Author: Elissa

The Apache Relay defines what Color War is all about and  it was an absolutely perfect day for this race. This race includes every single player everyone matters in the Apache Relay. No matter if you are wrapping your teammate in toilet paper head-to-toe, rowing a kayak across Fiddle Lake or heading into Shields Hall for the infamous “unknown”, you count. There were 57 events that make up the Apache and each one of them are essential to the integrity of the race. It is a 3-hour event that utilizes the entire camp and being a part of it is something you will never forget. To run the Apache is like nothing you have ever done before and after you have done it, you can’t wait to do it again. The race was close the whole way through with lead changes happening at every turn. You could hear the cheers from each team that took the lead but in the last few challenges Red Summer crossed that finish line only to beat Gold Winter by a record breaking 2 minutes. It was close and a race well run. Apache 2016 is in the books as one of the most exciting races ever run at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

There was no time waste as the afternoon was full of last day games. Soccer matches, softball games, steal the bacon, volleyball and basketball games were being played all throughout camp. Everyone knew that this was the last day of competition and they were ALL in. You saw the fierceness in every camper. They dig down deep today and brought their “A” game. There wasn’t a camper who didn’t believe in these games and what they meant. There is pride, commitment, loyalty, dedication and a deep sense of spirit that comes from being a part of our Color War. Your effort is all that matters. Stop and imagine for one moment that your kids were part of a life changing experience where they contributed their best while being supported for their hard work. They shared a common goal withe their teammates and they believed in themselves. They never gave up, not once. They pushed themselves to their limit and watching it up close, was just awe-inspiring. It takes our breath away to watch all your kids take part in this journey. Five days of hard work, five days of exhaustion, five days of personal growth, five days of pushing forward, five days of knowing they can do anything, five days of getting behind their teammates and inspiring others to be their best and five of the best days at camp.

Tonight was a silent meal and never was The Lodge so quiet. It was oddly silent as this is the place where we dance and sing but tonight in Color War tradition, we ate silently.  The campers wanted more than anything to talk but knew that every word spoken would loose points for their team. Try and visualize The Lodge full of campers and counselors that just don’t speak. It was a sight to see and not hear a word spoken.

As both teams entered into Shields Hall dressed as elves, rays of sunshine, snowmen and surfers there was a sense of elation and true Color War pride. This was it, and everyone knew it. Each team presented their plaque and banner and they were truly works of art. Masterpieces if you will. It was time for Sing and both were ready to perform the songs they worked so hard on and had so much meaning in every verse. There were tears as Red Summer sang their Alma Mater and included beautiful lyrics that embodied the feelings they have as their summer comes to an end:

 

Can’t believe this is the end

We can’t pretend, please hold my hand

I’ll try Not to cry as we say goodbye

Just 4 days left with you – this just can’t be true

It was emotional and everyone knew that the end of Color War signifies the end of camp. What we have all gone through will be with us forever but for now is ending and the last four days as two teams are now back together as one amazing unified camp.  Gold Winter so poetically conveyed in their Alma Mater:

 

You’ve changed my life, now its my turn to change yours

Who knew that time could go by so fast?

Reality is slowly setting in

Always knew that this day would come

Thinking of all the memories and good times forever mine

I’d be lost without you

In a Chenny tradition of musical chairs, the last Judge to grab his seat was Red and that relayed the winner of Color War 2016. There was elation as the realization was true, Red Summer wins Color War. But only a mere 66 points was the difference between winning and losing this War. It all came to Sing and tonight was just spectacular. There were so many tears tonight. Some were of joy from winning this 5 day battle, some were of loosing and the heartache of defeat but regardless of why we all began to cry we all ended in tears because we know the end to summer 2016 is near. The hugs and embraces wrapped us all in this Chenny Love we feel every single day. From the freshman who were weeping to our CIT’s that cried from a very different place. Their journey as a camper is ending. One CIT, walked over to a very teary Middy boy who was overcome with emotion, he kneeled down, put his arms around this young camper as said, “I would do just about anything to start Camp Chen-A-Wanda all over again. You are so lucky,” He then said, “Don’t waste one minute of your summers here at Chenny. They will change your life. I promise.” This is what it’s all about.

We walked into Shields Hall tonight as two very separate teams, dressed head to toe in gold and red but we all walked out back together as one camp. Sad tears quickly turned into tears of joy as everyone held onto one another and walked back to their bunks and cherished the night being together. We have four more days and much more fun to be had here at Chenny. So with Color War behind us, we are headed for the absolute best last 4 days to go!!!

Chenny out

The spirit was high and competition was fierce today. It was a great day and the campers dug down deep today. Red Summer were decked out in red and everything summer from head to toe while the Gold Winter shimmered with snowflakes on their faces. It was team spirit and pride that every competitor had on their minds.

The Super boys played a soccer match today that will go down in Chen-A-Wanda Color War history with a 5 minute overtime followed by a sudden death shootout that took over 18 shots on goal to determine who would prevail. This was a nail biter the whole way thorough. It was so competitive and so fierce ands so much fun to play, the boys were on fire. After a long and intense competition and on the 18th penalty kick, Gold Winter won the match. They celebrated as if they just won the war. That was a game of all games and the Super boys will never forget their soccer match they played in today.

The afternoon brought all of girls’ camp to the track meet. There were individual races and relays that brought a deep lever and appreciation for this competition. On your marks, get set go was heard all afternoon and girls side was ready. As each girl did her part, she became part of something much bigger than herself. She ran alone but she ran for her team today. When you see the faces of each runner knowing they must do their best because this event is for the greater good. One camper crossed the finish line while screaming on the top of her lungs, “Never, give up, Never give up” She won that race and as we watched her celebrate the win, she used that saying all afternoon for this who followed her… Never give up, Never give up!!! When she first muttered those words, it was intended for herself but those words resonated with every girl who ran today.. We will never give up.

While all of girl’s camp at the track meet the boys were busy with races at the pool and lake. They dove right in and what is so awesome to watch these boys race in the pool is their total support for getting their teammates to that finish line. It’s a scene unlike any other as you can hear their support chanting over one another with all the same goal and then you see the kids swim faster as if words of encouragement gave our campers fins that propelled them through the water. It’s like a burst of energy that takeover and makes us stronger and allows us to believe we can. We can do it and boys side did do it with an incredible swim meet. Phelps may have won his 19th gold medal today in the Summer Olympics but our boys won a lot more as they swam with heart, passion and intensity.

Tonight was Skit Night and each team brought creative, unique and entertaining productions to the stage. They danced, they sang and they told their stories. It was a skit night that will go down in history as one to remember. Watching it unfold, one can only say, these campers and staff are having the time of their lives. You can be as goofy and silly and passionate as you can possibly be here. This is your turn to let loose and give it your all and that’s what each team did tonight, they brought it. All with smiles and spirit so high, Shields Hall could hardly contain the energy inside of it!!!

 

Chenny out.

The sun was out and the day was incredible. It is as if we all now our time here is numbered in days so we are doing every activity, we are playing every game and we are getting it all in before August 13th. With only a week and a half to go, life continues to be great up here and the smiles on your children’s faces say it all.  It’s like a dream that we don’t want to wake up from so until those buses roll into camp to bring us back to our homes, we are embracing every moment we have here.

It was a pretty awesome day for our athletes.. We are Wayne County Champions!!!!

Freshman/Jr/Middy Girls Soccer Tourney @ Weastmont  – CAW 0 @ Westmont 3 / CAW 4 vs. Tioga 2

Inter Girls Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Starlight 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Collegiate Girls Softball – CAW 0 vs. Lohikan 6 – CAW

GC/CIT Girls Soccer – CAW 2 vs. Starlight 0 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONS!!!

Middy Boys Soccer – CAW 0 vs. Westmont 6

Collegiate Boys Baseball – CAW9 vs. Westmont 4 – CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Super Boys Soccer – CAW2 @ Starlight 1- CAW WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

Super Boys Baseball – CAW 7 vs Lohikan – CAW WINS CHAMPION!!!!

Boy did we put on a show tonight as our Circus show took our breath away.We had tumblers and acrobats, adagios and lyra performances. There were single trapezes and spanish webs and our kids dazzled us with their abilities on the triple trapeze. To watch our kids create a performance that defies gravity and takes total 100% concentration and are able to execute with such ease and grace is a testament to our Circus Directors and specialists. Michael and Rodrigo along with their team of Olivia, Annie, Mikaela and Lianna produced a show that was spectacular. From start to finish our minds were blown as we watched our kids dazzle and razzle us. To watch our kids pour their heart and soul into this program and show us all what dedication looks like is truly what its all about. There is nothing we can’t do when we apply ourselves and try until we get it. So many kids may look at that huge trapeze and see it’s enormity as something they can’t do but this summer, our campers saw what they can do and we could not be more proud of each one of them. The soared tonight and literally flew to new heights. They worked so hard and it showed. The show was phenomenal, funny, entertaining, electric and just plain awesome.

There isn’t one person on this campus that thought tonight was the night. We LOVE surprises and tonight was the night. Color War 2016 break was insane and nobody anticipated it happening this soon. As everyone made their way down the hill from the most amazing circus show we just put on, it was line-up for canteen. Just as the freshman were making their way to the canteen, Shields Hall erupted with DC Marvel/Batman music and all the kids ran into the Hall to find Batman and Captain America standing there with the huge white screen behind them. The place was going nuts, the chants were filling every space inside the Hall and then, it happened… A letter came across the screen..while a very eloquent english voice read the following message:

t’was the night before color war when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The freshman were sleeping, with all their beds made

while the CIT’s were planning their 17th raid

When on top of Shields Hall, there arose such a clatter

That the GC’s awoke to see what was the matter

They looked to their left, then they looked to their right

and discovered that Color War was breaking TONIGHT!!

HEAD TO THE LODGE!!!!!

 And with that the entire camp picked and ran to The Lodge  – It was lit up like a Christmas Tree, actually we literally have a 25 foot Christmas tree decorated from top to bottom in the entrance. The smell of pine filled the lodge and it was breathtaking. Twinkling  lights where everywhere and it made this night so festive. The Lodge has never looked his beautiful. At the other end of the Lodge were Tiki Huts, Paddle boards, sand, kayaks and loads of oversized beach balls. The kids ran in to see Santa and Mrs. Claus handing out candy canes while holiday music was creating the mood. After we rocked out to Surfin’ USA, the entire lodge danced to Hanukkah O’ Hanukkah and were ready for latkas and apple sauce. The fun and giant surprise that nobody expected made this night spectacular. After we announced the Lieutenants and Captains, handed out the T-shirts and went over tomorrows schedules, Holiday Cookies and Capri Sun drinks were handed out to all campers as they left the Lodge with huge smiles on their faces. Oh what a night we had.. and now for the most awesome next 5 days. 1..2..3..4.. Chenny has a Color War!

Chenny out.

Our Cherokee campers (Freshmen – Middies) spent today cooling off at Camel Beach. It was water ride after water ride and we had some very happy Cherokee campers today. The sun was hot but we were cool.  As the sun set, it was dinner at the park then back to camp.  What could better than that? Not much for our youngest campers. They got off the bus, all exhausted and all equally loving their biggest trip yet.

Mohican campers (Inters & Collegiates) spent the afternoon at the State Park. Their very chill afternoon was spent hanging out in the lake, having a catch together and just enjoying the beautiful day they had. It was a perfect to sit back, relax and enjoy each other. Then it was to the movies to catch a summer block buster. What could be better than a relaxing afternoon at the park, followed by a night at the movies. All Mohican campers are back in their bunks with smiles on their faces, tummies full from all that popcorn and a day they all enjoyed so much.

Navajo campers (Seniors – GC’s) spent their last trip day at Dorney Park and it was awesome. Rides, games, food and friends was the ideal combination for their picture perfect day. They rolled back into camp, all exhausted but with smiles on their faces. They went big for their last trip and Dorney was just an incredible place to spend their last trip day of summer 2016.

Our CIT’s arrived safely back at camp from their amazing 3 day trip to Lake George. It was an adventurers paradise. They white water rafted, they climbed intense adventure courses, the zipped across beautiful forests and they experienced an awesome 3 days as they end their Chenny camper experience.  Getting to this stage and seeing your camper years coming to an end in this way makes for a truly perfect ending for these incredible young adults.  This is truly a remarkable group of kids who we are proud to have watched grow up in front of our eyes.

This is what Chenny summer’s are  all about. Sharing these amazing days with some of the most amazing people we have ever met and choosing to come back every summer and do it again. All of your kids are safely back at camp, sleeping soundly in their bunks. A perfect ending to Summer 2016 last trip day.

Get ready Chenny, now with our trips for Summer 2016 officially in the books……. looks like Chenny may be getting ready for Color War.

Chenny out

It is crazy to think that in just 12 days your children will be back home with you. It feels like we have been here forever and living in this Chen-A-Wanda bubble is nearing the last phase for summer 2016. With only such short time to go, we are gearing up for some insane days ahead. Twelve days is still an eternity here with Color War, the Circus show, Chenny Globes, Late Night With Leahy and of course Banquet, we have some serious great times ahead of us and we are not going to waste one minute of what lays ahead.

And now from our Chen-A-Wanda sports desk:

Middy Girls Tennis – CAW 0 vs. Wayne 5

Inter Girls Soccer – CAW 2 @ Towanda 4

Collegiate Girls Tennis – CAW 1 vs. Tioga 4

Freshman/Junior Boys Tennis – rescheduled to due weather

Middy Boys Tennis Tourney @ Independent Lake – rescheduled to due weather

Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 15 vs. Lavi 0

Super/GC Boys Soccer – CAW 3 vs. Independent Lake 2

Tonight’s evening activity was our summer production of Legally Blonde. Our campers took center stage and sang, acted and danced. Shields Hall was packed and all we couldn’t be more proud of our actors up on that stage. The courage and confidence it takes to perform will forever stay inside every single one of our kids. They jumped for joy after the performance with so much excited celebration on what they just accomplished. Whenever our campers are on stage, everyone gets behind them. It is what makes this camp a family.We knew how much time, effort and dedication our actors put into this production and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who performed tonight. Bravo to the cast and we thank you for putting on quite a fun show tonight. Hamilton has nothing on our Chenny kids tonight!!!!

Chenny out.