Chenny Blog

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!

Today was far from ordinary at Camp Chen-A-Wanda — it was Corn Man Day, and that means pure joy from sunup to sundown! One of the most anticipated days of the summer, our legendary guest made his grand return, and camp was buzzing with excitement. Campers showed up in full spirit, dressed head-to-toe in green and yellow to celebrate the occasion — yes, dressing like corn is absolutely a thing here!

From the early morning hours, the mouthwatering smell of roasted corn filled the air, drifting across the fields and bunks and building anticipation with every passing hour. By the time the Corn Man was ready to serve, our campers were more than ready. And let us tell you — he delivered. That golden, sweet, perfectly roasted corn on the cob was an absolute hit. The kids devoured it, savoring every buttery bite with smiles stretched across their faces. There’s something magical about having that much fun over something as simple as corn — it’s the kind of moment that makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda so special. Laughter, friendship, and a whole lot of corn made today truly unforgettable. What a deliciously perfect summer day.

This evening was pure magic, all thanks to the thoughtful, creative, and loving Senior Girls who pulled off a surprise birthday celebration for their bunkmate and friend, Sophie. From the moment breakfast ended, the girls were on a mission. They approached me with a sparkle in their eyes and a plan already forming — they wanted to throw a surprise party for Sophie and include their entire division. I challenged them to take full ownership of the event, and they ran with it.

They created invitations, sought approval from their Division Head to use the Cookhouse, and respectfully asked the Cookhouse Lead if they could host a cupcake-decorating party. They organized the guest list, decorated the space with care, and made sure every detail was in place. Most impressively, they kept the surprise a secret — no easy feat in a bunk full of excited teenagers!

My job was to escort Sophie to the Cookhouse under the guise of a division “chat” — a phrase that instantly sets the tone at camp. But when Sophie walked through those doors, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Her entire division was there, beaming with joy, ready to celebrate her. The moment was electric. Laughter filled the room, music played, cupcakes were decorated and devoured, and an overwhelming sense of love and friendship was felt by everyone in that room.

It was, without question, a special night for Sophie. But it was more than just a birthday party — it was a celebration of community, sisterhood, and the kind of thoughtful, selfless love that makes camp so unforgettable. Tonight, everyone felt seen, included, and part of something bigger. These are the moments that shape the summer and leave lasting memories for a lifetime.

Chenny Games Recap

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer Tournament @ Starlight

• Game 1: CAW 1 vs. Wayne 4

• Game 2: CAW 2 vs. Westmont 4

• Game 3: CAW 2 vs. Starlight 6

Inter Boys Basketball

• CAW 29 vs. Lavi 31 – A tight game that came down to the wire.

Inter Boys Tennis

• CAW 4 vs. Lohikan 1 – A commanding win on the courts!

Collegiate Boys Tennis

• CAW 3 vs. Lohikan 2 – Great focus and teamwork led to victory.

Senior/Super Boys Softball

• CAW 2 vs. Westmont 6

Jacobs Cup @ Timberlake

• Game 1: CAW 35 vs. Wahnee 55

• Game 2: CAW 41 vs. Baco 37 – A strong comeback and well-earned win.

Inter Girls Basketball

• CAW 8 @ Morasha 12

Inter Girls Soccer

• CAW 3 vs. Wayne 2 – An exciting and well-deserved win!

Collegiate Girls Softball

• CAW 6 vs. Westmont 3 – CHAMPIONS!  Huge congrats to our girls for bringing home the title!

Senior Girls Tennis

• CAW 1 vs. Starlight 4

Evening Round Robin Recap

Tonight was an absolute summer stunner with a full slate of amazing divisional evening activities!

• Freshman Girls faced off in a high-energy Gaga tournament, while the Freshman Boys cooled down with slip ’n slide fun followed by s’mores under the stars.

• Junior Girls got creative in Arts & Crafts, making beautiful jewelry, while the Junior Boys hit the field for a competitive flag football showdown.

• Middy, Inter, Collegiate, Super & CIT Girls poured their hearts into Girls Sing rehearsals — and from what we’ve seen, it’s shaping up to be something truly spectacular.

• Middy Boys were all in for an epic game of Wiffleball, and the Inter Boys battled it out in a basketball tournament at Biddy City.

• Collegiate Boys enjoyed a laid-back pool party followed by fireside s’mores at the beach.

• Senior Boys and Girls teamed up for an adventurous Road Rally that brought lots of laughs.

• Super Boys and GC Boys played an intense soccer match on the Major Field, while the GC Girls whipped up some delicious creativity during Cake Wars.

• And to top it off, the CIT Boys lit up the courts with a nighttime tennis tournament under the lights.

It was a perfect summer night across camp — and all anyone can talk about is what’s just around the corner. Only three more sleeps until Visiting Day, and the excitement is building! We can’t wait to welcome you all this Saturday!

Today was one for the books—a phenomenal Trip Day filled with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories for every division. Our Freshman, Junior, and Middy campers spent the day at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, where they rode rollercoasters, played carnival games, and indulged in all the best park snacks. The energy was sky-high as campers raced from ride to ride, shared cotton candy with friends, and tried their luck at winning oversized stuffed animals—some of which made their way back to camp in proud arms. They rolled back into Chenny at the end of the day totally exhausted but absolutely exhilarated, smiles stretched from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, our Inter and Collegiate campers made a splash at Kalahari Water Park, one of the biggest and best indoor water parks around. With every twist of a slide and every wave in the pool, the campers soaked up a day of pure water-filled fun. Whether floating down the lazy river or racing down body slides, the joy was nonstop.

Our Seniors, Supers, and GCs started their day in a more relaxed way, enjoying the serenity of a nearby state park. They tossed footballs, lounged with friends, played music, and just enjoyed being together in the beautiful weather. The vibes were relaxed and easy—exactly what they needed. Later, the group split up for more fun—half went to the movies and the other half went roller skating. One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when our Head Counselor, Nikki, was waiting in line for snacks at. the theater and was approached by a woman who asked if she was in charge. When Nikki replied yes, the woman said she had never seen such well-behaved and respectful kids and that we should be incredibly proud. It was one of those moments that reminds us how special this community truly is and how proud we are of how our campers engage with the world outside of camp.

Our CITs had a fantastic day of their own, kicking things off with breakfast at Bingham’s, a beloved local gem known for its incredible food. From there, they headed to The Crossings for some fun shopping and, as if that wasn’t enough, made their way to Dickson City to cap off the day with more shopping and dinner.

Now, with the sun set and camp buzzing with stories from the day, every camper is back, completely spent from the excitement—but full of joy. All of camp is back. All of camp is exhausted. And all of camp is happy. Another great day spent at our favorite place.