Category: General News

The weather was perfect, clear and crisp. It was an ideal day for games and competition. The campers were all geared up in their Red and Gold garb, faces were painted and we all were ready to start day #2.  Our campers had  a day of games, psych speeches, team meetings and song practice. The games were fierce yet friendly, fun and spirited. This is what we do at Color War. We play fair, we play hard and we always support one another. You see the desire to win in our campers faces but you always see respect for the game and for each other.

Tonight was a camp favorite. It was time for Rope Burning. We all bundled up as we headed up the hill to see the fantastic event. As all the campers sat with their respective teams, they cheered on the “burners” who built the fire that had to burn the rope and boil the water. The Gold team shot out of the gates quickly and both of their fires started immediately. It was no contest. Gold Navy’s water boiled first and the crowd went wild. Then they burned their rope and left Red Army in the dust tonight. Gold Navy desperately needed tonight’s win as they were behind by 200 points before the evenings competition. It’s any one’s game after the Gold Navy win tonight.

Congratulations Gold Navy and Red Army for a fantastic day of great competition, superb sportsmanship and camp spirit that is off the charts. We can’t wait to see what day three will bring.

Chenny out.

After the breakout, the campers were split into teams and were given their Color War shirts. It was off to team meetings and then right into Tugs of War. The battle began and all you could feel here is our camp spirit. Faces are painted, hair is sprayed red or gold and our kids are feelin’ that color war pride from head to toe. This is the best part of camp. Color War encompasses every important part of this incredible journey. Teamwork, sportsmanship, competition, camaraderie are just a few of the values that play a part of Color War. All throughout camp, you can hear the counselors chant and cheer in support of their teams. No matter if they win or loose, the campers are congratulated for their valiant effort. Fellow campers are cheering on the efforts of their teammates, win or loose. It’s contagious.

Tonight was Mass Games and Contest Night and it was so much fun. We played BBG and softball at twilight.  You couldn’t have asked for better weather. A picture perfect evening. Then our Juniors, Middies and Inters were in the Rec Hall having their own wacky races. They got into intense potato sack races, sitting on and popping the balloons and crawling through the tunnel. Music was bumpin’ and all the kids were dancing along as they got into the races. Collegiates, Seniors, Supers, GC’s and CIT’s had their own races on the Rec Hall Court. Upper camp competed on Hippidy Hops, Pogo Balls, Flying Turtles and Volleyball Hops. It was great night.

First day of Color War 2010 was a huge success. Our first time campers embraced color war with excitement and energy and our our veteran campers brought experience and enthusiasm to the games. Our counselors injected spirit into the games and lead the way for what is looking to be one the most memorable Color Wars in Chen-A-Wanda history. A fantastic start to a great week of games. I am proud to call Chen-A-Wanda my summer home.

Chenny out.

The campers were all in their bunks waiting for first activity call and over the the loud speaker you heard dramatic military music. All campers knew what was happening and we had them head to the lake court. Up from our lake on the speed boat came the Navy and driving in on a Jeep from Arts and Crafts was the Army. We marched all the campers up to our major league baseball field and there they sat watching a plane fly by. With lots of cheers from the crowd, out jumped the sky divers displaying our 2010 Color War Banner.

RED ARMY vs. GOLD NAVY………….We have ourselves a WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chenny out.

We had a great day with traditional inter camp games that we hosted. Our Middie Boys and GC’s/CIT Girls played soccer and basketball against Camp Echo. We had great games with loads of team spirit and sportsmanship. The weather help up after a few showers in the late morning and then it was back outside to play.

Tonight was our Movie Musical Revue and it was fantastic. With a total of 100 campers in the show, we were entertained by the musical talent our campers displayed.  The campers sang their hearts out and dazzled us with their dances. They sang songs from Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Footloose, Dream Girls and some other unreal musical medleys. We were captivated. The Rec Hall was singing along and cheering on the performers. It’s an atmosphere that is infectious, supportive and full camp spirit. Our stage is where you can let yourself go, be creative and see your fullest potential. Congratulations to the cast who we are so proud of. Thank you for entertaining us.

We had another fake out tonight as our head counselors crept onto the stage as Gary was dismissing camp back to their bunks. All of the sudden you hear the Mission Impossible theme and the crowd goes wild, chanting.. One,Two, Three, Four…. We Want Color War!!!!!  Dressed as Robbers, they held big laundry bags on their backs looking like it was filled with loot. As they crept around the stage, they placed the bags front and center and out came Matthew & Sarah Gershman. As the crowd went wild, Matthew and Sarah in unison said “Sorry, it’s not Color War…. yet!!!!!”

Will it be tomorrow?

Chenny out.

Another gorgeous day at camp. We slept in a bit to recover from yesterdays trips and we all appreciated it. But after breakfast it was games and activities. The weather was perfect and we all loved being outside. Where else can you have a soccer game in the morning, head on over to play practice, then play some tennis, tye dye your white tank, play in the ZONE, and head to the aqua park to get blobbed off the water trampoline. That happens here at camp. It’s just amazing and so much fun that all this happens in just one day.

Tonight was all about Boys Lip Sync and they put on quite a show. Our Juniors got gangsta and were over the top adorable. The Middies were a pack of wolves who danced in unison. Our Inters blew everyone away with a Disney medley. The Collegiates performed a camp favorite and Jai Ho’d. Our Seniors were the Men in Tights singing tunes from Robin Hood. The Supers wow’d  the crowd as the Blue Man Group. GC’s took control and brought a collection of unique music selections as they dressed as Indians and had a Chinese dragon dance through the crowd.

There could only be one winner in lower camp and it was a tough decision but congratulations to our Inter Boys who entertained us all. They put a lot work into their performance and it showed. Upper camp was a hard decision too but the win went to our GC’s and their far out fabulous show. They were creative, unique and so entertaining. It was a great night that we all enjoyed so very much. Another camp favorite for summer 2010 went off with a bang. Great work boys.

Next ….Is it Color War????? We shall see…..

Chenny out.

All our campers spent the day out of camp on their fabulous trips. Our Juniors and Middies had a fantastic day at Camel Beach Water Park. The splashed in the wave pool and went down lazy river. Munched on goodies and were home safe by 8pm. Our Inters, Collegiates and Seniors had their own fun filled at Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom. As it was a bit overcast, they felt as if they had the park to themselves. They too are safely back home and in their bunks. Supers and GC’s started their morning at the State Park. As it started to rain, plan B took effect and they went to see a summer movie. All kids are back home safe and sound.

Tomorrow will be back to a regular CAW day!!! Could it be Color War Day?????????????? We shall see.

Chenny out.

We had a gorgeous morning full of activities and games. The weather was perfect and everyone was looking forward to our special guest. We all gathered up at the soccer field and watched Chris Albright of the NY Red Bulls dazzle us with his soccer talents. He ran a skills and drills exhibition with many of our campers. Chris worked with the kids on passing and dribbling. He did shooting drills with the campers and even got into some games with the kids. After the skills and drill session, we had a Q & A. Many of our campers asked great questions and he answered all of them. For those campers who are involved in our 3 day Soccer Academy, they were able to spend extra time with Chris and got some additional autographs.  It was such a treat to have Chris at camp. He was great with the kids and really imparted his knowledge and love of the game to all of our campers.  Be sure to look for the video and pictures that will soon be posted.

It was a big night for our Chenny Idol winner Sofie Wolf as she and her entourage (bunk) loaded into the stretch Hummer and rolled out to TGI Friday’s for dinner. They had an amazing night out together, one that they will never forget. The girls spent the whole car ride singing together, laughing together and enjoying this spectacular evening.

We ended tonight under the stars watching a movie outside. Everyone was munching on popcorn, bundled up under their blankets and having another memorable summer night. This was another standout night at Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out.

Today was full of camp fun as our campers were busy with activities. The boys started preparing and practicing for Boys Lip Sync. The bar was set high with this years Girls Sing and they are up for the task. Now it’s their turn to put on a good show this Wednesday and we can’t to see what they got. Go Boys!!!!

With the World Cup making such a global impact this summer, we are super excited for our special guest tomorrow, New York Red Bulls All-Star Soccer Player Chris Albright. He will be making a Chen-A-Wanda appearance with a skills and drills challenge, Q &A and will sign autographs and take some pics with our kids. Chris is a phenomenal soccer player and has played on the World Cup squad. We are thrilled to introduce him to our camp and campers. Tomorrow will be a fantastic and we all are looking forward it.

Tonight was all about the most amazing circus show at CAW. Our Circus Director Rodrigo and his amazing staff, Lucas, Patricia and Ashley put on a SPECTACULAR show tonight. The campers went crazy for this unique circus show that included several of our campers who dazzled us with their trapeze and gymnastic abilities. The rig was lit and the performances were out of this world. As the show ended, all you heard was how everyone wants to sign up for circus tomorrow for their hobby and learn how to do what they did in the show tonight. Standing ovation to a fabulous show. One that we will never forget. We had our own Cirque de Soleil here at CAW!!!

It doesn’t get better than this!!!!!!

Chenny out.

Days like today define what camp is all about. Camp was buzzing about Girls Sing all day. All you saw throughout camp were clusters of girls practicing for the big show. The spirit and tradition that embody this camp favorite is a highlight of our summer. The costumes, the themes, the dances and songs. All of girls camp was excited to get on stage with their division and show their love for camp and the bonds that they share with their camp sisters. It is truly an amazing night here at Chen-A-Wanda and girls camp didn’t disappoint.

All 51 of our Junioritas performed the salsa and danced with that Latin flare. The Middies went Greek and wore togas. The Inters got married and all the brides and grooms walked down the isle together. Our Collegiates broke out of jail as they rocked the night away. Our Senior Citizens hobbled onto the stage with canes and grey hair strutting their stuff. The Supers were Superstitious in their dazzling performance of Disturbia. Our GC’s went GaGa tonight in a truly entertaining performance that embodied the essence of Lady GaGa. And finally, the CIT’s drifted into our hearts as The Pirates of the Caribbean.

There could only be one winner for Lower camp and the honor this evening went to our Inters. Congratulations to our happily married division. Upper camp was a tough decision but tonight’s honors went to our Pirated Princess CIT’s. The CIT’s ended the night by blowing out their candles and bidding their last summer adieu. Very heartfelt and emotional and goosebumps were on everyone in the house. Girls Sing 2010 will be a hard act to follow. Oh what a great night at CAW.

Chenny out.

We had a late wake up today and the Supers, GC’s and CIT’s were grateful to have the extra sleep after getting back late from their Big Trip. The rest of camp was also appreciative to have a sleep in morning. Our camp pace is steady and fast and having a relaxing morning is a nice treat. Then it was off to activities and a full day of play. Camp was full of girls side practicing for Girls Sing. All the divisions were practicing their dances and songs for Saturday night’s big show. A tremendous amount of creativity, practice and dedication goes into Girls Sing and the whole camp gets in the spirit of this CAW camp tradition.  We can’t wait for the show and watching all the girls practice, this is going to be a night to remember from the Juniors all the way up to the CIT’s.

Tonight’s evening activity was a show stopper. It was our GC  girls vs. our CIT’s playing in a rough and tumble game of Powder Puff football. The boys in each division were the cheerleaders and they got the crowd on their feet. It was a good game but the GC’s were no match for our CIT girls who won the competition. Our talented dance team entertained us at halftime with their fabulous moves. It was a great night of football and we all had a fantastic time outside under the lights. Summer nights like these will stay in our minds forever if either you played in the game or watched on the sidelines.  Making memories and friendships that last a lifetime is what we do here at Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out.