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I’m back—and I can honestly say this trip was even better than I ever imagined. I learned so much, did things I never thought I would (or could), laughed endlessly, and bonded with our campers in a way that only travel together can bring. We explored parts of the country I had never seen before and made memories that I know will last a lifetime. Experiencing this journey through the eyes of our kids was pure magic.

Our adventure began in Los Angeles—and wow, was it fabulous. Showing the campers my hometown in all its glory was such a joy. We even had the bus make a spontaneous stop just to capture that iconic shot of the Hollywood sign! There was shopping, eating, and yes—more shopping—plus a perfect day at Santa Monica Beach and an unforgettable visit to Universal Studios. Every moment was a hit with the kids, and truly, what’s not to love about LA?

But that was just the beginning. Next, we headed to Nevada, where the adventure ramped up. The kids weren’t sure they could kayak up the Colorado River… but they did. Every single one of them. Watching them push through their doubts and paddle together was one of the most rewarding sights of the trip. That evening, we gathered under a sky so dark that the stars felt close enough to touch. We sat around a bonfire, cooked hot dogs, roasted marshmallows, and watched shooting stars streak across the desert sky. That night was my personal highlight—and I know it was theirs too.

Then came the Grand Canyon. Somehow, I had never been—and now I can’t believe I waited this long. Its breathtaking, majestic beauty left us all speechless. Standing at the edge of that vast canyon makes you feel small in the best possible way. In Sedona, the scenery shifted to striking red rocks and our adventure continued with pink Jeep rides through the mountains—an experience none of us will forget. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we landed in Phoenix for a VIP tour of the Suns arena. Watching our campers shoot hoops on an NBA court and seeing the pure joy in their eyes was like watching dreams come to life. We topped it off with a Diamondbacks game, complete with on-field batting practice. Surreal doesn’t even begin to cover it.

And yet, the real magic wasn’t just the places we visited—it was being together. Sharing these experiences as a true camp family made every moment unforgettable. Every second of this trip was pure joy, for me and for our campers.

When Jon and I created this trip for our GC’s, our goal was simple: give them something truly special. A chance to combine the adventure of travel with the heart and spirit of camp. Now that I’ve lived it, I can say without a doubt—it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. Teen summers come with so many choices, but the chance to travel with your entire camp division—kids you’ve grown up with—is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s the best of both worlds, and I hope every family who has this opportunity in the future says “yes” to it.

This trip was beyond incredible. Our kids have created memories and bonds that will stay with them for life. As we boarded the plane back home, Jordana Kohen summed it up perfectly: “This was the best trip ever… and I’m so ready to go back to camp. I miss it.” Me too, Jordana. Me too.

And now, we return for the best week of the summer… and maybe, just maybe, a Color War is around the corner. So my blogs are officially back and I will be reporting on everything that happens these next 10 days. I can’t wait to see all the kids in the morning and give them all hugs – I truly love our summer family.

Life is great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

 

Since 2010, I’ve ended every single day at Camp Chen-A-Wanda the same way, sitting at my desk way after midnight, writing a blog to share with our camp parents that are home. What started as a way to update you on sports scores has turned into something much deeper. Over time, it evolved into a space for reflection, storytelling, and connection. No matter how tired I am, I sit down and write because I need to share the moments of the day that made it remarkable and wanted you at home to feel what is happening at Camp.

There’s always at least one moment that takes my breath away and reminds me why this place is so extraordinary and some days, there are dozens of these treasured moments. While I can’t capture them all in every blog post, I try my best to bring you into our world, to help you feel the joy, the laughter, the growth, and the magic we experience here daily. Truthfully, I’ve never known who actually reads these blogs. I’ve always hoped someone out there did but Visiting Day so many of you came up to me to say, “I read your blog every morning, it’s part of my routine.” And I can’t begin to tell you how much that means to me. To know my words resonate and help you feel connected to your camper’s journey, that means everything.

But these stories I share, they aren’t mine. They’re built from the moments I witness, the conversations I overhear, the emotions that unfold right in front of me. These seven weeks fill my heart in a way that lasts all year long. In a world that can often feel chaotic, confusing and heavy, camp is a reminder that connection, kindness, freedom, and joy still thrive. For seven weeks, the world just makes sense. So I write. And apologies for the typos (usually typed with one eye already closed), but the stories are always clear in my heart and I truly hope they come out the way I intend them to. To share the beauty of what’s happening in here.

Tonight, I’m heading out west with our GC campers and taking this amazing group to LA and beyond for the trip of a lifetime. And for the first time in 15 years for these next seven nights, I won’t be able to blog for you. Leading this trip means stepping away from the keyboard, and being fully present for the kids who’ve been waiting and dreaming about this trip for years and its finally here and this is where my focus needs to be.

So, I hope you’ll understand the pause. I’ll miss writing to you and I hope you’ll miss reading it, too. But when I return to camp, I’ll be back at my desk, still exhausted, still inspired, and ready to share all the stories waiting to be told.

Elissa

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Today was a truly special one at Camp Chen-A-Wanda as we welcomed our sibling rookies for Rookie Day. It was their very first chance to be official Chenny campers. After years of watching their older siblings head off to camp, today was their turn, and they embraced every moment with wide eyes and full hearts. They swam, played, laughed, and lived a full camp day just like their older siblings. One sweet moment captured the spirit of the day perfectly: a rookie turned to his new rookie friend and said, “Maybe we can be in the same bunk next summer,” to which the other replied, “I hope so.” And just like that, the spark was lit. New friendships formed effortlessly, and a new generation of campers began to bloom. Watching these little ones dive into the Chenny experience with such joy and ease was pure magic. Today wasn’t just a visit, it was the beginning of something big for so many. Their journey has officially begun.

Chenny Game Recap:

Middy Boys Baseball – CAW 5 vs. Wayne 1

Inter Boys Hockey Championship Game – CAW 4 vs. Wayne 6

Collegiate Boys Soccer CAW 5 @ Westmont

GC/CIT Boys Soccer CAW 4 vs. Wayne 0

Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer Championship – CAW 11 @ Starlight 1 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!

There’s truly nothing like camp traditions and Girls Sing sits right at the top of the list. It’s the heart and soul of Girls Side and a shining example of what makes camp so special. For days, the energy has been electric as each division rehearsed their songs, perfected choreography, and poured their hearts into making their performances unforgettable. You could feel the pride in every practice, every run-through, every lyric — and tonight, it all came to life. It was all about Girls Sing — and it was INCREDIBLE. This tradition defines the spirit of Chenny. Every girl on campus was all in — from our adorable, wide-eyed Freshmen to our powerful, passionate CITs. They lit up the stage with unity, spirit, and sisterhood. The performances were stunning, emotional, and full of heart. What makes this tradition even more beautiful is the support from Boys Side. They filled the hall, sitting in awe for over two hours, cheering on their sisters in camp — and when Boys Side gives Girls Side a standing ovation, you know you’re witnessing something truly special.

Each division chose a unique theme and delivered it with soul. But the most moving part? Their Alma Maters. The songs they wrote and sang were filled with meaning, sung to a room that hung on every word. The chills were real. These moments, singing shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm — are memories that will stay with them forever. This is sisterhood. This is camp.

A huge congratulations to the Inter Girls for winning Lower Camp Sing with their breathtaking ” InterTainment”performance. The girls were spectacular and put on a show that definitely Intertained us all.  Our GC’s stunned the entire camp with their powerful performance of  “GC JACKSON,” a tribute to Michael Jackson. Between the costumes, the choreography and the moon walk, it was flawless. They earned the win for Upper Camp and the GC curse seems be a thing of the past.

Congratulations to all of Girls Side for delivering the best Girls Sing we’ve ever had. These songs will echo through their lives for years to come, they’ll never forget the lyrics, the themes, or the feeling of standing on that stage, together. Life is so great on Girls Side — and tonight, it was simply unforgettable!

Thank you for making Visiting Day 2025 nothing short of spectacular. Watching you run to your children’s bunks and wrap them in that first hug, there is simply nothing sweeter. That moment when your arms are around your child again, even just for a few hours, makes everything feel right in the world. The anticipation on your kids’ faces, waiting to be scooped up off their porches, is a sight that never gets old. Family is everything, and today, camp was overflowing with that beautiful energy. It was a gift to witness your reunions and see you soaking in every moment together. From porch chats and photo ops to laughter-filled lunches and proud performances, today was a celebration of everything camp is and everything it means to your children.

There were countless special moments — like when our cast of 101 Dalmations and Dance Team lit up the stage and we watched you light up right along with them.  That’s why we do what we do, to create a space where your kids feel safe, supported, joyful, and free. A place where they build confidence, discover who they are, and make memories that will last forever. We hope today reassured you that your children are exactly where they’re meant to be , surrounded by people who love and care for them deeply, encouraging them to try new things, explore the outdoors, and embrace all the wonder of what summer brings.

Tonight, we kept the fun going with a pie eating contest that had the whole camp laughing. (Be sure to ask your kids about it — it was hilarious!) Followed by an epic silent disco party which was off the charts fun. With 3 more weeks to go, we’re not slowing down. We plan to make each day better than the last.  Thank you for your trust, your love, and for sharing your beautiful children with us. And a special thank you to all of you who told me today how much you’re enjoying the blog — it means the world to me. My goal has always been to give you a window into this magical place and share just how inspired I am by your kids every single day. The stories are created by your kids, I just find the words to share their beauty and Im so glad you enjoy reading them.

Running a city of this size and spirit is no easy feat, and we never take for granted the incredible responsibility we’ve been entrusted with. Every decision, whether simple or incredibly difficult, is made with one guiding question in mind: How will this impact our campers, and will it positively enhance their experience? That compass guides everything we do. Today, so many of you took the time to share your appreciation and support, not just for what we do, but for how we do it. Hearing from you that your children are thriving, growing, and genuinely happy means the world to us.  You can’t imagine how deeply that affirmation resonates. It reminds us why we do this and fuels us to keep giving our all, every single day. Thank you, our Chenny families who are part of our village.

Visiting Day 2025, it’s a wrap. What a day. What a community. What a gift.

As we prepare to welcome you to camp tomorrow, our hearts are full. Visiting Day is one of the most special moments of the summer. It’s a day filled with love, hugs, stories, and the beautiful reunion of families. We know how much you’ve been looking forward to seeing your camper, and trust us, they’ve been counting down the days too. Watching you run toward your child’s bunk and wrap them in that first hug is a moment of pure magic — it’s truly unforgettable to witness.

But we also want to gently remind you, this day can bring a wide range of emotions, not just for you, but especially for your child. For the past four weeks, your camper has done something truly extraordinary: they’ve adjusted, embraced, and fully immersed themselves in camp life. They’ve grown in ways that are hard to explain until you see it for yourself. And tomorrow, you’ll get that chance.

That said, transitions can be tricky. For some campers, the excitement of seeing you is mixed with nervous energy and as the day winds down, that emotion can sometimes show up as tears, clinginess, or even acting out. This is completely normal. It’s their way of processing the shift between the world they’ve created here and the deep bond they have with you. Please don’t be surprised if your camper becomes emotional or has a tough time as the day nears its end, it’s all part of this remarkable journey.

We’ve planned an exciting afternoon and evening full of fun activities right after Visiting Day ends; pie eating contest, water balloon throw and a phenomenal silent disco, things that quickly help campers return to their camp mindset and routine. These moments bring them right back into the swing of summer and help ease the transition after saying goodbye. So even if your camper has a hard time saying goodbye, it’s up to you to depart quickly and trust us that we’ve got them.

Throughout the day, we encourage you to let your camper take the lead. Soak in their stories. Meet their new friends. Let them show you where they live, where they eat, and where they play. We’ve worked hard to create a schedule that gives you plenty to do but we hope the day is less about following an itinerary and more about being with your child and celebrating their journey so far.

Enjoy every minute. Tomorrow is a day to celebrate your camper, the friendships they’ve made, the confidence they’ve gained, and the memories they’re still creating. We are so excited to welcome you into their summer home.

See you soon, and get ready for the best Visiting Day ever!

Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!