Category: General News

It was trip day at Chenny and everyone had a great day. As much as we all love staying here at camp, there is something quite special going out of camp on amazing trips with our friends. As they all boarded the buses, you can feel the excitement and wonder of what the day was going to bring and it didn’t disappoint.

Cherokee Camp (Freshman, Juniors & Middies) went bowling and had a ball.  It was strikes, some turkeys and a few gutter balls but fun was had by all. After the awesome bowling party, it was off to the theater to relax and enjoy a movie. It was back-to-back fun and then everyone headed back to CAW to have dinner at camp. It was a private pizza party just for our youngest campers and they loved having The Lodge all to themselves. It was all smiles as each camper came off the bus from their first trip of the summer. Cherokee camp had an absolute great day.

Mohikan Camp (Inters & Collegiates) started their day at the movies then finished their fun at the bowling alley.  What could possibly be better than spending a whole day out with your campies watching the latest summer releases followed by a great game of bowling. It was out to dinner for Mohican camp and as their buses rolled in around 9:00pm, the looks on their tired faces said it all, we had the time of our lives. A perfect way to spend a summer day.

Navajo Camp – (Seniors, Supers & GC’s) had their own special day too. It was off for a little shopping at the outlets, and then dinner followed by the movies. As the big kids on camp, they got back the latest and couldn’t have been happier with how they spent their day.

Going to the movies, bowling or doing a little shopping is always fun but imagine doing these pretty typical events with your best camp friends on a great summer day. These moments they share together are standout memories. Even the bus ride becomes memorable when you are with your friends. The songs you sing on the bus or the silly things you talk about as you wait for your turn to bowl, these are the magical moments your kids had today. Spectacular memories they all made today.

Everyone is safe and sound back home at camp.  It is an absolute dream to get to do the things we all do here at CAW together. #FeelingGrateful

Chenny out

 

Not even a little rain can stop our fun. We just took the fun indoors today. The School of Rock was rocking, The Cookhouse was cooking, Arts & Crafts was the place to be to make amazing masterpieces and Shields Hall had some serious Dodgeball games being played inside. The fun does not stop here at Chenny. When the rain stopped, it was back outside and in the lake we went.  Even on rainy days, Life is Great here.

We were able to play some Wayne County Games today and it was a Chenny sweep. Great job fellas. You played hard, fair and showed great sportsmanship.

6^th Grade Boys Basketball – CAW 45 vs. Weequaic 17

10^th Grade Boys Basketball – CAW 53 vs. Tioga 45

Our evening activity was spent playing BINGO and

What is more fun than a giant game of BINGO? Absolutely nothing.. There is something just so much fun about having your Bingo board almost complete and waiting to hear that one number so you can scream out BINGO!!!  There was one Junior boy camper who was only 1 number away from the Big Blackout and with each number being called out, the intensity grew. His entire bunk was standing chanting that one number he needed. They knew that if he won, they were all getting a pizza party and as his number, O 72 was finally called. Each boy in that bunk screamed out BINGO in unison!!! Even though it was his board, they all won. It was as if they won the Big Powerball!!! It was a true team effort. They lifted him up as they celebrated. There is nothing quite like playing with your camp friends that makes the highs so high…

All are soundly sleeping peacefully in their bunks. Just another remarkable day at a remarkable place we all call home.

Chenny out

 

 

The sun was shining bright today at CAW. It was one of those mornings that defined summer. So many happy campers running to their activities, it puts you in a great mood seeing the excitement they have to start their day. You can’t walk 10 feet without seeing campers arm in arm walking to their activities. Where else does this happen? It is a world where closeness is at a whole different level. The connections we make in a very short period of time, is intense, powerful and life changing.  There was a Freshman girl who was swinging on the swings and a Senior girl who was pushing her. The sweetness of this picture only got more precious knowing they had only met 8 days ago and though they are not in the same division, these two virtual strangers became connected. You couldn’t tell who was enjoying their time more, the Freshman girl who was asking to go higher or the Senior girl who loved her role being a big sister sweetly pushing her new young friend. When I describe it here as a true family, I couldn’t be more accurate.  These magical connections cross divisions, they cross genders. Everyone is connected to each other and we all know it. That is the magic of our summer family. Hakuna Matata.

It was a fun day of games and matches as our Chenny Athletes were busy having fun on the fields and courts.

6^th Grade Girls LAX – CAW 11 vs. Blue Ridge 8

9^th/8^th Grade Girls LAX – CAW 17 vs. Westmont 6

8^th Grde Boys Socceer – Wayne 3 vs. CAW 0

6^th Grade Girls Tennis – Island Lake 3 vs. CAW 2

We were all blown away tonight with our incredible talented staff that performed for us all in the tonight’s Staff Talent Show. We were standing on our seats, singing and clapping along as we cheered on our counselors and staff. They put on such an amazing show. From the vocalists to the dancers, to a theatrical performance of The Lion King, we were entertained and amazed. There is something quite special about us here that no matter who is on that stage, the outpour of support and love is given. It is a tremendous feeling to be a part of this community as we encourage and support one another. You can’t quite put into words what the feeling is like as every single person inside Shields Hall is singing along, waving their hands in unison and giving standing ovations to each act up on that stage. Some call it respect, some call it love, some call it amazing!! I call it call it all of the above.

Chenny out.

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great day full of activities. It feels like we all have a pep in our step. As each bugle sounds, the excitement for what comes next is electric. There is just so much to do in one day here it’s almost hard to believe we get to experience them all. Between regular activities, games, tryouts, hanging with friends, singing, dancing, cooking and so much more, there are just not enough hours in a day.

We had our Chenny Idol auditions today and boy did the kids bring it. There were solo vocalists and groups that sang their heart out for our three judges.  All our contestants have a dream to perform and our production of Chenny Idol gives them that opportunity. This is their shot and their time to shine. As each singer walked into our studio, it was their moment to sing. Deep breaths and the support from their friends, off they went as they sang their hearts out. In a few shorts days, the Top 25 will be announced. Chenny Idol has a buzz around camp and we are all looking forward to this camp favorite.

It was a busy day for our Chenny athletes who played intense and always with great sportsmanship.

6^th Grade Girls Basketball – Chestnut Lake 16 vs. CAW 14

8^th Grade Boys Basketball – Tioga 31 vs. CAW 21

Our 7^th Grade Boys Flag Football team made it to the Semi-Finals in a one-day tournament at Trails End Camp.

As the week one has come to an end, it was time to announce Camper of the week. We are doing it a bit different this summer and only one camper per division will be given the greatest camp honor as they are named, Camper of the Week. These kids are standouts and deserve to be recognized for being great friends, strong leaders, and excellent helpers in the bunk and all have proven themselves to be all around great campers. We are so proud of you all. Each camper received a very special CAW Camper of the Week Dog tag that they wear with great pride.

Freshman Boys – Jared Paulen

Junior Boys – Reed Holland

Middy Boys – Jake Becker

Inter Boys – Jake Berlin

Collegiate Boys – Andrew Roisenberg

Senior Boys – Josh Friendman

Super Boys – Brian Sussman

GC Boys – Max Nussbaum

CIT Boys – Zachary Myers

Freshman Girls – Mia Wallis

Junior Girls Merri Grill

Middy Girls – Lanie Brodsky

Inter Girls – Halle Racenstein

Collegiate Girls – Arielle Ashkenase

Senior Girls – A,manda Behrens

Super Girls – Ashley Haber

GC Girls – Sami Wills

CIT Girls – Sidney Rochlin

It was a tremendous first week of camp and the bar is set high for looks to be one amazing summer. Life is truly great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out

We have been here for a week now and some amazing things have happened. Friends we met just 7 days ago are now connected to us forever. We have spent seven days, which in camp life is an eternity and that is time enough to create these very connected relationships. This bond is hard to describe but it is the core to why we are here. It’s crazy to watch these friendships develop and blossom. There is one phrase we always hear about these very special relationships and that is, “my camp friends just get me.” When you live together, everything is exposed and everything is accepted. We see each other when we are up and when we are down and that vulnerability lends it way to a closeness that stands the test of time. From those who have traveled down this road before know what I am talking about. Camp friends stick because they “just get us.” Our new campers are forming those bonds as they all have this shared experience of being away from home for the first time. It’s a closeness that cannot truly be described but it is surely enjoyed.

As we see these budding friendships with our new campers, you can look down the road a bit and take a gander at the family our oldest campers have made. Today, the Chen-A-Wanderers began their journey as they left camp for their new Chenny journey. This amazing group of kids, together ventured out for their first trip to Canada. We are so excited for them and our new travel program.  Chen-A-Wanda has given them roots, and now they can fly with their wings. Off they go. They all arrived safely into Canada today and we can’t wait to hear about the amazing adventures that are headed their way.

It was picture day today and smiles where all around. There is something quite special to gather with your bunk, knowing you are freezing a moment in time as a snapshot will capture who you traveled through summer 2013 with.

Sports, Sports and more Sports….. It was a nail biter watching our 3^rd/4^th grade boys Roller Hockey game vs. Equinunk. We went into overtime with a 6-6 tie as Equinunk pulled out the W in a shoot out. What a great game and we couldn’t have been more proud of hard our boys played.

7^th Grade Boys Basketball – CAW 59 vs. Indian Head 48

8^th Grade Girls Softball – CAW 17 vs. Wayne Girls 0

To say our day was simply awesome, would be an understatement. Lights are out and all are asleep. Sweet dreams are all around and we get do this again tomorrow. How lucky we are….

Chenny out

 

 

 

 

Camp was buzzing with activities but everyone was focused and excited for the nights evening activity, Sign & Song. This event is a long-standing camp favorite where each bunk makes a plaque and Girls side prepares a dance for the entire camp. It is serious fun and each side got crazy creative with their plaques. Each plaque has every campers name on it and they will forever be placed on the walls of their bunk. Each summer, we have alumni come back and the first thing they do is look for their plaques. It’s their mark that they were here then and it’s their connection that will be here forever.

Girls’ side brought it tonight as they wowed us with their dances. From the cutest Freshman dances to the amazing choreography that the Wanderers delivered, it was just a magical camp night that we will never forget.  All eyes were on our stage and after each dance, the applause was outstanding and the feeling was incredible. That is what we do here, we love to perform and we love to support. It was standing ovations after each performance and you could see the joy on the girls faces as they felt like they were just superstars up there.

The competition was tough but our Group Leaders picked the winners for Lower & Upper Camp Plaques and Dances. Congratulations to our winners. You were outstanding.

Lower Camp Girls Plaque – Bunk I

Lower Camp Boys Plaque – Bunk E

Upper Camp Girls Plaque – Bunk Q

Upper Camp Boys Plaque –  Bunk W

 

Lower Camp Girls Dance – Bunk J

Upper Camp Girls Dance – Bunk K

Girls side put on quite a show tonight; one that will go down in the books as one of the best Chen-A-Wanda Sign & Songs ever.

Our Athletes were busy having fun on the fields & in the rink today. It was an awesome day of competition and sportsmanship.

Boys 6^th Grade Softball – CAW 15 vs. Camp Perlman 1

Boys 8^th/9^th Grade Softball – Equinunk 6 vs. CAW 3

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Roller Hockey – Equinunk 11 vs. CAW 5

Just another phenomenal day here at Chenny.

 

Chenny out

 

Each new day seems to bring new amazing adventures. No day is exactly alike here but they all are packed with their own unique specialness. There was one camper who was determined to get up on the trapeze today, though he was terrified of heights. He watched each camper before him get up with ease and everyone could see he wanted so badly to get up that ladder. The encouragement he got from his friends and counselors gave him the courage to try. They all knew he could do it and with that support, he put on the belt and climbed up that ladder.  The fear seemed to dissipate with each step as he could hear them chanting his name and with that, he took a leap of faith. As he grabbed the bar and trusted, that camper flew on the trapeze today with eyes wide open. To see his face as his entire group embraced him when came back down was watching something special. He showed us all that no matter how scary we think things can be, with support and encouragement, we can fly, we can actually soar.

Sure our campers will tune up their soccer skills or practice their swing on the field but it’s their ability to cope that will greatly enhance their lives. They will overcome homesickness and they will actually tolerate being in a bunk bed or sleeping across the room from whom they wanted to sleep next too.  It’s the lessons of coping with things that they find hard to deal with that will stay with them throughout their lives. Chen-A-Wanda is an awesome place to learn these valuable life lessons and we all feel privileged to assist your kids in the art of not sweating the small stuff.

Wayne County Inter Camp Games began today.

6^th Grade and under boys Roller Hockey– CAW 4 vs. Trails End 2. Way to go boys!!! You roller rocked it and your sportsmanship was outstanding.

It was a beach party night as we all had night swim in the pool. As the sun set on Fiddle Lake, we were jumping off the diving board, sliding down the slide and swimming with our friends. There is nothing quite like a summer nights swim party. Just another remarkable evening here at Chenny!!!!!

Chenny Out

 

 

Imagine starting your day, eating a delicious breakfast in a room full of energetic, positive people all who are singing and dancing in unison. That is what your children do everyday here. It is how we start off our morning and as the food fills our bellies, the energy and enthusiasm fills our souls. You can’t walk out of The Lodge without feeling good inside. It is electric, contagious and freeing. You can stand on your seat and just dance and sing. There is a freedom of expression here and it is highly encouraged. The energy this morning was off the charts and gave us all an amazing start to a fantastic day.

There were more tryouts and activities happening all day. Campers would go from the soccer fields to mountain boarding to tetherball city, to an insane wiffle ball game and all this happened before lunch. It is a packed day filled to the brim and we wouldn’t have it any other way. There is just so much to do here.

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. The campers brought the energy and were cheering on their players. Girls wore everything pink as the fellas wore their favorite black duds. Our faces were painted, the tutus were worn and the spirit was insane. Both sides wanted the win but with only 6 seconds left, Girls side hit a last minute shot to seal the deal and bring home a victory. Actually, everyone won because the fun was off the charts to make this night, a camp favorite. Girls bunk M and Boys bunk W were awarded pizza parties for bringing the most spirit to tonight’s game.  Their spirit was contagious.

The night ended and as the sun set on Fiddle Lake, everyone couldn’t help notice the nights sky. It was array of pinks, gold’s and blues. And in the midst of celebrating an awesome evening activity, we all couldn’t help but notice the pure beauty of where we are, even for a moment.  You couldn’t help but appreciate this masterpiece that was in front of us all. Beauty is all around us up here and tonight was spectacular. The night ended as equally as beautiful as the day started. How lucky we are to experience what we do up here. Feeling gratitude all around.

Chenny out.

 

 

It was a fantastic day today as all the campers got right into regular activities. From the trapeze at circus all the way to the lake, you saw happy campers playing. It is quite a sight to see kids playing outside all day long in the bright sunshine, just being kids. No television or computers, no texting or posting on Instagram. This is where we all get outside and play together. As the world has become so technically advanced and somewhat isolating, today we played together all day long and loved every minute of it.  There is something so powerful about what we do here and none of us take it for granted.

We are building a true community here and these special magical moments happen at every turn. There was a camper sitting in center camp and having a small moment of missing home as another new camper saw and went directly over and said it so plainly and simply. “Do you want to play with me? I was sad a bit too but if I can get through it, I know you can too.” This is the essence of what this crazy experience is all about.  To witness these moments takes my breath away.

Sign and Song is just around the corner and girl’s side is getting ready. All across camp were groups practicing their dance for the show on Wednesday. Arts and Crafts was packed with campers getting their bunk plaques ready. There is such great pride with these works of art that are left hanging in the bunks forever. It is the stamp that we were here summer 2013. Girls practiced their dance over and over to get it just right. It is a collaboration and teamwork as they create their perfect dance to show the entire camp. A long-standing Chenny tradition and from the looks of it, this year will not disappoint.

We had our official first friends event and everyone loved it. Both Girls side and Boys side participated and all our new campers loved getting together with their first friend. Our big kids took such great pride getting to show the new campers the ropes. We really are one big family here and both new and old campers treasure these connections. It is the foundation to what makes our house so strong.

We all headed into Shields Hall tonight for a camp favorite, The Dating Game. Each division had a bachelor or bachelorette ask questions to 3 potential suitors. Freshman through our Wanderers were up on stage and there wasn’t a camper who didn’t fully love tonight’s activity. The best shows at camp are when our campers are up on that stage. Camp pride here runs deep. It was lots of laughter, chants and cheers tonight. A great ending to an amazing day.

Chenny out

 

 

 

There is just no better way to wake up than hearing reveille. And as the bugle rang throughout camp, all our campers popped out of bed knowing that today was the first full day of activities. It was electric. The biddy courts on boys side was packed with basketball games before breakfast and girls were on their porches and playing tetherball. The sun was shining and everyone was eager to start the day.  We all joined together in The Lodge and had a delicious breakfast together. The most important meal of the day to start us off right for the activities we all were ready to begin.

The sun was shining and the temperatures were raising and we could not have asked for a better day to take our swim tests. The lake was packed with happy campers, as the water trampoline was the place to be. The pool was full and kids were loving zipping around Fiddle Lake as we water-skied and experienced tubing on the Great Big Mable. It was an absolute awesome first day of water activities to cool off.

The waterfront wasn’t the only thing popping. It was a full day of team tryouts. The courts and fields were packed with campers trying out for their favorites sports.  This is where playing sports is the way it was meant to be, to have fun playing a game you love. Even if you never have played before, you learn here without any pressure, just pure joy and love to play. There was a new Freshman girl who tried out for the basketball team here and has never played before. Her smile told a story that makes it all worth it. She picked up a ball and as our amazing basketball staff taught her how to shoot, she made a basket after trying the whole period long. You could hear her little voice tremble with excitement as the ball made it in the hoop. “I did it, I made a basket” As the activity period ended, you saw her run to her new friends and share her accomplishment. That one basket she made brought her so much pride. A little girl who did something she never had done before and the pride she felt ran deep. Those moments happened all over camp today. That is the magic of this place.

Our actors and actresses auditioned for the play today and boy do we have talent. We sing, we dance, we act and these groups of thespians will soon wow us as they put together Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.  Can’t wait to see them in the spotlight.

We all rocked out tonight with Julius C on stage as each division sang with a full rock band behind them. There was dancing and singing in Shields Hall tonight and it was loud and it was insanely fun.  We just rock out here at CAW.

Our first day of full activities was a success and everyone is soundly sleeping from an amazing day. The greatest part is we get to do this again tomorrow. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Chenny out