Category: General News

  • The Friendship Bowl

    We woke up to a chilly brisk summer morning and everyone rolled into breakfast in their cozy jammies. It was that kind of morning. After we ate our delicious breakfast, it was time to get down to camp business and get outside for some serious fun. We had a few sun showers throughout the day but that didn’t stop the action. The Cookhouse was cooking some amazing desserts and the School of Rock was just rockin’. The fields were full of active kids and when the sun stayed out, we were flying on the trapeze. Walking around camp its truly an awesome site seeing our campers hit homeruns over the Big Red Monster at Wiffle Ball while kids are getting blobbed off the water trampoline in the lake. Its nonstop fun from dusk to dawn.

    With all we have here, the most important components are being able to do these things with our friends. There were two campers in ceramics that were building a bowl together. They called it their friendship bowl. It started as a chunk of clay and ended up as a beautiful symbol of what happens here everyday. There are no cell phones to text each other here. There are no computers or facebook to occupy us. We are face to face, we are communicating with one another and we are making friendship bowls. This is the magic that happens here on a daily basis. How lucky are we to have these moments to connect, truly connect with one another.

    Everyone was looking forward to tonight’s evening activity, the Dating Game. Each division had a bachelor or a bachelorette asking questions to the three potential dates behind the curtain. It was hilarious, it was fun and everyone had a ball. There is so much support and encouragement to everyone of our campers who gets up on our stage. Can you imagine being applauded by a packed house for just answering a question about what your favorite ice cream is and why? It happens here. We are a family who plays together, who supports each other and who are all experiencing this crazy fun together.

    Today was a perfect example of why life is great at Chen-A-Wanda.

    Chenny out.

     

     

  • ‘re Off and Running

    The sun was shinning bright on Fiddle Lake as the sounds of the bugle woke our camp up and we were ready to go. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect and it set the stage for one amazing second day. As campers settled in got into the swing of being here, excitement was in the air. This feeling was tangible and everyone could feel it. What adventures would this day bring? Too many to count.
    The day was full of swim tests and team tryouts. Our Theater department held auditions for this summer’s production of The Wizard of Oz. It was one busy day and the kids loved every minute of the action.
    Sign and Song is a very long standing camp tradition here at Chen-A-Wanda where each and every bunk will make a bunk plaque that will ultimately be hung on the bunk walls for years to come. In addition to the plaques, each bunk on girls side performs a dance and no time was wasted today. All you could see were girls bunks across center campus practicing their dance. Campers and counselors were working together as a team for one common goal. Camp pride ran high today and our girls had the best time. Lots of laughter and joy as they created their dances. We can’t wait to see the big show in a few days. Go Girls!!!
    It was a perfect ending to a perfect day as we all sat the Rec Hall for a fantastic evening activity. Bruce Jacques thoroughly entertained us as we had a giant karaoke jam session. There wasn’t a camper sitting as we truly rocked out. Where else can you sing at the top of your lungs, dance without the fear of being judged, all while your friends are right by your side. That happens here and it is AWESOME! Almost unexplainable but we are sure grateful we got to experience it tonight.
    All campers are asleep and camp is now quiet but not for long. Tomorrow is just a bugle away.

  • Phenomenal First Day!

    Oh what a a great day we had. The energy at camp was off the charts. The weather was picture perfect and the mood was amazing. Happy campers got off the buses and ice breakers began. We all got to know each other a bit better and new friendships started to take form. Our new campers got the lay of the land as our returning campers were just so excited to be back in their summer home. So many magical moments took place today but the one that stands out above all, happened in The Lodge at dinner. As we dined on spaghetti and meatballs, the first bang bang clap cheer began and boy was it amazing. It took only a few seconds for the new campers to catch on and the official start to summer 2012 began. The traditional camp cheer was followed by the biggest sing-a-long ever!! We blew the roof off The Lodge as we sang on the top of our lungs and danced on our seats. It was extraordinary. There was so much Chenny pride, our goosebumps had goosebumps. It was a moment that everyone in The Lodge will never forget. You must see it for yourself and we are happy to share. Stay tuned to our video gallery for videos of this great first day. A truly spectacular start to what looks to be a truly spectacular summer.

    How lucky we all are to get experience this magic. New friendships began today and old friends reconnected. It’s why we are all here. There was a feeling of calm here in the midst of fun craziness.

    Summer has started and it feels so great to be home here at Chen-A-Wanda.

    A very busy day we had and all the campers are sleeping peacefully. The best news of the night is that we get to do this again tomorrow.

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

    Chenny Out.

  • New Family BBQ!

    The forecast said rain, but it was an amazing day at CHEN-A-WANDA. What a great way to start Summer 2012. The Lodge was ready and waiting for all to see, and it didn’t disappoint. As new campers and returning campers entered the Lodge, it became very real that summer is just two weeks away.

    There was gaga, Legos, lanyards, and bracelets. The day ended with one great big wiffle ball game. Just a sneak peak to what they have waiting for them all summer long. An absolutely amazing way to start the summer.

    It’s official, camp is almost here. Enjoy some pictures from the day and get excited!!! It’s really here.

    12 days to go!!!

  • 100 Days!

    Camp starts in 100 days and we could not be more excited!

    Visit our Facebook page for a special video!

    Summer 2012 can’t come soon enough!!!

  • Winter 2012 Reunion Pictures

    Check out some great pictures here from our Winter 2012 Reunion! It will be time for Summer 2012 before you know it, but it can’t come soon enough!

  • 1 Day Until the Reunion!!!

    Only one more day until the reunion!

    Space Odyssey
    491 S Dean Street
    Englewood, NJ 07631

    12:00pm – 3:00pm

    We can’t wait to see everyone!!!

  • 1st Annual Maryland Reunion was a Huge Success!

    It was great to see all of our Maryland families both new and returning. The campers ate, played in the arcade at Dave & Busters and got to hang out with their camp friends for the day. A perfect way to spend a winters day; with our Maryland camp friends! In the cold of winter, all we could do was chat about summer and how excited everyone is for June to come. This gives us a taste of our next reunion coming around the corner on Saturday, Feb 4.
    Enjoy the pictures from a great day!!!

  • New Camper Party

    It was great to see everyone at our New Camper Party. We are so excited for Summer 2012! Check out some pictures from the event here.

  • Florida Reunion 2011

    The weather was beautiful in Florida, but the company was even better. It was great to see our Florida families (and a few Jersey families in town for the weekend). We are so glad you all made it. What a treat as some of our counselors came too. It was a terrific afternoon and great to see friends that we have not seen in a while. Check out some pictures here.

    This Reunion kicked off our 1st official event leading up to Summer 2012! The countdown has started…