Chenny Blog

It was a regular day… but with a buzz in the air—a hint of Olympic excitement that had everyone on edge. Could today be the day? The anticipation was real (and honestly, that’s half the fun!).

Around every corner, campers were whispering, wondering, and wildly guessing—“Is it happening today?” Every bugle sounded just a little more suspicious than usual. Every announcement had them on high alert. Could it be a clue?

There’s truly nothing better than watching our campers light up with excitement, trying to piece together when and how the breakout will happen. It’s the magic of tradition. It’s the heartbeat of camp. It’s so Chenny.

Chenny Games Highlights:

• Inter Boys Hockey: CAW 9 vs. Camp Lavi 5 – A great win on the rink!

• Senior/Super/GC Basketball Tournament at Towanda:

  • Game 1: CAW 35 vs. Equinunk 30

  • Game 2: CAW 32 vs. Lokanda 29

  • Game 3: CAW defeats Lokanda again to take home the Championship – 1st Place for Chenny!

• Freshman/Junior/Middy Girls Softball: CAW 9 vs. Westmont 8 – A close and thrilling game!

Tonight was one for the books. Each division had its own special activity and with the perfect summer weather, the night was absolute perfection.

• Freshman Girls had the ultimate Taylor Swift ERAS night in the Chen-A-Plex, complete with T-shirts, glow bracelets, and all the singing and dancing their little hearts could handle.

• Freshman Boys brought the energy with an exciting Wiffleball tournament under the lights.

• Junior Girls played a massive, spirited kickball game while the Junior Boys turned Shields Hall into a dodgeball arena.

• Middy Girls slid into fun at the water slide and capped it off with cozy s’mores around the campfire.

• Middy Boys took on a camp-wide scavenger hunt searching for gold rocks and hidden treasures – and they absolutely loved it.

• Inter Boys and Girls enjoyed pool time and bonfires, making the most of a perfect summer night.

• Collegiate Girls got crafty in Arts & Crafts, designing their own jewelry and having a blast.

• Collegiate Boys hit the courts for a high-energy basketball tournament.

• Senior Girls battled it out in the Lodge during a full-blown Cake Wars – and it was as delicious as it was fun.

• Senior and Super Boys hit the biddy courts for a basketball showdown.

• Super Girls received a surprise they’ll never forget: a private Chipotle party in honor of their outstanding behavior, kindness, inclusivity, and overall camp spirit. The joy and shock on their faces when they found out was unforgettable.

• GC & CIT Girls continued perfecting their performances for Girls Sing, pouring their hearts into rehearsals.

• GC & CIT Boys competed in a Pickleball Tournament, full of fun and friendly competition.

There wasn’t a single camper who didn’t feel the magic in the air tonight. Camp was buzzing with joy, connection, and unforgettable moments. You can say with absolute certainty: tonight was incredible.

Trip Day #2 was another home run! While there’s no place quite like camp, days like today add something truly special to the summer experience—new adventures, laughter in new places, and memories that will stay with us long after summer ends.

Our Freshmen, Juniors, and Middies kicked off their day bouncing around at SkyZone, where the energy was high and the smiles were nonstop. After burning off some serious energy, they headed to the movie theater for a relaxing afternoon watching the latest summer blockbusters, complete with popcorn and treats, of course!

The Inters and Collegiates made a splash at Camelbeach, enjoying water slides, wave pools, and plenty of sunshine. It was the perfect way to beat the heat and soak in the summer fun.

Meanwhile, our Seniors are in the midst of their overnight adventure at Hershey Park—and from all reports, they loved every minute of it! Roller coasters, sweet treats, and shared moments with their best friends… it doesn’t get better than that.

The Supers and GCs spent the day at Dorney Park, riding thrilling coasters and taking on the water rides, while our CIT’s had a blast on their overnight trip to Dorney, filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories.

No matter the destination, every trip today brought joy, excitement, and that special feeling of being part of something bigger—our camp family. And as great as the adventures were, there’s nothing quite like returning to camp. The buses rolled in, tired but happy campers poured out, and the quiet that fell over camp tonight says it all—today was a day well spent. Our kids are soaking up every minute of this incredible summer, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. We’ve got happy campers… and we’re proud of it.

Life is truly great here at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. More adventures to come!

Rainy days at Camp Chen-A-Wanda don’t slow us down—they bring out the very best in us. While the weather may have thrown a curveball to some of our traveling sports teams, it didn’t dampen our energy, enthusiasm, or love for camp life. At Chenny, we rise to the occasion—rain or shine—and we always find a way to turn a gray day into something golden. At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, the magic doesn’t stop when the weather shifts—it just changes shape

Our Seniors embraced the shift in schedule with open arms as they kicked off their overnight adventure with a trip to the Lehigh Valley Mall. There was laughter in every store, bags filled and a special kind of joy that comes from being out with your camp crew. The night wrapped up with a movie—popcorn, candy, and lots of smiles. Tomorrow, they head to Hershey Park for a day of rides, thrills, and of course, chocolate. Their excitement is contagious, and we’re just as thrilled to watch them create these unforgettable memories together. It’s a privilege to see this amazing group of campers grow, bond, and make the most out of every moment together.

Our CITs followed a similar path today. Though the rain pushed back their trip to Dorney Park, they took full advantage of a day at the mall. Whether it was grabbing lunch together or hunting for the perfect hoodie, they made the day their own. And with a full, fun-packed day at Dorney Park on deck for tomorrow, this group’s adventure is just getting started. These trips are more than just outings—they’re milestones, traditions, and a celebration of the bonds built over summers spent side by side.

Meanwhile, back at camp, our Freshman/Junior Girls Soccer team had a moment they’ll never forget. Before the skies opened up, they took to the field with grit, teamwork, and an unshakable spirit—shutting out Camp Lavi with an incredible 17-0 win. Their pride was palpable. They walked through camp beaming, telling their story to anyone who would listen. By the time we reached lunch, the whole camp was celebrating their victory. Seeing our youngest campers feel so empowered and supported is what Chenny is all about.

Tonight’s evening activity was an absolute hit—filled with music, energy, and nonstop laughter. We played an all-camp game of Beat Shazam—our very own spin on “Name That Tune” with a modern twist. Campers competed to see who could name songs the fastest as music clips played, and the excitement was contagious. From the first beat to the final round, the room was buzzing with energy, dancing, and cheers. It was hilarious, unpredictable, and just pure fun. A big congratulations to our Super Girls, who took home the win tonight—these girls clearly know their music and will soon be enjoying their Krispy Kreme Donut party!

A large group of Middy girls were in Arts & Crafts, fully immersed in a heartfelt activity—making friendship bracelets for one another. Each girl selected a fellow camper to create a bracelet for, turning the table into a colorful scene filled with string, smiles, and an unspoken mission: to spread kindness and connection. What made the moment even more special wasn’t just the crafting itself, but the genuine conversations and laughter that filled the room. As they knotted and braided, they bonded—not just through the thread in their hands, but through shared stories, giggles, and the joy of giving. One camper, after finishing her bracelet, slipped it onto her friend’s wrist and apologized for a few uneven knots. Her friend beamed and said, “It’s perfect—and I’m never taking it off.” That exchange summed up the entire experience: full of heart, meaning, and pure camp magic. The girls left Arts & Crafts hand in hand, proudly wearing their handmade bracelets—symbols of friendship, love, and the special connection they built together.

Today’s Game Recap

Freshman/Junior Boys Hockey
CAW vs. Starlight – Game was postponed midway due to rain and will be rescheduled.

Senior Boys Tennis
CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

Super Boys Baseball
CAW 9 vs. Starlight 11 – A close and competitive matchup!

Super/GC/CIT Boys Flag Football Tournament @ Trails End

• Game 1: CAW 26 vs. Trails End 6

• Game 2: CAW 6 vs. Wayne 21

Inters & Below Boys Lacrosse
CAW 9 @ Wayne 10 – An exciting and hard-fought game that came down to the wire.

Super Girls Softball
CAW 0 vs. Starlight 5

GC/CIT Girls Flag Football Tournament @ Trails End

• Game 1: CAW 21 vs. Blue Ridge 27

• Game 2: CAW 14 vs. Trails End 21

• Game 3: CAW 0 vs. Wayne 14

Our annual Staff Talent Show was an unforgettable night that perfectly captured the heart and soul of Camp Chen-A-Wanda. The night was filled with laughter, music, and pure joy as our staff stepped into the spotlight to share their talents with the entire camp community. From hilarious stand-up routines and powerful vocal performances to high-energy dances and unexpected surprise acts, our staff brought the house down with their creativity, courage, and charisma. But what truly made the evening so special was the overwhelming support from our campers. They cheered, clapped, and beamed with pride as they watched their counselors shine on stage—not just as role models, but as real people with passions and personalities beyond the bunk. It was a moment of true connection, where admiration flowed freely in both directions. Campers saw their counselors in a new light, and staff felt the love and appreciation from the campers they mentor every day. The atmosphere was electric, emotional, and inspiring—a testament to the deep bonds formed at camp. The Staff Talent Show wasn’t just entertainment; it was a celebration of community, vulnerability, and the unique spirit that makes Camp Chen-A-Wanda feel like home.

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our second week at camp. Time moves fast here, yet each day is so rich with moments, laughter, and connection that it feels like a week’s worth of life packed into 24 hours. What’s beautiful about this experience is how uniquely meaningful it is for everyone, and yet there’s a shared feeling we all recognize—that unmistakable sense of belonging that draws us back, summer after summer. We may not remember every detail from each summer spent at Chenny, but we never forget how it makes us feel. That feeling becomes a part of who we are. And some campers, when their camper years end, just aren’t ready to let go. So they return as counselors, eager to give back and pay it forward. Watching former campers now guiding the next generation is a full-circle moment that never fails to inspire. They give so much of themselves because they know exactly what their campers need—they once slept in those same bunks, played on those same fields, and felt the same magic. Today, I watched two boys sitting on the grass in Center Camp with their counselor—someone who grew up here just like them. As he shared stories of his camper days, they were completely captivated, hanging on every word. It’s moments like that—simple, genuine, and powerful—that define what makes this place so special. The love here is generational, layered, and constant. It never stops flowing.

Todays Games Recap:

Senior Boys Baseball – CAW 0 @ Starlight 5

GC/CIT Boys LAX CAW 7 @ Towanda 1

Inter Girls Basketball CAW 34 @ Starlight 20

Super Girls  Tennis CAW 1 @ Starlight 4

And tonight, the magic continued with one of our most spirited traditions—Boys Lip Sync Night in Shields Hall. We always hear from parents who say, “My son would never get up and dance,” and yet, every single boy took the stage tonight. From our adorable Freshmen to our sentimental CITs, they danced, lip-synced, and gave it their all. The hall was electric. The cheering, the laughter, the singing—it was pure Chenny joy. The Inter Boys won for Lower Camp, while the CITs took home the Upper Camp crown. But more than anything, it was the confidence, fun, and support on that stage that made tonight unforgettable.

We call it Chenny Pride. You can call it whatever you like. But it’s what turns a camp into a family. And tonight, you could feel that family in every corner of camp.