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For the past seven weeks, I’ve written to you at home, hoping my words helped you feel just a little of the Chenny magic happening here every day. Tonight, my message was for everyone inside Shields Hall.

We are filled with gratitude—for every camper, every counselor, every staff member—who touched our lives and made this summer extraordinary. Each of us leaves better than we came, and we hope your children come home bursting to share all the incredible things they did, learned, and felt here.

In just a few short hours, you’ll have your babies back in your arms, and we cannot thank you enough for trusting us and our team to be part of their story. Summer 2025 has come to a close, but the spirit of camp doesn’t end here. Life will always be great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

To our Summer 2025 Chenny Family –

Every summer, we assemble a unique group of people—counselors, staff  and campers—who come together to share something truly special: a  summer at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Each Summer has its own personality, its own magic, but every single summer brings us the same deep joy—because we get a front-row seat to watch you live out your childhood in the most extraordinary way. It’s a privilege and an honor to watch you experience this place and embrace Chenny.

All year long, our team works to create a world for you—filled with caring people; activities that create growth and joy; trips that open your world; and moments that change your life. And then, each summer, we sit here on this very night, in awe of all the magic that unfolded. This summer was no exception—it was truly remarkable because you all were here.

To our veteran staff: You come back every summer because you know how this place makes you feel. You understand that the madness, the long days, and the joyful chaos all make sense here. It just makes sense. You are our steady hand, our “I’ve got this,” and our example of what it means to truly care. We thank you for your loyalty, your heart and your commitment to Chenny and we love how much this place matters to all of you.

To our first-year staff: YOU DID IT! You survived and thrived through the gauntlet of your first Chenny summer. We hope you discovered something new about yourself—that you can do hard things—being a camp counselor is the hardest job you will ever have as it truly requires every part of you to be fully present for 7 weeks. There is no other job that starts from the time you open your eyes to the time you close them for sleep and when you are needed in the middle of the night, you were still and available to care for your kids. In the not so distant future, when you are back at school or home or at work, your campers will pop into your head, and you’ll smile. You’ll remember that freshman girl who fell asleep on your lap at evening activity or that middy boy you comforted through homesickness or that senior girl camper who cried to you over her first heartbreak, or the GC camper who made you laugh so hard until you cried. These kids are now a part of your heart—and long after the hard parts fade, these moments will they stay with you forever.

To the heartbeat of this place—our campers: You make Chenny come alive. Watching you become the best versions of yourselves here is a joy like no other. From the freshman to the middies, your hugs and giggles filled camp with happiness. Our youngest campers brought the joy this summer and we loved watching you embrace Chenny. To our Inters, Collegiates, Seniors, and Supers—middle school and high school is no walk in the park, but we hope this summer filled your hearts with enough happiness to carry you through those cold winter nights and the memories you made brings you joy. You were incredible this summer – And yes, thank you for all your Canteen help—you were fabulous!

To our GC’s—:  Dare I say My GC’s – This was my first time traveling with campers, and it was everything and more. The places we visited were amazing but seeing them through your eyes made them unforgettable. Watching you experience so many incredible moments was pure joy but watching you with one another as you have created a true brotherhood and sisterhood took my breath away. I couldn’t have picked a better group to experience the Grand Canyon with, or to kayak up the Colorado River alongside. That night under the stars was magic for me too. You are an absolutely incredible group of kids – Thank you for being the best travel partners—I had the time of my life.

To our CITs: It feels like yesterday you all just started your journey as freshman and juniors and today you finished your CIT summer. That went fast and finishing your camper journey here is an achievement to be so proud of. You finished what you started, and you’ve built bonds that will last throughout your lifetime—all rooted in shared summers, shared memories, and mutual respect. Life will lead you to new stages and new places, but this journey and this place will always be a part of you. It’s been an honor to watch you grow into the incredible young people you are today. You lead camp this summer with spirit and so much Chenny pride and watching you take care of your campers was awe-inspiring. You passed the torch onto your campers and we could not have been more proud of each and every one of you.

Tomorrow, Summer 2025 officially comes to an end. We hope you all had a ball, we hope you made lifelong friends, we hope you tried new things, and we hope you learned more about yourself and are proud of who you are. Be safe, be smart, be the river and how about we all meet back her in just 10 short months for another incredible summer.

You are the stars of tonight’s show so enjoy Memory Night, and every beautiful moment we shared and created together.

We adore you, Chenny. Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!

With love and gratitude,

Jon & Elissa

It’s getting real that camp is nearing the end as it was cleaning day. That is the day we organize and clean so packing day tomorrow is a breeze. We took down the pictures behind our beds that has made it so cozy and homey all summer long, We started writing our bus notes to friends we made this summer and we all know the end is just around the corner.

As the sun set over Fiddle Lake, camp came alive in its finest. Everyone was dressed to impress, taking pictures with friends and counselors against the breathtaking backdrop. The dock was lined with campers, arm in arm, smiling for group shots that will be looked at again and again—forever tied to the magic of this night. The air was filled with joy, the kind you can see on every face. Here at Chenny, this night and these moments stand still for a lifetime. After we took pictures on this glorious night, it was into the Lodge for a delicious steak dinner we all enjoyed so very much. But if our dinner wasnt perfect enough, it ended with Chocolate Chip babka that the kids went crazy for.

Then it was time for one of the night’s biggest highlights: our Counselor of the Year Awards. Tonight was about celebrating the extraordinary staff who pour their heart and soul into making this summer unforgettable.

Boys Side: Joe Brown, Scott Cowie, Liv Foster, Flora Fuller, Louis Howe, Jayden Walker, Rory Goodwin, Robbie Newman, Seamus Reel, Louis Rogerson, Amelie Tassel, Dylan Torres and Tighearman
Girls Side: Mill Cutler, Madeline Glover, Laura Fahy, Abbie Johnston, Cera Malone, Brooke Mann, Holly Maw, Tal Tucket, Tyleer Runyan, Ashley Schwartz

After the awards, it was all-out party time in Shields Hall. Music blasted, lights flashed, and the dance floor was packed until the very last song. Campers left with arms full of LED party sticks, light-up  headbands, T-shirts and glow rings —a perfect party sendoff.

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over, but tonight, we celebrated in true Chenny style—with laughter, music, and the joy of being together. One more day to go, and we’re making every moment count.

The most anticipated evening activity of the summer—Late Night with Leahy—took the stage tonight, and it was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. Beyond-belief funny, brilliantly produced, and completely entertaining, Brian Leahy once again delivered a show that had campers and staff laughing, cheering, and buzzing about it long after the lights went down. With hilarious videos, perfectly executed dances, TikToks, surprise giveaways, and even Beats headphones prizes, every moment was pure magic. It was the perfect way to cap off the day and the ultimate late-night talk show twist to close out the season. Ask your camper about it, and you’ll probably hear, “Best show ever!”

With just two days left of Summer ’25, our Chenny spirit is still flying high. The energy is electric—you can feel the joy, but also that quiet awareness that soon we’ll be heading home. Friends are making the most of every last minute, knowing that in just a few days they won’t be waking up side by side, sharing every meal, or spending all day together. The gratitude for this summer is everywhere. That’s what it’s all about—giving our campers experiences that shape them, bring joy, and leave a lasting impact.

In a newer Chenny tradition, today was also a celebration of Ice Cream in every form. Lower Camp enjoyed a full sundae bar for snack call, piling their bowls high and savoring every last bite. Upper Camp had to wait until late night for their Pint Night—but it was worth it. Every camper and staff member in Upper Camp enjoyed their own pint of Ben & Jerry’s, turning the evening into a sweet, laughter-filled late night party. Pint Night and Sundae Snack Call have now officially earned a spot in our summer’s end traditions, it’s too good not to repeat.

Now we head into our final two nights—tomorrow is Banquet—and we’ll close out Summer ’25 Chenny-style, with a memory night worthy of the unforgettable season we’ve shared. Its almost over.

Today was Carnival and it was an absolute incredible day filled with snow cones, pop corn, dunk tanks and wedding booths. It was sea of matching Chenny carnival shirts and another day filled with laughter, friends and memories in the making. But even in this dreamlike place, real life happens. We received a call from the Shulman family that they just experienced a huge loss, Mason and Emme’s Grandpa passed away last night and Dad was coming to come to tell them and bring them both home. Dad came to camp, sat with the kids and shared their families terrible news. The loss was significant, painful and confusing.  It just doesn’t make sense. Loss doesn’t make sense. Losing someone you so deeply love doesn’t make sense. Not being able to say goodbye doesn’t make sense and feeling the intense pain and sense of loss at camp doesn’t make sense. The kids had dad there to hold them as they grieved and they also had their camp family hold them up and cry with them. They held onto to their friends and counselors so tight you could literally feel the compassion and support. Every one of Mason and Emme’s  friends felt the loss along with them. They weren’t alone, not for a moment. None of us can avoid these painful moments in our lives but what we saw when every single one of the kids friends, counselors and all who love them here absorb the pain with them. They were not alone and as they drove away with dad to go home and grieve with family, their family here at camp grieves with them too.  Camp is way more the Color War, Arts and Crafts and Slip n Slides – its being held up by people you let in, creating a world where we cry together, hold onto to one another and stand together in the great times and when life hits hard.  Today, the entire Super division stood present alongside their friends Emme and Mason and we know they felt the love.

A huge congratulations to our GC/CIT boys who are the Wayne County Champions in Basketball as they defeated Camp Morasha with a 58-44 victory. Way to go boys!!

Our evening activity was all about our big end of year awards. These campers went above and beyond all summer long and deserve all the recognition for their outstanding character, positive mindset and are the campers everyone wants to be around and play with. Well done Chenny kids, We’re so proud of you.

After five days of fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and nonstop spirit, Gold Broadway has taken center stage as the winners of Color War! From the electric Defying Gravity breakout to the final Sing, both teams left it all on the fields, courts, and stage—heart, hustle, and pure Chenny pride. Watching your kids dig deep, push themselves, and play with everything they had was worth it all. Color War at Chenny is something you can’t quite explain, it’s a feeling, a magic that changes each of us in ways only those who’ve lived it can truly understand.

The battle was tight all week, with Red Circus fighting hard at every turn. Every game, every contest, and every performance mattered. But in the end, Gold Broadway shined the brightest, bringing their A-game to every event and sealing their victory in true Broadway style – big, bold, and definitely unforgettable. Tonight, our CITs delivered their heartfelt psych speeches before the silent meal, sharing how much Chenny has meant to them and how these summers have shaped who they are. They spoke directly to our youngest campers, urging them to soak in every moment, because it all goes by in the blink of an eye and to not waste a minute of this experience.

When the announcement came after a serious game of musical chairs, the cheers shook the hall, and the smiles on our campers’ faces said everything. This week wasn’t just about winning—it was about teamwork, resilience, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. But after just a few moments of Gold celebrating their win, it was everyone back together dancing together and embracing the moment inside Shields Hall.

Congratulations to Gold Broadway, and hats off to Red Circus for an incredible week of competition. Now, we come back together as one camp family to enjoy our final four days of summer 2025. Tomorrow is Carnival—and the fun is far from over! Life is great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!

Color War brings out every emotion and for one Middy camper, it brought out her intense competitiveness. She wanted to win so badly that when she felt her teammates weren’t giving it their all, she would head back to the bunk frustrated. Today, she came to me and asked, “How do I do it?” I smiled and asked, “Do what?” She replied, “Not be so competitive so my friends stay my friends.” She recognized that her need to win was starting to overshadow her friendships, and she wanted to change that. We sat together and talked about how she could still give her all in the games while keeping things friendly in the bunk. That’s one of the most powerful parts of camp, facing challenges, learning about ourselves, and working through them in a safe, supportive community. We came up with strategies she could try, and she promised to put them into practice. Tonight, after evening activity, she came to me beaming. “I did a lot of great work today,” she said. “When our team lost the relay race, I counted backwards to calm myself down. I reminded myself that my friends are more important than that race.” Her competitive spirit is still strong, but now she’s learning to channel it in ways that build friendships rather than strain them. That’s what camp is all about, real moments, real growth, and finding ways to bring people closer, not push them away. Here at Chenny, we’re not just playing games—we’re learning how to be our best selves.

Tonight was all about using our brains instead of our bodies—and the fun was huge. Quiz Night is a loved Color War tradition, and this year did not disappoint. Everyone played, everyone laughed, and what I learned is that we have some seriously smart campers and staff here at Chenny. From solving algorithm equations to tackling tricky geography questions to nailing pop culture trivia, our community proved just how much they know. We’ve got some sharp minds in Red and Gold! The night was filled with big laughs, clever answers, and plenty of “I had no idea!” moments that made the game as entertaining as it was competitive. Heading into Quiz Night, Red Circus had 2,561 points while Gold Broadway held 2,610, a razor-thin margin of just 49 points. In Color War, that’s nothing. Tomorrow, we head into the very last day of these amazing games, and soon a Color War Champion will be crowned. Will it be Red Circus or Gold Broadway? The stage is set—let’s finish strong!

It was a glorious morning, bright, clear, and absolutely perfect for another full day of Color War games and contests. Campers poured onto the fields with faces painted, hair sprayed in bold team colors, and Red and Gold gear proudly on display. The spirit here runs deep and everywhere you look, there’s pride, excitement, and a true sense of belonging. Color War is unlike anything else. You can try to explain it, but to truly live it is to feel the magic—the competition, the camaraderie, the joy. It’s what makes this week the absolute best of the summer.

Today, Boys Side took to the track for their meet while Girls Side dove into the pool for theirs. Both were filled with cheers, high-fives, and endless encouragement as campers pushed toward their finish lines. There was one moment, though, that took my breath away. In a Middy boys relay, the race was neck and neck until, the Gold runner stumbled and fell. Everyone watching saw it happen and  without a second’s hesitation, the Red runner stopped mid-race to help him up. In that instant, the race no longer mattered. What mattered was compassion, sportsmanship, and looking out for one another. It was a moment that captured the very essence of camp, full of heart, humanity, and the understanding that sometimes helping someone else stand up is the greatest victory of all.

Tonight brought one of camp’s most long-standing traditions—Rope Burning and Water Boiling. Counselors from both teams had spent days gathering wood, designing their fire structures, and strategizing for this big moment. With faces streaked in zinc to shield them from the heat, they were ready. The camp gathered around, eyes locked on the flames, as Gold Broadway’s fire caught first. The crowd roared only for Red Circus’s fire to ignite moments later. Soon, all four fires were blazing. Gold Broadway burned their rope first, quickly followed by Red Circus. Then the race shifted to the water boil—Gold Broadway’s pot boiled over first, but within minutes, Red Circus’s water boiled over too. It was the kind of back-and-forth, heart-pounding Rope Burn that made tonights event amazing. Going into dinner, Red Circus held a 21-point lead, but after tonight’s fiery showdown, it’s still anyone’s game. Color War is far from over, and tomorrow promises even more magic.

Until tomorrow, Chenny.

The weather could not have been more perfect—clear, crisp, and made for games and competition. From the moment the day began, campers were decked out head to toe in their Red and Gold, faces painted, spirits high, and ready for Day 2 of Color War. The schedule was packed: games, psych speeches, team meetings, and song practice. The competition was fierce yet friendly—spirited and full of heart. This is what Color War is all about. We play fair, we play hard, and above all, we support one another. You can see the desire to win written across our campers’ faces, but right alongside it is a deep respect for the game and for each other.

Tonight’s evening activity was Counselor Games, and watching our staff compete with such passion on the fields and courts reminded us that the Color War spirit lives in everyone here—not just the campers. The energy was incredible, and with only a 37-point difference between teams, every single match is making an impact. The splits are spot-on, the games are intense, and there isn’t a person on camp who isn’t giving it everything they’ve got.

All day long, everywhere you looked, there were moments that showed exactly why this tradition means so much. From the junior boys’ game-winning soccer goal to the freshman girls’ nail-biting tie-breaker in Steal the Bacon—every play, every win, every effort mattered. It’s a privilege to watch these kids rise to the occasion and do incredible things before our eyes.

Tomorrow brings Day 3, and we’ve still got so much ahead of us. Tonight, though? The kids are sleeping well—tired, proud, and ready to do it all again.

This morning at Camp Chen-A-Wanda will go down in history as one of the most epic Color War breakouts ever. Before the sun was even up, the excitement began—campers were woken by an unexpected and hilarious invasion of clowns. Sleepy eyes quickly turned to wide smiles as the kids poured out of their bunks and ran to Shields Hall Court, not quite sure what was in store. Waiting for them was a full-blown circus. Jugglers tossed balls into the air, stilt walkers towered above the crowd, unicyclists zipped around, and acrobats wowed us with their flips and tricks. At the center of it all was the charismatic Ring Master, who kept the energy pumping and the suspense building. The circus had truly come to Chenny.

The Ring Master soon directed everyone inside for “the main event.” The music was thumping, the lights were flashing, and the atmosphere was pure magic. Just when the crowd thought they’d seen it all, we unveiled a surprise guest—TikTok sensation Chloe Hechter—sending the excitement through the roof. Then, in a perfect twist, Glinda made her grand entrance. And just as the first notes of Defying Gravity filled the hall, our very own Brian Leahy appeared as Elphaba—green face, full costume, and all. With a little help from our circus crew, Brian soared across the stage, belting out the high notes to perfection. The crowd absolutely lost it. In that moment, the anticipation that had been building all summer exploded into pure joy—Color War had officially begun. The hall was electric, the kids were cheering at the top of their lungs, and the mash-up of circus spectacle and Broadway magic created a breakout we’ll never forget. For me, it was my favorite breakout ever—creative, thrilling, and filled with Chenny spirit. The wait was over, and the games had begun!

From there, it was straight into Tugs of War, and the energy only got bigger. The cheers were heard across camp as each side dug in, pulling with everything they had for that first big Color War win. Laughter, determination, and team spirit filled the air—it was classic Chenny at its best.

The excitement rolled right into the evening with Contest Night, where campers went head-to-head in a series of wild and wacky challenges. Relay races, balloon pops, hippity hops—you name it, we did it. The competition was fierce, the smiles were huge, and the laughter was nonstop. And to think—this was only day one. With just 8 days left in our summer, we are still giving it everything we’ve got, soaking in every moment, and having the absolute time of our lives. If today was any indication, this Color War is going to be epic!

This is the time of summer when it feels like Color War could break out at any moment and today, that energy was in the air. You could feel it everywhere. The kids were on edge all day, buzzing with anticipation, convinced today was the day. The conversations? All about Color War. The whispers? Full of theories. The excitement? Off the charts. There wasn’t a camper on camp who wasn’t talking about it, guessing and hoping. This shared anticipation, this collective countdown is one of the most powerful feelings at Chenny. It’s what ties us all together so tightly, uniting campers and staff in a way that only a Color War can. Chants echo around every corner, kids are pleading for clues, and the suspense of not knowing has become the theme of our day. The tension is rising—and it’s thrilling. The spirit is building. The energy is contagious. The break is coming… and when it does, it’s going to be epic. Chenny is ready. We are so ready for a Color War!!

Chenny Games Recap with 4 Championships:

Inter Boys Softball – CAW 11 @ Tyler Hill 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Collegiate Boys Soccer  – CAW 10  @ Island Lake 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Wayne 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Middy Girls vs. Ineter Girls Soccer (Intra Camp Tourney) – Middys win!!!

Inters & Below Girls LAX – Tyler Hill forfeit – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Tonight was Head Staff Lip Sync—and it was INSANELY AMAZING! I can’t urge you enough to watch the video when it goes live—it was pure entertainment from start to finish, and our campers were absolutely loving every minute of it. There’s truly nothing like Head Staff Lip Sync in the Hall. The energy is electric, the laughter is nonstop, and the pride we all feel watching our team take the stage is impossible to put into words. When someone from our camp family performs, it feels like we’re all up there with them—cheering, dancing, and soaking in every moment. That shared spirit is contagious. You can’t quite describe it, but you feel it deep down. From the talent to the choreography, the lip syncing to the costumes, every performance was packed with heart and soul. Our Head Staff put on a show that was unforgettable, and it was one of those camp nights that just sticks with you. As I sat there watching, I honestly couldn’t tell who was having more fun—the campers or the staff. And the truth is, it was definitely both. The best part? We still have 9 more days and nights to create and share moments just like this. Camp magic is real—and tonight, it was on full display.