Author: Elissa

WOW! What a day. Before we jump into the details of this glorious Color war break. Which was AWESOME by the way. We are proud to announce the Campers of the Week. They have shined, gone above and beyond and stood out as tremendous campers this week. Way to go!

Girls Side

Bunk A – Sydney Rosenberg

Bunk B – Jamie Liebman

Bunk C – Gracie Murphy

Bunk D – Emily Burke

Bunk E – Alexa Plotkin

Bunk F – Lauren Becker

Bunk G – Avery Paulen & Jackie Albert

Bunk H – Rian Marcus

Bunk I – Ally Heller & Emily Sobel

Bunk J – Daisy Chaskin

Bunk K – Kate Reneri

Bunk L – Hannah Pollack & Jayden Bier

Bunk M – Michaela Beck

Bunk N – Carly Belasco

Bunk O – Sydney Schecter

Bunk P – Gillian Stapler

Bunk Q – Hannah Grisack

Bunk R – Carly Arfman

Bunk S – Sam Pollack

CIT’s – Taylor Rosenblatt

 

Boys Side

Bunk A – Jared Cohen

Bunk B – Daniel Greenfield & Parker Moritz

Bunk C – AJ Grisack & Parker Schnell

Bunk D – Ben Breslow

Bunk E – Sam Schamis

Bunk F – Tyler Streim

Bunk G – Ross Ostrager

Bunk H – Josh Shiffman

Bunk I – Jordan Rosenberg

Bunk J – Mason Sklar

Bunk K – Bennett Goldstein

Bunk L – Mack Schnell

Bunk M – Tyler Schwartz

Bunk N –Matt Burack

Bunk O – Andrew Santoro

Bunk P – Jeremy Gaines

Bunk Q – David Tell & Jason Teich

Bunk R – Jack Siegel

CIT’s – Brett Croen

Before the big festivities, we were able to get some games and matches in today.

Boys 5^th Grade Tennis – CAW 3 vs. Equinunk 2 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Boys 6^th Grade LAX – Tioga 7 vs. CAW 4 (friendly game)

Girls  6^th Grade Basketball – CAW 10 vs. Island Lake 6 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Boys 6^th Grade Basketball – Wayne 39 vs. CAW 34

Girls 7^th Grade Soccer – Indian Head 3 vs. CAW 1

Boys 8^th Grade Tennis – Wayne 5 vs. CAW 0

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Basketball – Tyler Hill 76 vs. CAW 64

Girls 10^th /11^th Grade Tennis – Westmont 7 vs. CAW 4

Back to the business of Color War. There was great anticipation all day with so many questions if we were breaking today. We had a fun Fake Out during lunch as we showed a video on the big screen. It got everyone excited again as to when the big break will happen.  There was so much energy all day, you could feel it. It was tangible and with each passing hour, it grew more intense.

It was an all-camp movie and as each camper entered Shields Hall, they were sure it was breaking tonight. We went old school and showed Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back but this showing was a bit off from the original. The first 5 minutes, campers were chanting Color War War but then soon came to realize that this actually might just be a movie night. And with each passing minute, they became more vested in the story of Star Wars, Princess Leah, Luke, and Hans Solo. Their wishes for Color War faded. Then just as Darth Vader made his appearance o the big screen, something seemed off. Darth Vader spoke how the Juniors do not yet have the Force and how there is a war, a Color War about to be had. Unlike the original movie, Darth Vader took off his mask and it was none other than Gary Shields and he told them all to head to the Lodge and that the Force would be with them. They screamed with excitement. It was here. Color War was finally here.

All of the campers ran to the Lodge and realized that there were two Bands at opposite ends of the room. It was a Battle of The Bands and it was about to get crazy in the Lodge. The bands alternated as they performed songs from the 80’s and the 90’s. With each song, our head and professional staff ran out dressed as MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, Britany Spear, Beavis and Butthead, Axl Rose and Boy George. It was a flashback to two fun eras full of neon and teased rocker glam hair.  The entire camp sang along and danced to each performance and we all ended the concert with Don’t Stop Believing! You have to be in a room where every single person is singing at the top of their lungs, Don’t Stop Believing. It is inspiring, it is emotional, and it is all encompassing. IT IS COLOR WAR!!!!!

Let the Battle Begin!

Chenny Out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was day that will go down in the books as one of summer 2012 best days. The sky was blue, the weather was ideal, and the mood was just perfect. Happy campers all around, it was carnival Day at Chenny.

The morning was full of championships Battles. Another fantastic day of sports here at Chenny.

Boys 3^rd/4^th Grade Soccer Championship Game – Equinunk 2 vs. CAW 1 – overtime

Boys 5^th Grade Basketball Championship Game – Lavi 24 vs, CAW 20

Boys 5^th Grade Baseball Championship Game – Starlight 5 vs. CAW 3

Girls 7^th Grade Softball Championship Game – CAW 10 vs. Poyntelle 0

They all played hard and for the pure love of the game. The way it is supposed to be. It has been an amazing summer of great sportsmanship, unreal effort and tremendous teamwork.  We couldn’t be more proud of what we have seen on our fields and courts. These are kids just playing to play. Not because they have to but because they want to. There is no stress, there is just play!

The afternoon was all about Carnival. All our campers had a blast as they raced in the giant inflatable obstacle course or slipped down the water slide. Some dared to get on the Twister but everyone loved the sno-cones, popcorn and cotton candy. There was the ever famous dunk tank and oh so popular giant gloves boxing ring. It was a perfect afternoon at our very own carnival. Our CIT’s had their own wedding booth and performed 100’s of unions. Everyone who got married received an official license and beautiful pipe cleaner ring.  There was music playing and campers couldn’t contain their happiness. It was just a perfect afternoon playing with our friends. Doesn’t get much better than that!

We gathered the entire camp today on the basketball court outside of the Rec Hall after evening line up for a very special ceremony. Everyone assumed this was a Color War Fake out but something much more profound was about to occur. Celebrating his 25^th summer at Chen-A-Wanda, we honored our Director, Gary Shields and renamed our Rec Hall to SHIELDS HALL. His commitment, dedication and loyalty to this camp will now be forever celebrated with a hall named after a terrific man who has put his heart and soul into CAW for the past 25 years. This sign shines bright and we are proud to display it. The campers and staff celebrated with him and were excited to be a part of this moment in CAW history.

When I say that our Chenny Circus Show was the best evening activity yet, I am not exaggerating. The production, the storyline, music and costumes were phenomenal but to see our kid’s fly was breathtaking. Our campers were the stars of the show and to see how they performed was just stunning. Campers come here with some skills in traditional sports or in the arts but to see what they learn here at Circus and be able to perform at such a high level is awe-inspiring. Your kids amaze us. We are so proud of them. You could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on them in pure amazement. Hats off to our talented Circus Staff Rodrigo, Lucas, Carey, Denise and Marylou for their commitment to teaching our kids to fly. They sure did soar tonight and they will take that feeling of pure freedom with them wherever they go.

As we all were being dismissed by Gary Shields, you heard Native American chants and deep banging on drums. Just over the Little League field wall came Indians who were dancing a traditional dance. Their faces painted Red & Gold… Could this be a Color War? At that moment, a group of Cowboys wrangled up to fight the Indians and it was WAR! There were two small children (Elana Kessler and Sam Rouder) that needed to be sacrificed for this War and were brought to the center of this battle. As our Indian Chief and Cowboy battled, they asked the children to say something before the sacrifice and they both responded with a giant FAKE OUT!!! The campers loved it and laughed all they way back to their bunks. Color War is getting closer and we all feel it!!!!!

Chenny out

 

The sun was shining down on camp today and the campers were out and took advantage of this perfect camp day. It was Boys Lip Sync tonight so all over camp, you could see each division practicing for the big show. They were getting the steps the right, the moves down and of course having a blast doing it. The counselors led the way and opened that door for the kids to just dance. This is what happens here, you loose your inhibitions, you are never too cool to let loose and dancing in front of the entire camp is what we do.

A lot happened today in the wide world of Chenny Sports. It was a day full of fun and great competition. Some wins and losses but in every battle, we played with heart and learned along the way.

Boys & Girls 4^th/5^th/6^th/7^th Grade Archery Tourney @ Wayne – CAW loses but had a great day

Boys 3^rd & 4^th Grade Soccer – Starlight 2 vs. CAW 0

Boys 5^th Grade Soccer Friendly Match – CAW 10 vs. Tioga 0

Girls 5^th Grade Tennis – Bryn Mawr 3 vs. CAW 2

Boys 7^th Grade Softball – Equinunk 8 vs. CAW 3

Girls 7^th Grade Softball – CAW 20 vs. Starlight 5

Boys 7^th Grade Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 4 – CAW WINS WAYNE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Boys 9^th Grade Soccer – Chestnut Lake 11 vs. CAW 0

Boys 10^th/11^th Grade Basketball – CAW 39 vs. Indian Head 23

We even had an in house soccer match with our Girls Collegiates vs. Seniors. The Collegiates prevailed as the winners today and all the campers loved getting an intra camp game going. They just want play.

Tonight was all about Boys side and they delivered in a big way. This is what is so special about our camp. From our cutest Freshman to the coolest CIT’s, they all got up on that stage and danced. You can only assume at home, some of these same kids would never even think of performing on stage but here with their buddies by their side, they danced. They all let loose and entertained a packed house. This is where you have licencse to let loose, to be free without any hesitation and to enjoy yourself without feeling judged. That what makes this place so special.

There could be only be one winner for lower camp and one for upper. Though each division was spectacular in their own right and brought the magic, tonight’s lower camp winner was Junior Boys! They wowed us with their interpretation of a day in the life of a Junior Boy. Upper Camp had so many fantastic performances but tonight went to our CIT’s as they just brought the goods. They were funny, heartfelt and their dance embodied what Boys Lip Sync is all about. Bravo Boys Camp!! You did us all proud.

Chenny out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was trip today and everyone had a great time as they ventured out of camp for the last time this summer.

Our Freshmen and Juniors had the best day at Camel Beach. They went from ride to ride each one more exciting than the next. It was day of Dune Runners, Triple Venoms and the Giant Sand Storms. They went down the lazy river and just had a ball in the wave pool. It was a perfect day and as the campers got off the bus you heard them all saying how this was the best trip and how they are excited to go back next summer and try the big slide. That’s when you know they’ve had a ball when they can actually see themselves challenged to do the next big ride as they grow.

The Middies and Inters spent their day at Dorney Park. They spent their day on roller coasters and more roller coasters. When they weren’t on rides, they were in the arcade winning giant stuffed animals. The weather was ideal and they wanted to stay longer. As they rolled into camp after their amazing day, they exited the busses, most of them half asleep but all muttering the same thing, “that was the best trip ever”.  What could be better than hanging at an amusement park with you camp friends. It’s a dream that you just don’t want to end.

It was off for a relaxing day at the State park for our Collegiates and Seniors. They enjoyed a fun day of rest, relaxation and hanging out with their friends at the park. They tossed the ball and played Frisbee, they played in the lake and just had an incredible day with each other. The day ended with a BBQ. There was lots of laughter and joy today for these divisions. A memorable sunny day spent with great friends. As they got off their busses and headed back to their bunks, all relaxed, they too were chatting how their day was amazing. Great day spent with great friends.

Our Supers and GC’s had phenomenal day tubing down the river. This is a new trip to CAW and they loved every minute of it. It was a beautiful day with an outstanding activity. Tubing with your buddies down a roaring river in between picturesque mountains. After this fun afternoon, it was to the bowling alley. This group loved their trip today. It was a day that memories were made and good times were had by all.

Yesterday morning our CIT’s woke up to a note on their breakfast table with clues to where they may be going on their CIT surprise trip. They had only an hour to pack some pretty random items and off they went to their surprise adventure. We took them on a wild goose chase until we arrived at our destination, Great Wolf Lodge. They spent the day at the indoor water park and had the best time. The evening was spent in the arcade and just being together. It was an overnight that this amazing group will cherish forever. What a special group of kids. They came back so grateful and happy that they got to spend the night at Great Wolf Lodge. As they are ending their camper years here at CAW, it was a perfect trip and a perfect way to say goodbye to their journey here. Even at 16 years old, the so appreciated the chance to play. At the core, that’s what these kids love to do, just play together, relate to one another, have fun! So glad we gave them the opportunity to have their last trip be so much fun.

Well, it’s official, the next time our campers are on a bus, they will be heading back home to you. Our trips, this summer have been successful and your campers have been a major part of their success. They have all been so well mannered and great listeners. We have had more bus drivers, park personnel, ball game attendants and movie theater managers compliment the behaviors of our kids. What a great feeling it is that when our kids leave our house, all dressed in their Chenny shirts, they make us proud, follow the rules and have the best time of their lives. It was an absolute pleasure bringing our kids out and about this summer. They were fabulous.

We have more camp to do and we plan on making these last 11 days the best yet. It’s not over yet so we will be getting busy with some more outrageous fun. Stay tuned with what is just around the corner. Does anyone sense something big coming? We do!!!!!

Chenny out.

 

 

 

Today, a Junior boy was walking down to the lake with a friend of his, they were arm in arm and I overheard them talking to one another. One said to the other, ”I am really glad we met this summer, it’s been the best summer I have ever had”, then, the friend replied with a simple but powerful response, “It feels like we are family. It’s my best summer too.”  There are thousands of those moments everyday here and I was privileged enough to be there at that one sweet moment.

Another camper, a Middy boy, got a bit emotional after a call home with his parents. I asked if everything was all right and then he so innocently shared with me how this has been the best summer ever. He asked if we would consider adding a few more days or weeks to camp this summer. That when he goes home, he has the stress of Fall Ball and playing baseball at home is way different than playing here.  It all made sense when he asked us if we could tell everyone at home how it could be. That sport can be fun without the stress of disappointing coaches, parents and teammates. He so poetically put it in his own words that he loved playing baseball here at camp because it was just fun to play and that at 10 years old, that’s what it should be. Another magical moment that reiterates how valuable this place is to us all and how necessary it is to our kids; to play without stress and just for the pure love of it.

Our 6^th Grade Girls Soccer team summed it up beautifully as they lost their championship game today vs. Blue Ridge. The game was close and they truly felt the win within their reach but as game ended with a final score of 3-2, the coaches gathered the kids and told them how proud they were of them. That within each one of them is a winner, a great sport, an exceptional athlete and a supportive teammate. They came back from the away game to be embraced by their camp friends who were waiting their arrival. In the same breath that they announced they had lost, they told their friends how they had a great time playing a great team. One camper said, “I’ve never had so much fun playing soccer”. There were no tears or put downs or devastation that occurred. Still in their uniforms and cleats, they swung on the swings and laughed together. That is what it is all about. No pressure, just play! Our kids deserve this and we are so happy to give it to them.

After a day of magical moments, we all were entertained by comedian/magician John Pizzi. He didn’t just make us laugh, he cracked us up. It was a fun night watching rabbits coming out of nowhere and watching our campers get elevated right in front of our eyes. Just an all around terrific night.

Chenny out.