Chenny Blog

This morning at Camp Chen-A-Wanda will go down in history as one of the most epic Color War breakouts ever. Before the sun was even up, the excitement began—campers were woken by an unexpected and hilarious invasion of clowns. Sleepy eyes quickly turned to wide smiles as the kids poured out of their bunks and ran to Shields Hall Court, not quite sure what was in store. Waiting for them was a full-blown circus. Jugglers tossed balls into the air, stilt walkers towered above the crowd, unicyclists zipped around, and acrobats wowed us with their flips and tricks. At the center of it all was the charismatic Ring Master, who kept the energy pumping and the suspense building. The circus had truly come to Chenny.

The Ring Master soon directed everyone inside for “the main event.” The music was thumping, the lights were flashing, and the atmosphere was pure magic. Just when the crowd thought they’d seen it all, we unveiled a surprise guest—TikTok sensation Chloe Hechter—sending the excitement through the roof. Then, in a perfect twist, Glinda made her grand entrance. And just as the first notes of Defying Gravity filled the hall, our very own Brian Leahy appeared as Elphaba—green face, full costume, and all. With a little help from our circus crew, Brian soared across the stage, belting out the high notes to perfection. The crowd absolutely lost it. In that moment, the anticipation that had been building all summer exploded into pure joy—Color War had officially begun. The hall was electric, the kids were cheering at the top of their lungs, and the mash-up of circus spectacle and Broadway magic created a breakout we’ll never forget. For me, it was my favorite breakout ever—creative, thrilling, and filled with Chenny spirit. The wait was over, and the games had begun!

From there, it was straight into Tugs of War, and the energy only got bigger. The cheers were heard across camp as each side dug in, pulling with everything they had for that first big Color War win. Laughter, determination, and team spirit filled the air—it was classic Chenny at its best.

The excitement rolled right into the evening with Contest Night, where campers went head-to-head in a series of wild and wacky challenges. Relay races, balloon pops, hippity hops—you name it, we did it. The competition was fierce, the smiles were huge, and the laughter was nonstop. And to think—this was only day one. With just 8 days left in our summer, we are still giving it everything we’ve got, soaking in every moment, and having the absolute time of our lives. If today was any indication, this Color War is going to be epic!

This is the time of summer when it feels like Color War could break out at any moment and today, that energy was in the air. You could feel it everywhere. The kids were on edge all day, buzzing with anticipation, convinced today was the day. The conversations? All about Color War. The whispers? Full of theories. The excitement? Off the charts. There wasn’t a camper on camp who wasn’t talking about it, guessing and hoping. This shared anticipation, this collective countdown is one of the most powerful feelings at Chenny. It’s what ties us all together so tightly, uniting campers and staff in a way that only a Color War can. Chants echo around every corner, kids are pleading for clues, and the suspense of not knowing has become the theme of our day. The tension is rising—and it’s thrilling. The spirit is building. The energy is contagious. The break is coming… and when it does, it’s going to be epic. Chenny is ready. We are so ready for a Color War!!

Chenny Games Recap with 4 Championships:

Inter Boys Softball – CAW 11 @ Tyler Hill 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Collegiate Boys Soccer  – CAW 10  @ Island Lake 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Middy Girls Soccer – CAW 5 vs. Wayne 0 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Middy Girls vs. Ineter Girls Soccer (Intra Camp Tourney) – Middys win!!!

Inters & Below Girls LAX – Tyler Hill forfeit – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Tonight was Head Staff Lip Sync—and it was INSANELY AMAZING! I can’t urge you enough to watch the video when it goes live—it was pure entertainment from start to finish, and our campers were absolutely loving every minute of it. There’s truly nothing like Head Staff Lip Sync in the Hall. The energy is electric, the laughter is nonstop, and the pride we all feel watching our team take the stage is impossible to put into words. When someone from our camp family performs, it feels like we’re all up there with them—cheering, dancing, and soaking in every moment. That shared spirit is contagious. You can’t quite describe it, but you feel it deep down. From the talent to the choreography, the lip syncing to the costumes, every performance was packed with heart and soul. Our Head Staff put on a show that was unforgettable, and it was one of those camp nights that just sticks with you. As I sat there watching, I honestly couldn’t tell who was having more fun—the campers or the staff. And the truth is, it was definitely both. The best part? We still have 9 more days and nights to create and share moments just like this. Camp magic is real—and tonight, it was on full display.

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

---

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!