Trick or Treating
Today was another full and action-packed day at Chenny. From the fields to the waterfront, arts to adventure, camp was buzzing with energy from the moment reveille sounded until the sun went down. There is definitely a feeling around camp that we are entering the final stretch of the summer. While the end is beginning to come into view, there is still so much left to experience. The calendar may say there are only a handful of “regular” camp days remaining, but our campers know that some of the biggest memories of the summer are still ahead. There is still so much laughter to share, so many friendships to strengthen, and so many moments left to enjoy.
Our Supers got back from Boston and got off the bus with huge smiles on their face and hands full of shopping bags. They all raved about their Boston adventure and nothing makes us happier than seeing our campers roll back into camp loving the journey but so happy to be back here. Our CIT’s had the same feeling of loving thier Lake George experience but wanted to be back at their summer home. Its nice to go on vacation butits always great to come back home and all out traveling kids felt that exact way.
There are traditions at Camp Chen-A-Wanda that we all look forward to every summer, and Halloween at Chenny has become one of the absolute favorites. What started years ago as a simple Halloween costume contest has evolved into something so much bigger. Today, our bunks don’t just wear costumes, they create an experience. Coordinated themes, incredible creativity, unbelievable attention to detail, and so much excitement make this one of the most anticipated nights of the summer.
And this year…WOW! The costumes were beyond anything we could have imagined. As each bunk made its way down the catwalk, we couldn’t stop smiling. Every group somehow managed to outdo the last. It was adorable, hilarious, creative, and simply impressive. The thought and effort that went into each costume was remarkable. To all of the parents, grandparents, family members, and friends back home who helped coordinate these incredible costumes… BRAVO! You truly took Halloween to the next level this summer. Our campers looked absolutely incredible, and you helped create memories they will never forget. There were so many unforgettable costumes. The Girls Bunk B Bees were absolutely buzzing with excitement. The Chen-A-Wanda Munchkins looked like they had skipped right out of Dunkin Donuts and Boys Bunk G GOATS had everyone loving their costume. Everywhere you looked there was another creative idea that had us saying, “How are we ever going to pick a winner?” It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was incredibly difficult. After much debate, we selected two overall winners. On the boys’ side, Boys A completely stole our hearts as the Minions. On the girls’ side, Bunk G earned top honors as the Grannies. They didn’t just wear costumes, they became their characters. Complete with gray wigs, canes, glasses, and all the little details, they committed from beginning to end. They had everyone laughing and absolutely deserved the win.
But the real winner tonight was camp. After the costume contest ended, it was time for one of the sweetest traditions of the summer…Trick-or-Treating around Chenny! As fate would have it, the rain started falling. In all my years at Chenny, I honestly can’t remember a rainy Halloween quite like this one. Did the campers care? Not for one second. If anything, it made the night even more memorable. Watching campers run from candy station to candy station in their costumes, laughing with their friends, collecting candy, and jumping through puddles without a care in the world was pure childhood at its finest. Every puddle became another reason to laugh. Every raindrop became part of the adventure. There’s something magical about seeing children experience that kind of freedom.
These are the moments that define childhood. The ones that can’t be recreated, can’t be bought, and will be remembered long after the costumes are packed away. Tonight was another reminder that the magic of Chenny isn’t found in perfect weather or perfect plans. It’s found in the joy of children simply being kids. And tonight, they did exactly that.
Our GC’s are the only group out of camp and they are having an adventure of a lifetime. It was to Pacific Beach for a full beach day and surf lessons. Our kids had the absolute best day learning how to surf in the pacific ocean. The trip has just begun and they are off to a great start!!!
Life is really really GREAT!!!