Chenny Blog

The brand-new Chenny Speedway has quickly become one of camp’s most exciting additions—bringing nonstop fun and high-octane joy to our campers. With remote control cars zipping around a track that’s as impressive as it is imaginative, it’s a place where pure childhood wonder comes to life. Today, I watched a group of Junior boys completely immersed in the action—racing their RC cars, launching them off jumps, and weaving around obstacles, all while bursting into uncontrollable laughter. From my spot over by the new Slip N Slide, I could hear their joy echoing from 50 feet away. They weren’t just racing cars—they were living the moment.

There’s something magical about watching kids unplug, unwind, and just play. No competition, no structure, no score—just freedom and fun. Some of the boys were running alongside their cars, others cheering each other on as they pulled off epic stunts, completely lost in their imaginations. It was racing heaven. And in that moment, the world felt perfect. These are the moments we hold onto—the ones that don’t happen on a field or court but in those in-between spaces where kids are simply being kids. No pressure, no judgment, just joy. Watching it unfold is a reminder of what makes camp so special: creating space for carefree, unforgettable moments of laughter, friendship, and pure fun.

Chenny Games Recap:

Freshman/Junior Intra Boys Baseball Tournament – Red 3 vs. Gold 0

Middy Boys Basketball – CAW 30 @ Island Lake 18

GC/CIT Boys Soccer – CAW 14 @ Poyntelle 1

Freshman/Junior Intra Camp Girls Softball Tournament – Red 2 vs. Gold 0

Middy Girls Tennis Championship – CAW 1 @ Wayne 4

Inters/Middys/Junior/Freshman Girls LAX – CAW 13 @ Westmont 7

Collegiate Girls Soccer-Rama Tournament @ Bryn Mawr – Game 1 CAW 10 vs. Blue Ridge – Game 2CAW 5 vs. Towanda 1 – Game 3 CAW 2 vs. Bryn Mawr 4

Upper Camp Girls Basketball Tournament @ Tyler Hill – Game 1 CAW 39 vs. IHC 16 – Game 2 CAW 19 vs. Timberlake 30

Tonight our upper soccer field was transformed into a scene straight out of Friday Night Lights as we hosted the highly anticipated Chenny Bowl—a thrilling showdown between between boy side as our GCs and CITs took the field with confidence . The Hill was packed, the lights were shining bright, and the energy was electric from the opening kickoff.

From the first snap, it was clear this would be a battle to remember. Both disvions came to play, showcasing incredible heart, hustle, and skill. The lead changed hands multiple times, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The intensity on the field was matched only by the enthusiasm from the sidelines as campers and staff cheered loudly for their team and of course dance to crazy frog, fireball and Jai ho.

The game was so tightly contested, it couldn’t be settled in regulation—sending us into a dramatic overtime. In the end, the CITs pulled away, securing a hard-fought 35–28 victory. Cole Sadofsky earned MVP honors for his outstanding performance, leading his team with grit and determination.

The football atmosphere was incredible. The warm summer night, the sounds of the crowd, and the glow of the lights made for an unforgettable experience. Whether on the field or in the stands, every camper felt the magic of Chenny tonight. This was more than just a game—it was a memory in the making.

This summer, we welcomed an incredible new camper named Rachel to Chenny. Unlike many of her peers, Rachel joined a division where most campers had spent multiple summers together—tight-knit, familiar, and full of shared memories. It’s not easy to walk into a group that already feels like a family, but Rachel did it with grace, courage, and an open heart. From the moment she arrived, she jumped into every activity with excitement, connected quickly with her counselors, and embraced all the fun that camp has to offer. She’s been smiling through swim, rocking it at sports, and is already counting down to upcoming trips and events.

In her division of four bunks, there were so many opportunities for friendship, but over the first few weeks, Rachel realized something important: the strongest connections she was forming were with campers in a bunk she didn’t live in. And at a place like Chenny, where relationships are the heartbeat of everything we do, that realization really mattered. Rachel showed incredible emotional maturity when she shared what she was feeling—bravely opening up about how she was navigating this new space. It was never about not fitting in—it was about finding the right fit. And for Rachel, her gut told her it might just be next door.

With compassion and care, we presented Rachel with the option to move into the bunk where she felt the strongest sense of connection. We guided her through the process, making sure she felt empowered every step of the way. The most beautiful moment came when we shared the news with the girls in her new bunk. Their reaction was instant and full of joy: “We’re so happy she’s in our bunk now!” When Rachel walked in, she looked at her new friends and asked with a smile, “Okay guys, which one is the good shower in here?” Without missing a beat, her bunkmates leapt up, laughing, and excitedly pointed her to the best one. It was as if she had always been there.

There’s so much to learn from moments like this—from Rachel’s courage to speak her truth, to the empathy and inclusivity of her new bunkmates, and the shared understanding that sometimes, change is exactly what’s needed. Camp isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about finding your people, your rhythm, your place. And today, Rachel found hers.

Chenny Game Recap:

Freshman/Junior Boys Intra Camp Basketball Tournament  – CAW Red 21 vs. CAW Gold 20

Junior/Middy/Inter Boys LAX – CAW 6 vs. Wayne 1 – CHENNY WINS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Collegiate Boys Softball – CAW 13 vs. IHC 0

Super Boys Soccer – CAW 4 vs. Island Lake 2

Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Basketball Tournament –  CAW Gold 16 vs. CAW Red 22

Middy vs. Inter Girls Intra Camp Tennis Tournament – Middy’s 1 vs. Inters 6

Collegiate Girls Soccer – CAW 8 @ Starlight 0

Senior/Super Girls LAX – CAW 16 @ Starlight 10

Love and laughter were  in the air tonight as we gathered in Shields Hall for one of camp’s most beloved evening activities—The Dating Game! With charming bachelors and bold bachelorettes from every division, the energy was electric and the comedy nonstop. The laughter pouring out of Shields Hall could be heard across camp—it was that good. From the Freshmen all the way up to the CITs, the questions were creative, the answers were hilarious, and the spirit was pure Chenny magic. It was a night full of fun, friendship, and feel-good moments. Days like this remind us why we love it here so much.

 

Blue Finland took home the victory tonight. But this year’s Olympics was anything but predictable. The team leading in the morning had dropped by lunchtime, and the leaderboard shifted so often it was nearly impossible to keep up. That constant movement only added to the suspense and intensity, making this one of the most thrilling Olympics in recent memory.

Olympics is more than just a camp competition—it’s a cherished tradition that ties generations of Chen-A-Wanda campers together. The chants, cheers, and team spirit create a shared experience that bonds us to this place and to one another. Over the past three days, every camper dug deep, gave their all, and helped shape the story of their team. New friendships were forged, old ones deepened, and the simple magic of a kickball game or a water polo match brought people closer together. This is why we love Olympics.

As the games came to a close, all three teams gathered in Shields Hall to present their songs, banner, and plaque. One by one, Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland performed their Cheer, March, and Alma Mater. The voices of each team rose together in unison, and you could feel how much it meant to every camper in that room. These were more than just performances, they were reflections of pride, unity, and heart. The lyrics they sang will not be forgotten and in years down the road, our campers will be able to sing the songs they learned from that summer at Chenny.

Then, the moment arrived. The judges had tallied their scores, and the time had come to announce the winner of Olympics 2025. Shields Hall was bursting with energy—campers dressed head to toe in red, gold, and blue held their breath, eyes fixed on the stage. The  countdown began… and then, in an explosion of confetti and streamers, the winning colors of Blue Finland filled the room. The celebration was electric. The cheers were deafening and that lead us all into one giant dance party. No matter what colors you wore, you were part of the celebration and felt the joy.

Final Scores: Blue Finland 2,445 / Gold Spain 2,295 / Red Monaco 2,270

What we took away from these games was so much more than a final score. We learned how to play with heart, lift each other up, respect the game, and value the journey more than the outcome. Just two and a half days ago, we were Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland. Tonight, we return to being one Chen-A-Wanda family—stronger, closer, and forever connected by this incredible experience.

Camp was buzzing with excitement this morning as everyone proudly sported their team colors and hit the fields and courts. The energy was electric from the very first whistle to the last shot made. From the Freshman Girls digging deep in a fierce game of Steal the Bacon to the Collegiate Boys going all out in Newcomb, and the CITs battling it out in the pool during Water Polo, the competition was intense and so much fun. You could hear chants and cheers from every corner of camp as everyone pushed themselves to the limit today.

But what truly makes Olympics at Chen-A-Wanda so special isn’t just the competition—it’s the heart. It’s the moments that sneak up on you, like the Freshman girl who surprised even herself when she launched a kickball into the outfield and ran home for the winning point. Or the Inter Boys playing basketball with the kind of focus and fire you’d expect in a championship game. That’s how much it means to them—every play, every point, every teammate.

Tonight brought one of the most loved traditions of all: the Apache Relay. Seventy-one events. One race. Every single camper, from our youngest Freshmen to our oldest CITs, played a part. When the horn blew, camp exploded into motion, and for the next two hours, it was a masterclass in teamwork, heart, and hustle. Every second mattered, and it showed.

Gold Spain edged out the win, with Blue Finland just 11 seconds behind in one of the closest finishes we’ve ever seen. The entire camp waited with bated breath as Max Schwartzberg—baton in hand—pedaled down Camp Road, turned the corner, and struck the pole to seal the victory. Max, a CIT, had dreamed of this moment—he had watched the CITs before him take that final ride—and tonight, it was his turn. The look on his face said it all. He wasn’t just riding for the win; he was riding for every camper who’s ever dreamed of being the one to finish the race. And tonight, he delivered.

As the sun set on an unforgettable day, our Olympic athletes crawled into bed, proud, exhausted, and ready for what’s next. Tomorrow brings another round of games—and the grand finale: Olympic Sing. And if you know Chen-A-Wanda, you know… it always comes down to Sing.

Today marked one of the most anticipated and exciting moments of the summer at Camp Chen-A-Wanda—Olympics 2025 officially broke! As campers were finishing up snack call, the unmistakable sound of the Olympic fanfare echoed throughout camp. Instantly, the energy shifted. Cheers erupted, kids sprinted from every corner, and the buzz in the air was electric. We all knew what that music meant—Olympics had begun, and something incredible was about to unfold.

The entire camp gathered at the amphitheater, where the celebration reached new heights. Excitement radiated from every face as we officially welcomed the Olympic spirit to Chenny. We proudly announced our teams: Red Monaco, Gold Spain, and Blue Finland, and revealed our team Captains and Sergeants, who were met with thunderous applause. As each camper discovered which team they’d be competing for, a sense of pride, unity, and purpose swept through camp. It was a perfect afternoon—one of those standout moments that truly defines what camp is all about.

After team meetings, we headed up to the small soccer field for Tugs of War, and it was nothing short of epic. The field was alive with cheers, laughter, and pure, spirited competition. Whether pulling the rope, cheering from the sidelines, or dancing between rounds, every camper was part of the magic. The camaraderie, the joy, and the togetherness made it one of those unforgettable Chenny nights where everyone was completely in sync—and no one wanted it to end.

Olympics 2025 is off to a phenomenal start, and if today was any indication, we’re in for a week filled with passion, teamwork, friendly rivalry, and memories that will last a lifetime. More greatness to come tomorrow—let the games begin!

Todays Game Recap:

Freshman/Junior Boys Soccer CAW 4 vs. Westmont 10

Inters Boys Softball CAW10 @ Lavi 0

Supers/GC/CIT’s Boys Hockey Tournament @ Lokanda – Game 1 CAW 3 vs. Westmont 2 Game 2 CAW 0 vs. Lokanda 6

Girls Gymnastic Competition @ Bryn Mawr – Emily Kaufman (Bars), Mia Pillersdorf (Vault) and Sophia Gene (Vault)

Super Girls Soccer CAW 1 @ Westmont 4

GC/CIT Girls Tennis CAW 1 @ Westmont 4

When we reach this point in the summer and Olympics breaks, something truly special sets in—we’re in full stride. The early days of homesickness are long gone, replaced by a deep sense of belonging. Campers are comfortable, confident, and completely immersed in the rhythm of camp life. The bunkmates who were once strangers just a few weeks ago have become something more—they’ve become family.

There’s a noticeable shift in the air: friendships are growing stronger, laughter comes easier, and the magic of Camp Chen-A-Wanda is in full bloom. Everyone, from the youngest camper to the veteran staff, is letting loose, embracing the joy, the silliness, and the spirit that makes this place so unforgettable. Camp just feels like home now—and being part of this vibrant, connected community up here in the mountains makes all the sense in the world.

Days like today remind us exactly why we come to Chenny. It’s to feel this joy, this connection, this sense of purpose and place. In just 21 days, we’ve built something real—and on days like today, with Olympics underway and the camp spirit alive in every corner, you can’t help but feel it in your bones. This is why we’re here. This is what it’s all about. This is why Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-wanda.