The sun was out and the heat was high. It was the kind of day that you want to jump in the lake and pool.  Every area of camp was full of happy campers. From ATV’s to gaga and everything in between was full of campers who had smiles on their faces and a sense of appreciation to be outside all day long playing with their friends. We have been here for just over a week and everyone has settled into their routine. Waking up to bugles and heading into the Lodge for breakfast in our jammies is what we do and feels like we’ve been doing this together for a lot longer than 9 days. The day was as close to perfect as perfect can get. When we see our campers engaged, happy, connected and at ease, there is nothing that fills a parents heart more than that. We hope that the pictures and videos tell the story of how it  truly feels from the inside. Your children are engaged, happy, connected, at ease and feeling free.

Lower Camp Boys Plaque Winner goes to Bunk M

Lower Camp Girls Plaque Winner goes to Bunk K

Lower Camp SONG goes to the ladies of Bunk O

Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Starlight 2

Freshman/Junior Boys Basketball – CAW 19 vs. Starlight 27

Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 8

Inter Boys Soccer  – CAW 3 vs. Lohikan 0

Inter Boys Softball – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 5

Middy Boys Basketball – CAW 31 vs. Starlight 39

Collegiate Boys Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 6

Senior/Super Boys Hockey CAw 7 vs. Wayne 3

There is that moment when a camper who is struggling with homesickness turns the corner and it’s truly a remarkable moment. Getting through those harder times signifies their resilience, allows for a level of confidence to build and a strength in adapting to new environments. Witnessing a camper overcome homesickness is a true testament to their strength and ability to navigate through tough moments. It is magic when it happens and today one of our campers who was having a rough start, ran to me at snack call and said, “I think it’s over and I think I did it”. Followed up with the biggest and most authentic smile. Then she walked away with 3 new friends she made this week. During this first week, she would seek me out and ask, “When will this feeling go away?” and “I just can’t do it and need to go home”. And now that same camper who doubted herself and was convinced she needed to go home, tried out for the dance team today and is not looking back. She was right, she did it and the only way to get through homesickness, is to go through it and when you come out on the other side it feels so sweet. We all knew she could do it and now she too knows she can do hard things. This lesson will live inside of her forever. No matter how hard it was, and it was hard for her, she did something that she thought she couldn’t. She walked into that dance team audition with a pep in her step, a smile on her face and with three new friends by her side. Life lessons that go way beyond summer camp.

Sports, Sports and More Sports.

Senior Girls Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Lohikan 2

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 38 vs. Wayne 12

GC/CIT Girls LAX – CAW 5 vs. Starlight 2 (game was played 7/4)

GC/CIT Girls Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 1

Senior/Super Boys LAX – CAW 11 vs. Lohikan 5

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Wayne 9

GC/CIT Boys Baseball- CAW 1 vs. Starlight 10

The talk throughout camp today as all about tonight’s evening activity, Chenny Jam. It was Girls side vs. Boys side and the competition was fierce. There was a lot on the line, as this intense staff basketball game would bring pride to either Boys side or Girls side. Boys side thought they had it in the bag after their Wiffle Cup win and their confidence was high. Girls side was dressed in pink and boys side wore all black. Team spirit was contagious and the energy was just insanity. This game was more fun that any NBA game we’ve ever been at.  The game was close the whole way through with both sides bringing it tonight. There were several score changes but with an intense second half, GIRLS SIDE claimed victory tonight.   Actually, everyone won because the fun was off the charts to make this night, a camp favorite. The fun we have at Chenny has to be illegal. When a staff basketball game makes your kids feel like they are part of the action and integral to what is happening on the court, WE ARE WINING!!

After a full week of camp, LIFE IS GREAT at Chenny.

July 4th at Camp Chen-A-Wanda is a highlight of our summer, a tradition that embodies the magic of camp life. It’s a night when we come together to experience  the beauty of the night sky, creating memories that will last us all a lifetime. The anticipation is palpable as we wait for the first firework to burst into the sky.  The fireworks display is not just about the spectacle; it’s about this  shared experience, the anticipation, the beauty, the music, the singing and the energy of this night that makes it so incredibly special. As we all gathered under the stars, watching the fireworks light up the sky, we saw your kids look up with pure joy and true wonder. It’s these moments that define our time at Camp Chen-A-Wanda and create a tapestry of memories that we all cherish forever. We know that your kids will remember nights like this one forever.

And we know for many of our campers, this is their first experience watching fireworks in such a special setting and their faces said it all. There is noting quite like having a full house, all staring into the sky with pure wonder and so much joy every time the sky lit up. The oohs and ahhs from the crowd add to the magic, as every camper and staff member is entranced by the dazzling display. It’s a visual and emotional experience that left everyone in awe no matter if you are 7 or 57.

After the night was over and  the campers were headed back down the hill, a junior boy came over to me and said, ” This was the best night of camp so far.” I knew exactly what he meant. It was a night that will stand out as a remarkable night in Sumner 2024.

If you brought out a deck of cards and told your kids that’s what they’d be playing with for hours on end, day after day, would you ever think they’d go for it? Not in my house either. But here at camp, there’s something magical about a deck of cards that can entertain children all summer long. Three boys were sitting at a picnic table in center camp and they were teaching me a card game called Palace.  They were so excited to teach me, each proudly going over all the rules. They knew this game inside and out and eagerly shared their strategies. We sat playing this awesome game that engaged our minds and captured our attention for 30 minutes. When I asked if they played this at home, all three looked at me,  and said, “We never play card games at home, we only play here at camp”.  Time flew by, filled with laughs and tons of stories and  I was struck by the simplicity of it all. It wasn’t about the latest video games and we weren’t staring at a screen, it was just us and a deck of cards. When life is simplified, life is simple and for that 30 minutes we tuned out the world and tuned into our game of Palace.  When the kids come home, break out a deck of cards, and ask your kids to teach you Palace. You wont regret it.

Inter Girls Softball – CAW 4 vs. Starlight 0 (Miranda Siegel pitched a no hitter)

Inter Boys Baseball – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 8

Collegiate Boys Basketball – CAW 53 vs. Poyntelle 26

Senior Boys Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 4

Camp is where we shine, and tonight, we were as bright as the sun as our campers took the stage for the Camper Talent Show. With 31 acts performing, it was no small feat, but our Chenny audience was overwhelmingly supportive, cheering proudly and loudly for their talented friends. Imagine being 8 years old and singing solo as a packed house sings along with you. That initial shaky voice quickly grew stronger with each note. Looking out at an audience that’s rocking out, clapping, and singing along gives you a confidence that stays with you forever.

The day of  our Color Run began with an electric atmosphere. Campers sported  their white T-shirts, ready to be transformed into canvases of color. The starting line buzzes with excitement as kids of all ages gather, eager for the race to begin. Staff members, armed with packets of powdered paint, line the route, ready to douse the runners in a rainbow of hues. The vibe at camp was beyond perfect and everyone felt it. It was one of those days you just don’t want to end. The Chenny Color Run is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of togetherness. Campers encourage each other, share in the joy of the experience, and create lasting memories. The event brought  a sense of unity as everyone, regardless of age, participates and enjoys the moment. It’s a testament to the strong bonds formed at camp, as friends old and new run side by side, cheering each other on.

The Color Run is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the summer, an event that brings everyone together in a burst of color and joy. It’s a perfect example of what makes camp special—a place where fun and friendship flourish. Today was a great day and we are all feeling grateful that we got to experience it together.

Lower camp loved Wiffle Cup. Girls side wanted to bring home the win tonight but Boys side sealed the deal.  Girls side was decked out in everything neon as boys side was showing their solidarity wearing all black. There was chants, cheers, dances and of course a crazy fun game of wiffle ball.  The game was so full of Chenny energy and regardless if you played  or were in the stands it was fun but boys had a 21-10 victory over Girls side. A huge congratulations to our MVP on girls side, Alexa Hammer and to our MVP on the winning boys side Mason Friedman. The game was incredible and everyone was involved. You didn’t have to be on the field to feel the craziness. There were give aways all throughout the game and the fun we had was off the charts. Upper camp spent their night playing flag football game, tailgate and they all enjoyed a late night BBQ. Our GC boys took home the “W” tonight and I have feeling this will not be the last time the GC’s take on the  CIT’s. I feel a rematch is in the horizon

Hopefully you all were able to see for yourself the absolute amazing day we had here at Chenny. It was a 10 out of 10. Your kids will definitely be sleeping peacefully tonight – they are all exhausted and were thrilled to know that tomorrow they get a few extra zzzzzz’sss with a late wake up. It was just another perfect day in paradise.

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It has been only 5 days since we’ve arrived here at Chenny and it feels like we have always been here. There is a comfort, a familiarity, a sense of home and it’s only been 5 days. This summer has started out with so much positivity, so much incredible energy, tons of kindness and an overall vibe of complete happiness. You can feel it and it is real is as real is. When you see kids skipping to breakfast, holding hands, feeling totally comfortable sitting on the shoulders of their counselors, laying in laps of their friends at line up, getting form one activity the next from piggy back rides, you know the feeling is just pure comfort and security. And we all just got here only 5 days ago. It happens quick and it lasts all summer long. These connections have happened and the magic of this place is no illusion – Everyone is feeling the Chenny love!!!

Our athletes gave it all they got today on our courts and fields. They played hard, they played fair and we couldn’t be more proud of our kids today.

Middy Girls Tennis- CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2

Collegiate Girls Tennis  – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 3

Senior Girls Tennis – CAW 4 vs.  Westmont 1

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer – CAW 6 vs. Westmont 5

Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball – CAW 13 vs. Westmont 1

Inter Boys Hockey – CAW 13 vs. Westmont 10

Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 0 vs. Westmont 1

Collegiate Boys LAX – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 10

Super Boys Basketball – CAW 89 vs. Poyntelle 37

Senior/Super Softball – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 10

We honored our campers of the week tonight and and there is nothing like seeing their faces when their names are called. Every week, the Group Leaders choose one  or two campera from their division (based on division size)  to honor and highlight. To receive this honor is saying that these campers have great character, are good friends, are helpful, have positive attitudes and are just great kids all -around.  It is an incredible honor to be named Camper of the Week.  A huge congrats to our amazing campers of the week on this first week of camp.

Freshman -Harlow Fass & Cooper Alvarez

Junior – Bayley Bromberg, Sophia Peltz & Grant Kastin, Hudson Wachler

Middies -Samara Klein, Emily Udler &  Golden Gottlock

Inters – Sydney Roemer, Sammy Capon & Judah Geller, Elliot Rosenberg

Collegiates – Brier Schwebel & Drew Kastin

Seniors – Sophie Portnoy & Zac Lederman

Supers – Alexa Doncheck & Ashton Nadel

GC’s – Alexa Dombe & Cade McClure

CIT’s – Layla Bruno & Ethan Mallah

Kindness runs supreme here at Chenny and it was an honor to announce our first KIND CAMPERS of Summer 2024. They deserve the recognition as these campers have spread kindness all throughout camp and seeing their genuine happy faces when we called their names tonight was priceless. Congratulations to these awesome kind kids who are making an impact with how they treat others and how they too value being kind. And we couldn’t just stop at campers because our counselors have also brought the kindness. Being kind costs absolutely nothing and the payoff is absolutely huge.

Girls Side: Avery Leahy, Madison Richie, Emma Teig, Sammy Mesh, Annabelle Zigler, Madden Weisberg, Miranda Siegel, Noa Kupferschmidt, Rowan McAlevey, Kayla Denson, Kate Holland

Boys Side: James Ackerman, Jake Gootzeit, Ryan Goldberg, Grant Kastin, Aiden Thaler, Nate Bennett, Benji Spivak, Maxwell Pomeranz, Eric Baldinger, Jett Morgan, Ian Rubin, Jacob Santiago

Boys Side Counselors: Alfonso Cobos Campony (Bunk B), Carlos Esteban (Bunk C), Ellis Hodge (Bunk C), Harvie Harrison (Bunk P), Koree Rotger (W)

Girls Side Counselors: Izzy Lindpop (Bunk B), Jade Newton (Bunk C), Georgia Dineen (Bunk E), Sloane Kesselman (Bunk Q), Jordyn Samuels (Bunk S)

What a way to slide into the end of our first week. We are inspired, we are excited, we are athletic and we have just begun.

Today was a fantastic day as all the campers eagerly jumped into their regular activities. From the trapeze at the circus to the fun at the lake, happy campers could be seen everywhere. It’s truly heartwarming to see kids playing outside all day long under the bright sunshine, just being kids. Here, we all get outside and play together. In a world that’s become so technologically advanced and isolating, today was all about playing together and we were loving every minute of it. There’s something incredibly powerful about what we do here, and none of us take it for granted.

We’re building a community, and magical moments happen constantly. There have been countless moments that I feel so fortunate enough to get to witness and today was spectacular. I saw a junior camper sitting in the center camp, feeling a bit homesick.  He was having a sad moment and a camper in his division noticed and immediately went over, offering a simple and heartfelt invitation: “Do you want to play with me? That’s all it took, an invitation to be included. Sometimes the most meaningful connections can be the most simple ones too. Moments like this one happen daily here with your kids and it is truly inspiring to watch our campers take care of one another. So though the camper was having a moment, what came from that was the beginning of a new friendship.

Sign and Song is around the corner, and the girls’ side is busy preparing. All across camp, girls side bunks are practicing their dances for the show next Sunday. It’s a big event and everyone is working together to make this years event remarkable. The girls are practicing their dance routines repeatedly to get them just right, working together in perfect collaboration and teamwork to create something special for the whole camp to see. This long-standing Chenny tradition also includes boys side as they decorate their bunk plaque. So Sign & Song is full steam ahead and we can’t wait to see the amazing dances and creative artistic plaques they create.

This evening, we all headed to Shields Hall for a camp favorite: The Dating Game. Each division had a bachelor or bachelorette ask questions to three potential suitors. From the Freshmen to our CIT’s, everyone was up on stage, and not a single camper didn’t fully enjoy tonight’s activity. The best shows at camp are when our campers take the stage. Camp pride runs deep here, and tonight was filled with lots of laughter, chants, and cheers—a perfect ending to an amazing day.

Even rain can’t stop the fun up here at Chenny. Regardless if you are wearing sneakers with the sun shining or rain boots with grey clouds, we still seem to have the most incredible days here. There were a group of boys that were jumping in puddles and having a ball. The puddle was there and they had to jump in it. Had to! A few years back, I learned a lesson that has stayed with me to this very day. As a mom, I always tried to have my kids avoid puddles as it would soak their shoes and get their feet wet and muddy. Even here at camp, I found myself telling to kids to be careful of puddles and mud on rainy days as it may ruin their shoes, soak their socks and their feet would get cold. But that was then until a group of amazing young kids turned my thoughts from wet soggy feet to having the time of their life playing in puddles. I realized that a puddle to a kid is like moth to a flame – It is unavoidable. So I learned that telling kids to avoid those puddles are futile. I would much rather wash their shoes and socks after puddle jumping fun than keep a child from jumping in. Why? Because it’s fun, it’s freeing and it’s letting go of inhibition. So today with a group of boys, I jumped in too. My shoes were soaked and yes my feet were cold but I laughed along with them and had the time of my life jumping in puddles with your kids.

As I walked through Arts & Crafts, I saw a group of Inter girls all sitting together making friendship bracelets. They were chatting and laughing and sharing stories as they made bracelets. No netflix, no phones, no devices, nothing to hide behind or distract from this awesome moment I stumbled upon. Just a  group of 8 girls chatting away, listening to one another and sharing stories as they all were making friendship bracelets together. The bracelets were the most insignificant part. It may have brought these 8 kids to the table but what kept them there was the connection to each other. This is the magic of why friendships made here last and are so meaningful. The girls were chatting about everything under the sun and then some. I was watching in awe as I am so aware of how much these moments fill your kids cup up. I truly believe moments like these are why I love this experience so much. There is an inherent need for all of us to connect to one another and we all do it here while were making bracelets.

It was party time at Chenny as Party Harty put on quite a show camp tonight. We rocked out to an awesome DJ playing the best songs and danced until we couldn’t dance anymore. It was an awesome night and your kids had such a great time in their evening activity.  A perfect end to a fantastic day. Energy is high and vibes are great and the best part is we get to do this all again tomorrow.

What an incredible day it was—perfect in every way. The sun was shining bright at Chenny today because your kids arrived! They jumped off those buses, and summer began. The music, the welcome posters, the chants, the cheers, the hugs, and the energy made today magical. Everyone felt the excitement, and it was absolutely  incredible.

New friendships quickly blossomed. Everywhere you looked, the reasons for sending your children to camp were on full display. A whole bunch of new people have just entered your child’s world, with arms wide open. Everyone is so happy to be here, from our CITs on the Hill to the tiniest freshmen. We all share the same goal: to have the most incredible summer together!

In true Chenny tradition, we enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs for dinner, followed by a giant dance party in The Lodge. Your kids sang at the top of their lungs, standing on the tables as they danced and sang. Boys’ side and girls’ side were ready for the first dinner, and they brought incredible energy. It was off-the-charts amazing. After dinner, it was off to division campfires and s’mores for everyone. There is just nothing better than roasting marshmallows around a campfire, hanging with friends on a warm summer night.  Then we all headed to Shields Hall for our opening night. A packed house, full of spirit and excitement, was where your kids spent their evening. We started a new tradition tonight and instructed everyone to head down to the lake as we officially kicked off summer 2024 with the burning a giant CAW on the beach. The smiles on their faces said it all. It was a perfect evening to kick off our summer.

Your kids deserve the summer we have in store for them and we couldn’t be more excited to have them the experience the magic of Chenny. Our team is ready, and we truly don’t know who is more excited, the staff or the campers.

Enjoy your summer, and we will take it from here. Thank you for your support and belief in us and our team.  Here we go!!!