Showing Up Means Everything
Today reminded us that some of the most meaningful moments at camp aren’t found on the fields, in the pool, or during an evening activity. Sometimes, they happen at the front gate. Earlier this week, one of our Junior girl campers left camp to be with her family after the heartbreaking loss of her grandpa. Losing someone you love is never easy and for a child it may be so confusing. Today, that camper returned to Chenny. What happened next took our breath away.
Waiting for her at the front gate were her all friends and counselors, arms open wide, signs in hand , jumping up and down to welcome her home. There were hugs and smiles as Riley got out of the car. It was compassion in its purest form. What made this moment even more extraordinary is that these girls and their counselors have only known each other for three weeks. Three weeks. And yet they showed up for their friend as if they had known and loved her their entire lives. That is what Camp Chen-A-Wanda is all about. Our Junior girls and their incredible counselors showed us what empathy looks like and reminded us all of us that the greatest measure of a community is showing up and letting our friends know we care about them. Today, they gave their friend something she will never forget. A hard moment got a whole lot easier when your friends are in your corner or waiting for you at the front gate.
Sports Center:
Collegiate Girls Tennis – CAW – vs Wayne 5
Senior Girls Softball – CAW 12 @ Trails End 1
CIT/GC/Super – Tyler Hill Girls Basketball Invitational – Game 1 CAW 21 vs. Tyler Hill 20/ Game 2 CAW 28 vs. Starlight 28/ Game 3 CAW 28 vs. Wayne 26 / Semi-Final CAW 25 vs. Trails End 24/ CHAMPIONSHIP CAW 32 vs. Tyler Hill 37 . Our girls dominated on the court today. Proud is an understatement.
Tonight belonged to Boys Side as one of Camp Chen-A-Wanda’s most anticipated traditions took center stage, Boys Lip Sync! Every summer we hear the same thing from parents: “My son would never get up and dance in front of everyone.” And every summer… They do. Not only do they get on stage, they completely own it.
From our adorable Freshman boys taking their very first turn under the lights to our insanely cool CITs closing out their final Boys Lip Sync as campers, every division brought it tonight. There were laughs, standing ovations, unforgettable dance moves, and moments that had the entire camp singing with them Shields Hall was absolutely electric.
A huge congratulations to our winners! – Lower Camp Champions: Middy Boys – Upper Camp Champions: CITs
Watching our boys let loose, dance with confidence, and perform in front of a packed Shields Hall was nothing short of inspiring. It reminded us once again that camp gives kids the confidence to try things they never imagined they would do and somehow, by the end of the night, they can’t stop smiling and cheering on every other divison who took center stage.
It was another unforgettable night and another reminder that there truly is no place like Camp Chen-A-Wanda.