Today was one of those special camp days that we will always remember. We played Avengers Dodgeball, Superhero Cooking, Superman Fight or Flight Slip and Slide, Aquaman Ocean Dive, Green Arrow Challenge and Batman Batarang Challenge.  The counselors had a costume parade and contest that the kids loved. It was crazy, it was outrageous and it was so camp!

The night ended with our 1^st Annual Wiffle Cup. It was boys vs. girls and the competition was on. Girls were dressed in red while boys wore gold from head to toe. We cheered, chanted and for danced the Cha Cha slide for our 7^th inning stretch. Boys took the win on this challenge with a 17 – 4 victory. They have the honor of being the first side of camp to win the Wiffle Cup Trophy that will be proudly displayed in the Lodge. In addition to the honor of this win, the boys who played won all of boy’s side an ice cream sundae party! Everyone had a great time and it was a memorable evening activity, one that we will all look back on as one of this summers best!

The Seniors rolled back into camp around 10:30pm from their Hershey Park trip and had a great time. As they got off the busses, they were all smiles and giggles.  They couldn’t wait to tell us about the most insane chocolate shake they have ever had.  Seeing them so excited about their trip was just priceless.  They came back with more than they left with. There were giant stuffed animals, Hershey sweatshirts but more important than all the chocolate they consumed, were the memories they made and time spent together. They are a terrific group of kids and we are so happy that they had the time of their lives.

Our oldest campers enjoyed their day on the beach today.  It was a day of laying on the beach, catching some sun and hanging with friends.  What is better than that? They spent the night at the movies and are having a ball on their Big Trip!

It’s hard to believe that we only have 19 more days of this paradise. We are grabbing every moment and appreciating each second. Life is really great here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!

Chenny out.

Our Supers, GC’s and CIT’s had an early start as their buses rolled out of camp by 7:00am en route for Virginia Beach.  Their first stop was at Harford Mall for some afternoon shopping. Then it was off to Kings Dominion Amusement Park for the evening. It was a fun first day to their trip. They are all back at the hotel and getting ready for a full day activities tomorrow.

The Seniors boarded their bus for an overnight at Hershey Park. They enjoyed a night at the park and have a full day tomorrow at the park to enjoy all the rides, games and chocolate they desire.

Freshman through Collegiates had camp all to themselves today and loved every minute of it. Before the rain came, Boys side we got some games in.

Boys 4^th Grade Soccer –  CAW 8 vs. Westmont 0 (CAW wins Semi Finals  and advances to Championships)

Boys 5^th Grade Basketball – CAW 33 vs. Westmont 2 (CAW wins Semi Finals and advances to Championship)

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball – CAW 8 vs. Tioga 2 (CAW wins Semi Finals and advances to Championships)

Boys 7^th Grade Basketball – Tioga 30 vs. CAW 24

Tonight was one of those night’s that standouts above all the rest.  We had so much talent that the campers that weren’t able to perform in our first camper talent show, displayed their unique and entertaining skills for all us tonight. We had 26 acts and every single one of them was outstanding. There is something that happens here that does not exist outside our gates: it’s true genuine overwhelming support for one another. Regardless if you sing, dance, tell jokes, do cartwheels or play piano, you have an entire Rec Hall of friends behind you. No matter if you miss a step or sing off key, it just doesn’t matter here. Your courage to take that stage overrides what you do on that stage. Its awe-inspiring to witness and life changing to be a part of it. Where in the world can you ever go to get this support and encouragement?  We are brave, we are talented and we lift each other up here.

Drew Sandler (Inter Boy) ended our show as he wowed the crowd playing the keyboard. But as he started, it didn’t take but a few notes for every single one of us to join in and sing the song he was playing. He had everyone on their feet, swaying in unison together. Everyone in that Rec Hall felt something magical tonight and Drew had a moment that he will never forget. That’s what we do here, we lift one another up.

Chenny Out.

 

The morning started as any other amazing summer day. As the sun rises and camp wakes up, you see campers roll out of bed and this is home. Campers are still in their pajamas and as they walk to the Lodge you get the feeling they are walking from their bedroom to the kitchen to have breakfast, as if they are at their home. Which they are!  It’s hard to believe we have only three more weeks here but every minute and every moment counts.

We had a great day of sports as CAW swept all games today.

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Roller Hockey – CAW 5 vs. Starlight 3

Boys 8^th Grade Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Poyntelle 1

Girls 7^th Grade Soccer – CAW 7 vs. Cayuga 0

Girls 8^th Grade Soccer – CAW 10 vs. Wayne 1

Congratulations to all of our campers of the week. You shined and deserved the recognition!

Girls Side

Bunk A – Sydney Wood

Bunk B – Lexi Tantleff

Bunk C – Romi Maschler

Bunk D – Natalie Blee

Bunk E – Sophia Jaffe

Bunk F – Noelle Breitweiser

Bunk G – Kaley Morabito

Bunk H- Jessica Altman & Becca Greenbaum

Bunk I – Dylan Grabow & Hailey Wolff

Bunk J – Zoe Rouder

Bunk K – Dani Mazen

Bunk L – Brooke Mohr & Remy Savy

Bunk M – Cami Oresky & Melissa Borker

Bunk N – Carrie Mason & Daisy Zand

Bunk O – Jessica Fleisscher

Bunk P  – Elana Wilk

Bunk Q – Julia Bromley

Bunk R – Emily Zucker & Sarah Sass

Bunk S – Sophia Malkotsis & Jessy Kingman

CIT – Allie Frank

 

Boys Side

Bunk A – Jake Erlich

Bunk B – Evan Kay

Bunk C – Ryan Stuzin

Bunk D – Jake Ashkenase

Bunk E – Aaron Marasia

Bunk F – Jared Graff

Bunk G – Sam Tavel

Bunk H – Ben Diamond

Bunk I – Ben Gerchick

Bunk J – Matthew Marchisotta

Bunk K – Drew Sandler

Bunk L – Alex Croen

Bunk M – Jordan Stewart

Bunk N – Jake Henning

Bunk O – Brian Dubinsky

Bunk P – Brian Sussman

Bunk Q – Adam Heimowitz

Bunk R – Jesse Steinberg

Bunk W – Brett Croen

It was early dinner today as our lower camp enjoyed a night out of camp. Our Freshman & Juniors spent the evening bowling.  It was a great night as this group had the alley all to themselves. The Middies, Inters , Collegiates and Seniors enjoyed a night out at the movies.

Upper camp spent the night at camp, packing for their Big Trip tomorrow as they head out to Virginia Beach and D.C. It was their traditional Road Rally and Ice Cream party that made the night spectacular. They have an amazing adventure ahead of them.

All campers are back and in their bunks fast asleep.  Goodnight Chenny!

Chenny out.

 

We had an amazing day at camp today. The weather was great and we had a full day of activities. Girl’s side was doing all their last minute touches to their costumes and finalizing all the details for the big show. Girls Sing spirit was definitely in the air and we were all so psyched to see which division would prevail as tonight’s winner.

It was an afternoon of boy’s sports today. Great effort by all but most importantly, great sportsmanship was displayed in each and every game.

Boys 5^th Grade Soccer – Wayne 3 vs. CAW 0

Boys 6^th Grade LAX – Starlight 12 – vs. CAW 5

Boys 8^th Grade Baseball – Starlight 14 vs. CAW 4

The night belonged to girl’s side. It was the most spectacular Girl’s Sing I’ve ever been privileged to watch. There was so much time, effort and love out into Sing and it showed. Each division brought their “A” game and the judges (Boy Group Leaders) had their work cut out for them. It began with lower camp and Freshman Girls got into the Rave. Junior girls rocked out with Rock of Ages. Middies went viral with their Social Middia. Inters went on an Inter state Road trip.  Collegiates went to college and beyond. Seniors gave tribute to Dr. Seuss with one phenomenal performance. Supers had a teaspoon of sugar and felt oh so Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! GC’s got scared with their nightmare on camp road and our CIT’s were fabulous as the Avengers and fought off all the bad guys. It was a superb show but there was only one lower camp winner and one upper camp winner.

Congratulations to our winners of the evening: Lower Camp – Inters / Upper Camp – Supers

Even though winners were crowned tonight, each division felt a great sense of pride and honor to put on such a tremendous production. Girls Sing runs deep and the pride we feel for it will forever have a place in our hearts. The cheers and alma mater each group sang will stay in their hearts forever.

To be a part of this community and get to feel what we all felt watching girls sing (boys side included) will stay with us, always.

Chenny out.

We spent the morning in rainy day activities and the campers loved the downshift.  Girl’s side spent the morning practicing Girls Sing and Boys side had a ball watching movies, playing dodge ball and cooking.

Then it was off to The Lodge for lunch for the biggest dance party we have ever had in the history of CAW. We all did the Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, YMCA, Cotton Eye Joe to name a few. You can’t quite imagine how insanely fun it is to sing and dance in a room filled with 650 people who are loving it as much as you are. It is just pure freedom and self-expression without any fear of judgment. This just doesn’t happen anywhere else.  We let loose here and enjoy every single moment.  Make sure to look out for the video of today’s lunch. It will blow your mind to see your children dance as if no one is watching.

Due to the rain, many games had to be rescheduled but we did manage to play one.

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Soccer – Weequahic 3 vs. CAW 0

The night belonged to Chenny Idol. The show was incredible and our top four blew the roof of the Rec Hall. The talent was insane and the contest was too close to call. What began with 175 auditions came down to four performances. Daisy Chaskin was spectacular with her angelic voice. Daniel Gur rocked the house with his amazing performance. Julia Bromley sang from the heart and gave everyone goose bumps. Two Direction got us all on our feet with a thro back to why Boy Bands stole our hearts. In the end, Two Direction was named winner on Chenny Idol 2012. Congratulations to Ben Metzger, Josh Lomita, Evan Wadler, Jonathan Swill and Jared Bauer. You are Chenny’s favorite boy band!!

Another unforgettable day at CAW.

Chenny out.

 

Today was a day full of camp spirit and pride. Girls camp was busy practicing for Girls Sing. You saw pockets of divisions getting ready for Saturday nights big camp tradition.  Each division performs a dance, cheer and alma mater for the entire camp. It is a rich tradition here at CAW and we all can’t wait to see girl’s side bring it. They are all having a ball putting their dance together and it shows. Go Girls!!!

Tons of games were played. Hard work and effort were at the core of our sports program today.

Girls 6^th Grade and under LAX – Bryn Mawr 12 vs. CAW 11

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 4

Girls 8^th Grade Softball – Morasha 11 vs. CAW 9

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Soccer – Kweehic 2 vs. CAW 1

Girls 8^th/9^th Grade LAX – Indian Head 13 vs. CAW 9

Powder Puff ruled the night. It was girls CIT’s vs. GC’s and the battle was on. The ladies played some serious flag football while their male counterparts cheered, danced and encouraged their players. It was such a great night. The game was played on our soccer field under the lights and the crowd went wild. No matter if you were on the field or in the stands watching, you were having a ball. Camp spirit was high today and everyone felt it. In the end the CIT’s took home the win. Congratulations CIT girls, you fought with valiant effort and had a blast doing it. The GC effort was also undeniable. They will be a force to reckon with next summer.

It just keeps getting better and better. There is no doubt why we all live 10 months for 2.

Chenny out

Today was a great day. We all got some very extra needed sleep followed by a Brunch morning. After a fun day of trips, we all needed the sleep in. the weather was hot so it was into the pool and lake to cool off.

It was another day of great Chenny games and our athletes proved once again that they give it all they got on the courts and fields.

Girls 5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Lohikan 1

Girls 7^th Grade Softball – CAW 18 vs. Lavi 0

Boys 7^th Grade Soccer – Weequahic 1 vs. CAW 0

Boys 7^th/8^th/9^th Grade Hockey – Island Lake 6 vs. CAW 5

Boys 8^th Grade Basketball – Morasha 52 vs. CAW 35

We all get wet, wacky and wild with Powerhouse Studios for our evening activity. We did crazy silly races, got pied in the face and was slimed by the giant booger blaster.  It was just over the top hilarity. Everyone had a ball with the rubber chicken toss and hobby horse races. What a fun night we had.

As we are approaching our fourth week here at camp, we are all in the groove and loving this experience. Yes, there are amazing activities and non-stop fun but the friendships here make it all worth it. When you see our campers arm in arm walking around campus, it makes you realize that this type of human connection is so vital and changes who we are. We rely on one another to get us through harder moments, we celebrate with one another and from this connection a deeper more profound friendship exists. How lucky we are to be a part of this amazing experience.

Chenny out.

 

 

It’s Trip Tuesday and everyone has a blast today.

Our Freshmen and Juniors spent the morning at Lahey Family Fun Park. They went on go-karts and played mini golf, had a ball in the arcade and enjoyed hanging out together at this amazing fun zone. They boarded the buses and were off to their next stop, the movies. It was a mid day matinee. The day from start to finish was perfect for our youngest campers. As they got back to camp, they rolled off the busses and couldn’t help but tell us all that today was the greatest day ever.

Today was a total chill out day for our Middies and Inters as they spent the day at the State Park. They swam in the lake, they played some football, they relaxed in the sun and they built amazing sand castles. It was a lazy day just hangin’ with friends. The mood was perfect and the afternoon was just ideal. Not a stress in the world today. Just pure summer fun.

It was off to Camel Beach for our Collegiates and Seniors and they had full run of the park. The weather was hot so spending the day in a water park was just ideal. The campers came back to camp and as they got of the bus to head back to their bunks, you heard them all say what an amazing day they had today. Though a bit tired after a full of splashing down the giant toilet bowl ride or swimming in the wave pool, it was just a great afternoon spent with camp friend. Doesn’t get much better than that.

GO Orangemen! It was off to tour Syracuse University for our Supers & GC’s. As our oldest campers start thinking about colleges, what a perfect opportunity to have them tour an outstanding university. They visited campus and saw what life is like at Syracuse. Then it was off to Carousel Mall for some serious shopping. Another ideal afternoon spent with amazing friends doing amazing things.

OUR CIT’s had a full day of exciting adventures themselves. They started the day at a local favorite, Binghams for some delicious homemade breakfast. Then it was off to Camel Beach for some time in the water park. After some fun outside, they went to Crossings for some outlet shopping and dinner. And to wrap up this perfect day, they made a stop at Wal-Mart, which is a big favorite up here. They arrived back to camp, exhausted and exhilarated, all at the same time.

No matter if was at Lahey Family Fun Park or Wal-Mart, the best part of today was being with friends and sharing these moments together. Everyone is sleeping peacefully and exhausted from a great day out. Campers are getting a few extra zzzz’s as tomorrow is a sleep in Brunch morning. Perfect timing.

Chenny out.

 

The sun was shining bright at Chen-A-Wanda this morning. There is something so amazing when you are awakened by bugles, surrounded by your friends, roll out of bed and head to breakfast in your pajamas. It’s where you want to be, always. Nobody looks at your bed head or cares that you are wearing plaid pajama bottoms and a striped shirt. It just doesn’t matter here. Where on earth are we allowed to be exactly who we are, all as unique amazing individuals. There is a freedom here and a level of acceptance that just doesn’t exist outside our gates and the hope is that we all take it with us wherever we go.

We enjoyed another fantastic day full of games.

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball – CAW 13 vs. Morasha 3

Boys 5^th/6^th Grade Roller Hockey  – Starlight 11 vs. CAW 6

Girls 10^th/11^th Grade Basketball – Seneca Lake 28 vs. CAW 19

The night was all about our Theater Production of The Wizard of Oz. Our cast worked tirelessly to make tonight’s show phenomenal and they didn’t disappoint. The costumes were fabulous and the talent was off the charts. We all know the story or Dorothy, Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West but it felt as if we were seeing it for the first time. We all clapped, cheered and sang along as we supported and were so proud of our Chenny actors.  There is nothing like seeing the faces of the cast light up when they hear the cheers and applause from the audience. They shined so bright tonight. One thing is for sure, Chenny’s got talent and the stage was theirs tonight.

Like the Cowardly Lion, it took courage to get up on stage and perform in front of a packed house.  Their brains were as sharp as the Scarecrow’s to be able to learn all the lines and remember the songs and dance steps. Like the Tin Man, all their hearts filled with joy and a feeling of deep love when they heard the applause, just meant for them. And lastly, like Dorothy, everyone felt that feeling of home tonight. We are home here at Chenny!

Chenny out.

 

 

After a fantastic visiting day, we got right back to business and had a great day of regular activities. Spending time with our families was amazing but it didn’t take long to get back into camp mode. It was an absolutely great day. Camp had this relaxed happy vibe and everyone felt it. We had a few sun showers and a beautiful rainbow that summed up the feeling at camp today.

Games, games and more games…Our athletes played hard and had a great day of success and sportsmanship. Our freshman and junior girls ran into the Lodge after they won two straight soccer games in a tournament we hosted and with all their excitement in relaying how they won, they looked over and saw a team they had just beat. Without hesitation, every one of them walked over to them and congratulated them on a great game. It was a moment I was privileged to see. When people come into our home, no matter if we win or lose, we treat our opponents with respect and our youngest girls here displayed that so beautifully.

Girls 3^rd/4^th Grade Soccer Tourney – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 2 & CAW4 vs. Island Lake 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIOINSHIP!

Girls 5^th/6^th Grade Soccer Tourney – Wayne 2 vs. CAW 0 & CAW 4 vs. Independent Lake 0 – Chenny takes 2^nd Place

Girls 8^th Grade Softball – Starlight 11 vs. CAW 5

We all had a great night at our mid summer social Caribbean Beach Party. There were tiki torches, grass skirts and happy campers all around. It was great party and we danced the night away while sipping fresh made fruit smoothies. It was another amazing night to remember full of fun, friends and moments that we will treasure forever. It just keeps getting better.

Chenny out.