosen

    Future Head Staff – Molly Williams & Lincoln Williams

    Dynamic Duo – Molly Rouder/Amanda Scheman & Daniel Greenfield/Max Secular

    Best Siblings – Matthew & Olivia Leviss & Jillian, Abby & Emma Baskind

    Best Camp Spirit – Blair Mittleberg & Matthew Kellner

    Most likely to Brighten your Day – Ashley Sukoff & Scott Pinsk

    So another phenomenal day is in the books for summer 2015. No if our campers can just have that Color War they have been chanting about, all will great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. 1,2,3,4 our campers are desperate for a Color War!!!!! They may not have to wait too long now….. all great things are worth the wait.

    Chenny out