Author: Elissa

The day started out like any other awesome day, sun was shining, happy kids going to activities and then it was lunch. All kids were enjoying the delicious BBQ brisket sliders when a message popped up on the movie screen in the Lodge. It read, stay in your seat… stay in the lodge…stay in your seat …stay in the lodge… it repeated for minutes until everyone was done with with lunch and their tables were cleared.. Then and just then another video began. It was an incredible highlight vid of internet and pop sensation Jake Miller. The kids were going bananas and then the video cut to a message Jake made for our kids. He said that he was hoping to making to Chen-A-Wanda this summer yadda yadda yadda but he couldn’t get out of LA yadda yadda yadda and it was great bumping into some of the campers in LA yadda yadda yadda then he looked into the camera and told us all to go to Shields Hall… Go now to Shields Hall. The Lodge erupted and everyone ran screaming Jake Miller is here!!!

They entered the Hall and a video played of incredible clips from Pixar and Dreamworks hit films. Then out from the side of the stage came our characters;  Poppy and Branch from The Trolls, Dore from Nemo, Mr. Potato Head from Toy Story, Sully from Monsters Inc. and Toothless from How to Train a Dragon. There was an excitement yet a hush because they thought Jake was waiting for them. After the movie video clip finished, Brian Leahy excitedly welcomed every to Color War 2018 a voice from behind the screen interrupted and said, “How ’bout I help breakout this Color War, It’s Me Camp Chen-A-Wanda Jake Miller. The Hall went CRAZY!!!! The screen lifted and he was here, Jake Miller was at our camp and it was unreal. Most of our younger campers had never heard of him but the excitement from our older kids set the tone. They were in and they knew something pretty special was happening at camp today. Jake welcomed everyone to Color War 2018 and then explained he was performing a private concert for all of us tonight! The crowd again went wild. The teams were announced and it was Red Pixar vs. Gold Dreamworks and with that we have a WAR!!!

Jake went by every single bunk and took bunk pictures with the kids. He was gracious and friendly, he was engaging and approachable. As he traveled all around Chenny, he was in amazement of how lucky our kids are to be at a place like this. He even spent some time tubing and playing in the Aqua Park. He was a camper for the day and loved every minute. Jake was in awe of the spirit here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda and couldn’t get over that a place like this exists. After bunk pics it time for Tugs of War and our kids had the best time pulling for their team. The energy was off the charts. Jake brought the vibe and our kids ran with it. An absolute incredible Tugs of War we had.

The main event was Jake performing a private concert for our camp and it was AWESOME. He played his hit songs  proudly wearing a Chenny Staff shirt and the kids sang along in unison. We had a real live concert that was INCREDIBLE. There was so much spirit, so much love, so much Chenny pride and so many happy kids. It was an epic breakout and everyone knew it. Boys, girls, younger kids and older experienced something pretty special at camp today. We will never forget the summer that Jake Miller broke out Color War at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Life is Great!!

Chenny out.

I was watching the Senior/Super boys softball game today vs. Equinuk and was struck by what I saw. It was a championship game and both teams played really hard and really well but beyond their talent on the field something grabbed my attention. Even as these boys were playing for a championship, there was an ease and joy and they were playing for the love of the sport. They were having fun and it was evident above all else. No pressure when our boys struck out. No harsh words when they missed the fly ball. No yelling at the umpire when they disagreed with a call. It was like watching a field full boys, on both teams just play to play the game. Nothing more nothing less. Chenny was leading until the very end, it was one tough inning that gave away the championship but after each team lined up to high five after one another, I heard one of our kids say, ” Hey guys, we’ve got the Chenny Shack this period and I think were making burgers, let’s go”. They all ran down the hill, still in their cleats and went from the field to the kitchen within minutes. I watched them as they sat around their tables, learning how to grill the perfect barbecue cheeseburger with smiles on their faces. The loss of the championship game they played just moments before didn’t stay with them. It was gone with the wind and they were off to other important moments, like making the most perfect cheeseburgers with their buddies. This is what it is all about!

“Winning Provides Happiness. Loosing Provides Wisdom” – John Wooden

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 1 @ Starlight 5

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Tioga 0 – Chenny Wins Championship

Middy Boys Hockey – CAW 6 vs. Starlight 2 – Chenny Wins Champioship

Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Westmont 7

Middy Boys Gold Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Tioga 5

Senior Boys Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Tioga 5

Senior/Super Boys Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Tioga 1

Senior/Super Softball – CAW 4 vs. Equinuk 7

Tonight we were mesmerized with Brad Henderson’s ability to hypnotize some of our staff. He put our counselors in such a trance they did things on stage that made us belly laugh so hard. When you watch your counselor bark like a rabid dog or sing into their shoe or even perform a rockin’ dance front solo in front of the entire camp, your night is just awesome. The fun was off the charts and our kids had a ball watching a show with their counselors front and center. Just they took their final bow and the show was had ended, the theme from Jurassic Park started to play and th eHall went bananas. There wasn’t a camper or staff who wasn’t chanting 1..2..3…4..WE WANT COLOR WAR.. It was intense and it was loud and it was crystal clear that our camp is READY FOR WAR!!! As thew music hit its crescendo and everyone was getting louder, popped out from the curtain was a giant TREX and the cheers got louder, It was happening tonight but then out from costume came Brian Leahy who began dismissing each division without missing a beat. Disappointment blanketed the Hall and it wasn’t going to be tonight. The break is on everyones mind and the excitement is building. You can feel it in every corner of camp. SO they will have to wait until just the right time for our War to makes itself known. Just like Goldilocks and the three bears, it will be not too long but not too short and will happen when it’s just right.

Life is Great when we wait for Color War!!

Chenny out.

It’s official, Summer ’18 Trips are done. It was our last trip day and the kids all had a great time out of camp. Rain was in our area so we had to do some switch-a-roos with the schedules and move to indoor venues. Our kids were fabulous and rolled with it. Sure there was disappointment with some not heading to where they thought they would be spending their day but in the end our kids rolled like the river and went with the flow. We can control a lot of things here at camp but the weather is something that we haven’t yet mastered. And you would be be so proud of your kids that went with plan B. To see the silver lining in a change of plans is gift and a they all got it. Yes, Dorney would have been awesome but it didn’t define their day or mood. We just couldn’t be more proud of your children who showed us today that were and are the RIVER!!!!

Our Freshman thru Inters had an absolute ball at Kalahari Indooor waterpark. They loved every minute of their last trip and it was the ultimate way to end their summer trip days. So many smiles and so many memories made with  for our youngest campers. They rolled back into camp exhausted but beyond happy with what was a fantastic day spent well.

Our Collegiates spent their morning at camp before they headed out for their day of fun. It was spa morning for our girls who all got facials, manis and pedis then had a hair straightening party. It was relaxing and got our girls ready for their trip. Boys spent their morning relaxing in the Chen-A-Plex watching some fun comedy shows. The laughter that was coming from the plex was deafening. They had a fun morning then it was off to Skyzone. When we say they had a great day at Skyzone is an understatement. They jumped around four hours, playing dodgeball and trampoline basketball. The group was terrific and the fun they had today was off the charts. After they were all jumped out it was off to the theater to chill out and grab a summer blockbuster. They munched on popcorn and spent their night being entertained by the movie of their choice. Nothing quite like sitting next to your camp friends, sharing a tub of popcorn watching a movie together.

Our Navajo campers started their day at the State Park (before the rain came) as they relaxed at the beach, chilling out, laying out, tossing a ball, listening to music, chatting with friends. It was a perfect morning then it was off to Skate Escape where our oldest campers roller skated the night away. Our kids love rollerskating and at this venue they also have lazer tag. It was just a big play space for good old fashion-fun and our kids loved it. Eating hot pretzels and enjoying Icees then off to roller skate is just a fun time. I remember when I was their age and I spent my evenings at my local roller rink. Somethings have radically changed but some things just stay the same.

Our CIT’s are back from Lake George and their last trip ever as campers. It was an amazing end to their journey as Chenny kids. Their last hoorah was memorable and meaningful. Full of great moments and lots of adventure. They are all now facing the countdown and see what is around the corner. The end is around the corner and they aren’t taking 1 of the next 11 days for granted.

So our house is full again and we will end the summer just as we began, all together! So with our last trip now officially behind us, there is something coming soon…… 1,2,3,4….WE WANT COLOR WAR!!!!!!

Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Chenny out.

Hard to believe that we have 12 more days. It is going at lightening speed and it is just so hard to believe that in just 12 days summer ’18 is coming to an end. There is just so much more to happen and experience that we will not waste a minute. There are those camp events that indicate camp is coming to an end and with Girls Sing behind us we all know that Color War is within reach. Even with only 12 days to go there is so much camp we must get to. No matter how tired we are or how exhausted we feel, there is something magical that happens when Color War breaks and a surge of energy overcomes us all. We push through to the finish line. The end is near but we gotta more to do here. 12 more glorious days spent at he best place on earth. Life is Great!!

“Do Not Judge Me by My Successes, Judge Me By How Many Times I Have Fallen and Got Back Up” – Nelson Mandela

Freshman/Junior Girls Softball – CAW 6 vs. Towanda 4

Inter Girls Soccer Tournament @ Towanda CAW 4 vs. Towanda 0 / CAW 6 vs. Blue Ridge 0

Collegiate Girls Basketball (Gold) – CAW 10 vs. Towanda 24

Collegiate Girls Basketball (Red) CAW 56 @ Tyler Hill 2

Super Girls Basketball (RED)- CAW 35 vs. Island Lake 17

Super Girls Basketball – CAW 30 vs. Lavi 42

Freshman/Junior Boys Basketball CAW 36 vs. Tyler Hill 12

Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball CAW 0 vs. Towanda 3

Inter Boys Soccer Tournament @ Towanda – CAW wins 3 out of 5 matches

GC Boys Basketball – CAW 60 @ Tioga 47

Tonight was Head Staff Lip Sync Finals and it was INSANELY GREAT!! I urge you to watch the video when it comes out on line. It was incredibly entertaining and our kids loved it. There is nothing like watching Head Staff Lip Sync in the Hall. The energy is palpable and tonight was no exception. When anyone in our camp family takes the stage, it feels like each of us are up there with them. This sense of pride blankets each one of us. You cant explain it but you love to feel it. The talent, the choreography, the lip syncing, the costumes, the heart and soul behind each performance made tonight exceptional. The last performance of the night was the slam dunk. Melvin our basketball Director morphed into Patrick Swayze as he danced The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing. When he did the lift with Kaitlyn, the zumba specialist everyone jumped to their feet and exploded with cheers. Every step, every turn, every dip was from the movie and you were transported back to that scene. Even for our youngest campers who have not yet watched that movie classic, they felt the spirit of Jonny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman!! A night we won’t forget.

12 More Days!!!

Chenny out.

Our Seniors were off to their Hershey trip, finally… and they were so beyond excited to get on that bus. It was the overnight they were looking so forward to and have waited for all year long. With bags packed and happy faces our seniors were off for an incredible day at the park. It will be a chocolate heaven for all our Seniors who patiently waited for this day to come and today was the day. We can’t wait to hear all about their adventures and fun they had when they get back to camp late tomorrow night.

It was off to Lake George for our CIT’s who will enjoy their last official trip of their Chenny camper journey. These kids have 3 days and 2 nights of adventure fun. Their first stop was white water rafting then off to explore downtown Lake George. They ate and shopped and loved every minute of their day. Just when it couldn’t get any better, our CIT’s went to a Haunted House for some scary night time fun. What a way to end an era than to be on an awesome trip with your brothers and sisters. It’s good to be a CIT!

“It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters.” – Evander Holyfield

Collegiate Girls Basketball – CAW 34 @ Lavi 16 – Chenny Wins Championship

Super Girls Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Towanda 3

Dance Team Competition at Camp Wayne for Girls – Chenny takes 4th Place

CAW Internal Gymnastic Competition-

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Starlight 3