Author: Elissa

Trip Day #2 was another home run! While there’s no place quite like camp, days like today add something truly special to the summer experience—new adventures, laughter in new places, and memories that will stay with us long after summer ends.

Our Freshmen, Juniors, and Middies kicked off their day bouncing around at SkyZone, where the energy was high and the smiles were nonstop. After burning off some serious energy, they headed to the movie theater for a relaxing afternoon watching the latest summer blockbusters, complete with popcorn and treats, of course!

The Inters and Collegiates made a splash at Camelbeach, enjoying water slides, wave pools, and plenty of sunshine. It was the perfect way to beat the heat and soak in the summer fun.

Meanwhile, our Seniors are in the midst of their overnight adventure at Hershey Park—and from all reports, they loved every minute of it! Roller coasters, sweet treats, and shared moments with their best friends… it doesn’t get better than that.

The Supers and GCs spent the day at Dorney Park, riding thrilling coasters and taking on the water rides, while our CIT’s had a blast on their overnight trip to Dorney, filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

No matter the destination, every trip today brought joy, excitement, and that special feeling of being part of something bigger—our camp family. And as great as the adventures were, there’s nothing quite like returning to camp. The buses rolled in, tired but happy campers poured out, and the quiet that fell over camp tonight says it all—today was a day well spent. Our kids are soaking up every minute of this incredible summer, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We’ve got happy campers… and we’re proud of it.

Life is truly great here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. More adventures to come!

Rainy days at Camp Chen-A-Wanda don’t slow us down—they bring out the very best in us. While the weather may have thrown a curveball to some of our traveling sports teams, it didn’t dampen our energy, enthusiasm, or love for camp life. At Chenny, we rise to the occasion—rain or shine—and we always find a way to turn a gray day into something golden. At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, the magic doesn’t stop when the weather shifts—it just changes shape

Our Seniors embraced the shift in schedule with open arms as they kicked off their overnight adventure with a trip to the Lehigh Valley Mall. There was laughter in every store, bags filled and a special kind of joy that comes from being out with your camp crew. The night wrapped up with a movie—popcorn, candy, and lots of smiles. Tomorrow, they head to Hershey Park for a day of rides, thrills, and of course, chocolate. Their excitement is contagious, and we’re just as thrilled to watch them create these unforgettable memories together. It’s a privilege to see this amazing group of campers grow, bond, and make the most out of every moment together.

Our CITs followed a similar path today. Though the rain pushed back their trip to Dorney Park, they took full advantage of a day at the mall. Whether it was grabbing lunch together or hunting for the perfect hoodie, they made the day their own. And with a full, fun-packed day at Dorney Park on deck for tomorrow, this group’s adventure is just getting started. These trips are more than just outings—they’re milestones, traditions, and a celebration of the bonds built over summers spent side by side.

Meanwhile, back at camp, our Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer team had a moment they’ll never forget. Before the skies opened up, they took to the field with grit, teamwork, and an unshakable spirit—shutting out Camp Lavi with an incredible 17-0 win. Their pride was palpable. They walked through camp beaming, telling their story to anyone who would listen. By the time we reached lunch, the whole camp was celebrating their victory. Seeing our youngest campers feel so empowered and supported is what Chenny is all about.

Tonight’s evening activity was an absolute hit—filled with music, energy, and nonstop laughter. We played an all-camp game of Beat Shazam—our very own spin on “Name That Tune” with a modern twist. Campers competed to see who could name songs the fastest as music clips played, and the excitement was contagious. From the first beat to the final round, the room was buzzing with energy, dancing, and cheers. It was hilarious, unpredictable, and just pure fun. A big congratulations to our Super Girls, who took home the win tonight—these girls clearly know their music and will soon be enjoying their Krispy Kreme Donut party!

A large group of Middy girls were in Arts & Crafts, fully immersed in a heartfelt activity—making friendship bracelets for one another. Each girl selected a fellow camper to create a bracelet for, turning the table into a colorful scene filled with string, smiles, and an unspoken mission: to spread kindness and connection. What made the moment even more special wasn’t just the crafting itself, but the genuine conversations and laughter that filled the room. As they knotted and braided, they bonded—not just through the thread in their hands, but through shared stories, giggles, and the joy of giving. One camper, after finishing her bracelet, slipped it onto her friend’s wrist and apologized for a few uneven knots. Her friend beamed and said, “It’s perfect—and I’m never taking it off.” That exchange summed up the entire experience: full of heart, meaning, and pure camp magic. The girls left Arts & Crafts hand in hand, proudly wearing their handmade bracelets—symbols of friendship, love, and the special connection they built together.

Today’s Game Recap

Freshman/Junior Boys Hockey
CAW vs. Starlight – Game was postponed midway due to rain and will be rescheduled.

Senior Boys Tennis
CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

Super Boys Baseball
CAW 9 vs. Starlight 11 – A close and competitive matchup!

Super/GC/CIT Boys Flag Football Tournament @ Trails End

• Game 1: CAW 26 vs. Trails End 6

• Game 2: CAW 6 vs. Wayne 21

Inters & Below Boys Lacrosse
CAW 9 @ Wayne 10 – An exciting and hard-fought game that came down to the wire.

Super Girls Softball
CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

GC/CIT Girls Flag Football Tournament @ Trails End

• Game 1: CAW 21 vs. Blue Ridge 27

• Game 2: CAW 14 vs. Trails End 21

• Game 3: CAW 0 vs. Wayne 14

Our annual Staff Talent Show was an unforgettable night that perfectly captured the heart and soul of Camp Chen-A-Wanda. The night was filled with laughter, music, and pure joy as our staff stepped into the spotlight to share their talents with the entire camp community. From hilarious stand-up routines and powerful vocal performances to high-energy dances and unexpected surprise acts, our staff brought the house down with their creativity, courage, and charisma. But what truly made the evening so special was the overwhelming support from our campers. They cheered, clapped, and beamed with pride as they watched their counselors shine on stage—not just as role models, but as real people with passions and personalities beyond the bunk. It was a moment of true connection, where admiration flowed freely in both directions. Campers saw their counselors in a new light, and staff felt the love and appreciation from the campers they mentor every day. The atmosphere was electric, emotional, and inspiring—a testament to the deep bonds formed at camp. The Staff Talent Show wasn’t just entertainment; it was a celebration of community, vulnerability, and the unique spirit that makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda feel like home.

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our second week at camp. Time moves fast here, yet each day is so rich with moments, laughter, and connection that it feels like a week’s worth of life packed into 24 hours. What’s beautiful about this experience is how uniquely meaningful it is for everyone, and yet there’s a shared feeling we all recognize—that unmistakable sense of belonging that draws us back, summer after summer. We may not remember every detail from each summer spent at Chenny, but we never forget how it makes us feel. That feeling becomes a part of who we are. And some campers, when their camper years end, just aren’t ready to let go. So they return as counselors, eager to give back and pay it forward. Watching former campers now guiding the next generation is a full-circle moment that never fails to inspire. They give so much of themselves because they know exactly what their campers need—they once slept in those same bunks, played on those same fields, and felt the same magic. Today, I watched two boys sitting on the grass in Center Camp with their counselor—someone who grew up here just like them. As he shared stories of his camper days, they were completely captivated, hanging on every word. It’s moments like that—simple, genuine, and powerful—that define what makes this place so special. The love here is generational, layered, and constant. It never stops flowing.

Todays Games Recap:

Senior Boys Baseball – CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

GC/CIT Boys LAX CAW 7 @ Towanda 1

Inter Girls Basketball CAW 34 @ Starlight 20

Super Girls  Tennis CAW 1 @ Starlight 4

And tonight, the magic continued with one of our most spirited traditions—Boys Lip Sync Night in Shields Hall. We always hear from parents who say, “My son would never get up and dance,” and yet, every single boy took the stage tonight. From our adorable Freshmen to our sentimental CITs, they danced, lip-synced, and gave it their all. The hall was electric. The cheering, the laughter, the singing—it was pure Chenny joy. The Inter Boys won for Lower Camp, while the CITs took home the Upper Camp crown. But more than anything, it was the confidence, fun, and support on that stage that made tonight unforgettable.

We call it Chenny Pride. You can call it whatever you like. But it’s what turns a camp into a family. And tonight, you could feel that family in every corner of camp.

The Chenny Slip’n’Slide is pure fun overload and has quickly become a camp-wide favorite! This 140-foot thrill ride takes our summer excitement to a whole new level, and there isn’t a camper or staff member who doesn’t light up at the chance to take a turn. This morning, I headed up the hill just as the Freshman boys came tearing toward the slide, determined not to waste a single second of their activity period. They dove in headfirst, literally racing, laughing, and sliding with total joy and elation. The air was filled with so much laughter and the sound of pure happiness. Slide, race, run back up, repeat. It was non-stop motion, and I can say with confidence that those boys will sleep well tonight after the workout they got. Watching our youngest boys enjoy this epic new addition to camp was such a highlight. As Cooper turned to his buddy Ryan mid-slide and said, “This is the best day of our lives,” I couldn’t help but smile because that’s what Chenny is all about—moments that feel like magic.

And now, your sports update:

• Freshman Boys Football Tournament:
  Game 1: CAW 21 vs. Starlight 35
  Game 2: CAW 28 vs. Westmont 32

• Senior/Super Boys Softball: CAW 15 vs. Lavi 0

• Senior/Super Boys Hockey: CAW advances by Wayne forfeit

• Middy Girls Basketball: CAW 24 vs. Wayne 9

Tonight’s evening activity was an absolute showstopper—our camp favorite Powder Puff Flag Football game! The GC girls faced off against the CITs under the lights, and it was everything we love about camp: energy, spirit, and unforgettable fun. The boys in each division transformed into cheerleaders, bringing next-level hype with their over-the-top chants and hilarious enthusiasm. Although the CIT girls gave it their all, the GC girls were unstoppable, dominating the field and walking away with a 21-0 victory. The whole night was electric—from the competitive gameplay to the epic halftime dance party, complete with T-shirt tosses and camp-wide dance off to Crazy Frog and Fireball. Whether you were on the field, on the sidelines,  it was a night to remember.

These are the moments that define a Chenny summer—joy, connection, friends, dance parties, and so much laughter.