Chenny Blog

For the past 48 nights, I have had the privilege of writing a letter to all of you at home, sharing the adventures, milestones, and magic that your children have experienced each day here at Chenny. But tonight feels different. Tonight, my letter isn’t for you the  parents. Tonight, my letter is for your kids. Because before they board the buses tomorrow, and before this remarkable summer becomes another cherished memory, there are a few things I want them to know. 

Thank you for sharing them with us all summer long. Until next summer.

To Our Summer 2026 Family,

Tonight is always one of the most emotional nights of the summer. It is the night we sit together in Shields Hall and realize that something extraordinary happened here all summer long. Seven weeks ago, you arrived with trunks, duffel bags, excitement, nervousness, and with endless possibilities and tomorrow morning, you’ll leave with something you couldn’t pack. You will all leave here with friendships that changed you. You will leave here with memories that will stay with you for an entire lifetime. You will leave here with a little more confidence and a little more courage. And hopefully, you all will leave here with a deeper understanding that you are capable of far more than you ever imagined. If there is one lesson this summer reminded all of us, it is this: We can do hard things.

This summer, every single one of you showed us what resilience looks like. You tried activities you had never done before. You played sports that challenged you. You stood on stages. You climbed towers. You jumped into lakes. You learned to live with people who were strangers just weeks ago. You worked through homesickness. You comforted friends. You found your voice. You discovered strengths you didn’t know you had. This is what Chenny has always been about. Not creating perfect kids but creating stronger ones.

This summer inspired us in ways we will never be able to fully explain. You all gave us strength just by embracing this place and one another and that allowed us to do what we needed to do to make sure Chenny continues on forever and ever.

We hope Chenny gave you everything you needed this summer. We hope you found a best friend. We hope you became someone else’s best friend. We hope you laughed until your stomach hurt. We hope you found confidence you didn’t know you had. We hope you tried something that scared you. We hope you failed at something… and understood that failure isn’t the end of the story. We hope you learned something about yourself and most of all, we hope you leave tomorrow with a heart so full that every time you think about this place, you smile. Because that smile means Chenny will always be a part of you.

To our Veteran staff:

Thank you for returning year after year because you believe in something bigger than yourselves. You are the keepers of our traditions, the protectors of our culture, and the steady hands that make this place feel like home. Thank you for loving these kids as if they were your own.

To our First-Year Staff:

You did it. You discovered that being a camp counselor is one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever have. It requires every ounce of your heart, your patience, your kindness and your energy. But somewhere along the way, these campers became part of your story. Years from now you’ll remember their names, their hugs, their laughter and the little moments that changed the both of you. Thank you for giving them your whole heart. It matters.

To the Heartbeat of Chenny, our Campers:

You are why Chenny exists. Watching you become the very best versions of yourselves is the greatest privilege of our lives.

To our Freshmen, Juniors and Middies, you reminded us that joy is contagious. Your giggles, your imagination and your excitement filled every corner of camp with happiness. Thank you for bringing so much joy to camp.

To our Inters, Collegiates, Seniors and Supers, these years of life can be really hard and we hope this summer reminded you how loved you are, how capable you are and how important you are. You got this and we believe in you.

To our GCs and CITs, We simply have to take a moment to honor all of you. This summer, you helped create something brand new with our very first 171 Cup, and what you accomplished went far beyond winning three games. Yes, sweeping all three was incredible, but that’s not what made us so proud. What made this event unforgettable was YOU. The spirit you brought. The energy you created and the positivity you spread. The camp pride you lived every single day. You didn’t just play for Chenny, you inspired Chenny. You injected camp pride into every corner of this camp, and every camper, counselor, and staff member felt it.  You started a tradition that will live on for generations. Years from now, campers will look forward to the 171 Cup without even realizing it all started with YOU. That is your legacy.

So to our Supers & GC’s – You saw how it’s done. The bar has been set and it’s your turn to continue what they started.

Tomorrow you will all head home. Go be kind. Go be brave. Go be the person Chenny helped you become. Always Choose kindness and never forget,  you can do hard things. Thank you for making Summer 2026 one of the most inspiring summers of our lives.

Life Is And Always Will Be Great At Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

 

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 & Brody Scharaga
SUPERS	Harrison Pilkington		Garren Katzenberg		Sam Schrager
GC’s	Enzo Vicente		Dylan Gold		Ryden Rubovitz
CIT of the Year	Brady Kotler

With only two more sleeps left until Summer 2026 comes to a close, the vibe around camp has changed in the most beautiful way. There’s a calmness that settles over Chenny during these final days. Everyone knows what’s right around the corner, and instead of rushing through the moments, we’re savoring them. After seven incredible weeks together, we’ve built something truly special. Every camper, every counselor, every staff member has played a part in creating the community we have today. Today marked the last day of regular activities, and everyone was determined to make every moment count.

There were final Gaga games that felt like championship matches. One last leap into the Aqua Park. Last turns on the climbing wall. Last bracelets being finished in Arts & Crafts. Final pottery projects. Last tennis rallies. One more ride down the slide. Everywhere you looked, campers were soaking up every last opportunity to do the things they’ve loved all summer long.

It’s funny how every year we spend ten months waiting for these seven weeks to arrive. We count down the days until Opening Day, and then, somehow, in what feels like the blink of an eye, we’re standing here with only two days remaining. But that’s the thing about the moments that mean the most, they always seem to go by the fastest. And without question, every second is worth the wait.

No matter what was happening throughout camp today, there was one event everyone had circled on their calendar. Late Night with Leahy. Simply calling it an evening activity doesn’t do it justice. It’s a production. It’s a tradition. It’s an experience. Every summer, our very own Brian Leahy, along with an incredibly talented team, creates one of the most anticipated nights of the entire season. Campers begin hearing about Late Night with Leahy before they even arrive at camp, and once you’ve experienced it, you understand why. The show is brilliantly produced, hilarious, creative, and completely original. Through videos, skits, movie trailer remakes, TikTok trends, Mean Tweets, choreographed performances, surprise giveaways, and countless inside jokes from the summer, it celebrates everything that makes Chenny so special. For nearly two hours, Shields Hall was filled with nonstop laughter. Campers laughed until they cried. Counselors laughed just as hard. Head staff laughed at themselves. Even the staff members who had the night off wouldn’t dream of missing this show. It’s one of those traditions that brings every single person together under one roof. What makes Late Night with Leahy so special isn’t just how funny it is, it’s how perfectly it captures the spirit of the summer. It reminds us of the little moments we’ve shared, the friendships we’ve built, and the memories that will stay with us long after the trunks are unpacked. It gives us permission to laugh at ourselves, celebrate one another, and appreciate just how much fun we’ve had together over the past seven weeks. As we looked around Shields Hall tonight, all we could see were smiling faces. From our youngest Freshmen to our oldest CITs… From first-year counselors to veteran staff… Every person in that room was experiencing the same thing. Pure joy. With two more sleeps left, we’re making every moment count. Because while this summer may be coming to an end, the memories we’ve created together will last a lifetime.

Banquet tomorrow then Memory Night then they come home to you!

It’s hard to believe there are only three more sleeps until Summer 2026 comes to an end. With Color War now behind us, reality has finally begun to settle in. We’re all cherishing every last moment together, knowing these final days always seem to pass so quickly. This morning was a much-needed late wake-up. After five incredible days of Color War, the extra sleep felt like a gift. Camp life is wonderfully nonstop, filled with energy, excitement, and so much movement but after everyone poured their hearts into making this year’s Color War one of the best we’ve ever experienced, we all deserved a chance to recharge and sleep in. From there, everyone headed to the Lodge for a delicious brunch before easing into the day. While camp still buzzes with activity, we’ve quietly started the process of getting organized for departure. It always feels strange knowing that packing trunks means the summer is winding down, but we’re determined to soak up every remaining minute together.

And what better way to spend a relaxing evening than our final trip of the summer, a night at the movies.

Campers spread out among this summer’s biggest blockbusters. Some chose Minions, others laughed their way through Moana, many were thrilled to see Spider-Man, and others were captivated by The Odyssey. With popcorn in one hand, an Icee in the other, and best friends sitting beside them, it was the perfect way to slow the pace for just a little while and enjoy one more special memory together. Even though things have shifted into a more relaxed rhythm, we’re certainly not done making memories. Tomorrow night is Late Night with Leahy, one of the most beloved and highly anticipated evening activities of the entire summer. Calling it a “show” doesn’t do it justice, it’s truly an experience. Brian Leahy has a gift unlike anyone else, and year after year he somehow creates another masterpiece that leaves everyone laughing, cheering, and wondering how he does it.

Then comes Banquet, when we’ll celebrate an unforgettable summer, dance the night away, and enjoy one final evening together as a camp family. And finally, we’ll gather for Memory Night, perhaps the most emotional evening of all. Together, we’ll watch a video that captures the laughter, friendships, adventures, traditions, and countless magical moments that made Summer 2026 so incredibly special. It’s a chance to reflect on everything we’ve shared and to realize just how much can happen in seven short weeks.

So yes, just three more sleeps. Three more mornings to wake up in our bunks. Three more days to laugh with our friends. Three more evenings under the Chenny sky. Three more opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. We’re going to make every single one of them count.

With the final day of Color War upon us, every camper, counselor, and staff member gave it everything they had. There was no holding back. Win or lose, both teams left their hearts on the fields, courts, and stages. Every event was filled with Red Racers and Gold G.O.A.T.S. spirit, chants, encouragement, and unwavering support for one another. One of the most beautiful parts of Color War is watching children rally around their teammates. They compete fiercely, but they do it with kindness, encouragement, and respect. It is competition at its very best, and it is exactly what we hope every child experiences in sports and in life.

After our morning games, it was time for one final push with one of Chenny’s most legendary traditions, Apache Relay. Everyone matters in Apache. Every single camper plays an important role. Whether you’re being wrapped in toilet paper, sprinting around the Quad Track, creating a giant piece of artwork, or heading into the School of Rock for the infamous “Unknown,” your contribution matters. Apache isn’t won by one superstar. It’s won by everyone working together. That’s what makes it so special. It’s intense. It’s exciting. It’s organized chaos. And it’s one of the greatest reminders that every individual contributes to something much bigger than themselves. Watching hundreds of campers race from station to station while teammates cheer them on is one of the defining images of Color War. The focus, the anticipation, the teamwork, and the determination were everywhere you looked. It was an incredible afternoon, and we truly never stopped moving.

As evening approached, another long-standing Chenny tradition awaited us, The Silent Meal. Never is The Lodge quieter than it is on the final night of Color War. This is normally a place filled with singing, dancing, laughter, and conversation, but tonight, every camper and counselor sat together in complete silence, knowing that every word spoken could cost their team valuable points. Imagine a dining hall filled with hundreds of campers, and hearing almost nothing. It’s one of the most unique traditions at Chenny and somehow becomes one of the most memorable.

Then it was time. Both teams entered Shields Hall knowing everything had come down to this final event. Color War Sing. Every Color War veteran knows that Sing isn’t just another competition. It’s the heart of Color War. Both the Red Racers and the Gold G.O.A.T.S. unveiled truly breathtaking plaques and banners that reflected five days of creativity, teamwork, and pride. They were true works of art. Then the singing began. Each song told a story. Each verse carried meaning.Each performance represented 5 days of preparation and countless hours working together. And when both teams stood together to sing their Alma Mater, you could feel the emotion as we all know summer is coming to a close.   After one final deliberation, it was time. In one of Chenny’s most cherished traditions, the judges gathered for musical chairs to reveal the winner. The room stood still. Hearts raced. And then… Gold G.O.A.T.S. were crowned the 2026 Color War Champions! The celebration erupted. Teammates hugged one another, tears flowed, cheers rang throughout Shields Hall, and for a brief moment, the joy of victory belonged to the Gold G.O.A.T.S. But just as quickly as the celebration began, something beautiful happened, friends from opposing teams embraced and danced together to the hall full of music. The colors no longer mattered. Because that’s what Color War has always been about. We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two separate teams. We walked out as one camp. The friendships formed, the confidence gained, the challenges overcome, and the memories created over these five incredible days will stay with our campers forever. Congratulations to the Gold G.O.A.T.S. on an incredible victory. And congratulations to the Red Racers, who competed with so much  heart, resilience, and sportsmanship until the very last point. Both teams made us incredibly proud.

Tomorrow, we celebrate together as one Chenny family with a late wake- up and boy do we all need a sleep in. Then it’s an afternoon of freeplay followed by a night out at the movies.  Because when you think Chenny can’t possibly get any better, it just does.