Author: Elissa

Sometimes the simplest activities hold the deepest meaning. That’s exactly what happened when Simone and Sophie came into my office this week with a handful of rhinestones and a shared sparkle in their eyes. What started as a lighthearted evening of bedazzling turned into something much more meaningful. Simone and Sophie have known of each other for years. They’ve been at camp together, crossed paths in activities, and probably exchanged a few words here and there. But this summer, something changed—they merged bunks. This simple shift opened the door to something beautiful: connection. Suddenly, these two girls who had always been around each other but never truly with each other, discovered their shared love for creativity, glitter, and all things bedazzled.

As we sat on the floor together—me with my walkie-talkie getting the sparkle treatment—they laughed, told stories, and shared how much they’ve come to love this newfound friendship. They even swap bunkbed spots every Thursday, alternating between the top and bottom just to keep it fun. When I asked what this new friendship feels like, they didn’t hesitate and in perfect unison, they both replied, “Easy.” That word landed so softly and yet so powerfully. Easy. It’s what we wish for all our campers—that their friendships feel effortless, natural, safe, and joyful.

So yes, there will definitely be more bedazzling this summer. And if you see a few extra sparkles around camp—from walkie-talkies to water bottles—you’ll know why. It’s not just about making things shiny. It’s about finding people who make life feel a little more easy. And in a world that can often feel complicated, what a gift that truly is.

Chenny Games Recap

Another exciting day of competition and sportsmanship for our Chenny athletes! Here’s how the games played out:

• Inter Boys Soccer: CAW 9 @ Starlight 0

• Inter Boys Basketball: CAW 56 @ Starlight 48

• Senior Boys Baseball: CAW 3 vs. Academy Camp 2

• GC/CIT Boys Baseball: CAW 3 @ Equinunk 6

• GC/CIT Girls Lacrosse: CAW 0 @ Westmont 16

No matter the outcome, our athletes showed up with heart, hustle, and incredible team spirit. Every game is an opportunity to grow, and we’re so proud of how our campers represented Chenny today.

To be in Shields Hall tonight was to be swept up in something truly special. Camper Talent Show  is always one of those events that reminds us why this place is so much more than just a camp—it’s a community of encouragement, celebration, and bravery. One by one, campers stepped onto the stage, sharing their gifts—whether it was strumming a guitar, singing from the heart, or performing incredible diablo tricks. And every single performance was met with thunderous applause, standing ovations, and a sea of cheers.

Just imagine being a kid, sharing something personal and vulnerable on stage—and being met with nothing but love and awe. That’s the kind of support that builds confidence and creates memories that stick with you forever. The energy in Shields Hall tonight was pure joy, and the 20 campers who performed left that stage a little taller, a little prouder, and totally beaming.

In fact, the talent was so impressive that we’re making room for a second Chenny Talent Show next week! We can’t wait.

While the Talent Show rocked Shields Hall, the rest of camp was buzzing with classic Chenny fun. It was an optional night for our older campers—and they took full advantage of every moment. From pool parties and Biddy City basketball to competitive pickleball matches, Slip N Slides, and fireside s’mores, the energy was electric.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. A warm breeze, a golden sunset, and the sound of laughter echoing through camp made it feel like something out of a movie. Watching our Super Girls laugh uncontrollably as they slid down the Slip N Slide, you were reminded of exactly what kids need: freedom, connection, joy, and fresh air. In a world that moves fast and often asks too much of them, nights like this give kids the space to just be. No screens. No pressure. Just friends, fun, and a sense of peace that only a place like Chenny can bring. These are the moments they’ll remember forever—and we’re so grateful to be part of every single one.

Today was one of those unforgettable days at Camp Chen-A-Wanda—filled with energy, excitement, and a touch of internet magic! We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Zach and Brian from The Make Shift Project to camp, and to say they were a hit would be an understatement.

From the moment they arrived, these viral sensations jumped right into camp life. They spent the entire day participating in activities, taking on fun challenges, and just hanging out with our campers. The buzz around camp was electric—everywhere you turned, you could feel the excitement of having two internet stars right here with us at Chenny. The pride our campers felt was contagious, and what made it even more special was how genuine and kind Zach and Brian were to every camper they met.

Our day ended on a high note as we all packed into Shields Hall for a special evening activity where The Make Shift Project put on a performance that brought the house down. With laughter, connection, and unforgettable moments, they gave our campers a night to remember.

What made their visit truly impactful wasn’t just their online fame—it was the joy, positivity, and down-to-earth presence they brought to our camp community. Zach and Brian reminded us that sometimes the best memories are made when we’re all just being present, having fun, and sharing the experience together.

We’re grateful to The Make Shift Project for making today so special—and we know our campers won’t stop talking about it anytime soon!

Today couldn’t have been more perfect for our very first Trip Day of the summer—even with a few unexpected twists along the way!

Our Freshmen, Juniors, and Middies had an absolute blast at Camelbeach Waterpark, splashing, sliding, and soaking up the sunshine. Meanwhile, our Inters, Collegiates, Seniors, and GCs were all set for a thrilling day at Knoebels Amusement Park, but when the rain rolled in, we quickly shifted gears and headed to the movies. It turned into the coziest, most relaxed Plan B—and the kids embraced the change with total ease and great attitudes. Flexibility is one of life’s greatest lessons, and your kids practiced it beautifully today.

Our CITs enjoyed a completely different kind of adventure—an on-camp camping experience they made their own! They pitched tents, battled it out in an epic sand volleyball game, threw a pool party, and even cooked their own dinner over an open fire. With camp all to themselves, our oldest campers made the most of every moment. When the rain returned, they made the wise and cozy choice to move their sleeping bags into the bunk for the night—and they did it with big smiles and lots of laughs.

Now that we’re all back at camp, safe, happy, and absolutely exhausted, it’s time to rest. Tomorrow’s late wake-up announcement got a standing ovation this morning, and after today’s adventures, it’s well earned.

We couldn’t be more proud of our Chenny kids. Everywhere they went today, we heard the same thing—how respectful, kind, and well-mannered they were. That’s the Chenny way, and it shows.

What a day. What a summer. Life is truly great when you’re a Chenny Kid.

Our hearts are heavy today, standing in solidarity with the entire camping community, and all the camps along the Guadeloupe River and all those affected by the unimaginable tragedies that have occurred in Texas. Like many of you, we’ve been deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news. Summer camp is meant to be a place of joy, growth, and unforgettable memories—a space where children thrive, connect, and feel safe. The families who sent their children off for a summer filled with laughter and adventure could have never imagined such loss. Our hearts break for them.

Though this tragedy happened far from our own campgrounds, the pain feels close. Within the camping world, we are all connected by a shared purpose and that is to enrich the lives of children and give them experiences that shape who they become. The loss endured by the camps in and around the Guadeloupe River community is a loss felt by all of us who dedicate ourselves to the same mission. In times like these, we are reminded of what truly matters. It puts everything into perspective. The little things we worry about seem smaller and we just don’t sweat the small stuff. The gratitude we feel for each day we get to spend with your children feels even deeper. And the importance of compassion, community, and connection becomes more clear than ever.

Here’s a look at our day full of Chenny Games:

• Inter Boys Baseball: CAW 16 @ Westmont 0

• Inter Girls Softball: CAW 6 @ Wayne 12

• GC/CIT Girls Softball: CAW 5 vs. Westmont 3

With the summer sun in full swing, there was no better treat than a surprise visit from Kona Ice! Campers lined up with huge smiles, enjoying cool, delicious ices that made the warm afternoon that much sweeter.

Our Super campers kicked off their first overnight trip in style, heading out early for an epic day at Kings Dominion Amusement Park before making their way to Virginia Beach. Laughter, thrill rides, and new memories were the perfect start to what promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

Back at camp, the evening was buzzing with fun:

• Freshmen through Inters gathered in Shields Hall for a favorite: Do You Know Your Counselors?

• Collegiates raced through a high-energy Road Rally across camp.

• Seniors battled it out in a Pickleball Tournament, then let loose on the Slip N Slide and roasted s’mores under the stars.

• GC & CIT Boys hosted a Biddy Basketball Tournament, showing heart and hustle on the court.

• GC Girls cozied up in the Chen-A-Plex, enjoying time together watching their favorite shows.

• And our CIT Girls had a delicious night cooking up fun in the Cookhouse.

It was a day filled with connection, joy, and gratitude—the kind of day that reminds us why camp is such a gift. As we keep the Texas camp community close to our hearts, we treasure every single moment we get to share with your children.

Something caught my attention as I walked through center camp during our first elective. Today, a group junior and middy campers were nestled under a shady tree in Center Camp, completely immersed in their books and coloring pages. They chatted quietly about how calm and peaceful it felt, with only the soft sounds of birds chirping in the background. There’s something truly magical about the Coloring and Reading elective at Chenny. While camp is usually bursting with laughter, cheers, and nonstop action, these two electives offer a rare and beautiful moment of stillness. It was as if nature itself had joined them, creating the perfect soundtrack for a moment of calm connection. In a place where every day is packed with excitement, this quiet time allows campers to slow down, take a breath, and just be. These electives don’t just encourage creativity and imagination—they nurture peace, presence, and joy in the simplest, most meaningful ways.

Another fantastic day filled with action, teamwork, and Chenny pride across our fields and courts!

Game Highlights:

• Freshman/Junior Boys Basketball: CAW 10 @ Starlight 20

• Middy Boys Flag Football Tournament @ IHC: CAW won 2 of 3 games and earned 2nd Place

• Inter Boys Flag Football Tournament @ IHC: CAW went undefeated, winning all 3 games and taking 1st Place

• Collegiate Boys Baseball: CAW 1 @ Wayne 5

• Senior Boys Basketball: CAW 54 vs. Starlight 18

• Super Boys Tennis: CAW 2 @ Island Lake 2

• GC/CIT Boys Basketball Tournament @ Poyntelle: CAW 20 vs. Wayne 25 / CAW 56 vs. Lohikan 15

• Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Softball: CAW 10 vs. Starlight 6

• Freshman/Junior Girls Basketball: CAW 14 vs. Starlight 4

• Super Girls Soccer: CAW 4 vs. Wayne 0

Our campers showed up with determination and spirit, representing Chenny with heart, hustle, and incredible sportsmanship. Win or lose, they gave it their all—and we’re so proud!

And then came the magic of the night…

Upper Camp Sign & Song lit up Shields Hall with unforgettable energy and emotion. It was an evening filled with creativity, unity, and tradition. Girl side stole the show with dances that wowed the crowd and captured the spirit of camp. Each bunk brought their own flavor, making it nearly impossible for our judges to choose just one winner—but in the end, Bunk W took home the crown for their electric performance. The CITs were showered with love and support from everyone in the hall, making their final summer one to remember.

The plaque competition was equally impressive, with incredible craftsmanship and meaning behind each design. Boys Bunk R and Girls Bunk X earned top honors for plaques that will now be part of Chenny’s forever history.

Nights like these remind us what makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda so unique—connection, community, and the joy of shared traditions. The Sign & Song legacy continues, and it’s more powerful than ever.