It was a glorious morning and a perfect day for more color war games and contests. Everyone was feeling the spirit with their faces painted and their hair sprayed with their team colors. Spirit and team pride runs deep here and everyone feels the excitement. Today our middy girls painted a strip of the opposing teams color down their noses. They did it as an act of respect for their bunkmates and girls in their division that were on the opposite team. This is what it is all about. Friendship trumped competition and no matter what happens in these games, friends are what matters the most. It was a sweet gesture that spoke volumes.

Boy’s side had their track meet today and girls side battled in the pool with their swim meet. The kids had so much fun as they relayed to their finish lines getting cheers praise for their hard work and effort. To sit back and watch the encouragement we all give one another here is life changing. There was an Inter girl in the pool and she fell behind a race she was in.  With every stroke she took, her teammates chanted her name saying, “ You can do it, we believe in you.” That Inter girl got a surge of energy and won her race. As she jumped out of the pool and celebrated her win, she told her teammates that with every stroke she took, she heard them encouraging her and that alone gave her the will to push harder. It’s amazing what you can do when you have a whole team behind you.

It has been three full days of Color War battle and the score before this evening’s event was:

RED 80’s – 1,990 points

Gold 90’s -1,987 points

We have a serious war here with only a 3-point difference. Tonight was a great event as we all headed to see the long-standing camp tradition of Rope Burning and Water Boiling. Counselors for both teams have been collecting wood and preparing for tonight. Their faces are painted with zinc to protect them from the burning fire that they have created and the entire camp, watches with great anticipation as to which team while burn the rope and boil the water first. Tonight’s win went to GOLD 90’s as they burnt their rope in record time of 21 minutes and boiled their water first. Red 80’s followed by burning their rope moments later and followed by boiling their water. Not an easy fete but both teams completed their mission. It’s an awesome Color War event to be a part of and to witness knowing that so many campers before us has sat on that same field, watching ropes burn and water boil. We are all so proud to be part of this long-standing tradition.

Tomorrow is the Apache Relay and we just can’t wait!

Chenny out.

It was a day full of games in between the rain. There was newcomb and softball there was hockey, BBG and water volley. There was basketball, volleyball, soccer and wiffleball. It was a day of play, spirit and pride. You have to see it for yourselves to fully grasp just how much fun your kids are having.  They are in a war that demands all of their effort and commitment. When they win, they celebrate together and when they loose they pick each other up and move on to the next game.

When you walk around camp and see the camaraderie and teamwork you realize that we all are experiencing something pretty tremendous. We are in a bubble of support and kindness.  How we all treat one another after a win or a loss is just as important as the battle itself.  Unfortunately, this just doesn’t exist outside our gates and though both Red & Gold are vying to be the victors of this Color War, it is done with great respect and support for one another.  It’s brilliant to see and magical to be part of.

As we all worked our bodies to the bone with a day of physical challenges, the night was meant to test our brains. It was Quiz Night and it was awesome. Each group had trivia tests that covered everything from pop culture to sports to history and everything in between. Then we all headed into Shields Hall to watch the counselors in a serious battle of the brains contest. After 40 challenging questions, the race was close but Red 80’s squeaked out the win tonight.

After 2 full days of Color War battles the current score is:

RED 80’s – 1,502 points

Gold 90’s – 1,487 points

Still early on in this race and way too soon to call but Red & Gold are neck and neck with a mere 15 point difference. You can see how badly each team wants it. We have three full days of Color War fun to be had. It truly doesn’t get better than this. By far the best week of camp yet!

Chenny out.

We’ve received a number of request for the Color War roster. Going forward we will post this information when Olympics and Color War breakout.

Summer 2012 Color War Roster

There was excitement throughout camp as everyone was psyched to get the first day of color war underway. There was a sea of painted faces, Red & Gold pom poms, crazy wigs and lots of tutus. The spirit was running high and everyone was ready to go. It was off to the soccer field for some crazy tugs of war. The coolest part of tugs of war isn’t the win or loss; it’s the visible sign on each campers face as to how bad they want it. It is effort, it is dedication, it is hard work and it is being a part of something bigger than you.  It is the essence of teamwork.

It was a great day full of Color War battle playing softball, newcomb, flag football, BBG, basketball, soccer, baseball.  There is a lot on the line and every game matters. From our Freshman to our CIT’s, you play a part in every single point for your team. There is so much team spirit and support here. It’s all about sportsmanship, effort, heart and soul. What you put into these games, you get out tenfold.

It was Red vs. Gold for mass games tonight as all of girls side played a mass game of  BBG while boy’s side played mass softball. After mass games, it was Contest Night and it was fun. Lower camp raced inside Shields Hall as they had balloon races, tunnel crawls, potato sack races and dizzy bat races. While upper camp raced outside Shields Hall on the basketball court with their fun and outrageous races of hippity hop, flying turtles and volleyball hops. The music was bumpin and the campers were loving the spirit so much that after lower camp was finished with their races, it was a perfect time for an impromptu Hava Nagila. Red and Gold together were dancing the Hora, just because.

Both teams have proven how bad they want to win Color War and it’s only the first day. From intense psych speeches to all day chants and cheers, both Red & Gold are bringing everything they have to this Color War. This is looking to be one memorable Color War!

Even though we have just began Color War, camp is coming to an end and we are only one week away from our last day here. All scheduled calls are over for this summer. We have only 7 more glorious days in our summer home and we plan to make every moment count. We battle on tomorrow!

Chenny out

WOW! What a day. Before we jump into the details of this glorious Color war break. Which was AWESOME by the way. We are proud to announce the Campers of the Week. They have shined, gone above and beyond and stood out as tremendous campers this week. Way to go!

Girls Side

Bunk A – Sydney Rosenberg

Bunk B – Jamie Liebman

Bunk C – Gracie Murphy

Bunk D – Emily Burke

Bunk E – Alexa Plotkin

Bunk F – Lauren Becker

Bunk G – Avery Paulen & Jackie Albert

Bunk H – Rian Marcus

Bunk I – Ally Heller & Emily Sobel

Bunk J – Daisy Chaskin

Bunk K – Kate Reneri

Bunk L – Hannah Pollack & Jayden Bier

Bunk M – Michaela Beck

Bunk N – Carly Belasco

Bunk O – Sydney Schecter

Bunk P – Gillian Stapler

Bunk Q – Hannah Grisack

Bunk R – Carly Arfman

Bunk S – Sam Pollack

CIT’s – Taylor Rosenblatt

 

Boys Side

Bunk A – Jared Cohen

Bunk B – Daniel Greenfield & Parker Moritz

Bunk C – AJ Grisack & Parker Schnell

Bunk D – Ben Breslow

Bunk E – Sam Schamis

Bunk F – Tyler Streim

Bunk G – Ross Ostrager

Bunk H – Josh Shiffman

Bunk I – Jordan Rosenberg

Bunk J – Mason Sklar

Bunk K – Bennett Goldstein

Bunk L – Mack Schnell

Bunk M – Tyler Schwartz

Bunk N –Matt Burack

Bunk O – Andrew Santoro

Bunk P – Jeremy Gaines

Bunk Q – David Tell & Jason Teich

Bunk R – Jack Siegel

CIT’s – Brett Croen

Before the big festivities, we were able to get some games and matches in today.

Boys 5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 3 vs. Equinunk 2 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Boys 6^th Grade LAX – Tioga 7 vs. CAW 4 (friendly game)

Girls  6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 10 vs. Island Lake 6 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – Wayne 39 vs. CAW 34

Girls 7^th Grade Soccer – Indian Head 3 vs. CAW 1

Boys 8^th Grade Tennis – Wayne 5 vs. CAW 0

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Basketball – Tyler Hill 76 vs. CAW 64

Girls 10^th /11^th Grade Tennis – Westmont 7 vs. CAW 4

Back to the business of Color War. There was great anticipation all day with so many questions if we were breaking today. We had a fun Fake Out during lunch as we showed a video on the big screen. It got everyone excited again as to when the big break will happen.  There was so much energy all day, you could feel it. It was tangible and with each passing hour, it grew more intense.

It was an all-camp movie and as each camper entered Shields Hall, they were sure it was breaking tonight. We went old school and showed Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back but this showing was a bit off from the original. The first 5 minutes, campers were chanting Color War War but then soon came to realize that this actually might just be a movie night. And with each passing minute, they became more vested in the story of Star Wars, Princess Leah, Luke, and Hans Solo. Their wishes for Color War faded. Then just as Darth Vader made his appearance o the big screen, something seemed off. Darth Vader spoke how the Juniors do not yet have the Force and how there is a war, a Color War about to be had. Unlike the original movie, Darth Vader took off his mask and it was none other than Gary Shields and he told them all to head to the Lodge and that the Force would be with them. They screamed with excitement. It was here. Color War was finally here.

All of the campers ran to the Lodge and realized that there were two Bands at opposite ends of the room. It was a Battle of The Bands and it was about to get crazy in the Lodge. The bands alternated as they performed songs from the 80’s and the 90’s. With each song, our head and professional staff ran out dressed as MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, Britany Spear, Beavis and Butthead, Axl Rose and Boy George. It was a flashback to two fun eras full of neon and teased rocker glam hair.  The entire camp sang along and danced to each performance and we all ended the concert with Don’t Stop Believing! You have to be in a room where every single person is singing at the top of their lungs, Don’t Stop Believing. It is inspiring, it is emotional, and it is all encompassing. IT IS COLOR WAR!!!!!

Let the Battle Begin!

Chenny Out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was day that will go down in the books as one of summer 2012 best days. The sky was blue, the weather was ideal, and the mood was just perfect. Happy campers all around, it was carnival Day at Chenny.

The morning was full of championships Battles. Another fantastic day of sports here at Chenny.

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Soccer Championship Game – Equinunk 2 vs. CAW 1 – overtime

Boys 5^th Grade Basketball Championship Game – Lavi 24 vs, CAW 20

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball Championship Game – Starlight 5 vs. CAW 3

Girls 7^th Grade Softball Championship Game – CAW 10 vs. Poyntelle 0

They all played hard and for the pure love of the game. The way it is supposed to be. It has been an amazing summer of great sportsmanship, unreal effort and tremendous teamwork.  We couldn’t be more proud of what we have seen on our fields and courts. These are kids just playing to play. Not because they have to but because they want to. There is no stress, there is just play!

The afternoon was all about Carnival. All our campers had a blast as they raced in the giant inflatable obstacle course or slipped down the water slide. Some dared to get on the Twister but everyone loved the sno-cones, popcorn and cotton candy. There was the ever famous dunk tank and oh so popular giant gloves boxing ring. It was a perfect afternoon at our very own carnival. Our CIT’s had their own wedding booth and performed 100’s of unions. Everyone who got married received an official license and beautiful pipe cleaner ring.  There was music playing and campers couldn’t contain their happiness. It was just a perfect afternoon playing with our friends. Doesn’t get much better than that!

We gathered the entire camp today on the basketball court outside of the Rec Hall after evening line up for a very special ceremony. Everyone assumed this was a Color War Fake out but something much more profound was about to occur. Celebrating his 25^th summer at Chen-A-Wanda, we honored our Director, Gary Shields and renamed our Rec Hall to SHIELDS HALL. His commitment, dedication and loyalty to this camp will now be forever celebrated with a hall named after a terrific man who has put his heart and soul into CAW for the past 25 years. This sign shines bright and we are proud to display it. The campers and staff celebrated with him and were excited to be a part of this moment in CAW history.

When I say that our Chenny Circus Show was the best evening activity yet, I am not exaggerating. The production, the storyline, music and costumes were phenomenal but to see our kid’s fly was breathtaking. 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. Your kids amaze us. 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, Lucas, Carey, Denise and Marylou for their commitment to teaching our kids to fly. They sure did soar tonight and they will take that feeling of pure freedom with them wherever they go.

As we all were being dismissed by Gary Shields, you heard Native American chants and deep banging on drums. Just over the Little League field wall came Indians who were dancing a traditional dance. Their faces painted Red & Gold… Could this be a Color War? At that moment, a group of Cowboys wrangled up to fight the Indians and it was WAR! There were two small children (Elana Kessler and Sam Rouder) that needed to be sacrificed for this War and were brought to the center of this battle. As our Indian Chief and Cowboy battled, they asked the children to say something before the sacrifice and they both responded with a giant FAKE OUT!!! The campers loved it and laughed all they way back to their bunks. Color War is getting closer and we all feel it!!!!!

Chenny out

 

The sun was shining down on camp today and the campers were out and took advantage of this perfect camp day. It was Boys Lip Sync tonight so all over camp, you could see each division practicing for the big show. They were getting the steps the right, the moves down and of course having a blast doing it. The counselors led the way and opened that door for the kids to just dance. This is what happens here, you loose your inhibitions, you are never too cool to let loose and dancing in front of the entire camp is what we do.

A lot happened today in the wide world of Chenny Sports. It was a day full of fun and great competition. Some wins and losses but in every battle, we played with heart and learned along the way.

Boys & Girls 4^th/5^th/6^th/7^th Grade Archery Tourney @ Wayne – CAW loses but had a great day

Boys 3^rd & 4^th Grade Soccer – Starlight 2 vs. CAW 0

Boys 5^th Grade Soccer Friendly Match – CAW 10 vs. Tioga 0

Girls 5^th Grade Tennis – Bryn Mawr 3 vs. CAW 2

Boys 7^th Grade Softball – Equinunk 8 vs. CAW 3

Girls 7^th Grade Softball – CAW 20 vs. Starlight 5

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 4 – CAW WINS WAYNE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Boys 9^th Grade Soccer – Chestnut Lake 11 vs. CAW 0

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Basketball – CAW 39 vs. Indian Head 23

We even had an in house soccer match with our Girls Collegiates vs. Seniors. The Collegiates prevailed as the winners today and all the campers loved getting an intra camp game going. They just want play.

Tonight was all about Boys side and they delivered in a big way. This is what is so special about our camp. From our cutest Freshman to the coolest CIT’s, they all got up on that stage and danced. You can only assume at home, some of these same kids would never even think of performing on stage but here with their buddies by their side, they danced. They all let loose and entertained a packed house. This is where you have licencse to let loose, to be free without any hesitation and to enjoy yourself without feeling judged. That what makes this place so special.

There could be only be one winner for lower camp and one for upper. Though each division was spectacular in their own right and brought the magic, tonight’s lower camp winner was Junior Boys! They wowed us with their interpretation of a day in the life of a Junior Boy. Upper Camp had so many fantastic performances but tonight went to our CIT’s as they just brought the goods. They were funny, heartfelt and their dance embodied what Boys Lip Sync is all about. Bravo Boys Camp!! You did us all proud.

Chenny out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was trip today and everyone had a great time as they ventured out of camp for the last time this summer.

Our Freshmen and Juniors had the best day at Camel Beach. They went from ride to ride each one more exciting than the next. It was day of Dune Runners, Triple Venoms and the Giant Sand Storms. They went down the lazy river and just had a ball in the wave pool. It was a perfect day and as the campers got off the bus you heard them all saying how this was the best trip and how they are excited to go back next summer and try the big slide. That’s when you know they’ve had a ball when they can actually see themselves challenged to do the next big ride as they grow.

The Middies and Inters spent their day at Dorney Park. They spent their day on roller coasters and more roller coasters. When they weren’t on rides, they were in the arcade winning giant stuffed animals. The weather was ideal and they wanted to stay longer. As they rolled into camp after their amazing day, they exited the busses, most of them half asleep but all muttering the same thing, “that was the best trip ever”.  What could be better than hanging at an amusement park with you camp friends. It’s a dream that you just don’t want to end.

It was off for a relaxing day at the State park for our Collegiates and Seniors. They enjoyed a fun day of rest, relaxation and hanging out with their friends at the park. They tossed the ball and played Frisbee, they played in the lake and just had an incredible day with each other. The day ended with a BBQ. There was lots of laughter and joy today for these divisions. A memorable sunny day spent with great friends. As they got off their busses and headed back to their bunks, all relaxed, they too were chatting how their day was amazing. Great day spent with great friends.

Our Supers and GC’s had phenomenal day tubing down the river. This is a new trip to CAW and they loved every minute of it. It was a beautiful day with an outstanding activity. Tubing with your buddies down a roaring river in between picturesque mountains. After this fun afternoon, it was to the bowling alley. This group loved their trip today. It was a day that memories were made and good times were had by all.

Yesterday morning our CIT’s woke up to a note on their breakfast table with clues to where they may be going on their CIT surprise trip. They had only an hour to pack some pretty random items and off they went to their surprise adventure. We took them on a wild goose chase until we arrived at our destination, Great Wolf Lodge. They spent the day at the indoor water park and had the best time. The evening was spent in the arcade and just being together. It was an overnight that this amazing group will cherish forever. What a special group of kids. They came back so grateful and happy that they got to spend the night at Great Wolf Lodge. As they are ending their camper years here at CAW, it was a perfect trip and a perfect way to say goodbye to their journey here. Even at 16 years old, the so appreciated the chance to play. At the core, that’s what these kids love to do, just play together, relate to one another, have fun! So glad we gave them the opportunity to have their last trip be so much fun.

Well, it’s official, the next time our campers are on a bus, they will be heading back home to you. Our trips, this summer have been successful and your campers have been a major part of their success. They have all been so well mannered and great listeners. We have had more bus drivers, park personnel, ball game attendants and movie theater managers compliment the behaviors of our kids. What a great feeling it is that when our kids leave our house, all dressed in their Chenny shirts, they make us proud, follow the rules and have the best time of their lives. It was an absolute pleasure bringing our kids out and about this summer. They were fabulous.

We have more camp to do and we plan on making these last 11 days the best yet. It’s not over yet so we will be getting busy with some more outrageous fun. Stay tuned with what is just around the corner. Does anyone sense something big coming? We do!!!!!

Chenny out.

 

 

 

Today, a Junior boy was walking down to the lake with a friend of his, they were arm in arm and I overheard them talking to one another. One said to the other, ”I am really glad we met this summer, it’s been the best summer I have ever had”, then, the friend replied with a simple but powerful response, “It feels like we are family. It’s my best summer too.”  There are thousands of those moments everyday here and I was privileged enough to be there at that one sweet moment.

Another camper, a Middy boy, got a bit emotional after a call home with his parents. I asked if everything was all right and then he so innocently shared with me how this has been the best summer ever. He asked if we would consider adding a few more days or weeks to camp this summer. That when he goes home, he has the stress of Fall Ball and playing baseball at home is way different than playing here.  It all made sense when he asked us if we could tell everyone at home how it could be. That sport can be fun without the stress of disappointing coaches, parents and teammates. He so poetically put it in his own words that he loved playing baseball here at camp because it was just fun to play and that at 10 years old, that’s what it should be. Another magical moment that reiterates how valuable this place is to us all and how necessary it is to our kids; to play without stress and just for the pure love of it.

Our 6^th Grade Girls Soccer team summed it up beautifully as they lost their championship game today vs. Blue Ridge. The game was close and they truly felt the win within their reach but as game ended with a final score of 3-2, the coaches gathered the kids and told them how proud they were of them. That within each one of them is a winner, a great sport, an exceptional athlete and a supportive teammate. They came back from the away game to be embraced by their camp friends who were waiting their arrival. In the same breath that they announced they had lost, they told their friends how they had a great time playing a great team. One camper said, “I’ve never had so much fun playing soccer”. There were no tears or put downs or devastation that occurred. Still in their uniforms and cleats, they swung on the swings and laughed together. That is what it is all about. No pressure, just play! Our kids deserve this and we are so happy to give it to them.

After a day of magical moments, we all were entertained by comedian/magician John Pizzi. He didn’t just make us laugh, he cracked us up. It was a fun night watching rabbits coming out of nowhere and watching our campers get elevated right in front of our eyes. Just an all around terrific night.

Chenny out.

 

 

Oh it felt good waking up and having just a regular day to look forward to. Our girls dance squad left early this morning and headed over to Camp Wayne for Girls for their Dance competition. Our dancers and cheerleaders had and absolute great time today and loved seeing their friends from other camps that were also competing. The girls danced beautifully and just had a great morning. They had rhythm and swagger and did us proud. Go Chenny Girls!

It was a tough loss today for our 8^th Grade Boys Soccer Team. They played Tioga in a Semi Final game with a final score of 2-1. The boys played their hearts out but this one just didn’t go their way today. It was a magnificent effort and the entire team showed great heart.

Our 7^th Grade Girls lost their championship tennis match to Starlight today with a final score of 4-1. We couldn’t have been more proud of these amazing girls. They played their hearts out with tremendous effort and amazing team pride. We are so proud of our kids. Way to go girls!

The afternoon was so beautiful and campers got to enjoy regular activities. It was amazing to experience a full regular day, back to normal! But the chatter was all about The First Annual Chenny Globes tonight.  We all got dressed up and walked down the red carpet into the Rec Hall.  It was real awards show full of nominees, winners, random candy give-aways and entertainment.  Nominees were announced for categories such as, Best Smile, Best Hair, Most Likely to become Famous, Mr. & Miss Congeniality, who would make the best counselor just to name a few. Nobody in the audience had any idea of who was nominated until each category was announced and the winner walked the red carpet to accept their star trophy. It was a real Hollywood awards show in the middle of Camp Chen-A-Wanda.  We even had our local paparazzi take loads of pictures of our superstars. Who needs TMZ when we have Borker, The Adams, Louise and Malcolm.

We all know that there are only 13 days left to summer 2012 and we are taking advantage of every second. Glad to be here and so glad to get 13 more days of this!

Chenny out!