I was in Arts & Crafts with the Inter girls today and I had the glorious privilege of watching 4 campers who were building a house together out of popsicle sticks. Each one was making their own side wall and then together they built the roof. They collaborated, they created, the giggled and they chatted the entire period long. The best part was that all 4 girls were from different bunks. They were having the absolute best time together building a house. Each side wall the girls made was different just like each of them but when it came all together, it was a masterpiece, just like them.

Another day full of sports and great sportsmanship.

Girls Side Sports

Collegiate Girls Softball – CAW 12 vs. Starlight 1

GC/CIT and under Girls Basketball Tournament at Tyler Hill – CAW played 2 games and lost both

Gymnastics Competition at Bryn Mawr – Addison Orgel (vault) , Lia Portanova (bars & floor)  and Logan Cohen (bars) all placed

Boys Side Sports

Freshman /Juniors Tournament Team  Baseball – Freshman 3 vs. Juniors 0 – Cameron Sylvin pitched a no hitter

Freshman/Junior Tournament Teams Basketball – Freshman 18 vs. Juniors 14

Inters Boys Basketball – CAW 20 vs. Poyntelle 19

GC/CIT Boys Basketball – CAW 70 vs. Island Lake 25

GC/CIT Boys LAX – CAW 4 vs. Westmont 10

Honoring or KIND CAMPERS is the highlight of my week. I love reading all the kind things we are doing for each other here and kindness is spreading at Chenny and we LOVE it!

Girl Kind Campers – Chloe Hiatt, Skylar Rosenberg, Paige Cohen, Camryn Nazem, Sky Woods, Lexi Garber, Libby Luzine, Maya Vicente, Charlotte Cangiano, Olivia Bank, Eden Levine, Charli McClure, Kylie Ho, Mattea Siegel, Lindsay Gelfman

Boy Kind Campers – Lennon Ellis, Rory Fischer, Teddy Lester, Jaxson Shillman, Charles Zuckman, Blake Zion, Caleb Gene, Chase Pillersdorf, Dylan Raiten, AJ Spitz,

Camper Awards is a time we all come together and honor more amazing campers who have contributed to the incredible vibe that is happening on camp. The spirit, the good vibes, the positivity that is happening on camp right now is infectious and having such amazing kids and staff is the reason why.

Campers of the Week

Freshman –  Iyla Paull & Noah Rubin

Juniors – Arin Gordon, Chloe Hiatt & Nate Bennett, Max Schwartz

Middys – Sydney Bell, Sadie Weis & Chase Kaplan

Inters – Chelsea Sibener, Brynn Wolper & Sid Havens, Ryder Picinich

Collegiates – Charlotte Cangiano & Austin Hans

Seniors – Gone To Hershey (will announce at next awards)

Supers – Gone To Virginia (will announce at next awards)

GC’s – Mia Koenig & Jake Marin

CIT’s – Beth Shields, Sydney Cahn & Nolan Irizarry, Noah Carrasquillo

Another beautiful day at the greatest place on earth. We are so lucky to spend our days and nights here at Chenny surrounded by so much kindness and having so much fun – LIFE IS GREAT!

Now it was in the hands of judges as the decision of who would win Olympics 2024 was about to be announced. Shields Hall was packed with our campers dressed head to toe in their team colors waiting on bated breath and all at the edge of their seats. The time had come and with a new tradition, we had a countdown and then off the stage, shot the winning colors in a burst of confetti and streamers. It was a sight to see and incredible to be at. The energy could blow the roof of the building and everyone inside Shields Hall was celebrating regardless if they were wearing red, gold or blue.

Final Scores:

• Red Peru – 2,410
• Blue France – 2,145
• Gold Zimbabwe – 2,105

What we learned from these games were that we all played hard, respected the game, supported each other and believed that in the end it wasn’t just about getting the win but being there for one another. Two and half days ago, we began as Red Peru, Gold Zimbabwe and Blue France and tonight we are back to One Camp Chen-A-Wanda family.

Everyone was decked out in the teams colors and the spirit was high at camp as morning games got underway. The energy on camp was high as our teams took to the fields and courts for some serious games and competitions. If you could have seen the freshman girls dig deep and give everything they’ve got in a game of steal the bacon, you would have been blown away. Regardless if it was the collegiate boys playing newcomb or CIT’s having their water polo match in the pool, it was all intense, competitive and so much fun. You could hear chants and cheers all throughout camp as the kids gave it everything they have and to watch them celebrate the wins and support their team when they lost, is why Olympics is so special here. There was a collegiate girl who missed a crucial free throw at the end of her game. That cost the game for her team and you could see the devastation she felt when she missed the shot. Her team ran to her with support as they saw her feeling discouraged and responsible for the loss. I overheard one of her teammates say to her, “We did everything we could, but the Gold Team just got this one. You didn’t loose it for us, we’re a team.” Then the they walked off the court together arm in arm. This is everything and this is what we do here. We cheer each other on when we win together and support one another when we loose together. This is the magic of Chen-A-Wanda Olympics

Tonight was all about Apache Relay. Each team has 70 events to complete and the first team to finish will be crowned the winner of the Relay. The horn blew and the race began. Every member of each team is an integral part of the race. No matter if you are a Freshman or a CIT, your parts are equally important. This event emphasizes what a family we are here and bring us all together. There were so many memorable moments from tonights Apache but one that stood out was Junior camper Hudson Wachler who was given the task of running from the camp sign on Camp Rd. to the flag pole in center camp. That is a 1/4 mile run and Hudson was competing alongside GC’s and CIT’s. He was the first junior ever who was given this event and he nailed it. Everyone was blown away by his effort and his ability. Hudson ran down Camp Rd. with confidence and determination and everyone was in awe watching his run.  This was his moment and he deserved accolades for competing with the big kids and not only did he keep up, he dominated that race. It was awesome to witness and a moment that we know will stay with Hudson forever. Olympics brings us together and brings the best out of us.

After a full day of games, our Olympic athletes were glad to get to bed. They know that the battle continues tomorrow with more games and ends with Olympic Sing. If you know Olympics, It always comes down to Sing!!

There was a buzz all around camp today about when Olympics would break out. A rumor began and the chatter turned from when Olympics would breakout to if we were having Olympics at all this year. Questions were flying and the excitement was building. You could actually feel the energy in the air but the day just went on as business as usual.

Before our Olympics broke, we were busy on the fields and courts.

Girls Side Sports

Middy Girls Softball – CAW 7 vs. Westmont 0 (Sophia Gene threw a no hitter)

Inter Girls Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Wayne 8

Collegiate Girls LAX – CAW 9 vs. Starlight 10

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 9 vs. Starlight 3

GC/CIT Girls Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 8

Boys Side Sports 

Inters/Middies Tournament Tennis – Inters 5 vs. Middies 2

Collegiate Boys Basketball –  CAW 49 vs. Westmont 27

GC/CIT Boys Softball – CAW wins with a IHC forfeit

Well, our campers did not have to wait long as the entire camp was enjoying snack call when a very familiar song began to play throughout camp. The Olympic Fanfare sent chills up our spine and every camper ran to the amphitheater. There were chants and cheers and the Olympic spirit was alive today at Chenny. As every camper and staff gathered at the amphitheater, the energy got bigger and the excitement was indescribable. The moment was here and it was time to announce our Captains and Sergeants. With every name announced, it was cheers and appreciation for the staff who we recognized as leaders and who will run camp for the next 2 1/2 days.  Our camp is now split in three equal teams, Red Peru, Blue France and Gold Zimbabwe.  And just when we thought that camp could not possibly get any better, Olympics takes us to a whole new level. Tonight was a great night as we started our battle with Tugs of War. There has never been a Camp Chen-A-Wanda TUGS OF WAR WITH MORE SPIRIT AND INTENSITY.  It was an electric night on the small soccer field with incredible music, great vibes and happy campers. We are so proud to be part of these games as we watch your children thrive and be the best they can be. Best news is we get to do this again tomorrow. There is no place like CAW. Lets go Peru, Zimbabwe and France.

Its hard to believe we are approaching the end of our second week here. Time goes by so quick and yet so much happens in a single day here that a day feels like a week. This experience of being here is different for everyone but you can see how meaningful it is to us all. That is why we keep coming back. We may not always remember every detail of every summer spent at Chenny but we can always recall how we feel when we’re here. That is the draw for why summer after summer we come back. The interesting and really cool full circle moments are when we watch campers become counselors and take care of kids here. We are so lucky to have amazing campers that have gone through our system and just can’t leave. They aren’t ready to say goodbye to their summer home so they transition into incredible counselors who share their heart and soul with campers here. When you grow up here, you have so much to give and they all give so much. They want to pass on their love for Chenny and they do with so much heart. Seeing so many incredible camper counselors we have this summer taking care of your children is just awe-inspiring. They know how their campers feel. They are keenly aware of how they can help make their campers summer spectacular. They lived it and now they want to pass it on. There was a camper who was having a moment and was on her porch tonight. By her side was her counselor that was sharing so many stories of when she was a camper and how she dealt with a friend who wasn’t being so nice to her. There was that moment, I was privileged to witness of how she was able to connect with her camper, validate what had happened and helped her move forward. That camper felt safe, listened to and was able to walk back into her bunk with a giggle and a clear head. These moments are everywhere at Chenny and I was lucky enough to be present tonight to see the magic first hand.

Girls Side Sports 

Freshmen Girls Soccer Tournament Team – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 5

Junior Girls Soccer Tournament Team – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 1

Inter Girs Basketball – CAW 29 vs. Morasha 26

Inter Girls LAX – CAW 10 vs. Wayne 10

Super Girls tennis – CAW 0 cs. Wayne 5

Boys Side Sports

Freshman/Junior Tournament Team – Freshman 2 vs. Juniors 5

Seniors Basketball – CAW 25 vs. Morasha 40

GC/CIT Tyler Hill BasketBall Tournament – CAW defeats NYJ and Weequahic to move onto Semis – CAW 40 vs. Timberlake 46 (the boys had the best day and played their hearts out).

The night belonged to Boys side with an amazing Boys Lip Sync at  Camp Chen-A-Wanda. We always hear from parents that their boy just won’t get up and dance and every year not a single boy opts out as they come together with their division, lip sync, dance and have an amazing time. From the cutest and most adorable Freshman through the CIT’s, these boys put on one heck of a show. The entire Shields Hall was mesmerized as they watched, clapped and sang along with the every boy who was on stage tonight.  It is the absolute best part of camp watching the support we give each other. We call it Chenny Pride but call it whatever you want, it is how we become family to one another. Tonight’s lower camp winners were the Inter Boys and our GC’s took the win for upper camp. To see boys let loose, dance in front a packed house with such confidence and joy is awe inspiring. It was a great night with so much camp spirit here, you could feel it in every corner at Chenny. It was pure electricity and everyone inside Shields Hal felt it.

We all enjoyed a late wakeup this morning and after yesterdays trip day, we loved the extra sleep. And then it was off to regular activities. The lake was full of happy campers and it was one of those days that just was perfection. Great weather, happy campers and really good vibes on camp today. Just another amazing day in paradise.

GIRLS SIDE SPORTS

Inter Girls Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 3

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 7

Senior Girls Softball – CAW 8 vs. Starlight 7

BOYS SIDE SPORTS 

Chenny Tournament – Freshman vs. Junior Boys  Soccer – Freshman 3 vs Junior 11

Chenny Tournament – Middy vs. Inter Boys Basketball – Middy 17 vs. Inters 35

Middy Boys Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Wayne 3

Collegiate Boys Hockey – CAW 7 vs. Lavi 3

Super Boys Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 3

It was divisional night and everyone had a great time in their awesome activities. Freshman – Inters enjoying BINGO in the Lodge. Collegiate Girls loved making jewelry in Arts n Crafts. Collegiate & Senior Boys had a ball playing archery tag in Shields Hall. Senior and Super girls enjoyed a movie in the Chen-A-Plex.  Super & GC Boys loved their Ping Pong tournament in the Canteen and the CIT girls baked cookies in the Cookhouse and the CIT boys had some lip sync practice in the dance studio followed by a movie in their bunk. It was a fantastic night for all divisions.

It was our first official trip day of summer 2024. The campers were so excited for their trip as they all left camp in their Gold Chenny T-shirts. The heat was high so what better way than to spend our day at a waterpark. All our divisions had waterpark fun today -A perfect summer day keeping cool in the water with the friends & making memories that will last forever.

Freshmen, Juniors and Middies had an amazing day at Aquatopia. Inters & Collegiates  spent their day enjoying Camelbeach Waterpark and our Seniors, Supers and GC’s split their day with the morning at CamelBeach Waterpark and and afternoon at the outlets for a little shopping fun. The CIT’s had their first overnight trip at Hershey Park. Our first trip day was a huge success. It was all smiling and sleepy faces when the buses rolled back onto camp.

It was just an incredible day spent outside camp for all our kids who had fun and made memories today. Leaving camp is super cool but there is nothing like coming back home. Lights are out, kids are sleeping peacefully, everyone is exhausted and it was a GREAT day!

Kids are happy, Staff are happy – Life is Great at Camp CHEN-A-WANDA.

I walked down to the lake this morning and the saw group of Middy boys fishing on the dock. There were 10 of them and the sight caught my attention. These kids were all standing on the dock, each holding their fishing pole focused on catching a big one. No words were being spoken, it was peaceful and still. The kids were patient, focused and enjoying the moment. It’s exactly what we want for our kids and it was happening on our dock. The lake is rarely peaceful and quiet but this moment was and I was at the right place at the right time to catch these 10 boys fishing together on a beautiful day on a beautiful lake. Beautiful moments like these happen every day all day and I feel so grateful to witness your kids experiencing them.

A day full of sports and great sportsmanship.

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 4

Collegiate Girls Basketball Mini Tournament – CAW advances to Championship – CAW 10 v s Lavi 21

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 5

Middy Boys Tennis – CAW3 vs. Starlight 2

There is so much kindness at Chenny and we love honoring campers and counselors who spread it all over camp. Congratulations to our week 2 Kind Campers & Kind Counselors. It costs absolutely nothing to be kind to others and the payoff is enormous. Kind People Rule!!

Girl Kind Campers – Rafi Kuperstein, Eden Cohen, Gabby Brodsky, Arin Gordon, Charli Houlis, Finley Rosenberg, Teddy Kaplan, Sydney Diamond, Maya Kushner, Madison Frankel, Ellie Berlin, Ashley Schwartz

Girl Kind Counselors – Charlie Trunks (Bunk D), Brooke Mann (Bunk E), Hannah Nissenbaum ( Bunk V), Sydney Geller (Bunk J), Annalise Clark (Bunk Y), Molly White (Bunk K)

Boy Kind Campers – Ethan Weiss, Jack Menkin, Devin Luhrs, Brandon Goldberg, Sid Havens, Chase Harz, Drew Fischer, Luca Heiferman, Lucas Sylvan, Grey Goldman, Spencer Simon

Boy Kind Counselor – Zack Morris (Bunk M), Ben Smelt (Bunk B), Daniel Wilson (Bunk F), Auston Bernstein (Bunk O), Ben Smelt (Bunk B)

Awards at the Amphitheater is a time we all come together and honor more amazing campers who have contributed to the incredible vibe that is happening on camp. The spirit, the good vibes, the positivity that is happening on camp right now is infectious and having such amazing kids and staff is the reason why.

Campers of the Week

Freshman –  Ivy Feldman & Jack Klareich

Juniors – Avery Weiner, Ellie Erbst & Max Cohen, Gabe Barasch

Middys – Siena Sussman, Madyson Zimmerman & Drew Reisfeld

Inters – Emmy Schwartz, Alexa Jurkiewicz & Ethan Thaler, Cooper Rosen

Collegiates – Charlie McClure & Garren Katzenberg

Seniors – Dylan Lefkowitz & Jonathan Hare

Supers – Lyla Goldstein & Max Goodman

GC’s – Zoe Lederman & Gavin Ryback

CIT’s are away on trip and we will announce the CIT of the week upon their return.

Hard to believe we are just shy of two weeks here at camp. We’ve got so much more to experience together and we just can’t wait. There are lots of exciting events and activities just around the corner. We’ve got Powder Puff and Boys Lip Sync this week and our CIT’s left early this morning for their overnight at Hershey Park.  There is so much happening and more to come for all our campers. But whats is making all of camp so happy and excited is that tomorrow is our first trip day of the summer. There is some pretty incredible trips happening and we cant wait for the kids to experience them all. Your kids have embraced this place and this place has embraced your kids. The community we have built is strong and we are so glad your kids are part of it.

We are proud to launch our very first newsletter, NEWSIES written by campers to our families at home. This new program is camper driven and available as an elective. We hope you enjoy it and we are looking forward to this program growing the coming weeks.

The sun was out in full force today, and the excitement was palpable. Every corner of  camp was buzzing with happy campers. From ATVs to gaga and everything in between, campers were all smiles, clearly appreciating a day spent outside playing with friends. We’ve been here for just over a week, and everyone has settled into their routine. Waking up to bugles and heading into the Lodge for breakfast in our pajamas feels like second nature, as if we’ve been doing it together for much longer than nine days. The day was as close to perfect as perfect can get. Seeing our campers engaged, happy, connected, and at ease fills our hearts with joy. We hope that the pictures and videos capture this story—that your children are engaged, happy, and thriving.

Inter Girls Soccer – CAW 13 vs. Starlight 0

GC/CIT Girls Softball – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 1

Inter Boys LAX – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 8

Senior Boys Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 1

IT WAS A CIT SWEEP tonight and they deserved it. CIT Boys won for Plaque and girls won Plaque and Song. From their costumes, to their make-up to the most phenomenal dance we have ever seen here at Chenny. They were mesmerizing. This group of incredible young women blew the roof off Shields Hall. The work and effort they put into their performance mirrors their dedication and loyalty to one another and their campers. It is a group that came together so beautifully and created a work of art. They are the best of the best and deserved the Win. All so different and all so dedicated to this experience and now the campers they take care of.  The tears were running down their faces as they came to the realization that tonight was the last Sign & Song of their camper career.  It was a night they will never forget. Our beautiful CIT’s dominated the stage tonight and shared their love of Chenny with us all. Before the winner was announced, everybody in the hall was chanting, “CIT’s, CIT’s”. It was obvious to everyone who would bring home the W and this group of girls left their mark on that stage. What a way to start off their final year here as campers. It’s the beginning of the end and their beginning has been oh so sweet.

There is more to do, lots more camp to get to and we are here for it. We are living free and loving it!