Banquet and Awards!
Today was all about one thing, Banquet. But before we arrived at one of the most cherished traditions of the summer, there was work to be done. Cabins buzzed with the sounds of packing, organizing, folding clothes, and trying to fit seven weeks of memories back into a duffle and trunk. Bunk notes were carefully written, each one filled with kind words, inside jokes, gratitude, and promises to stay in touch. Every note, every signature, every message was another reminder that this incredible summer is coming to a close. Reality has begun to set in. In just one more day, the bunks that have been filled with laughter, late-night conversations, music, and friendships will grow quiet again. The basketballs will stop bouncing, the cheers from the fields will fade, and the camp that has been bursting with life will patiently wait for another summer to begin.
It is hard to believe that everything we have experienced together—the first-day nerves, Color War, trips, campfires, rainy days, victories, challenges, moments of courage, moments of kindness, and countless laughs, has all happened in just seven short weeks. Somewhere along the way, strangers became best friends, campers became more confident, and this place once again became home. That’s what makes these last few days so emotional. We begin preparing to leave, but at the same time we find ourselves wanting to hold onto every last moment. Because we all know something that is difficult to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it: summers at Camp Chen-A-Wanda never feel long enough.
Tonight was one of the most beautiful traditions of the summer, Banquet Night. Everyone got dressed in their very best, gathered with friends for photos along the beach, and watched as the sun slowly set over beautiful Fiddle Lake. It was one of those evenings where you wished time would stand still. We shared the best meal of the summer, laughed around our tables, reflected on the incredible weeks we’ve shared together, and celebrated everything this camp has meant to each of us. Banquet is bittersweet. It reminds us that the end of another unforgettable summer has arrived, but it also gives us the chance to pause, look around, and appreciate the friendships, memories, and moments that will stay with us long after we leave. There is something incredibly special about celebrating together on a perfect summer evening, surrounded by the people who made this place feel like home.
Before our dance party, we had our end of Summer Camper Awards. These are the big ones. These campers went above and beyond all summer long and deserve all the recognition for their outstanding character, positive mindset and are the campers everyone wants to be around and play with. Well done Chenny kids, We’re so proud of you and we know when your families at home read this list below and see your names, they too will be beyond proud of what you have accomplished this summer.
| CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2026 – GIRLS | |||||
| HONOR | ATHLETE | ALL AROUND | |||
| FRESHMEN | Noa Johnson | Mackenzie Steinberg-Rodriguez | Taylor Reiner | ||
| JUNIORS | Olivia Raush | Ella Einerman | Hollis Miller | ||
| MIDDIES | Ave Steinman & Evie Weismann | Jordynn Schneider | Amelia Taubes | ||
| INTERS | Aria Marcus & Avery Worth | Laela Crusey & Mia Goldberg | April Polirstock & Kaitlin Schaefer | ||
| COLLEGIATE | Riley Silbert | Lily Ockner | Olivia Hirsch | ||
| SENIORS | Jolie Schissler | Miranda Siegel | Sydney Roemer | ||
| SUPERS | Josie Greenblatt | Zoe Kornblau | Alivia Johnson | ||
| GC’s | Shayna Simson | Abby Sugarman | |||
| CIT of the Year | Jordana Poplock | ||||
| CAMPERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2026 – BOYS | |||||
| HONOR | ATHLETE | ALL AROUND | |||
| FRESHMEN | Jaxson Kuropatkin | Miles Cabat | Harrison Grumer | ||
| JUNIORS | Sam Fox | Ryder Sannon | Colby Repinsky | ||
| MIDDIES | Jonah Haskell & Brayden Kahn | Max Galante & Jaxson Shillman | Austin Hawkins & Jace Blumert | ||
| INTERS | Gabe Barasch & Grayson Zweben | Max Schwartz & Spencer Weinstein | Dean Tacktill & Hudson Wachler | ||
| COLLEGIATE | Grey Goldman | Ryan Zaben | Harrison Zender | ||
| SENIORS | Nathaniel Menkin & Gabe Porat | Reid Sterling & Max Hammer | Devin Luhrs | ||
| SUPERS | Harrison Pilkington | Garren Katzenberg | Sam Schrager | ||
| GC’s | Enzo Vicente | Dylan Gold | Ryden Rubovitz | ||
| CIT of the Year | Brady Kotler | ||||