Category: General News

The day started out like any other amazing day here even with the rain coming down. No amount of rain could dampen our day and the buzz was definitely Color War. We love the element of surprise here and historically the fake outs have been off the hook amazing but we decided that this year we would go straight to the break out. Campers were convinced that tonight was a going to be fake out and of course they thought this as we strategically started a bit of a story that we knew would spread like wild fire and that it did. Campers staff all day were chattering about the “big fake out tonight.” But what they didn’t know was that they were about to get the real deal of the most epic Chen-A-Wanda Color War breakout ever.

The plan started at dinner with the biggest birthday party you have ever been to. So we filled The Lodge with balloons, streamers, birthday hats and blowers. We sang Happy Birthday to every one of us and then danced like crazy. The energy was insane and fun. There was birthday cake for each bunk followed by ice pops. As we so brilliantly occupied our campers and staff, our surprise guest was doing a sound check in Shields Hall. In the meantime, the rue of the big fake out was at an all time high with every camper and staff. No one had a clue that tonight was the night and more importantly, who was breaking out Color War in the most epic way.

So it was into Shields Hall for the scheduled evening activity, Deal or No Deal. Still everyone was blissfully unaware about what was about to happen. Kids were chosen to be contestants, and the game began. After round one, the final camper chosen to play the actual game was our CIT boy, Ben Metzger. As he started the game, the banker called and offered a deal for his case. The offer was for his entire bunk to go to an upcoming Hoodie Allen concert with back stage passes. He was instructed to think about it but as his bunk was screaming out “take the deal” we had arranged the banker to call bank and rescind his deal and the concert was gone. Just as Ben and his bunk was reeling from the blown deal, you heard a voice come from behind the stage say “What if this Hoodie concert happened NOW” and with that the crowd went crazy.  Chen-A-Wanda Alumni and current rap star Hoodie Allen took center stage and blew our minds away. Every camper was screaming in excitement as Hoodie performed for us. Those younger campers, who may not have heard of him, know him now. It was a concert like no other and everyone was singing along with him. To try and accurately describe what happened tonight would be impossible as you had to experience the madness and did tonight. After Hoodie sang his last song, he looked out in the crowd and said, we have a Color War here at Chen-A-Wanda. The banner rolled down as it proudly displayed Red Jocks. Vs. Gold Geniuses.

Get ready for a crazy 5 days of Color War insanity!!!! Tonight was the most epic and outrageous color war break anyone has ever experienced.

Chenny Out

 

Another spectacular Chenny day we had. The weather was ideal and activities were in full swing. There were so many happy campers from the lake to the LAX field. It was just one incredible day here

Our athletic department was busy scheduling games and our campers were busy playing in them.

Girls 6^th Grade Soccer – CAW 7 vs. Tioga 1

Girls 9^th Grade Tennis – CAW 1 vs. Starlight 4

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball – CAW 7 vs. Starlight 9

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 33 vs. Tioga 20

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 13

Boys 8^th /9^th Grade Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Tioga 4

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 fly was breathtaking. Tonight’s theme was Disney and each act connected to the next as they incorporated some of Disney favorites. 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, Lucas, Sabine, Corrine & Joanne for their commitment and incredible ability in teaching our kids how to fly. They sure did soar tonight and put on the best show of the summer.

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 your campers can expect.. it’s the unexpected!!!!! Looks like a Color War may be right around the corner.

Chenny Out

 

 

Today was the last trip of summer 2013 and the kids had the best day.

Cherokee Camp (Freshman – Middies) spent their day at Camel Beach. They park was a perfect size for our youngest campers. They spent this perfect summer day enjoying all the water rides Camel Beach had to offer.  It was a great trip. One they won’t forget.

Mohican Camp (Inters & Collegiates) spent their day relaxing at the State Park. They played in the lake, threw the ball around, and caught some sun as they lounged with friends. It was in their own words, “the chillest day.” They just had a great day with friends at a beautiful lake se laughing and making memories they wont forget.  As the sun started to set, it was time for a delicious BBQ by the beach. What could be better than a spent like this?

Navajo Camp (Seniors, Supers & GC’s) had a great day at Dorney Park. They weather was ideal, the park was empty and the kids loved it! They went ride after ride. As the bus rolled into camp tonight and everyone got off you saw huge sleepy smiles as they looked exhausted carrying the oversized stuffed animals they won at the park. There wasn’t a camper that didn’t say what an amazing day they had. It was just one happy day all around.

Our Wanderers arrived back to camp this afternoon and oh what a trip they had. As their West Coast journey has come to an end, it left an indelible impression on each one of them. They experienced a trip of a lifetime and did it together.  They went to beach, amusement parks, shopping, Vegas Strip to name a few but each one of them were in awe and blown away on how much the Grand Canyon effected them.  It’s as if the beauty and grandness of this wonder of the world opened their minds to something they may not have had a chance to see and experience. Together they embraced this canyon that took their breath away and will forever be in their hearts. We are so glad to have them back.

No it is onto the last and best 2 weeks of camp. 1…2…3..4…We all want a Color War!!!!

Chenny Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great day for all of our Chenny athletes. We played and won 3 Championship games today. We are so proud of the effort, team spirit and most importantly, the superb sportsmanship our campers displayed today.  There was such pride to watch each team win and celebrate together. Playing sports here at camp is defined not by any pressure or stress but solely on the merits of truly enjoying the game. It’s the intention of how sports should be played and that’s what we do here.  There are no disappointing looks or negative remarks by parents or coaches for missed shots or striking out at bat. It is awesome to watch your kids thrive and play the sports they truly enjoy just for the love of the game.

 

Girls 6^th Grade Softball – CAW 14 – Poyntelle 4 – Headed to Championship Game

Girls 8^th Grade Soccer – CAW 11 vs. Poyntelle 0 – CAW WINS CAHMPIONSHIP!!!

Girls 8^th/9^th Grade LAX – CAW 10 vs. Wayne 9 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

Girls 9^th Grade Softball – CAW 12 vs. Morasha 21

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 34 vs. Morasha 25 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Boys 9^th Grade Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Island Lake 10

It was girls side Doppelganger tonight after dinner and boy do we have some crazy cool look-a-likes. Campers who just met this summer and entered tonight’s fun contest because they were separated at birth and found each other at Chenny. Just wait and see how much some of our campers resemble one another. It’s a fun night and girls side always have a great time at the Doppelganger.

Tonight was movie night here at CAW and there were several different choices all being played throughout camp.  One funny, one sweet and one scary. There was a choice for everyone and for those not wanting a to watch a movie was Frisbee classic under the lights. It was just another crazy fun night here.

Chenny Out!!

 

Today started like any other regular amazing summer day here and camp was full of happy campers. Imagine a world where you skip from activity to activity or where you walk up the road while holding hands with your best friend or just walking arm in arm with your buddy is the norm. This is what daily life is like here. We put our guard down and let people in. I often think if there is any correlation to being unplugged all summer and our desire to connect face to face with our friends here. We become available for pure human connection. It’s natural and normal to sit in the lap of our counselor or friends at line-up.  This place and experience literally embraces your children. In a world where being disconnected from one another is our reality and sending a text is how we communicate, you can only imagine how comforting and amazing it feels to hold hands, walk arm in arm and talk to one another. Soon, we will go back to our digital forms of communicating with one another but until then we have 2 more glorious weeks of this. The value of spending our summers here are just immeasurable.

It was Chenny domination as we won 4 Wayne County Championships today!!!!

Our dancers enjoyed a morning at Camp Wayne’s annual Dance-A-Thon. We competed in Hip-Hop and Lyrical and our dancers had a ball. Congratulations to all of our dancers who lit up the stage today.

 

Girls 7^th Grade Basketball – CAW Red 33 vs. Camp Nesher 8 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Girls 7^th Grade Basketball – CAW Gold 16 vs. Poyntelle 8

Girls 8^th Grade Softball – CAW 8 vs. Morasha 4 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Boys 5^th Grade Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Wayne 5

Boys 5^th Grade Basketball – CAW 14 vs. Starlight 37

Boys 6^th Grade Baseball – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 2 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Boys 6^th Grade Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Trails End 5

Boys 8^th Grade Boys Baseball – CAW 11 vs. Westmont 7 – CAW WINS CHAMPIOSHIP!!!

 

We had a busy day on the fields and courts and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort each team gave and the true sportsmanship they had.

Our Wanderers safely arrived in Phoenix, their last destination. They spent the day in sun, resting and relaxing and having a great day at the resort.  They have spent the last week and half experiencing one amazing west coast adventure and getting do this with their camp family was dream like. We are so looking forward to their arrival back her at camp to hear about all they have done.

Tonight’s evening activity was a great night of Minute To Win It. Each division had one camper play for them and they were vying for an Ice Cream Party for the entire division. They played Tilt-A-Cup, Hanky Panky, A Bit Dicey, Bobble Head Challenge, Johnny Apple Stack and Volcano. The kids had so much fun playing the games and the campers watching had so much fun supporting their friends who were trying to win their division an ice cream party. In the end our lower camp winner went to Middy Camper, Sarah Haber and Upper Camp went to GC Jordan Birnholz. You put on one great show tonight and you each proved to the entire camp that you each have mad skills stacking apples, balancing dice on the end of a popsicle stick while in your mouth and able to effectively take every single tissue out of a tissue box with only one hand quicker than anyone else. Gotta love this place.

Chenny Out

 

Today in Arts n’ Crafts there was a group of boys in our Lego room and they were building a giant tower together. I was watching them in awe as they worked so beautifully together. They each contributed to this giant structure. One by one they contributed their ideas on how to make it bigger and better.  There was such cooperation and creativity, as this tower became a symbol of what it’s all about here. One camper said, “We have to make the foundation good and strong so it can hold everything we build on top of it.” This Lego structure is exactly what each one of us is doing here. With a good strong foundation, you can just keep building up and it will become more fantastic with all the different unique pieces you put on it. As the period ended, they all agreed that this tower was way too amazing to take apart and they asked the Lego specialist to put it away until they come back to build more onto their tower. She agreed to hold this masterpiece in a separate room for them and the excitement they shared was magnificent. They had no idea just how spectacular their tower was. They actually were all building a foundation that was good and strong and had nothing to do with Lego. They walked out of Arts N’ Crafts closer to one another than when they entered. This is what it’s all about.

Chen-A-Wanda hosted the first annual Little Peach World Series Softball Tournament for our Freshman and Junior Girls. Camp Wayne and Tioga spent the day here as each tem played 3 games. Camp Wayne placed 1^st, CAW placed 2^nd and Camp Tioga placed 3^rd. The girls had the best day. Little Peach World Series was a homerun!!

Girls 9^th/10^th Grade Soccerama @ Bryn Mawr. Our girls played in 4 games in this full day tourney. CAW beat Bryn Mawr, lost two bouts to Indian Head and Trails End and tied with Camp Wayne.  They had a great day full of soccer.

 

Boys 5^th Grade Soccer – CAW 12 vs. Tioga 12

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

Boys 10^th Grade Baseball – CAW 0 vs. Westmont 10

 

Our Campers of the Week were announced at line up and there is always such excitement as we honor these standouts.

 

Freshman – Marin Hersley & Tyler Jurist

Juniors – Sami Siegel & Will Yallowitz

Middies – Emily Kushner & Colby Frankel

Inters – Avery Paulen & Jacob Futterman

Collegiates – Sami Miller & Jack Abel

Seniors – Sydney Schechter & Tommy Quinn

Suoers – Hailey Zion & Jeremy Gaines

GC’s – Bari Adwar & Brett Wolff

Our Wanderers are still wandering as they spent their day on a jeep tour exploring Arizona and Montezuma’s Castle. They are having a trip of a lifetime as they have seen so many wonderful things the west coast offers. We are excited to hear about all their adventures when the return to camp in a few days.

Girl’s side got to enjoy a giant ice cream party tonight as they celebrated the win of Wiffle Cup. It was super sundaes with all the fixin’s . They had their sundae social in the Lodge and loved it!!! It was dodge ball, wiffle ball and kickball under the lights for boy’s side. They equally enjoyed their evening as well. There was laughter and lots of it all around camp tonight.

Tomorrow marks exactly 2 more weeks we have here in paradise and we can promise you that we are going to make every moment count.

Chenny Out

 

Imagine a day so perfect each moment seemed to stand still. The weather resembled those made in movies or manufactured to create a perfect mood. The sky was so blue and the water so warm. It was almost not real, but it was so very real because we all got to experience the magic of this day. It had a lazy day feel and that was exactly what we all needed. We had a brunch morning so the bugle didn’t wake us up until 9:45am. The extra sleep felt great and very much appreciated. There is something quite special to see the entire camp roll out of bed into The Lodge still in our pajamas.  In every sense of the word, this place truly becomes our home. There is no pretending or trying to be something we are not. It is just all of us being authentically who we are, in our pajamas heading to breakfast still having sleepy dust in our eyes and sheet marks on our cheeks. No pomp and circumstance here. It’s us being us. Even the mundane routine things we do feel better doing them up here at camp… because we are together.

Our Basketball and Baseball Academy’s continued today and our campers thoroughly enjoyed participating in them.  It was a huge turnout for both and from watching our kids practice their skills and running the drills, this summers academy’s were a big success.

Girls 7^th Grade Basketball – CAW 39 vs. Lohikan 6

Girls 7^th Grade Soccer – CAW 1 vs. Tioga 6

Girls 8^th Grade Basketball – CAW 14 vs. Lavi 41

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Wiffleball  – CAW 20 vs. Westmont 19

Boys 4^th Grade Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 1

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball – CAW vs. Island Lake (Won by forfeit CAW moves on to finals)

Boys 7^th Grade Softball – CAW 3 vs. Seneca Lake 4

Boys 8^th/9^th Grade LAX – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 10

 

Lights Camera Action. Our thespians have been working so hard on the big show and tonight they shined bright. Willy Wonka and the Chipwhich Factory came to life as our actors and actresses put on one amazing show. They sang and danced and amazed us with their acting. They lit up the stage with their huge smiles and bigger hearts. As they put it all out there on stage, we are constantly reminded of how connected we all are to one another as the cheers and applause stayed consistent and loud. As each song was sung or scene was acted, our audience screamed out with support to their friends who so bravely and sweetly entertained the whole camp tonight. To watch the cast who worked so hard on tonight’s show, take their final bow; we are reminded that above all what matters most is to just have fun. And that they did! We could not be more proud of what they all did on that stage tonight. Bravo!! Bravo!!! Bravo!!!!

Chenny Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was another showstopper day up here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. The sun was out but there was a breeze that ran through camp that kept us all cool as we played outside all day long. In center camp there was a group girls that caught my eye. They were all lying on the ground with their heads in the center of a circle as they lay face up. They were all looking up towards the sky and were watching the clouds pass them by. Each girl picked a cloud and described what they thought it looked like. Just lying on the ground without a care in the world watching the clouds go by. What could possibly be sweeter than that? I can guarantee that this group of girls may not remember every little detail that happened during this summer but they will definitely never forget the time they laid in a circle, watching the clouds with their camp sisters. A sweet moment I feel privileged to have seen.

Our campers continued to enjoy the Basketball and Soccer Academy’s.  There was intense instruction in each sport and campers were on the field and courts learning to better their game. Both Academy’s were of great value to our athletes as they sharpened their skills and had a ball doing it.

Girls 5^th Grade Softball – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 13

Girls 5^th / 6^th Grade LAX – CAW 7 vs. Westmont 11

Girls 7^th Grade Softball – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 7

Boys 8^th Grade Baseball – CAW 16 vs. Starlight 8

The night was all about Wiffle Cup. Girls side was determined to bring home the win tonight but Boys side wanted the repeat.  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. Boys lead the way the entire game but in true Chenny form, It ain’t over till it’s over and Girls side came up from behind and pulled ahead with a 27 -22 victory over Boys side. The game was incredible and everyone was involved. You didn’t have to be on the field to feel the craziness. We were all part of the fun. So proud of our kids. We just wanna have fun and boy do we know how to do that here at Chen-A-wanda!!!! Another incredible day down but we still have more to go!!!

Chenny out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was Academy Day here at Chen-A-Wanda and our campers loved the instruction. Our Soccer Academy was held in the morning and campers were welcomed to participate and experience serious soccer training.  The afternoon was dedicated to our Baseball/Softball Academy. The Academy’s were full of campers getting very specific and intense instruction. Some campers spent their morning in the Soccer Academy only to spend their afternoon at our Baseball Academy. A full of Academy’s are a great way for your kids to better their skills and get the their next level.

Girls 8^th Grade Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Wayne 5

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Hockey – CAW 5 vs. Trails End 3

Boys 4th/ 5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 4 vs. Equinunk 1 (CAW moves on to the Finals!!)

Boys 5^th & 6^th Grade LAX – CAW 8 vs. Starlight 4 (CAW moves on to the Finals!!)

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 18 vs. Island Lake 17 (CAW moves on to the Finals!!)

For our dancers it was a day spent at Tyler Hill at their annual Dance Competition. There is something that is so much fun on being at these competitions not just getting to perform a dance we have worked so hard on but seeing your friends from home is as exactly thrilling. I went the girls today and watching them run to heir friends and each would tell how their summer is going. They even cheered one another on as each took the stage. It is less of a competition and more of a reconnection with friends from other camps and of course a chance to dance. Our girls did great and more importantly they had such a great day. After spending an incredible day dancing all the girls were eager to get back home because it was HALLOWEEN at Chenny!!

There was a chill in the air and it really felt like a fall night. A perfect evening for a costume contest, a Haunted House and of course Trick or Treating!!! Our kids strutted their stuff and showed incredible creativity with amazing costumes tonight. What is more fun than Halloween in July? We danced, cheered, laughed a lot tonight. Our Head Staff picked the best of the best tonight and our costume winner were:

 

Scariest Costume – Elaina Hamuy

Best Group Costume – Girls Bunk J Holidays

Funniest Costume – Sibling Swap Weiss,Fensterstock & Chaskin

Best Celebrity Look-A-Like – Adam Caplan

Most Original – Dani Mazen, Rachel Mahler, Emily Locker, Emma Baskind & Corrine Packel

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.  With the crisp summer night weather, it not only looked like Halloween but felt like it too. As one camper looked inside her brown bag full of candy, she turned to her friend and said “can camp get any better?”  And as I overheard her, I couldn’t help but reply, YES IT CAN!!!!

The days seem to be moving more quickly as we have only 2 ½ weeks 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….Have the most insane Color Mudder EVER!!!! To quote our campers who got experience the Mudder,”Iit was the BEST day ever!” We got to slide down the Chenny Zoom to get super wet then off to the giant mud pit where we crawled over and under the rope obstacle course.  After getting super muddy from head to toe, literally, we ran back down the hill only to get doused with colored powder all over our every part of us. Then it was right into the lake to rinse off.

If you have ever seen a Tough Mudder or a Color Run, this was our version of both and the kids LOVED it!!! There really isn’t anything more fun than rolling in mud and not getting in trouble for it. Actually being encouraged to jump in and get dirty. There was more laughter and smiles at the mud pit today it was contagious. Even the kids that were hesitant at first couldn’t stop themselves to jump in the pit.

As a mom of three, I am always telling my girls to avoid stepping in puddles when it’s raining because I don’t want them to walk around all day in squishy wet shoes.  I am sure I am not the only one of us out there who feels the same.  You should have seen your kids faces as they were covered in mud and nobody telling them they need to stop because they will have squishy wet shoes. They played with a sense of pure uninterrupted freedom today and they even taught an old dog like me a new trick; it’s really ok to sometimes have squishy wet shoes. We were all mess and it never felt so good. Sometimes you just gotta let go, play in the mud and walk around in squishy wet shoes.

Our Seniors had a blast at Hershey today. They loved sleeping at the hotel last night and getting a full day at the park. It was day filled with rides, arcade games and a boatload of chocolate. It was s a chocolate heaven and they couldn’t have been happier.

The Supers & GC’s spent their morning touring Boston on a Duck Tour. They spent the day at Faneuil Hall shopping and lunching. The evening was spent on a harbor cruise around this beautiful city, then back to the hotel for a pool party. Could it get any better? Yes it can, as the kids will have a blast at the Red Sox Game.

Our Wanderers spent their day at the greatest place on earth, Disneyland!! Our oldest campers are having the time of their lives. There are no worries, no tests, no pressures just the joy of It’s a Small World. As they depart from Anaheim, California it’s off to Universal City tonight. They will get to experience the fun of Universal Studios tomorrow. These are the best times of their lives and we couldn’t be happier for them. They are enjoying every second!!!

It was an amazing day all around from our Freshmen to our Wanderers. The kind of day that you don’t want to end. As my day comes to an end and I head up to my house,  my wet muddy sneakers are outside my door and all I can do is smile.

Chenny Out