Category: Uncategorized

There is something that happens during Color War that is unlike any other time spent at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it.Maybe it’s because we’re later in the summer and everyone has settled in. Camp no longer feels new, it feels like home. Maybe it’s because we’ve spent weeks building this community together. When you compete together, celebrate together, encourage one another, and believe in something bigger than yourself, you become part of something extraordinary. Or maybe it’s because Color War is one of Chenny’s greatest traditions. Generations of campers before today’s campers have worn these same colors, stood on these same fields, and felt these same emotions. There is something incredibly powerful about knowing you’re part of a tradition that stretches back decades and decades. It creates a connection that is hard to put into words.

Today, every camper woke up wearing either red or gold. Every child belonged to a team. A team that believes in them. A team that cheers for them. A team that celebrates them. There is something so comforting about that. We began our first full day of Color War with one of its most iconic events,  Tugs of War.

Standing there and watching your children dig their heels into the ground, gripping that rope with everything they have while teammates pull beside them and counselors scream words of encouragement from the sidelines is truly inspiring. You see determination. You see grit. You see resilience. You see kids discovering they have a little more strength than they thought. These moments become deeply rooted in a camper’s Chenny experience. Years from now, many of these kids won’t remember every score or every result, but they’ll remember how they felt standing shoulder to shoulder with their teammates, pulling together toward one common goal. And when they win,  there is a look that comes across their face that is difficult to describe. It’s joy. It’s pride. It’s confidence. It’s the feeling of believing that together, anything is possible.

The afternoon kept the vibe going with games across camp before everyone packed into Shields Hall for one of the most entertaining nights of Color War. Contest Night. Trying to explain Contest Night to someone who has never experienced it is nearly impossible. The best description might be,  Organized, joyful chaos. Sack races. Balloon pops. Hippity hops. Relay races. Music blasting. Campers dancing. Counselors laughing. Teams cheering. The Hall was absolutely alive. If you joined us on Instagram Live, hopefully you caught a glimpse of what it felt like inside Shields Hall. We love sharing those moments because a picture simply can’t capture the energy. You have to hear the music. You have to hear hundreds of campers singing together. You have to see  kids laughing without hesitation, dancing without self-consciousness, and celebrating every silly victory as if it were the championship of the world. There wasn’t a single person in that building who wasn’t having the absolute best time. The energy was electric. The joy was contagious. And perhaps my favorite part,  There was complete freedom. Freedom to laugh. Freedom to dance. Freedom to cheer. Freedom to be completely yourself without worrying about what anyone else thinks. As I looked around the Hall tonight, I found myself doing something I often do during Color War. I stopped watching the games. Instead, I watched your kids. The expressions on their faces said everything. Pure joy. Complete freedom. Total immersion in a world that exists only here.

You see it throughout the summer, but during Color War it becomes even more powerful. It’s as if every child gives themselves permission to let go, to be fully present, and to embrace every single moment. That is the magic of Color War. But the feeling. The feeling is being a part of something  so much bigger than yourself and being exactly where you supposed to be.

Best part is we have 4 more days to go!!

 

If there was ever a day that captured the spirit, energy, and excitement of Camp Chen-A-Wanda, today was it. From the moment campers woke up, camp was buzzing with great vibes. The fields were full, the courts were alive, games were being played in every direction, and laughter could be heard all across Chenny. There was just something special in the air. As if the day wasn’t already sweet enough, Kona Ice rolled into camp, and our campers couldn’t have been happier. There is something about an ice-cold treat on a beautiful summer afternoon that just feels right. It was the perfect mid-day surprise, refreshing everyone and putting even bigger smiles on already happy faces.

As the sun slowly began to set over Fiddle Lake, it was time for one of our most anticipated traditions… Head Staff Lip Sync. Every single year our head staff somehow raises the bar, and tonight was no exception. The performances were absolutely incredible. The choreography, the costumes, the lip syncing, the creativity, and the commitment were on another level. Every act brought its own personality, and every performer brought their A-game. Shields Hall was absolutely packed, and the energy inside was electric. Campers were singing along, dancing in their seats, cheering for every performance, and laughing from beginning to end. It wasn’t just a show.It was one of those unforgettable Chenny nights that reminds us how much joy can fit inside one room.

When the performances ended, the judges had one very difficult decision to make. This year’s Head Staff Lip Sync Champions were our CITs, led by our incredible Dance Director, Grace Overdijking, whose Jennifer Lopez performance absolutely brought the house down. Grace didn’t just perform J.Lo, she became J.Lo. The crowd loved every second of it. But little did anyone know, the night was far from over. Just after we announced the winners, a loud engine suddenly echoed across Shields Hall Court. Everyone stopped. Heads turned. Then campers sprinted outside. Sitting in the middle of the court was a fire-engine red Lamborghini. The screams said it all. Before anyone could fully process what they were seeing, campers were guided toward the beach where another surprise awaited them.

And then, the lake came alive. Two Flyboard performers raced across Fiddle Lake before launching high into the air, soaring above the water, spinning, diving, hovering, and seemingly defying gravity. Lit up against the night sky, it looked as though someone was literally flying over our lake. It was mesmerizing. The campers stood shoulder to shoulder along the beach, completely captivated, cheering after every trick and wondering how something so incredible was even possible. And just when they thought the show was over, The sky exploded. Fireworks lit up the night over Fiddle Lake, creating one final unforgettable moment that left everyone smiling, cheering, and soaking in every second. Then came the words every Chenny camper waits all summer to hear, COLOR WAR 2026 is here!

The wait is over. For the next five days, camp will transform into something unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Lifelong memories will be made. Friendships will be strengthened. Traditions will continue. New stories will be written. This year’s teams are…Red Racers vs. Gold G.O.A.T.S. The teams have been chosen. The excitement is through the roof. The banners are ready. The chants have already begun. And just like that…

We have ourselves a Color War.

 

There is absolutely no slowing down here at Chenny, and today was one of those jam-packed days that reminds us just how much can happen in a single summer day. This morning was our annual Color Run, and from the moment campers gathered at our front gate, the excitement was contagious. Smiles were everywhere, the music was pumping, and as soon as the run began, the fun took off. Every division loved every second of it. Our campers made their way out of camp and onto the beautiful country roads that surround Chenny. Along the course, each color station doused each camper with giant clouds of powdered color, turning white shirts into bright works of art. Running is fun. Running through a rainbow of color with your best friends while laughing the entire way is fun on another level. Our youngest campers ran a modified course that was perfect for them, while our oldest campers took on the challenge of a full 5K. Whether they were racing to the finish line or simply soaking in every colorful step along the way, everyone crossed the finish covered in color, out of breath, and wearing huge smiles.

The scenery made the morning even more special. Chenny  is beautiful from the inside, but the landscape just beyond our gates is truly breathtaking. Rolling mountains, open fields, winding country roads…it almost doesn’t seem real. It’s one of those places you simply have to see with your own eyes because pictures could never do it justice. Today’s picture-perfect Pennsylvania morning was the backdrop for our Color Run, and we couldn’t help but think how lucky your kids are to experience mornings like this. It was beautiful.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, the entire camp headed to PNC Field for a summer night at the ballpark as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders took on the Rochester Red Wings. There is something timeless about baseball on a summer night. The smell of ballpark food, the crack of the bat, fans cheering from the stands, laughing with friends, and simply being together under the lights. It was one of those nights that reminds you why baseball and summer go together.

The night became even more special when our very own Harlow Fass and Andrew Falkowitz had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. What an unforgettable moment for Harlow and Andrew and for all of Chenny as we proudly cheered them both on!!  Then came one of the funniest moments of the night. In the middle of the third inning, our campers suddenly appeared on the giant video board while the announcer asked, “Chen-A-Wanda…are you ready for COLOR WAR?!” The stadium erupted. Our campers jumped to their feet screaming, cheering, hugging, and completely losing their minds…only to hear the two words they fear every single summer… “FAKE OUT!” The place absolutely exploded with laughter. It was the perfect Chenny moment, and somehow, our campers loved getting faked out almost as much as they would have loved the real thing.

One of the best moments of the day was also welcoming our GCs back home to Chenny. They returned perfectly exhausted after what they described as “the best trip of our lives.” Those were their words, and seeing the smiles on their faces, hearing the stories, and watching them jump off the bus back at their summer home was a site to see. Their trip gave them incredible memories, strengthened friendships that were already so special, and created a bond between all the kids that will last a lifetime.

And now, we’re a full house again. Everyone’s in!!

 

There are some days at Camp Chen-A-Wanda when it feels like every corner of camp is telling a different story. Today was one of those days. Our oldest campers were off creating memories that they’ll carry with them long after this summer ends. Our CITs spent the day together enjoying a round of golf before heading to one of our longtime favorites, Arlo’s, for lunch, great food, and a little friendly competition on the mini golf course. They wrapped up the day with their annual appreciation dinner at Frank’s, taking time to celebrate them for all the help with rookie day as counselors as they pass on their love for Chenny to the next round of campers that are just starting thier journey.  It was a truly special day and one they absolutely deserved.

Our Supers headed out for a division trip to see this summer’s blockbuster, Spider-Man. Sometimes the simplest trips become the most memorable. Just one division, a movie, plenty of laughs, popcorn, and time together. They had an incredible time and loved every minute of it. Back at camp, our Collegiates and Seniors enjoyed having camp to themselves. Being the oldest campers on camp for the evening brought a different kind of energy, one filled the kind of moments that make these final weeks so meaningful.

And then there was Lower Camp. Tonight’s Circus Show was nothing short of extraordinary. What our campers accomplished on that stage was incredible. To watch our kids soar through the air, twist, turn, swing, balance, and perform skills that seemed impossible just a few short weeks ago was simply amazing. But this show has never really been about just the circus. It’s about courage. It’s about walking into an activity that feels so new, taking a deep breath, trusting your coaches and trying anyway. For some campers, that means overcoming genuine fear. For others, it’s learning patience when something doesn’t come easily. Every trick, every catch, every climb represents hours of practice, and believing in yourself just a little bit more than you did the day before. Those are the lessons that matter.

We truly believe camp is so much more than the activities and events that happen here.  Every experience is an opportunity to grow. Every challenge is a chance to discover something about yourself and every success builds confidence. Even the losses give us something very important. And it all happens here and we know the awesome responsibility our role has on our campers.

We couldn’t be more proud of every performer who stepped into the spotlight, every instructor who helped make it possible, and every camper and staff member in the audience who cheered them on. Thats what we do here! What a remarkable day at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Different adventures. Different memories. Different lessons.

One extraordinary Chenny.

 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over all these years, it’s that a rainy day never stops the ship from moving forward at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. In fact, sometimes it feels like an invitation to play. The skies were gray, rain fell throughout the day, and instead of putting a damper on the fun, it somehow made everything even better. Everything is a lesson, even when we don’t know we’re learning. Like when an entire community shows up and shows joy and positivity on a gray gloomy day by choosing to play and engage, that influences us. When our Collegiate boys and girls run and jump in for a pool party together, you know you are creating a memory these kids wont ever forget.  There is something magical about swimming in the rain. It’s different. It’s unexpected. It’s exciting. Sure, a bright sunny afternoon at the pool is amazing. But jumping off the diving board while raindrops fall around you, swimming with your best friends, laughing until your stomach hurts, and realizing no one cares that the sun isn’t shining, that’s the kind of memory that stays with you. Its like a story you will tell years later.  “Remember that rainy day when the collegiates had a pool party together?” Rain at camp is never a disappointment. It’s simply another opportunity to create extraordinary memories.

Exactly two weeks from today, your kids will be back home with you. It’s hard to believe. Five incredible weeks have already flown by. Think about everything these campers have experienced together. Every morning wake-up. Every activity. Every meal. Every evening activity. Every campfire. Every laugh. Every challenge. Every win. Every loss. Every friendship. We’ve shared every one of these moments together, and I think that’s exactly why the bonds formed at camp are so incredibly strong. When you spend every day living life side by side, friendships become family. It’s true that we’re entering the final two weeks of the summer. But here’s the secret – the last 2 are the best 2.

Out in California, our incredible GCs spent another unforgettable day soaking up the sunshine in Santa Monica. They enjoyed the beach, shopped, and continued making memories on what has truly been the trip of a lifetime. We’ve been saying it all summer, but it deserves repeating,  This group is simply joyful and they have made every single day count. Watching them enjoy this trip has been such a gift, and we already can’t wait to welcome them back next summer as our CITs. Their future at Chenny is incredibly bright.

Back at camp, the excitement continued to build as whispers of one word seemed to be everywhere…Color War? Could it be happening soon? The anticipation is definitely growing. To cap off another fantastic camp day, we treated our campers to one of everyone’s favorite traditions. Sundaes for Lower Camp. Pint Night for Upper Camp. The theme of the evening? Ice Cream!

Rain or shine, sunny skies or gray clouds, there is always something to look forward to, there is always another memory waiting to be made and with two amazing weeks still ahead of us, the adventure is far from over. The best part of summer may still be yet to come.