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.

As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed as Jocks and Geniuses, 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 Jocks sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics that embodied the feelings they have as their summer comes to an end:

Is this reality, Is it almost time to leave

How are there only four more days for you to be here with me

Looking around at all these faces, Stop time before everything changes

From the freshman to CIT’s, Chenny is our home.

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

The days wind down and summer ends, Close your eyes try to pretend

Don’t wake me up ‘till we’re back here again, You’ll hear the song and hum the tune

Count the days until next June, Don’t tell me that we’re going home so soon

Standing here in Shields Hall, Asking for more time

Feels like just yesterday, We all rolled past the sign

In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his seat was Red and that relayed the winner of Color War 2013. 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. That is what we do here at 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 2013 is near.

We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two very separate teams, dressed head to toe in gold and red 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 four more days and much more fun to be had here at Chenny. Life is really Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out

Everyone matters in the Apache Relay and every camper plays a key role. No matter if you are being piggy backed around the quad track or diving to the bottom of the pool to pick up 8 spoons or are heading into the canteen for the infamous “unknown”, you count. It is a race that includes EVERYONE. There were smiles and laughter all morning long as this camp wide event took center stage. It was neck and neck until Red Jocks took the lead and pulled ahead with todays Apache win.

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 meets.

Before dinner each team holds psych speeches at line up that will inspire and motivate their teams. Tonight’s speeches stood out as what this war is all about. Both Captains and all Lieutenants along with some campers from each team walked hand in hand and stood in front of their opposing team. This row of unified team members commended their opponents for a day of awesome battles, amazing team spirit and most importantly an incredible display of honorable sportsmanship. They each highlighted a team participant that exuded a positive spirit, not when they were winning but when they were loosing. When we win it is easy but it’s when we loose, that is when our true character comes out. This is the meaning of true respect and why Color War is so spectacular and important. We will loose more than we win but it is how we loose that will ultimately define us as winners.

It was skit night tonight and it was brilliant. Each team took the stage and told their story of Jocks and Geniuses in a witty, bright, fun and entertaining way. It always amazes me to see how creative our kids are here and how much time and effort they put into making this Color War spectacular. Which is nothing less than phenomenal.  As the judges deliberated on whose skit was most compelling and deserved tonight’s points, it was a landslide with Gold Geniuses taking it all tonight.

The excitement is growing and the kids are giving everything they’ve got into this Color War. Red Jocks are currently 244 points ahead of Gold Geniuses. There is still 1,370 points up for grab tomorrow and you know that both teams will be 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 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 life changing.

There was a Junior girl in the pool and she fell behind a race she was in.  You could see the defeat on her face as she noticed how far ahead her opponent was. With every stroke she took, her teammates chanted her name and encouraged her with cheers of, “ You can do it, we believe in you.” That little girl swam harder with every cheer she heard as her head popped out of the water. As she jumped out of the pool after her race, she told her teammates that hearing them cheer for her helped her not give up. She saw how far behind she was and wanted to stop swimming but she finished her race with the help of her friends.  It’s amazing what you can do when you have a whole team behind you. She may not have the won the race but she certainly walked away a winner.

To help further explain the feelings that we all feel during Color War, the following was written by three of our CIT boys and read to both teams before dinner tonight at line up.

“As most of you know this is our very last Color war as campers here. We have been here, along with many of my brother before some you were even born and this place is home to us. We can’t remember what it is like to not spend a summer here. We look out at all of you and we would do anything to start over again and have so many summers ahead of us. Treasure every moment because one day you will be standing where we are and looking at your very last Color War. As Color war winds down, we realize how important it is for everyone to give it their absolute all. Color War is a team effort and in order to succeed, every single camper and counselor must give 100%. We must win as a team, work as a team and most importantly enjoy Color War as a team. Try your hardest and give everything you have. Your teammates, captains and lieutenants have dedicated the last 3 days to make this the best possible Color War. For the next 2 and a half days, there is no I, there is only We and there is no I CAN’T, there is only WE CAN!!”

Chenny Out

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 soccer match being played with a field full of girls wearing tutus and face paint. 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!!!

The night belonged to Rope Burning. We all watched with great anticipation as the fire starters got their flames roaring. Both teams started with ease as Red Jocks and Gold Geniuses got their rope burning fires started easily. As it looked like it was going to be neck and neck, Red Jocks jumped ahead with a giant fire funnel that burned their rope before Gold Geniuses. The wind played a part as Gold’s fire was burning sideways and the time expired and their rope did not burn. Water boiling was equally challenging for both teams as the clock struck one hour and neither team successfully boiled their water.

The campers cheered with excitement and the spirit was off the charts.  We all got behind our teams tonight and participated in one longstanding Chen-A-Wanda tradition. As our CIT’s got emotional knowing this was their last official rope burning, you saw the spark engage in our first time campers as they now see what they have to look forward to for many years to come.  This tradition runs deep and connects the campers that have come before us, those that are here now and Rope Burning will still be here and alive for campers who will one day call Chen-A-Wanda their summer home.

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

Chenny Out

There was excitement throughout camp as everyone was psyched to get the first day of color war underway. There was a sea of painted faces, Red & Gold pom poms, crazy wigs and lots of tutus. The spirit was running high and everyone was ready to go. It was off to the lower field for some crazy tugs of war. The coolest part of tugs of war isn’t the win or loss; it’s the visible sign on each campers face as to how bad they want it. It is effort, it is dedication, it is hard work and it is being a part of something bigger than you.  It is the essence of teamwork.

It was a great day full of Color War battle playing softball, newcomb, flag football, BBG, basketball, soccer, baseball, GaGa & steal the bacon.  There is a lot on the line and every game matters. From our Freshman to our CIT’s, you play a part in every single point for your team. There is so much team spirit and support here. It’s all about sportsmanship, effort, heart and soul. What you put into these games, you get out tenfold.

It was Red vs. Gold for mass games tonight as all of girls side played a mass game of BBG while boy’s side played mass softball. After mass games, it was Contest Night and it was fun. Lower camp raced inside Shields Hall as they had balloon races, tunnel crawls, potato sack races and dizzy bat races. While upper camp raced outside Shields Hall on the basketball court with their fun and outrageous races of hippity hop, flying turtles and dizzy lizzies. The music was bumpin’ and the campers were so spirited that we just couldn’t help but have the biggest dance party ever. Even though we are in a battle, Red and Gold together were dancing & singing because the fun here just doesn’t stop.

Both teams have proven how badly they want to win Color War and it’s only the first day. From intense psych speeches to all day chants and cheers, both Red & Gold are bringing everything they have to this Color War. This is looking to be one epic battle!

Even though we have just began Color War, camp is coming to an end and we are only one week away from our last day here and we plan to make every moment count. The energy in this place is off the hook. We hope the pictures and videos can truly translate what is happening behind our gates.

We battle on tomorrow!

Chenny out

The day started out like any other amazing day here even with the rain coming down. No amount of rain could dampen our day and the buzz was definitely Color War. We love the element of surprise here and historically the fake outs have been off the hook amazing but we decided that this year we would go straight to the break out. Campers were convinced that tonight was a going to be fake out and of course they thought this as we strategically started a bit of a story that we knew would spread like wild fire and that it did. Campers staff all day were chattering about the “big fake out tonight.” But what they didn’t know was that they were about to get the real deal of the most epic Chen-A-Wanda Color War breakout ever.

The plan started at dinner with the biggest birthday party you have ever been to. So we filled The Lodge with balloons, streamers, birthday hats and blowers. We sang Happy Birthday to every one of us and then danced like crazy. The energy was insane and fun. There was birthday cake for each bunk followed by ice pops. As we so brilliantly occupied our campers and staff, our surprise guest was doing a sound check in Shields Hall. In the meantime, the rue of the big fake out was at an all time high with every camper and staff. No one had a clue that tonight was the night and more importantly, who was breaking out Color War in the most epic way.

So it was into Shields Hall for the scheduled evening activity, Deal or No Deal. Still everyone was blissfully unaware about what was about to happen. Kids were chosen to be contestants, and the game began. After round one, the final camper chosen to play the actual game was our CIT boy, Ben Metzger. As he started the game, the banker called and offered a deal for his case. The offer was for his entire bunk to go to an upcoming Hoodie Allen concert with back stage passes. He was instructed to think about it but as his bunk was screaming out “take the deal” we had arranged the banker to call bank and rescind his deal and the concert was gone. Just as Ben and his bunk was reeling from the blown deal, you heard a voice come from behind the stage say “What if this Hoodie concert happened NOW” and with that the crowd went crazy.  Chen-A-Wanda Alumni and current rap star Hoodie Allen took center stage and blew our minds away. Every camper was screaming in excitement as Hoodie performed for us. Those younger campers, who may not have heard of him, know him now. It was a concert like no other and everyone was singing along with him. To try and accurately describe what happened tonight would be impossible as you had to experience the madness and did tonight. After Hoodie sang his last song, he looked out in the crowd and said, we have a Color War here at Chen-A-Wanda. The banner rolled down as it proudly displayed Red Jocks. Vs. Gold Geniuses.

Get ready for a crazy 5 days of Color War insanity!!!! Tonight was the most epic and outrageous color war break anyone has ever experienced.

Chenny Out

Another spectacular Chenny day we had. The weather was ideal and activities were in full swing. There were so many happy campers from the lake to the LAX field. It was just one incredible day here

Our athletic department was busy scheduling games and our campers were busy playing in them.

Girls 6^th Grade Soccer – CAW 7 vs. Tioga 1

Girls 9^th Grade Tennis – CAW 1 vs. Starlight 4

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball – CAW 7 vs. Starlight 9

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 33 vs. Tioga 20

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 13

Boys 8^th /9^th Grade Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Tioga 4

When I say that our Chenny Circus Show was the best evening activity yet, I am not exaggerating. Each year it gets better and that is hard to do.  The production, the storyline, music and costumes were phenomenal but to see our kid’s fly was breathtaking. Tonight’s theme was Disney and each act connected to the next as they incorporated some of Disney favorites. Our campers were the stars of the show and to see how they performed was just stunning. Campers come here with some skills in traditional sports or in the arts but to see what they learn here at Circus and be able to perform at such a high level is awe-inspiring. The cast of tonight’s show, just amazed, entertained us and took our breath away. We are so proud of them. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on them in pure amazement. Hats off to our talented Circus Staff Rodrigo, Lucas, Sabine, Corrine & Joanne for their commitment and incredible ability in teaching our kids how to fly. They sure did soar tonight and put on the best show of the summer.

There was lots of chatter of possible fake outs and when each camper thinks the breakout will come. As the campers were prepared and convinced a fake out was to happen tonight as they kept searching for one, they will have to continue their wait. The anticipation is getting to them. There is one thing that your campers can expect.. it’s the unexpected!!!!! Looks like a Color War may be right around the corner.

Chenny Out

Today was the last trip of summer 2013 and the kids had the best day.

Cherokee Camp (Freshman – Middies) spent their day at Camel Beach. They park was a perfect size for our youngest campers. They spent this perfect summer day enjoying all the water rides Camel Beach had to offer.  It was a great trip. One they won’t forget.

Mohican Camp (Inters & Collegiates) spent their day relaxing at the State Park. They played in the lake, threw the ball around, and caught some sun as they lounged with friends. It was in their own words, “the chillest day.” They just had a great day with friends at a beautiful lake se laughing and making memories they wont forget.  As the sun started to set, it was time for a delicious BBQ by the beach. What could be better than a spent like this?

Navajo Camp (Seniors, Supers & GC’s) had a great day at Dorney Park. They weather was ideal, the park was empty and the kids loved it! They went ride after ride. As the bus rolled into camp tonight and everyone got off you saw huge sleepy smiles as they looked exhausted carrying the oversized stuffed animals they won at the park. There wasn’t a camper that didn’t say what an amazing day they had. It was just one happy day all around.

Our Wanderers arrived back to camp this afternoon and oh what a trip they had. As their West Coast journey has come to an end, it left an indelible impression on each one of them. They experienced a trip of a lifetime and did it together.  They went to beach, amusement parks, shopping, Vegas Strip to name a few but each one of them were in awe and blown away on how much the Grand Canyon effected them.  It’s as if the beauty and grandness of this wonder of the world opened their minds to something they may not have had a chance to see and experience. Together they embraced this canyon that took their breath away and will forever be in their hearts. We are so glad to have them back.

No it is onto the last and best 2 weeks of camp. 1…2…3..4…We all want a Color War!!!!

Chenny Out

It was a great day for all of our Chenny athletes. We played and won 3 Championship games today. We are so proud of the effort, team spirit and most importantly, the superb sportsmanship our campers displayed today.  There was such pride to watch each team win and celebrate together. Playing sports here at camp is defined not by any pressure or stress but solely on the merits of truly enjoying the game. It’s the intention of how sports should be played and that’s what we do here.  There are no disappointing looks or negative remarks by parents or coaches for missed shots or striking out at bat. It is awesome to watch your kids thrive and play the sports they truly enjoy just for the love of the game.

Girls 6^th Grade Softball – CAW 14 – Poyntelle 4 – Headed to Championship Game

Girls 8^th Grade Soccer – CAW 11 vs. Poyntelle 0 – CAW WINS CAHMPIONSHIP!!!

Girls 8^th/9^th Grade LAX – CAW 10 vs. Wayne 9 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Girls 9^th Grade Softball – CAW 12 vs. Morasha 21

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 34 vs. Morasha 25 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Boys 9^th Grade Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Island Lake 10

It was girls side Doppelganger tonight after dinner and boy do we have some crazy cool look-a-likes. Campers who just met this summer and entered tonight’s fun contest because they were separated at birth and found each other at Chenny. Just wait and see how much some of our campers resemble one another. It’s a fun night and girls side always have a great time at the Doppelganger.

Tonight was movie night here at CAW and there were several different choices all being played throughout camp.  One funny, one sweet and one scary. There was a choice for everyone and for those not wanting a to watch a movie was Frisbee classic under the lights. It was just another crazy fun night here.

Chenny Out!!