Camp CHEN-A-WANDA
Camp Description
Camp CHEN-A-WANDA was established in 1939 and has served thousands of campers over the past 80-plus years. Our camp population comprises boys and girls aged 7 to 16 from several communities throughout New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Florida, North Carolina, Missouri, and California. We are diverse and varied, so you can’t categorize Chenny as a camp from just one place. We have a staff of 300+ exceptional people who dedicate their summers to providing incredible experiences for your children.
We say that life is great at Camp CHEN-A-WANDA, and it truly is. It is where we unplug from the daily grind of technology to enjoy a summer full of face-to-face relationships and adventures that exceed our dreams. Chenny is a place that allows us to reach our potential and be the best we can be!
Camp Highlights
Ages:
Accreditation
Accredited
Length
2026 Dates
June 27th to August 15th
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Camp Location
Thompson, PA
FAQs About This Camp
What special events occur at Camp CHEN-A-WANDA?
Olympics: This 3-day mini color war occurs in the first half of camp. Our entire camp family is divided into three teams (Red, Gold, and Blue). Each color represents a country, and just like the Olympics, our competition requires dedication, loyalty, and a commitment to putting the team first. When the campers hear the Olympic Theme playing loudly over the camp speakers, they know something special is about to happen.
Campfires: What is a camp without campfires? There is nothing quite like sitting around a campfire, telling stories with friends, eating s’mores, and singing songs along with the counselor playing their guitar. Most everything sticks out in a camper’s mind as truly awesome during their summers at Chenny, but campfires evoke something special when you experience them. They are a centerpiece of the summer camp experience we love sharing with our campers.
Carnival: Each summer, we bring our own carnival for your enjoyment. There are numerous rides, many games, cotton candy, popcorn, dunk tanks, and more. It is an afternoon spent together, enjoying a uniquely fun time with friends. It is a standout day.
Banquet: We end the summer on a high note with the most incredible and fun party you have ever attended. You dress up a bit and enjoy a fantastic meal in the Lodge, followed by a party in Shields Hall that will blow your mind. We go to great lengths to make our banquet unforgettable.
Traditions: Some events are set in stone and will always be a part of Camp Chen-A-Wanda tradition. Sign and Song, Girls Sing, Boys Lip Sync, The Dating Game, Chenny Globes, and Late Night with Leahy are threads that make camp so special. Summer after summer, these events are counted on and held in high Chenny regard. There isn’t a camper who doesn’t look forward to these very special nights.
Other AWESOME things Chenny kids experience every summer include beach parties, scavenger hunts, talent shows, Wiffle Ball tournaments, Powder Puff, cooking parties, Chen-A-Plex, Midnight Zone, spa nights, night swim pool parties, Color Mudder Run, staff lip syncs, and socials, to name a few. Not to mention the incredible talent we bring in to wow and entertain our camp family with fantastic evening activities. There is so much to enjoy at camp, and we are continually enhancing our program to keep it fresh summer after summer.
What activities are there at Camp CHEN-A-WANDA?
Aquatics: There is no place like Fiddle Lake, and its beauty is undeniable. From the early morning sun rising over the lake to the breathtaking sunsets, our waterfront is the place to be all day long. Our 64-acre lake, along with our heated pool, provides endless joy to all our campers. Memories made at Fiddle Lake will stay with you for a lifetime.
Sports and Fitness: At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, we emphasize skill development, participation, teamwork, and having a great time. Athletics will be part of your daily schedule, and if you seek more exposure and time on the courts and fields, you can choose it as part of your electives. For those desiring a more competitive experience, you can sign up for our Wayne County tournaments, which will provide more opportunities to compete against other camps.
Circus: Come fly with us and soar to new heights! Our Circus program will excite your senses and allow you to do things you never thought possible. Our talented, acrobatic, and highly skilled staff can’t wait to get you up in the air and show you the joys of flying high. The summer culminates in an awe-inspiring Circus show featuring our campers as the stars. You may arrive at Camp Chen-A-Wanda never thinking you could fly on a trapeze, but just wait and see the amazing things you can and will accomplish.
Adventure: Our adventure program is designed to excite thrill-seekers. The activities we offer aim to motivate, inspire, and challenge our campers to try new experiences. This program enables our campers to feel great about themselves and the goals they set while enjoying an amazing time exploring numerous fun activities. Climbing a rock wall and zipping down the zip-line is truly exhilarating, and being able to do that all summer long is incredible.
Creative and Performing Arts: Unleash your creativity with our arts program. Our theater program is unparalleled, as our skilled staff offers exceptional training for our actors. If you’re interested in culinary arts, The Cookhouse is the perfect place to learn new techniques, explore great recipes, and savor what you’ve created. There is so much more to experience in our creative arts program. You’ll love it!!
School of Rock: Who doesn’t want to be a rock star? We have a state-of-the-art recording studio where you can lay down a demo. If you have never picked up a guitar or played the keyboard, you can learn at the School of Rock. Whether it’s a drum circle around the campfire or jamming with the new band you joined, our music instruction will help you get started or continue your journey through music.
How do we come visit Camp CHEN-A-WANDA?
The best way for you and your prospective camper(s) to learn more about CHEN-A-WANDA is to come and see it for yourselves! We offer two great options to visit our camp and discover what we’re all about: join us for a tour or a Rookie Day & Tour!
Our tour book is open, and we are actively scheduling tours for families interested in our camp. During these tours, which typically last 90 minutes, your camper(s) will have a blast with our fantastic counselors, engaging in various activities and experiencing the fun-filled atmosphere at Chenny.
A CHEN-A-WANDA Rookie Day & Tour offers the best of both worlds! A Rookie Day gives your camper a greater taste of what it’s like to be at our camp. Additionally, your prospective camper(s) will experience an action-packed schedule with their own Rookie Group. Meanwhile, you can embark on your adventure by joining us for a complete campus tour!
We genuinely believe that Camp CHEN-A-WANDA is a special place where every camper can become their best self. There is a magic you will feel from the moment you arrive at camp. Our campers experience an energy, spirit, and pride you won’t find at other camps. We couldn’t be happier to share it with you and your family. To schedule your Rookie Day or tour, call us at (201) 391-2294 or email us at [email protected]. We are always available, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Life is ALWAYS Great at Camp CHEN-A-WANDA!