Rain Makes Everything Grow
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.