If there’s one thing we’ve learned over all these years, it’s that a rainy day never stops the ship from moving forward at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. In fact, sometimes it feels like an invitation to play. The skies were gray, rain fell throughout the day, and instead of putting a damper on the fun, it somehow made everything even better. Everything is a lesson, even when we don’t know we’re learning. Like when an entire community shows up and shows joy and positivity on a gray gloomy day by choosing to play and engage, that influences us. When our Collegiate boys and girls run and jump in for a pool party together, you know you are creating a memory these kids wont ever forget.  There is something magical about swimming in the rain. It’s different. It’s unexpected. It’s exciting. Sure, a bright sunny afternoon at the pool is amazing. But jumping off the diving board while raindrops fall around you, swimming with your best friends, laughing until your stomach hurts, and realizing no one cares that the sun isn’t shining, that’s the kind of memory that stays with you. Its like a story you will tell years later.  “Remember that rainy day when the collegiates had a pool party together?” Rain at camp is never a disappointment. It’s simply another opportunity to create extraordinary memories.

Exactly two weeks from today, your kids will be back home with you. It’s hard to believe. Five incredible weeks have already flown by. Think about everything these campers have experienced together. Every morning wake-up. Every activity. Every meal. Every evening activity. Every campfire. Every laugh. Every challenge. Every win. Every loss. Every friendship. We’ve shared every one of these moments together, and I think that’s exactly why the bonds formed at camp are so incredibly strong. When you spend every day living life side by side, friendships become family. It’s true that we’re entering the final two weeks of the summer. But here’s the secret – the last 2 are the best 2.

Out in California, our incredible GCs spent another unforgettable day soaking up the sunshine in Santa Monica. They enjoyed the beach, shopped, and continued making memories on what has truly been the trip of a lifetime. We’ve been saying it all summer, but it deserves repeating,  This group is simply joyful and they have made every single day count. Watching them enjoy this trip has been such a gift, and we already can’t wait to welcome them back next summer as our CITs. Their future at Chenny is incredibly bright.

Back at camp, the excitement continued to build as whispers of one word seemed to be everywhere…Color War? Could it be happening soon? The anticipation is definitely growing. To cap off another fantastic camp day, we treated our campers to one of everyone’s favorite traditions. Sundaes for Lower Camp. Pint Night for Upper Camp. The theme of the evening? Ice Cream!

Rain or shine, sunny skies or gray clouds, there is always something to look forward to, there is always another memory waiting to be made and with two amazing weeks still ahead of us, the adventure is far from over. The best part of summer may still be yet to come.

Greetz: all my friends

Today was another one of those magical Chenny days. The sun was shining, activities were buzzing all over camp, the fields were full, the waterfront was alive, and everywhere you looked there were campers laughing, competing, creating, and simply enjoying another beautiful summer day. But today, my favorite moment didn’t happen on a ball field or at a special event. It happened in our Lego Room. If you ever want to experience joy in its simplest, sweetest form, I highly encourage you to spend an activity period with our Freshman girls. I honestly don’t know how to describe the 45 minutes I spent there. It was pure magic. I didn’t stop by just to say hello. I joined them at a lego table and I played. Really played. Some girls were building race cars. Others were creating elaborate houses. A few were designing entire neighborhoods with families, pets, gardens, and driveways. Every creation came with a story, and every story was better than the last. Before I knew it, I had completely disappeared into their world. For 45 minutes, nothing else mattered. When the activity period ended and it was time for the girls to head to their next activity, I was genuinely sad to see them leave. I could have stayed there all afternoon. What struck me most was that there wasn’t a single Freshman girl sitting on the sidelines. Every one of them was creating something. Every one of them was imagining. Every one of them was completely immersed in play.

These are our youngest campers. Many of them have now spent five weeks away from home, something that is truly remarkable when you stop and think about it. They have grown in confidence, built friendships, become more independent, and embraced camp life in ways that continue to amaze us. Yet as I sat there today, I was reminded of something equally important. They’re still little girls. They still love building houses out of Legos. They still create imaginary families. They still make cars race down the ramps. They still tell stories with endless enthusiasm. And thank goodness they do.

In a world that often asks children to grow up too quickly, there is something incredibly special about watching them simply play. No screens. No pressure. Just imagination. Just creativity. Just childhood. Sometimes we think the biggest moments at camp are the championships, the performances, the competitions, or the special events. And those moments absolutely matter. But today reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly. At a table in the Lego Room. Surrounded by tiny bricks and even bigger imaginations. Those 45 minutes reminded me why camp is so special. It gives our campers the gift of time. Time to imagine. Time to create. Time to play. Time to simply be kids. I was the lucky one to have time with our freshman girls today.

As we’ve shared with you over the past several days, we have paused all out-of-camp athletic competitions due to the stomach viruses that have been affecting several neighboring camps. While our campers always look forward to competing against other camps, we felt it was the right decision to prioritize the health and well-being of our entire camp community. But here’s the thing…Just because we aren’t traveling doesn’t mean we aren’t playing. In true Chenny fashion, we adapted. Instead of intercamp competition, we created exciting matchups right here at home. Divisions squared off against one another in basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and more, and the competition was every bit as spirited, exciting, and fun as ever. The games were intense, the sidelines were full of cheering campers, and the smiles were everywhere. Our campers didn’t care whether the jerseys on the other side belonged to another camp or another Chenny division. They simply loved having the opportunity to compete and play hard. That’s what camp is all about. One of the greatest lessons camp teaches is how to roll with it and adapt.  Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. The key is finding a new path, making the most of the situation, and continuing to create joy. At Chenny, we don’t spend our time focusing on what we can’t do. We focus on what we can do. We adapt, we create new opportunities, and we make sure our campers continue to have an unforgettable summer. Because at the end of the day, it isn’t about who you’re playing…It’s about the joy of playing.

Tonight, the lights dimmed, the curtain opened, and our campers transported us to A Whole New World with an absolutely spectacular performance of Aladdin. From the very first scene to the final bow, our cast had the audience completely captivated. The talent on that stage was remarkable. Our Jasmine, Prince Ali, the Genie, and every member of the cast brought their characters to life with confidence, energy, and heart. The singing was beautiful. The dancing was full of life. The acting was engaging, funny, and incredibly entertaining. Every scene was met with applause, laughter, and admiration from an audience that was completely invested in every moment. But what everyone saw tonight was much more than a performance. It was the result of weeks of dedication. Weeks of rehearsals. Learning lines. Practicing choreography. Perfecting songs. And believing in themselves.Our campers poured their hearts into this production, and every bit of that hard work shined brightly on stage tonight. One of the most beautiful parts of the evening wasn’t just what happened under the spotlight, it was what happened in the audience. Campers cheered for one another. Friends celebrated friends. We could not be prouder of each and every one of ourcast members.

As we watched tonight, it was impossible not to think that many of these young performers have incredibly bright futures ahead of them. Whether their path leads them back to the stage or somewhere completely different, the confidence, poise, creativity, and teamwork they demonstrated tonight will serve them for the rest of their lives.

And who knows…Maybe one day we’ll be sitting in a Broadway theater, watching one of tonight’s performers take the stage, and we’ll smile and say…”We knew them when…” Bravo to our incredible cast, our talented directors, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make tonight such a memorable production. It was truly a magical evening.

Friday at Camp Chen-A-Wanda means it’s time for one of our favorite weekly traditions… announcing our Kind Campers. Each Friday, the entire camp gathers together in Shields Hall for a moment that reminds us what Chenny is truly all about. As each name is called, the room fills with applause, cheers, and smiles because everyone knows what this recognition represents. Being named a Kind Camper isn’t about scoring the most points or winning a game, it’s about the way you treat others. It’s about choosing kindness, showing empathy, including those around you, lending a helping hand, and making our camp a better place every single day.

We want our Kind Campers to feel just how much they are appreciated. We want them to hear the thunderous applause from their fellow campers and staff, to know that their actions matter, and to understand that kindness is something worth celebrating. Congratulations to this week’s Kind Campers:

Tatum Kerner, Sadie Sutton, Madyson Zimmerman, Hailey Eichenbaum, Sadie Weiss, Avery Worth, Hudson Wachler, Bennett Schwartz, Caleb Grossman, and Jonah Haskell.

Thank you for leading by example and reminding us all that kindness will always be one of the greatest strengths a person can have. We are so proud of each of you!

There are some nights at Camp Chen-A-Wanda that become part of our story forever, and tonight was one of them. It was time for one of our favorite traditions of the summer… Wiffle Cup! From the moment everyone arrived at the stadium, you could feel the energy. Girls Side came dressed in bright neon, while the Boys Side, united in black, was determined to bring the Wiffle Cup home. The field quickly transformed into a sea of signs, chants, music, dancing, and nonstop excitement. It wasn’t just a game, it was an event under the lights. The vibe was Friday Night Lights for lower camp and it was awesome!

What makes Wiffle Cup so special isn’t simply the competition. It’s that every single camper is part of the experience. Whether you were stepping into the batter’s box, making a spectacular play in the field, leading the cheers from the sidelines, or dancing with your bunk between innings, everyone contributed to the incredible atmosphere. There truly isn’t another place quite like Chenny when our camp comes together. The game delivered everything we could have hoped for. There were towering home runs, unbelievable defensive plays, close calls, huge rallies, and so much fun. Every inning seemed bigger than the one before as both sides battled until the very end. The cheering never stopped, and neither team ever backed down. When the final out was recorded, it was the Boys Side celebrating an unforgettable 31–27 victory, reclaiming the Wiffle Cup after an incredible battle. Congratulations to every player who competed with heart, sportsmanship, and pride.

A special congratulations goes to our Wiffle Cup MVP, Matthew Einerman, who put together one of the greatest performances we’ve ever seen. In his three trips to the plate, Matthew hit three home runs, igniting the Boys Side offense and delivering a performance he’ll remember for the rest of his life. It was truly a night to remember. Wiffle Cup is about much more than the final score. It’s about teammates lifting one another up, campers cheering until they’re hoarse, friendships growing stronger, and creating so memories. Tonight reminded us once again why traditions matter and why life at Camp Chen-A-Wanda is so incredibly special. Our Lower camp had an absolute ball tonight.

While Wiffle Cup brought the excitement to lower camp, our Upper Camp enjoyed a spectacular evening of their own with a Senior vs. Super Soccer Match and  tailgate. It was the perfect summer night as we fired up the grills, serving burgers and hot dogs while campers gathered along the sidelines to cheer on tour Senior and Super Boys.  The game was intense, fast-paced, and filled with great plays, but what made the night truly special was the atmosphere surrounding it. It felt like a true Friday Night Lights experience. Campers lined the field, enjoying dinner with their friends, cheering for every goal, celebrating big saves, and soaking in one of those magical Chenny nights that simply can’t be recreated anywhere else. For our oldest campers, it was the perfect night of soccer, friendship, and yummy food. Nights like these remind us that some of the best camp memories aren’t just made during special events, they’re created when everyone comes together to enjoy an unforgettable evening under the lights.

One of the greatest things about Camp Chen-A-Wanda is that everyone finds their thing. That is the beauty of this crazy, magical place. Not every camper is going to score the winning goal. Not every camper is going to hit the walk-off home run or stand at center stage during Sign & Song. And that’s exactly the way it should be. Because here, there truly is something for everyone.

Today, I walked into Arts & Crafts and immediately stopped in my tracks. Sitting at one of the tables was a Senior boy carefully placing tiny Pix Brix pieces together to create the most elaborate giant Harry Potter crest I have ever seen. It wasn’t something he threw together in an hour. He had been working on it for days. What made it even more special was that somewhere along the way, another camper, a Senior girl, asked if she could join him. From that moment on, it wasn’t his project anymore. It became their project. They spent electives together. They spent free time together. Piece by piece, they built something remarkable. As I stood there watching this unlikely duo create their masterpiece, I couldn’t help but smile. Because what they were building wasn’t just art. They were building a friendship. That’s the part that means the most. One camper has an idea, follows something they’re passionate about, and another camper is inspired enough to say, “Can I help?”

That simple question changes everything. Those moments happen here every single day. Sometimes they’re loud and obvious, and sometimes they’re quiet enough that only a few people notice. But today, I noticed.  And it filled me with a level of pride that is hard to describe. Connection happens here. Two kids who may never have crossed paths discover a shared interest. They spend time together. They learn about one another. They laugh. They create. Before they know it, their world has grown just a little bit bigger.

Those are the victories that don’t show up on a scoreboard. I love watching our campers compete. I love celebrating championships, performances, and accomplishments on the fields and courts. But I also love the quieter victories. The confidence a camper gains by stepping onto a stage. The joy of discovering a hidden talent. The pride of creating something with your own hands. And the friendship that forms because someone else decides to pull up a chair and join you. That Harry Potter crest was intricate. It was beautiful. It required patience, creativity, teamwork, and countless hours of effort.

As you know, we have temporarily paused traveling to other camps and hosting intercamp games due to the stomach virus that has affected several of our neighboring camps. We know how much our campers look forward to competing against other camps and seeing friends throughout the summer. Those games are an exciting part of camp life, and this wasn’t a decision we made lightly. However, the health and well-being of our campers and staff will always come first. With the virus continuing to circulate, we simply don’t feel the risk is worth exposing our camp community. That didn’t mean the competition stopped. It just meant we got creative.

Today, camp was filled with friendly rivalries as we organized Red vs. Gold, Freshmen vs. Juniors, Inters vs. Collegiates, and other  matchups across campus. The fields were full, the sidelines were cheering, and the competitive spirit was alive and well. The games were played, the laughs were shared, and our campers had an absolute blast. Sometimes life asks you to adjust your plans. At Chenny, we believe in being the river, not the rock. We don’t dwell on what we can’t do, we focus on what we can do. We adapt, we innovate, and we continue creating unforgettable experiences for our campers.

Our GCs are still out West, exploring, adventuring, and having the time of their lives! Day 2 in San Diego was nothing short of incredible. The day began with an unforgettable whale-watching excursion, where campers experienced the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and all that it has to offer. Afterward, they enjoyed some well-deserved downtime, soaking up the California sunshine while relaxing by the resort pool. As the sun began to set, the adventure continued with a trip to Belmont Park, where they spent the evening enjoying the boardwalk, rides, games, and everything that makes this iconic beachfront amusement park so special. Every day of this West Coast adventure is creating memories that will last a lifetime. There is nothing quite like experiencing California with your closest camp friends. It’s good to be a GC!