Author: Elissa

We Got Ourselves A Color War

Posted on by Elissa

It was a great day for a Color War and todays break was rockin’. The entire camp was at joint line up this morning at biddy city and there was nothing out of the norm until a tractor came rolling through Camp Rd. with a country band jamming to so great country tunes. The entire camp jumped up and followed the tractor as they sang along to some country hits. It was a party and everyone ended at the Amphitheater where our DJ was playing some pop songs. It was a battle of country vs. pop songs and we all got into the spirit. We danced and we sang and we had ourselves a Color War.

It was afternoon of Tugs of War followed by Contest night. What an amazing start to our Color War. The spirit was off the charts, the vibe at camp was truly amazing and your kids are having the best time of their lives. It feels absolutely incredible here and we are all ready for it.  The axe hunt began today and the CIT’s for Red Pop found it with the second clue during the dinner hunt. Layla Bruno and Josh Kaftol found the axe and ran into the Lodge and the place went nuts. To find the axe on day 1 is a fete and rarely is that accomplished but this dynamic duo found it and brought the axe back to their team and the celebration was beyond BIG!! They deserved the chants and the cheers from their team because they accomplished something pretty big and finding that axe will be a memory with them their whole lives. Moments like these help define our camp experience and tonight Layla and Jacob were hero’s for their team.

Four more days of of this insane Color War craziness and we love every minute of it!  Let’s Go Gold Country vs. Red Pop

OBL Day at CAW

Posted on by Elissa

It was OBL Day at CAW, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This 1v1 tournament has become a huge hit at Chenny, and both I and OBL creator, NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, couldn’t be more thrilled. The energy on camp was electric from sunrise to sunset, with the entire day dedicated to 1v1 basketball. We were honored to have  OBL Champion John Jordan and NY street ball stars Leaky Roof and Pyrex spend the day with us, and our campers and staff loved every moment of today.

The 1v1 trend is real, and Biddy City was buzzing with tournaments all day long. We held camper tournaments throughout the day, with each division represented by players battling it out on the court.  Congratulations to Maya Park  who won for lower camp girls and Mia Donnson who cinched it for upper camp girls. Rezner Sacks took the win for lower camp boys and  Alex Lindenbaum won for upper camp boys. After Upper camp had their OBL tournament, it was off to the movies for them for their last official trip of summer 2024.

I would have to say that one of the best parts of today was during rest hour when I brought the players to the bunks for some pics and autographs and when the players got to the freshman girl bunks, they just couldn’t leave. The girls brought out their skin care and gave some of their croc jibits to the players.  Then is was bracelet making time and the players walked out of their bunks with their wrists full of summer friendship bracelets that they wore all day long. There is nothing cuter than a streetballer from NY proudly wearing a pink and purple rainbow loom bracelet and  lipstick, dinosaur and unicorn jibits in his croc all from the freshman girls who made them feel right at home in their bunk.

The excitement was palpable, and when the evening activity rolled around, the staff joined in on the action with their own 1v1 tournament. The campers got behind their counselors, and it was pure magic. The positive energy was everywhere, making it one of those unforgettable days all around the game of basketball. A truly memorable day of summer 2024.

It’s Just A Feeling

Posted on by Elissa

We were touring a family today that is looking at Chen-A-Wanda for their son for next summer. It was a great tour and this family seemed to enjoy it. They had all the right questions and at times just stood and looked at the fun that was being had here as if they were trying t0 envision if they could see their son here. They were quiet and pensive but very engaged and as the tour ended, the mom pulled me aside and told me that we were their last camp tour and they had visited 3 others. She said to me, “Every camper here looks so unbelievably happy and at ease. Counselors look equally happy and the feeling here is joyful ” I told her how happy I was to hear her thoughts on what she saw and how it felt here. She followed up by telling me that though our grounds were beautiful and activities impressive, that is not what she was looking at. She wanted to see everything but the stuff and what she was looking for was how happy the kids looked and how engaged the counselors were with their kids. That meant everything to this family and the only thing that mattered. By watching your kids today, this visiting family felt what we feel here everyday and there was no doubt that this is exactly where she wants her son to be at next summer. They signed up before they left and in her own words, “It’s a no brainer. This is how I want my son to feel everyday next summer.” So because of your kids feeling happy and at ease, a brand new camper gets to experience it too next summer for their first time.

Girls Side Sports:

Freshman 0 vs. Junior 5 Tennis Tournament Teams – Juniors Win!

Inters Soccer – CAW 13 vs. Poyntelle 3 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

Seniors Tennis – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 3

Boys Side Sports: 

GC/CIT Tenniw – CAW 2 vs. Westmont 3

GC/CIT Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Westmont 4 (in overtime )

It’s Awards Night  and it was a perfect night to celebrate our  standout campers. Another week of watching incredible kids be their best. We are always so proud to highlight our Campers of the Week. 

Freshman – Eden Cohen & Cameron Sylvin

Juniors – Laila Perlman, Savy Lieberman & Dylan Deitch, Aidan Steinman

Middies – Sophia Gene, Dylan Allaire & Ryan Zaben

Inters – Arya Haaf, Kelsey Locker & Cooper Repinsky, Noah Sittman

Collegiates – Liv Penson & Gabe Horton

Seniors – Shayna Simson & Mason Shulman

Supers – Jaden Bugni & Nick Einzig

GC’s – Sofie Giarratana, Dylan Schissler & Max Schwartzberg, Jake Mongeluzo

CIT – Ellie Berlin & Morgan Kushner

We are looking at our final 10 days of Summer 2024 but that is plenty of time for a Color War and more.Let’s get to it!

Girls Sing

Posted on by Elissa

Camp traditions are truly something special, and Girls Sing stands out as one of the most cherished. This event is the pinnacle of our camp culture on the girls’ side. For weeks, girls have been practicing tirelessly, perfecting their dances, mastering their almas, and honing their cheers. The dedication and pride each division has poured into this event is unmatched. As tonight’s big night approaches, it’s clear that Girls Sing will be a performance to remember. Our love for Girls Sing knows no bounds!

The evening was entirely dedicated to Girls Sing, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This summer favorite encapsulates the very essence of our camp tradition and spirit. Every division poured their hearts into their dances and songs, and their efforts were evident. When the boys’ side spends two hours cheering for the girls’ side, it’s a testament to the extraordinary nature of the event. The support from the boys was truly heartwarming. From our enthusiastic freshmen to our incredibly talented CITs, every performer brought their best. Words can hardly capture the deep bonds between these girls, but witnessing their performance together on stage offered a glimpse into their profound connection. It’s a genuine sisterhood that will remain with them for a lifetime.

Each division chose a theme and performed with heartfelt emotion. The atmosphere in Shield’s Hall was electric, with every camper and staff member feeling the impact of the performances. The emotion in the room was palpable as each division sang their alma, their unity and shared experience creating a powerful moment. These memories, forged through shared tradition, will never fade. The songs and dances will remain etched in their hearts for years to come.

Congratulations to the Inter Girls for winning Lower Camp Girls Sing this year! Their costumes, choreography, and stage presence were exceptional. The CITs’ final performance was particularly poignant. As they took the stage one last time, holding hands and reflecting on their years together, the emotions were overwhelming. Their win for Upper Camp was a testament to the strong connections and deep friendships they have created together. Watching these remarkable young women perform together for the last time was an emotional and joyful experience. The night truly showcased the enduring legacy of Girls Sing.

No matter where life takes these girls, Girls Sing will always be a defining part of their youth. The themes they chose, the songs they sang, and the dances they performed will remain with them forever. As time passes and years go by, the memories of Girls Sing will continue to connect them all. What an incredible night it was.

Girls Side Sports:

Inter 11 vs. Collegiate 12 Basketball Tournament Teams – Collegiate’s Win!

No Boys Side Games today.

 

 

Hakuna Matata

Posted on by Elissa

There seems to be a vibe on camp that is quite contagious. As we are quickly approaching the last two weeks of camp, there is a renewed appreciation of where we are. We are all noticing how fast our summer is going by so we aren’t sweating the small stuff here. Everyone is relaxed and fully embracing the home stretch of summer 2024. We are trying to stretch the days and lengthen the nights. With each bugle that rings it means that time is passing and soon we will be heading home so we are getting it all in while we can and making every second matter. Friendships are becoming deeper and more meaningful by the minute. In two weeks, our hugs and long talks face-to-face will be replaced with texts and snap chats. The smiles we see everyday will soon become a little happy face emoji we type into a screen. It’s unreal that what we experience here everyday, has to end in just 13 days but what we are left with are hearts full of great memories and a summer that embraced us. We were sitting with our CIT girls tonight in the Lodge, as they finished up helping serve at pizza parties and they were sharing with me how much this summer has meant to all of them.  They shared so much gratitude for the summer they have experienced, the memories they all made together and the love they all feel for Chenny. Tomorrow night, these amazing girls will take the stage for their very last Girls Sing and it seems surreal to us all. We are so excited to see them one last time perform together on our stage. We have no doubt this will be a night to remember.

Girls Side Sports:

Inter 0 vs Collegiate 6 – Tennis Tournament Teams – Collegiates Win Championship!!

Super Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Island 8

Boys Side Sports:

Freshman Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 6

Senior/Super LAX – CAW 6 vs. Starlight 9

GC/CIT Basketball – CAW 41 vs Starlight 50

And the Oscar goes to…… The Chenny cast of Lion King!! This was the best theater show production we have ever had here at camp. The costumes, the choreography, the drama, the singing all lent itself to one incredible and perfect summer camp production. The audience was entertained and so supportive of their friends up on that stage. It was just another example of how much we care about one another here at Chenny. And for our actors who have worked so hard on this show and committed to be a cast member, we are in awe of their performance. The courage and bravery it takes to stand in front of camp and perform cannot go unrecognized. It takes a lot and these kids gave a lot. What an absolutely incredible show.