Author: Elissa

This summer, we welcomed an incredible new camper named Rachel to Chenny. Unlike many of her peers, Rachel joined a division where most campers had spent multiple summers together—tight-knit, familiar, and full of shared memories. It’s not easy to walk into a group that already feels like a family, but Rachel did it with grace, courage, and an open heart. From the moment she arrived, she jumped into every activity with excitement, connected quickly with her counselors, and embraced all the fun that camp has to offer. She’s been smiling through swim, rocking it at sports, and is already counting down to upcoming trips and events.

In her division of four bunks, there were so many opportunities for friendship, but over the first few weeks, Rachel realized something important: the strongest connections she was forming were with campers in a bunk she didn’t live in. And at a place like Chenny, where relationships are the heartbeat of everything we do, that realization really mattered. Rachel showed incredible emotional maturity when she shared what she was feeling—bravely opening up about how she was navigating this new space. It was never about not fitting in—it was about finding the right fit. And for Rachel, her gut told her it might just be next door.

With compassion and care, we presented Rachel with the option to move into the bunk where she felt the strongest sense of connection. We guided her through the process, making sure she felt empowered every step of the way. The most beautiful moment came when we shared the news with the girls in her new bunk. Their reaction was instant and full of joy: “We’re so happy she’s in our bunk now!” When Rachel walked in, she looked at her new friends and asked with a smile, “Okay guys, which one is the good shower in here?” Without missing a beat, her bunkmates leapt up, laughing, and excitedly pointed her to the best one. It was as if she had always been there.

There’s so much to learn from moments like this—from Rachel’s courage to speak her truth, to the empathy and inclusivity of her new bunkmates, and the shared understanding that sometimes, change is exactly what’s needed. Camp isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding your people, your rhythm, your place. And today, Rachel found hers.

Chenny Game Recap:

Freshman/Junior Boys Intra Camp Basketball Tournament  – CAW Red 21 vs. CAW Gold 20

Junior/Middy/Inter Boys LAX – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 1 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 13 vs. IHC 0

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 4 vs. Island Lake 2

Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Basketball Tournament –  CAW Gold 16 vs. CAW Red 22

Middy vs. Inter Girls Intra Camp Tennis Tournament – Middy’s 1 vs. Inters 6

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 8 @ Starlight 0

Senior/Super Girls LAX – CAW 16 @ Starlight 10

Love and laughter were  in the air tonight as we gathered in Shields Hall for one of camp’s most beloved evening activities—The Dating Game! With charming bachelors and bold bachelorettes from every division, the energy was electric and the comedy nonstop. The laughter pouring out of Shields Hall could be heard across camp—it was that good. From the Freshmen all the way up to the CITs, the questions were creative, the answers were hilarious, and the spirit was pure Chenny magic. It was a night full of fun, friendship, and feel-good moments. Days like this remind us why we love it here so much.

 

Blue Finland took home the victory tonight. But this year’s Olympics was anything but predictable. The team leading in the morning had dropped by lunchtime, and the leaderboard shifted so often it was nearly impossible to keep up. That constant movement only added to the suspense and intensity, making this one of the most thrilling Olympics in recent memory.

Olympics is more than just a camp competition—it’s a cherished tradition that ties generations of Chen-A-Wanda campers together. The chants, cheers, and team spirit create a shared experience that bonds us to this place and to one another. Over the past three days, every camper dug deep, gave their all, and helped shape the story of their team. New friendships were forged, old ones deepened, and the simple magic of a kickball game or a water polo match brought people closer together. This is why we love Olympics.

As the games came to a close, all three teams gathered in Shields Hall to present their songs, banner, and plaque. One by one, Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland performed their Cheer, March, and Alma Mater. The voices of each team rose together in unison, and you could feel how much it meant to every camper in that room. These were more than just performances, they were reflections of pride, unity, and heart. The lyrics they sang will not be forgotten and in years down the road, our campers will be able to sing the songs they learned from that summer at Chenny.

Then, the moment arrived. The judges had tallied their scores, and the time had come to announce the winner of Olympics 2025. Shields Hall was bursting with energy—campers dressed head to toe in red, gold, and blue held their breath, eyes fixed on the stage. The  countdown began… and then, in an explosion of confetti and streamers, the winning colors of Blue Finland filled the room. The celebration was electric. The cheers were deafening and that lead us all into one giant dance party. No matter what colors you wore, you were part of the celebration and felt the joy.

Final Scores: Blue Finland 2,445 / Gold Spain 2,295 / Red Monaco 2,270

What we took away from these games was so much more than a final score. We learned how to play with heart, lift each other up, respect the game, and value the journey more than the outcome. Just two and a half days ago, we were Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland. Tonight, we return to being one Chen-A-Wanda family—stronger, closer, and forever connected by this incredible experience.

Camp was buzzing with excitement this morning as everyone proudly sported their team colors and hit the fields and courts. The energy was electric from the very first whistle to the last shot made. From the Freshman Girls digging deep in a fierce game of Steal the Bacon to the Collegiate Boys going all out in Newcomb, and the CITs battling it out in the pool during Water Polo, the competition was intense and so much fun. You could hear chants and cheers from every corner of camp as everyone pushed themselves to the limit today.

But what truly makes Olympics at Chen-A-Wanda so special isn’t just the competition—it’s the heart. It’s the moments that sneak up on you, like the Freshman girl who surprised even herself when she launched a kickball into the outfield and ran home for the winning point. Or the Inter Boys playing basketball with the kind of focus and fire you’d expect in a championship game. That’s how much it means to them—every play, every point, every teammate.

Tonight brought one of the most loved traditions of all: the Apache Relay. Seventy-one events. One race. Every single camper, from our youngest Freshmen to our oldest CITs, played a part. When the horn blew, camp exploded into motion, and for the next two hours, it was a masterclass in teamwork, heart, and hustle. Every second mattered, and it showed.

Gold Spain edged out the win, with Blue Finland just 11 seconds behind in one of the closest finishes we’ve ever seen. The entire camp waited with bated breath as Max Schwartzberg—baton in hand—pedaled down Camp Road, turned the corner, and struck the pole to seal the victory. Max, a CIT, had dreamed of this moment—he had watched the CITs before him take that final ride—and tonight, it was his turn. The look on his face said it all. He wasn’t just riding for the win; he was riding for every camper who’s ever dreamed of being the one to finish the race. And tonight, he delivered.

As the sun set on an unforgettable day, our Olympic athletes crawled into bed, proud, exhausted, and ready for what’s next. Tomorrow brings another round of games—and the grand finale: Olympic Sing. And if you know Chen-A-Wanda, you know… it always comes down to Sing.

Today marked one of the most anticipated and exciting moments of the summer at Camp Chen-A-Wanda—Olympics 2025 officially broke! As campers were finishing up snack call, the unmistakable sound of the Olympic fanfare echoed throughout camp. Instantly, the energy shifted. Cheers erupted, kids sprinted from every corner, and the buzz in the air was electric. We all knew what that music meant—Olympics had begun, and something incredible was about to unfold.

The entire camp gathered at the amphitheater, where the celebration reached new heights. Excitement radiated from every face as we officially welcomed the Olympic spirit to Chenny. We proudly announced our teams: Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland, and revealed our team Captains and Sergeants, who were met with thunderous applause. As each camper discovered which team they’d be competing for, a sense of pride, unity, and purpose swept through camp. It was a perfect afternoon—one of those standout moments that truly defines what camp is all about.

After team meetings, we headed up to the small soccer field for Tugs of War, and it was nothing short of epic. The field was alive with cheers, laughter, and pure, spirited competition. Whether pulling the rope, cheering from the sidelines, or dancing between rounds, every camper was part of the magic. The camaraderie, the joy, and the togetherness made it one of those unforgettable Chenny nights where everyone was completely in sync—and no one wanted it to end.

Olympics 2025 is off to a phenomenal start, and if today was any indication, we’re in for a week filled with passion, teamwork, friendly rivalry, and memories that will last a lifetime. More greatness to come tomorrow—let the games begin!

Todays Game Recap:

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer CAW 4 vs. Westmont 10

Inters Boys Softball CAW10 @ Lavi 0

Supers/GC/CIT’s Boys Hockey Tournament @ Lokanda – Game 1 CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2 Game 2 CAW 0 vs. Lokanda 6

Girls Gymnastic Competition @ Bryn Mawr – Emily Kaufman (Bars), Mia Pillersdorf (Vault) and Sophia Gene (Vault)

Super Girls Soccer CAW 1 @ Westmont 4

GC/CIT Girls Tennis CAW 1 @ Westmont 4

When we reach this point in the summer and Olympics breaks, something truly special sets in—we’re in full stride. The early days of homesickness are long gone, replaced by a deep sense of belonging. Campers are comfortable, confident, and completely immersed in the rhythm of camp life. The bunkmates who were once strangers just a few weeks ago have become something more—they’ve become family.

There’s a noticeable shift in the air: friendships are growing stronger, laughter comes easier, and the magic of Camp Chen-A-Wanda is in full bloom. Everyone, from the youngest camper to the veteran staff, is letting loose, embracing the joy, the silliness, and the spirit that makes this place so unforgettable. Camp just feels like home now—and being part of this vibrant, connected community up here in the mountains makes all the sense in the world.

Days like today remind us exactly why we come to Chenny. It’s to feel this joy, this connection, this sense of purpose and place. In just 21 days, we’ve built something real—and on days like today, with Olympics underway and the camp spirit alive in every corner, you can’t help but feel it in your bones. This is why we’re here. This is what it’s all about. This is why Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-wanda.

It was a regular day… but with a buzz in the air—a hint of Olympic excitement that had everyone on edge. Could today be the day? The anticipation was real (and honestly, that’s half the fun!).

Around every corner, campers were whispering, wondering, and wildly guessing—“Is it happening today?” Every bugle sounded just a little more suspicious than usual. Every announcement had them on high alert. Could it be a clue?

There’s truly nothing better than watching our campers light up with excitement, trying to piece together when and how the breakout will happen. It’s the magic of tradition. It’s the heartbeat of camp. It’s so Chenny.

Chenny Games Highlights:

• Inter Boys Hockey: CAW 9 vs. Camp Lavi 5 – A great win on the rink!

• Senior/Super/GC Basketball Tournament at Towanda:

  • Game 1: CAW 35 vs. Equinunk 30

  • Game 2: CAW 32 vs. Lokanda 29

  • Game 3: CAW defeats Lokanda again to take home the Championship – 1st Place for Chenny!

• Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Softball: CAW 9 vs. Westmont 8 – A close and thrilling game!

Tonight was one for the books. Each division had its own special activity and with the perfect summer weather, the night was absolute perfection.

• Freshman Girls had the ultimate Taylor Swift ERAS night in the Chen-A-Plex, complete with T-shirts, glow bracelets, and all the singing and dancing their little hearts could handle.

• Freshman Boys brought the energy with an exciting Wiffleball tournament under the lights.

• Junior Girls played a massive, spirited kickball game while the Junior Boys turned Shields Hall into a dodgeball arena.

• Middy Girls slid into fun at the water slide and capped it off with cozy s’mores around the campfire.

• Middy Boys took on a camp-wide scavenger hunt searching for gold rocks and hidden treasures – and they absolutely loved it.

• Inter Boys and Girls enjoyed pool time and bonfires, making the most of a perfect summer night.

• Collegiate Girls got crafty in Arts & Crafts, designing their own jewelry and having a blast.

• Collegiate Boys hit the courts for a high-energy basketball tournament.

• Senior Girls battled it out in the Lodge during a full-blown Cake Wars – and it was as delicious as it was fun.

• Senior and Super Boys hit the biddy courts for a basketball showdown.

• Super Girls received a surprise they’ll never forget: a private Chipotle party in honor of their outstanding behavior, kindness, inclusivity, and overall camp spirit. The joy and shock on their faces when they found out was unforgettable.

• GC & CIT Girls continued perfecting their performances for Girls Sing, pouring their hearts into rehearsals.

• GC & CIT Boys competed in a Pickleball Tournament, full of fun and friendly competition.

There wasn’t a single camper who didn’t feel the magic in the air tonight. Camp was buzzing with joy, connection, and unforgettable moments. You can say with absolute certainty: tonight was incredible.