We Beat the Heat
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.