Chenny Blog

At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, kindness isn’t just something we encourage, it’s who we are. It is the foundation of our community and the bedrock upon which we define success. Long after the scores are forgotten and the ribbons are put away, what matters most is how we treat one another. We expect our campers and counselors to lead with kindness, show respect, include others, and make every person feel that they belong. Those simple acts have the power to change someone’s entire day, and they are what make Chenny such a special place. We love celebrating the people who consistently live these values because we want them to know just how proud we are of the example they set for our community. Being recognized as a Kind Camper is one of the highest honors at camp. It represents the very best of what Chenny stands for, and it is with tremendous pride that we introduce our very first Kind Campers of Summer 2026.

Dylan Lieberman, Charlotte Locke, Noa Ockner, Dylan Weldon, Ella Rosenhouse, Hazel Boneparth, Lizzie Lyudin, Amalya Bernstein, Madden Weisberg, Lulu Harris, Eden Levine, Julian Gertler, Jax Rentowitz, Ryan Spivak, Asher Argiz, Grant Cohen, Dylan Purcell, Jace Blumert, Austin Hawkins, Benjamin Lee, Ethan Marin, Harrison Pilkington

Sports Center:

GC/CIT Girls Basketball – CAW 18 vs Morasha 19

Middy Boys Tennis – CAW 0 @ Wayne 5

Middy Boys Basketball Mini Tourney @ Westmont  – CAW 43 vs Wayne 21 / CAW 21 vs Starlight 33

Inter Boys LAX – CAW 2 @ Wayne 10

Senior/Super LAX – CAW 10 @ Wayne 1

Super Boys Basketball – CAW 51 vs. Nesher 55

GC/CIT Boys Basketball – CAW 62 vs. Nesher 37

The perfect day deserved the perfect ending, and that’s exactly what we had tonight.

Our evening was one giant dance party with the one and only RAK Dan, who has a way of getting every single camper and counselor on their feet. There really is no better way to describe it than pure fun. From the very first song, the Rec Hall was filled with smiling faces, synchronized dances, nonstop laughter, and an energy that was absolutely electric. It didn’t matter if you were seven or sixteen, a first-year camper or a longtime counselor, everyone was dancing together as one camp family. If you’ve ever experienced a RAK Dan dance party, you know that nothing else compares. He brings an excitement and joy that is uniquely Chenny, and somehow every year he raises the bar even higher.

For our older campers, the excitement continued as they had the opportunity to watch the England vs. Mexico World Cup match together. The cheers, chants, and excitement echoed throughout camp as our soccer-loving campers and staff rallied behind every goal, save, and incredible play. It was another reminder that some of the best camp memories aren’t just created by participating, they’re created by experiencing something together.

It was an outstanding day from sunrise to bedtime, filled with so much laughter, friendship, celebration, and unforgettable moments. Days like today remind us just how lucky we are to call this place home for the summer.

Life is Great at Chenny!

Today was the kind of day that reminds us why Camp Chen-A-Wanda is such a special place. The sun was shining, the skies were crystal clear, and the energy around camp was absolutely contagious. From the moment the bugle sounded this morning, there was a feeling that something special was in the air.

Today we celebrated the 250th birthday of our country, and Chenny was dressed in red, white, and blue. Campers and staff proudly wore their patriotic colors, music filled the air, and the excitement of the Fourth of July could be felt in every corner of camp. It was a day filled with spirit, gratitude, and a whole lot of Chenny pride. Activities were in full swing and campers got experience a perfect Chenny Day!

Our athletes continued an exciting day of Wayne County competition, representing Chenny with heart and determination.

Freshman/Junior Girls Basketball: CAW 12 vs. Camp Westmont 11

Inter Girls Softball: CAW 0 at Camp Westmont 12

Senior Girls Soccer: CAW 2 vs. Camp Wayne for Girls 7

Senior Girls Tennis: CAW 1 vs. Camp Wayne for Girls 4

Middy Boys Baseball: CAW 2 vs. Camp Wayne 8

Collegiate Boys Lacrosse: CAW 8 at Camp Starlight 3

We couldn’t be prouder of the effort, resilience, sportsmanship, and teamwork they displayed throughout the day. At Chenny, those qualities will always matter more than the final score.

As wonderful as the day had been, everyone knew the best was still to come. As the sun began to set behind the mountains, the entire camp gathered together at the amphitheater for one of our favorite traditions, the Chenny Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and it was Spectacular. Watching your kids on this night takes our breath away. The wonder, the awe, the majesty of it all through their eyes is a gift unlike any other. Its watching joy happen! For many of our campers, this was their very first Fourth of July fireworks show at Chenny and it is one of those experiences that simply can’t be described, you have to feel it. It wasn’t just a fireworks show. It was a celebration of our country. It was a celebration of our camp family.  It was a celebration of the friendships that have already grown so strong in just one week. And it was another reminder that the greatest gift camp gives our children isn’t found in a building or an activity. It’s found in these shared experiences. The ones that become stories they tell for years. The ones that make them smile every time they think about Chenny.

The memories are already piling up. The friendships continue to grow stronger. And somehow, we’re only getting started.

The magic of summer is alive and well at Chenny, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

There are some days at camp that make you stop and think, this is exactly why this place exists. Today was one of those days. The kids are officially in the groove. Six days have somehow turned into a feeling that we’ve all been here forever. Camp has a way of doing that. The routines become familiar, the friendships become real, and before you know it, this place feels like home. To be here and experience this kind of joy is another level of happiness.

We are living in a place where saying “good morning” to everyone you pass isn’t unusual, it’s simply what we do. Where walking to breakfast means hearing laughter from every direction. Where live music at Snack Call isn’t a special event, t’s just another afternoon at Chenny. There is a comfort in this community that is unlike anywhere else.

Getting to play here, live here, and simply exist here fills our cups with everything that is good. There is a freedom that exists inside these gates that is nearly impossible to replicate anywhere else. It’s why this place means so much to so many people. Camp gives us something we all long for, a true sense of belonging.

One of my favorite moments today had nothing to do with an activity, a game, or a competition.

I was sitting with a group of Senior girls who were working through some challenges in their bunk. One by one, they shared their feelings, about feeling left out, about misunderstandings, about hurt feelings that had built up over the past few days. What happened next was what is supposed to happen. They talked. They listened. They cried. They apologized. They validated one another’s feelings. There were no texts. No Snapchat messages. No group chats. No screens to hide behind. Just honest conversation. Active listening. Empathy. Vulnerability. And, ultimately, closure. By the time they stood up from those picnic tables, they walked away arm in arm, smiling, laughing, and closer than ever before. How could they not be? They had shared their hearts with one another. Outside these gates, devices often get in the way of moments like the one I witnessed today. Too many conversations happen through screens instead of face-to-face. Too many misunderstandings grow because people never truly talk. Here, they do. That is the real magic of Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

Our athletes also represented Chenny with incredible pride today as another exciting day of Wayne County competition took place.

Middy Girls Basketball: CAW 36 – Camp Wayne for Girls 6

Inter Girls Softball: CAW 9 – Camp Lavi 0

Freshman/Junior Boys Baseball: CAW 3 – Camp Wayne 4

Collegiate Boys Hockey: CAW 5 – Camp Wayne 5 (Wayne won in penalty shots.)

Super Boys Soccer: CAW 3 – Camp Wayne 9

The scores only tell part of the story. What mattered most was the heart, grit, determination, and sportsmanship our campers displayed every time they put on a Chenny jersey.

But as incredible as the day was..

Tonight belonged to the 171 Cup. The excitement around camp was unlike anything we’ve experienced this summer. Our GC and CIT Girls were taking on Camp Westmont in the inaugural 171 Cup Flag Football Game, and every single camper and staff member was invested. The entire camp was dressed in red. The chants started long before game time. The energy was contagious. It felt less like a camp game and more like one of the biggest college rivalries.

Before kickoff, we held a pep rally that absolutely blew the roof off. The cheers, the songs, the signs, and the pride created an atmosphere that every camper will remember forever. Then came the game. Both teams left everything on the field. With the score tied 6–6, the game went to overtime. Every possession mattered. Every play felt enormous. Then, with only seconds remaining… Chenny scored. The sidelines erupted. The crowd stormed the field. The 171 Cup was coming home. It was one of those moments that everyone who experienced it will remember for the rest of their lives.

After the game, the competition gave way to friendship, exactly as it should. We welcomed the Westmont campers and staff to the Lodge for a social where everyone enjoyed Jersey Mike’s sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and finished the night gathered around the fire making s’mores together. Watching our oldest campers celebrate, laugh, and spend the evening together was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

When I say this is a night they will never forget, I truly mean it. Tonight wasn’t just about winning a trophy. It was about community. It was about Chenny spirit. It was about creating traditions. It was about memories that will be talked about for decades. The first-ever 171 Cup has officially become part of Chenny history. And the story isn’t finished. The Cup continues later this summer when our boys face Westmont in basketball and soccer. If tonight was any indication, we are all in for something very special.

This was one incredible day at Camp Chen-A-Wanda. A day filled with honest conversations. Meaningful friendships. Unforgettable competition. And memories that will last a lifetime.

These are the moments that define a summer. These are the moments that define Chenny. This is why Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda.

 

It’s hard to believe we’ve only been at camp for six days, because it already feels like we’ve been here forever. There’s a special kind of comfort that settles in when you’re surrounded by people who share the same purpose: making every moment count in a summer filled with adventure, friendship, and memories that will stay with us long after the buses leave in August.

In less than a week, strangers have become best friends. Campers who met for the very first time last weekend now walk arm in arm as if they’ve known each other their entire lives. That is the magic of Camp Chen-A-Wanda. Here, there’s no need for texts, tags, or social media stories. Simply being together and truly present with one another is what makes this place so powerful. Camp strips away the noise and brings us back to what matters most: connection, laughter, and joy in its purest form.

The heat was definitely on today, which made it the perfect day to cool off in the water. From the pool to the lake to the Chenny Slip ’N Slide, water activities were in full swing all across camp. The laughter, splashes, and nonstop energy made it clear that everyone was having the best time while beating the heat. Whether campers were jumping into the lake, swimming in the pool, or racing down the Slip ’N Slide, there was no shortage of fun.

Today also brought more Wayne County competition as our travel games officially got underway, and our athletes showed up with heart, hustle, and Chenny pride:

Collegiate Girls Basketball: CAW 23 vs. Camp Westmont 40
Inters Boys Tennis: CAW 1 vs. Camp Westmont 6
GC/CIT Boys Lacrosse: CAW 4 vs. Camp Westmont 9
GC/CIT Boys Baseball: CAW 11 vs. Camp Poyntelle 2

No matter the score, our campers gave everything they had. They competed with determination, showed tremendous sportsmanship, and represented Chenny with pride. It’s never just about winning. It’s about effort, teamwork, resilience, and the growth we witness every time they step onto a field or court.

Tonight’s evening activity was a camp-wide Round Robin, with each division enjoying its own special experience.

Our Freshmen through Inters boys and girls played Do You Know Your Counselor?, a fun game show that had campers laughing while learning more about the amazing counselors who guide them each day. The Collegiate Girls cooled off with a pool party, exactly what they wanted on a hot summer night while the Collegiate Boys enjoyed a movie in the Chen-A-Plex. The Senior Girls had an absolute blast on the Chenny Slip ’N Slide, while the Senior Boys were fully locked into an intense game of Manhunt. The Super Girls got creative in Arts & Crafts making jewelry, while the Super Boys enjoyed a Nintendo Switch night filled with friendly competition. Our GC Girls spent the evening perfecting their Sign & Song dance in the dance studio, while the GC Boys took over the game truck. And our CIT Boys battled it out in a basketball tournament while the CIT Girls worked hard on their own Sign & Song.

Another day at Chenny. Another day spent surrounded by extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. The smiles, the laughter, the comfort of belonging, it’s all building into something unforgettable.

Camp feels like home. And we are just getting started.

 

The sun was shining bright over Camp Chen-A-Wanda today, and it could not have been a more perfect start to our summer together. Our first official full day of camp was filled with tradition, energy, connection, and pure Chenny magic.

Our campers woke up to the sound of the bugle playing reveille and the familiar, joyful voice of Brian Leahy greeting everyone with a booming, “Gooooooood morning Camp CHEN-A-WANDA!” That call will be their wake-up every morning for the next 47 days, and it’s already becoming part of the daily rhythm of camp life. Each morning begins with a trivia question from Brian, and campers race to Headquarters with excitement, hoping to win a coveted canteen ticket. It’s one of those beloved Chenny traditions that sparks fun, connection, and a little friendly competition to start the day.

A huge congratulations to Max Galante from Middies, who correctly answered today’s trivia question: Which country has won the most World Cups? The answer, of course, was Brazil. But the fun didn’t stop there. Brian followed up with a bonus question, “How many?” and Spencer Cabot (also a Middy) came through with the correct answer, 5! Nicely done, boys!

With swim tests behind us, it was time to PLAY, and play we did!

Every field, court, and corner of camp was buzzing with action, laughter, and joy. There were tryouts galore, and so many happy campers giving it their all. Whether competing, learning something new, or simply enjoying time with friends, the energy around camp was nonstop. And we have to give a special shoutout to the Cookhouse, where incredible Dot Cakes were being made all day long. They were a huge hit and, according to so many campers, absolutely delicious!

Tonight’s evening activity brought something brand new to Chenny, and it was an absolute smash hit: Chenny Slam! Think Savannah Bananas energy, but Chenny style, with Girls Side versus Boys Side in an epic showdown. We kicked things off with a Home Run Derby, and the home runs were flying. The energy was electric as campers packed the sidelines, cheering at the top of their lungs and becoming part of the action by earning points for catching fly balls. The vibe was unbelievable, equal parts competition, entertainment, and pure fun. And then came the dramatic finish. It all came down to the final hit. With everyone on their feet and the excitement at an all-time high, the Girls Side delivered a walk-off home run to seal the victory and bring home the W! The cheering was deafening. The excitement was contagious. And just like that, Chenny Slam became an instant camp favorite.

By the end of the night, every camper was smiling, sweaty, and completely all in. All the kids are now back in their bunks, exhausted from a day incredibly well spent.

And the best part? We get to do it all again tomorrow.