With only 9 days left you think we would be winding down, but we don’t think so. Not a chance. As long as we are here, we are going strong and making every moment count. It feels like we’ve been here forever and just got here at the same time. Crazy how that works but we haven’t a moment to waste. There is more to do and we are getting on it with it. Camp is full of smiling happy kids and for 9 days this is what it will be. You can bank on it!!!!

It was a a great day for Chenny sports today. Here’s the days scores:

Middy Girls Soccer Tournament @ Westmont – CAW Places 1st!!!

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 7 vs. Lohikan 0 – CAW Wins Championship!!!

GC/CIT Girls Tennis – CAW 0 @ Bryn Mawr 5

Middy Boys Soccer – Westmont Soccer Invitational – CAW Places 1st!!!

Inter Boys Basketball –  CAW 46 vs. Tioga 22

Senior Boys Soccer (Gold) – CAW 2 @ Tioga 11

GC/CIT Boys Baseball – CAW 15 @ Starlight 11

When I say that our Chenny Circus Show was the best evening activity yet, I am not exaggerating. Each year it gets better and that is hard to do.  The production, the storyline, music and costumes were phenomenal but to see our kid’s flying high was breathtaking. Tonight’s theme was Under The Sea and each act connected to the next as they shared the story of creatures under the sea. Our campers were the stars of the show and to see how they performed was just stunning. Campers come here with some skills in traditional sports or in the arts but to see what they learn here at Circus and be able to perform at such a high level is awe-inspiring. The cast of tonight’s show, just amazed, entertained us and took our breath away. We are so proud of them. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on them in pure amazement. Hats off to our talented Circus Staff Rodrigo, Annie, Arturo, Elisa and Michael for their commitment and incredible ability in teaching our kids how to fly. You can’t miss the video as you will see a show like no other.

There was lots of chatter of possible fake outs and when each camper thinks the breakout will come. As the campers were prepared and convinced a fake out was to happen tonight as they kept searching for one, they will have to continue their wait. The anticipation is getting to them. There is one thing that our campers can expect.. is the unexpected!!!!! Looks like a Color War may be right around the corner.

Chenny Out

Our last trip day has come and gone and it is bitter sweet as we all know what that means. Summer is winding down. It is crazy to think our summer is almost over but of our trips today were just awesome. We kept our Freshmen back at camp so they ran show here and loved it. It was a day full of chocolate making, playing games at the Zone and we even brought in a Zoo mobile with the coolest animals . There was a snake, an armadillo and a skink and so many other cool animals that the kids had never seen up close. We sent them on a alphabet hunt followed by a movie in the Chen-A-Plex. It was an early night for our littlest campers and with what is coming up around the corner, they needed the extra sleep. What a great day our Freshies had.

Our Juniors and Middies had a blast of a day at Camel Beach. The weather was warm so a day spent at a water park was just perfect. The park was empty so getting on rides was as easy as 1,2,3. They swirled around the giant Toilet Bowl and raced down the Triple Venom and relaxed as they floated around the Blue Nile Lazy River. It was such a great day for our Cherokee campers.

Our Inters and Collegiates spent their morning at the State park lounging and relaxing at the beach. They caught some rays, tossed the frisbee around with friends and cooled off in the gorgeous lake. It was an absolutely perfect summer day then it was off to the movies to see this summer latest blockbusters. What could be better than a day at the lake followed by a night at the movies, all with our friends that makes time just fly by.

The Seniors, Supers and  GC’s spent their day at Dorney Park. They had an absolute great day too as they rolled of the buses with giant stuffed animals they won at the park. Can you think of anything that is more fun than to spend a day at an amusement park with all your friends when you are a 13,14 or 15 years old. Not a care in the world, just riding a roller coaster or playing an arcade game. Doesn’t get better than that.

Our CIT’s came home from their incredible adventure to Lake George. This was the first time we sent a group on this trip and they couldn’t tell us fast enough how amazing this trip was. The trip was full of adventure as they white water rafted, climbed incredible adventure courses and zip lined through the dense forest. It was another once in a  lifetime trip taken by this incredible group of kids who just had their very last trip as campers her at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. There were lots of emotions as they rolled off the buses. Most was excitement and exhilaration as they are ending their camper career here in the highest high!!!

It’s not quite over yet with our incredible circus show tomorrow and a few other fun things we have up our sleeves. It is so great to have everyone back home safe and sound back in their bunks as we head into the last and final stage of summer 2015.  Just when you think it cant better, it does!!!

Chenny out

It is crazy to think that in just 12 days your children will be back home with you. It feels like we have been here forever and living in this Chen-A-Wanda bubble is nearing the last phase for summer 2015. With only such short time to go, we are gearing up for some insane days ahead. 12 days is still an eternity here with Color War, the Circus show, Chenny Globes, Late Night With Leahy and of course Banquet, we have some serious great times ahead of us. So the game plan is to live it up, laugh a lot and spend as much time with our friends we call our summer family. Boy is life great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

And now from our Chen-A-Wanda sports desk:

Inter Girls Soccer Championship Match – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Collegiate Girls Softball – CAW 11 vs. B’nai Brith 1

Middy Boys Soccer (Gold) – CAW 3 vs. Tioga 4

Inter Boys Tennis (Gold) – CAW 2 vs. Tioga 3

Collegiate Boys Tennis  (Gold) – CAW 2 vs. Tioga 3

Collegiate Boys Soccer Championship Match – CAW 7 vs. Equinunk 1 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Seniors Boys Baseball Championship Match – CAW 2 vs. Equinunk 3

Tonight’s evening activity was our summer production of High School Musical. Our campers took center stage and sang, acted and danced. The packed house was singing along with every song. We clapped and cheered along  with this awesome cast who had so many memorable moments tonights. Whenever our campers are on stage, everyone gets behind them. It is what makes this camp a family.We knew how much time, effort and dedication our actors put into this production and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who performed tonight. Bravo to the cast and we thank you for putting on quite a fun show tonight.

Chenny out.

When I try and capture what I will write about in my daily blog, I typically observe our campers and am able to describe to you at home what has happened here at camp that day but today I was compelled to play so I jumped in. There was a group of Collegiate girls sitting playing cards and I just had to join. They taught me a few ard games I have never heard of. These 4 girls and I had the absolute best time playing card games for 45 minutes. There was not a care in the world for those 45 minutes. As they each explained the games to me, I kinda felt like a camper as we all sat indian style playing card games in front of Arts & Crafts. No distractions , no ringing phones or buzzing devices and I even turned off my walkie talkie for that 45 minutes. I haven’t sat and played cards laughing and giggling for a very long while and as my point of view is normally of our campers and the great benefits that occur for them being here, tonight I am speaking to you at home. Put those devices down, step away from your computers and learn a few new card games. I can’t tell you how amazing it felt to just and play. The world didn’t end and all was ok without my immediate attention for those 45 minutes. I was energized and silly for 45 minute. These kids may really be onto something. So I have made a commitment when life returns to normal as of August 15th, I will carve out 45 minutes to sit indian style with my girls, unplug and play some card games.

Sports Sports Sports…….

Freshman/Junior Girls Tennis – CAW 5 @ Tioga 0

Middy Girls Basketball – CAW 26 @ Starlight 6 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!

Collegiate Girls Basketball (Gold) – CAW 6 @ Tioga 24

Middy Boys Soccer Championship Match – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 3 (CAW Lost 5-4 on penalty kicks)

Inter Boys Baseball Championship Match – CAW 10 vs. Starlight 15

Collegiate Boys Baseball Championship Match – CAW 1 @ Starlight 2

Super Boys Soccer  – CAW 2 @ Trails End 4

It was time to honor our Camper of The Week. It is always a pleasure watching the faces of these outstanding campers receive their very well deserved awards!!!!

Freshmen      Alexa Klein                     Jake Chafetz

Juniors          Summer Housenbold    Brett Hafkin

Middies         Jessica Locker                 Tyler Jurist

Inters             Chloe Ross                       Brett Sachs

Collegiates   Alexa Plotkin                    Ben Peskin

Seniors         Maddy Grabow                 Jayson Stern

Supers          Olivia Hornik                   Drew Sandler

GC’s              Cami Oresky                    Ethan Greenfield

CIT’s are on their incredible trip to Lake George

Tonight was an incredible night as we had out Head Staff Lip Sync Battle. There were 5 that had advanced and were ready to put on a show tonight. The winner won an ice cream party for the division they represented. Basketball Director Troy Tonsil represented the Freshman, Assistant Head Counselor Kevin Breen represented the Juniors, Athletic Director Ashley Milks represented the Middies, Activities Coordinator Stephen Grossman represented the Collegiates and Head Counselor Paul Elmendorf represented the Seniors. Each performed 2 songs and the competition was fierce and so much fun. It was so close and literally came down to the last performance of the night as Troy Tonsil sealed the deal as Chenny Lip Sync Champion!!! The Freshmen went nuts with excitement and pride as their guy won the show, not to mention the ice cream party that is coming their way. Another amazing night spent at the best place in the world!!!

Chenny out

It is getting closer to the end and you can see everyone making sure every moment and activity count. Our campers are up and active and participating in ever single activity. With only 2 weeks left, you can feel the eagerness to make it all count. Life is just great here and these last 13 days matter to each one of us. There is no sitting on the sidelines, we are all in the game!!

Just a few games today:

Senior Boys Basketball – CAW 31 @ Tioga 15

Senior Boys Tennis – CAW  2 @ Equinunk 3

The night was all about Girls Sing and it was spectacular. The pride, the joy and the honor of this night was tremendous. Each division worked so hard and it showed. When boys side sat in awe for 2 hours, you know it was entertaining and awesome. The support boys side gives girls side is just breathtaking. From our adorable freshmen through our crazy talented CIT’s, they all brought the house down. I could never bring justice to describing the bonds these girls have with one another but watching them up on stage perform together allows us all to witness it for ourselves.  They have all created a sisterhood that will follow them throughout their lives. The decision to pick winners was beyond difficult, after an agonizing discussion from our boy Group leaders Junior’s won for lower camp and Supers won for upper camp. Congratulation to both divisions who just did amazing tonight. From the alma maters to the dances and from the costumes to the choreography, tonight was insane. Girl’s side rocked it.

Though the CIT’s didn’t win tonight, they pulled on every heartstring in Shields Hall. They brought us all to tears with their emotional performance and ended the show with such grace and dignity. Tonight was their last Girls Sing and they opened their hearts and souls to us. You could have heard a pin drop during their performance. As they finished their performance they sat side by side singing their last song, you could actually feel the bonds they have built with each other  and their love for one another took center stage. Their careers as camper is now coming to an end and we can say with certainty that watching this group for years was like seeing a flower bloom. From the smallest seeds to the most beautiful bouquet, this group blossomed. These 21 girls, each so different from each other but all found common ground and built this community of friendship between them. It is exactly how you want your camp journey to go. These young women are incredible people who we are so proud of. Our hearts grew bigger tonight as we bear witness to something magical happening in front of our eyes. You saw the faces of every camper who sat in awe of our CIT girls tonight and wanted to be them, to have what they have. Camp Chen-A-Wanda is a better place with their presence and it is not goodbye, it will never be goodbye. Their journey will take a shift but Chenny is forever in their hearts and they have left an indelible mark that will never be forgotten. We say to this amazing group of young women, thank you for making a difference here.

Chenny out

It was brunch day and we all loved the extra sleep. The pace of camp is fast and furious so when we get to sleep in we all love it and today was that day. We rolled out of bed at 10am and headed into the Lodge for a very delicious brunch. Then it was off to activities and a full day of crazy Chenny fun. The campus was buzzing between The Voice Finals tonight and Girls Sing tomorrow night. There is so much going here and  everyone is involved. You just gotta love camp and you gotta really love Chenny. This place where your children spend their summers is full of so many things happening you can go form one incredible activity to the next in the matter of moments. It is truly one incredible place we all call home and with only 2 more weeks to go, we are getting it all in and enjoying every single minute. Life is just great here and we have 14 more days to live it up at Chenny and that is what we plan on doing.

Now onto our sports scores of the day:

Middy Girls Basketball (Gold)  CAW 10 vs. Tioga 24

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 49 vs. Nesher 9 CAW WINS CHAMPIOSHIP!!

GC/CIT Girls LAX – CAW 8 @ Starlight 13

Middy Boys Baseball  – CAW 9 @ Wayne 1

Collegiate Boys Basketball – CAW 56 @ Tioga 33

Senior Boys Soccer – CAW 0 @ Starlight 8

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Milford NJ 0 – CAW is going to the Finals!!

It was time to honor and recognize our Kind Campers. This is really catching on with over 300 nominations. I see camper standing around the  nomination box in droves and kindness is catching in at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. There isn’t a day when a camper or 5 tell me the kind things they saw other campers do that day. As a Director it fills my heart with joy to see our camp family embrace this project and as a mom, it makes my heart melt to see our kids love to do kind things for others. It has caught on and we are all riding the Kindness wave!!!! Congratulations to this weeks Kindest Campers: Skylar Fensterstock, Kaley Morabito, Casey Kaplan, Sydney Aranoff, Zach Parker, Brooke Kanganis, Alex Cohen, Corrine Packel, Sam Metzger, Elaina Hamuy, Sylvie Slotkin, Tyler Wolff, Lexi Heifler, Hunter Galan, Reid Feldman, Max Gutman, Jaclyn Marpet, Ben Kimmelman, Merri Grill, Rachel Garfield. Their faces say it all when their name is called and inn front of the entire camp and they get awarded a Kind Camper T-shirt that was all nominated by their peers. It is awesome to see and bear witness to watching kindness spread at our camp. Kindness matters here and our campers are leading the way!

We have so many talented campers here and they put on a show tonight. It was The Chenny Voice and boy do we have some incredible voices. All 13 of our finalists took the stage and sang their heart out. They were fearless and phenomenal. They  engaged us and entertained us. They were just brilliant and tonight was all about our Voices. After all the finalists sang, the vote was in our campers hands and tonights winners went to duet singers Dasiy Chaskin and Jordan Leeds. We are so proud of every one of them that took that stage and gave us their hearts tonight as they sang with confidence and poise. What a night we all had. It was just another perfect Chenny night!!!

Chenny Out

Watching our kids thrive as they play sports here at Chenny can warm your heart and make you believe again in the power and purpose of sport. Sports allows our children to belong to a team, it provides working with others for a common goal, it allows our kids to have an outlet physically and enhances their lives when used in it’s proper  intention. I think we have all witnessed sports being a great stress for our kids at home at times and when you see them play here you are reminded why playing for the pure love of it is so powerful. I watched our kids play today and I saw them soar. I watched their faces when they hit that shot and I also saw them cope when the ball just wouldn’t go in. There were no angry coaches, there was no disappointment. There was no yelling or screaming. They learned that it’s really ok if they just couldn’t  score this time and they showed such incredible sportsmanship, it would make you proud. Our Inter girls were playing in basketball finals vs. Lavi and we were down 14 – 0 after the first quarter. We couldn’t get anything to drop. Regardless of the score, they were encouraged, they were supported and they were coached and it may be a total coincidence that with this approach our kids won the game. Or maybe there was no coincidence at all. We believed in them and they believed in themselves. You heard our basketball specialist tell them how good they are and to believe that they can comeback and win this game and that is what these girls did. No intimidation, no threats, no disappointing looks from the bench and they came back with such spirit, it was awesome to see. But the real beauty was after the game as they wanted to cheer, jump and celebrate their victory they immediately composed themselves, got in a line, shook the hand of their opponents and thanked each one of them for a great game ending with “have a great rest of your summer.” I was blown away with their graciousness and sportsmanship. As the opposing team headed out, I overheard their coaches talking about what nice kids we have and how impressed they were with the level of sportsmanship they showed. Our girls won that game but the benefits of what will be lasting inside of each one of them, goes way beyond the final score.

Inter Girls Basketball – CAW 28 vs. Lavi 22 – CHENNY WINS WAYNE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Collegiate Girls Soccer  Finals  – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 6

GC/CIT Tennis – CAW4 @ Weequahic 1

Inter Boys Basketball (Red) – CAW 34 @ Westmont 11

Inter Boys Basketball (Gold) – CAW 26 @ Westmont 19

Collegiate Boys Basketball (Red) – CAW 61 vs. Westmont 32

Collegiate Boys Basketball (Gold) – CAW 35 vs. Westmont 17

Tonight was our annual Powder Puff Game – GC’s vs. CIT’s. They had such a great time as the girls played flag football and the boys were cheerleaders and kept the crowd going. The campers watched an intense and exciting game of football. In true Chenny form, the music was bumping, the free giveaways were in full force and the spirit was on high. It was Friday Night Lights on a Thursday. The girls and boys put on a show but the GC’s have serious bragging rights as they pulled out a win with a 21 – 7 victory. All in great fun. These groups showed heart and serious camp spirit.

We have a full house again as the Supers arrived back home tonight from their incredible trip to Virginia Beach and Washington D.C. They rolled off the buses with the hugest smiles telling us that this was the BEST TRIP EVER. Nothing made us more happy than knowing this group of incredible campers had a journey they loved and appreciated. What an incredible day we all had.

Chenny out

The Wanderers are back from their trip of a lifetime out West and as they rolled off the bus with suitcases in tow heading to their bunk, there was a group of Inter campers watching them in awe. I was watching this scene unfold as one camper said to her friend, “That will be us one day coming back from California, and I can’t wait.”  Most of them started as Juniors and have literally grown up in front of our eyes and this was their turn to leave this bubble for a trip with the summer family they created. Trips to Camel Beach and Dorney Park were now the Santa Monica Pier and the Grand Canyon. It’s hard to believe it was their turn at this incredible trip but as time keeps moving forward so quickly,  it is a joy we can’t quite explain seeing them in every stage grow into mature and capable Graduating Campers. So here is to our GC’s for being together for years and creating a bond that will never be broken. As for those Inter campers watching so intensely at the cool GC campers getting off the bus this morning, we say, In a blink of an eye that will be you.

And now a few scores from our Sports Center:

Inter Girls Soccer (Gold) – CAW 3 @ Tioga 1

Lower Camp Dance Competition @ Tyler Hill – CAW Places 1st

Freshmen/Junior Boys Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

Freshmen/Junior Boys Tennis (Gold) – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

Middy Boys Basketball – CAW 24 vs. Starlight 32

Middy Boys Soccer Tournament @ Camp Wayne – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 0 / CAW 7 vs. Westmont 0/ CAW 5 vs. Wayne 1

Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 0 @ Lavi 2

The buzz on camp was all about Halloween and the campers couldn’t wait  to get into their costumes and partake in our annual Chenny costume contest. There were football players and Elvis’s, lots of minions and babies, a few witches and ghosts and so many more awesome costumes.   It was just a perfect evening of dressing up and having fun. The Seniors spooked everyone with their Haunted House and ghostliness. It was creepily cool and the campers loved it. The went in with screams and out with gasps. Nothing could be more fun than Halloween in July!!!!

After our contest it was Trick or Treat time. Each group went station-to-station collecting candy and having a ball. There was spooky music playing all throughout camp that added to the Halloween vibe. The mood was ghooly and everyone dressed up which made it so festive and fun. This camp has so much spirit you can actually feel it. As one camper looked inside his brown bag full of candy, he turned to his friend and said “Can camp get any better?”  And as I overheard him, I couldn’t help but reply, YES IT CAN!!!! Just you wait for what is coming next.

The days seem to be moving more quickly as we have only 16 days left in paradise. But these last weeks are by far the best.  We are not done yet, not even close!!!!

Chenny Out

When the big kids are away… the little kids will play. As the Collegiates were having a great time at Great Wolf Lodge, Seniors were enjoying their day in Hershey Park, Supers loved their time in Virginia Beach and our Wanderers spent their last day in Phoenix before they return to camp tomorrow afternoon. Our Freshmen through Inters had camp all to themselves and had an amazing day at camp. It was lower camp takeover and our youngest campers ruled the campus. Faces were painted and campers were fierce with spirit and camp pride. It was a hot one today so all the campers enjoyed water relay races, swim parties, the slip and slide,  water dodgeball tournaments and so much more. It was just a crazy fun day.

The big event of the day was Wiffle Cup 2015. Boys side was dressed in all black and girls side was everything neon. There were chants and cheers but it was all about the game. Boys side was feeling the pressure as they jumped to an early lead but girls side caught up and as they finished 6 innings, Boys side pulled out a ‘W” with a  48 -41 victory over girls side. The players for todays Cup was:

Girls side: Sophie Hornick, Sam Ehrenrich, Olivia Mallor, Sienna Fox, Jordana Reissman, Jillian Baskind, Chelsea Weisfelner, Emma Klarsfield, Jadyn Sardoff, Skler Jaffe, Dylan Berlent, Abby Leeds and Maya Grill.

Boys side: Troy Golden, Austin Levitz, Ethan Schwartzberg, Ari Hirshfield, Jordan Goldklang, Jake Schuster, Matt Traub, Turner Katz, Jake Erlich, Ben Shamus, Bradley Luts.

MVP for girls side – Jillian Baskind who had 2 HR and awesome defense. MVP for Boys Side was Turner Katz with a record breaking 5 HR’s and made the game saving defensive play to clinch the title for the boys.

After a full day of outside activities, we all needed a relaxing night so it was into Shields Hall for movie night as we loved watching Big Hero 6. It was a perfect ending to an awesome day for our lower camp kids.

Our Collegiates and Senior campers are back home after their awesome trips to Great Wolf Lodge and Hershey Park. It was a perfect summer day and all are sung back in their bunks as everyone is looking forward to late wake up tomorrow!!!!  The GC’s enjoyed their last day in Phoenix and are headed home and we can’t wait to hear all about their amazing trip they just took. Our CIT’s spent their day off seeing relaxing at a national park, a little shopping and ending their night at the movies.  It just doesn’t get better than this for our Chenny kids!! It was busy and fun trip day for our oldest campers who love the trips but nothings quite like coming back home… We are just waiting for our GC’s to arrive back in the morning, and for our Supers who are having a blast in Virginia to come back on Thursday and then this Chenny family will be complete again.

Chenny out

It was rise and shine for our Super kids as they got an early start to their day and off they went for the 4 day adventure to Virginia Beach. They were giddy with excitement as they boarded the buses bound for an incredible trip they had ahead of them. Then no too long after then it was our Seniors who were gathering in center camp for their overnight in Hershey Park. When you get to travel with your camp family is just plain awesomeness. From the bus ride to the attractions to sleeping in a hotel, it is just so much fun when you are with your campies. Overnight trips brings us closer as division and a camp family. It is inevitable that when the buses roll back into camp after a group has an overnight, they get off the bus all saying the same thing, “We had the best time…We laughed for hours…We had no idea he or she was so funny…That was the best trip.” We know this year will be no different and look forward to seeing the closer bonds each group will come back with.

Win or loose our Chenny kids love playing the sports they love to play.

Girls Gymnastic Tourney @ Bryn Mawr – CAW places 8th out of 13 competing teams

Freshmen/Junior Boys Basketball (Gold) – CAW 10 @ Tioga 32

Middy Boys Baseball (White) CAW 5 vs. Tioga 1

Collegiate Boys Baseball (Gold) – CAW 12 @ Westmont 13

It was Round Robin tonight for the Cherokee and Mohican kids at camp tonight with all of Navajo out of camp. The Freshmen/Junior and Inter Boys had a true Inter-camp night as they went to Camp Westmont for a Soccer tourney. Freshmen girls spent their night making chocolate in The Cookhouse while our Junior girls had a beach bonfire with s’mores, stories and songs. Middy boys enjoyed a night time pool party as the Middy girls were busy with Cake Wars in The Lodge. The Inter girls spent their night in the Chen-A-Plex in jammies and a great flick. The Collegiate boys played Cranium in Shields Hall as the Collegiate girls had a ball playing powder puff football under the lights.

Our GC’s are still West and their trip is winding down in Phoenix. It’s time for a little rest and relaxation for these campers have one more day on their trip of a lifetime. Looks like all the Chenny kids are loving’ life and having a summer they won’t soon forget.

Chenny out