Che-Na-Wah Counselor Toast 2024
On behalf of the Che-Na-Wah counselor staff, we would like to make a toast to the summer of 2024.
Way back in June, before any campers had arrived, the four of us attended a meeting with all of the senior staff and the Baco Group Leaders. At the end of this meeting, Barabra surprised us with a special gift, bracelets! But, these particular bracelets were called Intent bracelets. She told us that we each needed to think of a word of intent for the summer - a word we wanted to embody. We had to think of something meaningful, something that would anchor us throughout the next two months of work. A flood of words came to mind, but eventually, we each landed on the words that resonated most deeply with ourselves.
Then, Barbara whips out a massive hammer. We had to hammer, yes, physically hammer, this word into our bracelets. Sitting on the floor of Barbara's house, accidentally hammering in our letters upside down, sideways, and backwards, we happily crafted our new accessories. With a whole 7 weeks ahead, there was no way to know how much these words would encapsulate both our individual experiences as campers and as counselors.
It was easy for me to choose my word of intent. I thought about my position as the Junior Group Leader, working with the youngest kids in camp, and what kind of experience I want my campers to have. Thinking back to my own days as a junior, way back in bunk 8 of 2012, I recalled the anxiety and hesitancy I felt being in this new place for the first time. It was overwhelming and unfamiliar, a camp filled with faces I’d never met in a place far from home. One day, a counselor of mine saw me, recognized this uncertainty on my face, and gave me the most important piece of advice: All I need to do is be confident and shine. There was my word of intent: shine. I wanted to ensure that every child in my division would shine in the bunk and at activities, being themselves and learning how to be a true sparkly Che-Na-Wah girl. As summers go on and campers grow older that light might feel dull, but being a true chenawah girl means that that shine is always in you no matter where you go. However, the importance of being able to shine at camp doesn’t have to mean you are the most outgoing, the loudest, or the girl center stage; what it really means is that you let your truest self be expressed and shine through. If there is one place in the world where you can truly shine it is here. A place with no judgment. The place that keeps us returning summer after summer where we feel safe and have no worries in the world. A place where your true genuine self will shine like you’ve never shined before.
The word that I chose to put on my bracelet was present. We are so lucky that every summer we get to come to camp and enter the isolation and quiet that our little bubble brings us. We don’t need to interact with the “real world” or worry about checking our phones all day, so we get to unplug and live fully in the moment. As we all know, and have probably heard enough about, in 2020, as I was shopping for green gear in preparation for my long-awaited Waitress summer, the world changed, and we were forced to spend a summer away from our usual summer home. However, when we finally were able to return the following year, my bunk and I felt feelings of gratitude and appreciation to a magnitude we had never experienced before. We laughed while serving meals wearing green paper masks, we jumped in the lake as if it was the first time we ever touched water. Essentially, we made sure to soak up every single second spent in this place together.
This summer, I wanted to focus on that feeling. The feeling of being grounded and present, taking a second to appreciate where we are, smiling at the little things, laughing as hard as you can without worrying about what might be going on in the future or elsewhere. It doesn’t matter where we will be or the things we will need to do when we leave here, all that matters is the moment that is happening right now. This present feeling tends to come naturally at a place so serene, but as we grow older, it feels increasingly crucial that we remind ourselves to embrace every second no matter the circumstance. Take in every activity, every jump in the lake, every song in the dining hall, every hug, and every smile. No moment is too small to remember forever.
If you know me, you know that I often get insecure when the topic of my late arrival to camp is brought up. I had always wanted to go to camp but never felt brave enough until I decided to take a leap of faith and sign up for 7 weeks at Che-Na-Wah before the summer of 2017. I could have never predicted how drastically that decision would change my life. It was intimidating coming into a group of eighth-grade girls who had known each other for four years already, but something urged me to put myself out there and try, and thank god I did.
Camp was instant magic to me; the energy, love, and pure joy that emanated off of each camper and counselor I met was infectious. I knew I had landed myself in an incredibly special place. I left home in June 2017 as Ellie-Rose and came back in August as El Ro: the truest version of myself. I’ve made my deepest, purest friendships at camp, learned to be a confident leader, a self-assured individual, and unapologetically myself. While I often still feel frustrated when I think of the time I missed out on at camp with my bunkmates, I have realized that the scarier thought is what life would be like, what I would be like if I hadn’t come to camp at all. I’ve learned to reinterpret these feelings into gratitude for the fact that whatever it was compelled me to come to camp. I was so close to missing out on the place and people who have quite literally shaped me into myself.
So when picking my word of intent, I knew I wanted to lead with the overwhelming gratitude I feel for all of the time I’ve been blessed with at camp, even if its less than my bunkmates. By remembering gratitude in every moment, I have been able to enjoy this summer in an all-encompassing way; not just the perfect moments, but the tough ones, and everything in between. This has allowed me to be the best version of myself here at camp, because I want so desperately to give back to the place that has given me so much. I implore you all, campers and counselors alike, to never forget how lucky you are to experience the magic of Che-Na-Wah. This is special. Every moment is precious, and every interaction is meaningful. Being grateful and aware of what a privilege it is to return here each summer will only make your time here more special.
The word I chose for my bracelet was comfort. In a world of constant change and hardship, comfort can be hard to come by. Luckily, every single one of us has been gifted a place with an unwavering source of comfort amidst the challenges of real life. As beautiful as these mountains, this lake, and these sunsets are, this sense of comfort is built by the people who have been by my side, offering a shoulder to cry on, or a smile to laugh with. It's truly impossible to be so unapologetically yourself without feeling this sense of security - when you step into camp, there is some unspoken understanding that here, we are all accepted just as we are.
That is not to say that things don’t get hard or uncomfortable at camp, because they absolutely do. I’ve experienced some of the best days of my life at camp - days filled with laughter, song, dance, and a constant sense of belonging that I’ll forever cherish. Yet, it's also where I’ve had some of my hardest days, where challenges felt overwhelming and emotions ran deep. But, being okay with that discomfort is part of growth, and the uniqueness of our beloved second home is exemplified by the way comfort and challenge are able to beautifully coexist - and throughout the past 11 summers, the two have shaped me in ways I couldn’t even begin to explain.
Over time, this constant sense of comfort has become less of a feeling and more a foundation. Something embedded deep within me that I will carry as I go on my way in the world. When the time may come when I must leave these mountains, this lake and the sunsets behind, this comfort will stand as a reminder of the people and the place that have made me who I am.
There will never be enough words to properly express how grateful everyone sitting here tonight is for the gift of camp. Barbara and Allison are to thank for that gift. The work, planning, organization, and oversight that you both provide throughout the whole year ensures that our favorite place is cared for, looked after, and ready each summer when we return. Barbara, my twin, and best friend. We’ve come such a long way since you came to my house, told me that camp was going nut free, and also that we shared a birthday. In that meeting you eased my worries, and truly made me feel like I could belong at camp, and that I was wanted. I am forever grateful for the special relationship we’ve made throughout my time here, it is something I will always cherish. I’ve met my best friends in the world at camp, experienced the happiest moments of my life, and formed my sense of self and I owe it all to you. Thank you.
Being a Head OD this summer, I was lucky enough to visit every bunk before their lights out. On my journeys, I often ran into Jen. I would watch her reading a book to sleepy campers and immediately was reminded of memories of my own nights being a camper in Bunk 10, falling asleep to the sound of her calming stories. Jen, you do so much for every single camper and counselor, way beyond your amazing storytelling. None of us would survive without your constant love, care, and humor, and my childhood certainly would not have been the same without you. We love you.
Weinstock, as a camper, it's not hard to see how much thought and care goes into every activity, schedule, and trip. But having the privilege to work alongside you has been one of the most special experiences camp has given to me. Your consistent composure amidst constant chaos, along with the unmatched love you have for this place is admired by every single counselor and camper in this camp. You have shown me what it means to be sturdy - as I’ve been lucky enough to watch you carry the weight of countless responsibilities with a grace that is truly inspiring. Whether I’m here or not, you will forever be somebody I look up to - And no amount of thank yous could ever express how grateful I am to have had someone like you around.
Lenie, your love for this place and these people truly make our experiences so special. I am lucky enough to have been on the waterfront in 2022 and 2023 which led me to create such a special bond with you. When I was going into my first year as a counselor, I felt very anxious. I was scared that I wouldn’t live up to the expectations of what it means to be a good and effective counselor, juggling the responsibilities of being helpful in the bunk and on the swim dock. Luckily, Lenie’s love and support made this transition so smooth and successful. Not being on the waterfront this summer was daunting at first, but knowing that I have you in my corner whenever I need you is a needed comfort. You lead the waterfront with such grace and happiness that spreads beyond just the three docks. You are someone on staff that everyone can count on no matter what. You are such a huge part of my life and I am forever grateful for this relationship. This camp would not run as smoothly as it does without you. I could never thank you enough for everything.
Grabel and Ramone, my security team and my best friends - where do I even start? Being some of the only men in a camp full of femininity is not always so simple to navigate, but you two have steered it seamlessly. Having you guys in our corner, always there to lend a hand when things got hard or hectic, is something we’ve been needing. Your lighthearted energy and occasional bad dad joke is always enough to make mine, and everybody elses day. You both have a way of turning stressful moments laughable, making even the hardest of days a lot more manageable. In all seriousness, I’m really going to miss having you two around.
Emmy, although we briefly crossed paths in the summer of 2012, I am so grateful that we were finally given the opportunity to spend this special summer together, 12 years later. The entirety of camp feels so lucky that we got to love and learn from a true Che-na-wah girl like yourself, one who reminds us of our core values and what it means to love camp wholeheartedly. Whether you were braving a trip to Aviation Mall or helping on the fields, your hard work did not go unnoticed. We are eternally grateful that you were added to our camp family this summer.
To Christina, Tali, and the entire medical team this summer: thank you for everything you do for every camper and counselor here. Keeping us Che-Na-Wah girls healthy is no easy feat, and you work with ease to make sure that every melatonin and band-aid is received promptly and every child leaves with a smile. We are so lucky to have you guys.
To the Illustrious Waitresses of 2024. Before my first year summer, I was in a similar position as you all are in now; I was scared. I was nervous to live without my bunk, unsure about the prospect of being a counselor, if my campers would like me, and if it would be as fun as being a camper. Little did I know I was going to have the absolute joy of being your counselor. Each day that came and went, you girls made me feel so loved, valued, and happy in the bunk. You embraced me fully as I did you all. You not only taught me how to be a counselor, but you made me love being a counselor.
It has been a pleasure watching you all serve the camp and lead the green team with so much love and effervescence. You have all grown into such competent leaders and spirited Che-Na-Wah girls. I have no doubt that you all will be incredible counselors if you continue to love each other and this place the way you have all summer. I know it seems hard right now, but being a counselor is truly the ultimate gift of camp. Be sad and mourn the end of your waitress summer, but know that the future is something to be excited about. It only gets better. I would give anything to be in your shoes right now. Thank you for being yourselves, I am incredibly proud of each one of you and I am forever grateful to have had you as my first campers.
To the fabulous, amazing, beautiful, perfect team - Pink. When you are a camper, you feel like your bunk is your best friends, and there will never be a group of girls you could love more. When you become a counselor, you realize that the magic of camp bonds knows no age group. You form friendships with girls older and younger than you that you would otherwise have never had the opportunity to. This year, our big pink family has grown so incredibly close, and the love you all share shines through in everything done for the campers and this place. Becoming a mother to a group of crazy girls for 7 weeks sounds insane to many, but you all work with such grace and dedication, never losing your love for camp, but rather passing down this love and wonder to the future generations. I will miss spending my days laughing and playing with you all in this fantasy land of a place, but I have no worries that the friendships and bonds we have formed will cease to exist any time soon. Pink team forever. (see u in Michigan)
When your camper summers are over, everyone tells you the best is yet to come. And obviously, you don’t believe them. Three years later, I stand here being able to confidently tell you that being a counselor at Camp Che-na-wah has been the most rewarding experience of my entire life. I’ve lived with 6 year olds, all the way up to 16 year olds, and the connections I’ve made with these campers and all of the ones in between is something hard for me to perfectly explain. Over the past 3 summers, my campers have shown me how to love unconditionally, how to find patience when patience is almost lost, and how to embrace vulnerability, not as a weakness but as a source of strength. I’ve laughed and cried with my bunk 2 campers, and I’ve laughed and cried just as much with my Bunk 21 and 23 campers who have taught me about the bittersweet beauty of growing up, because it truly is bittersweet. And what I’ve learned throughout these counselor summers is that we are all somewhat one and the same. We all yearn for connection, understanding, and the place and the people we can be ourselves with. This is the place and you are the people that have given this all to me.
To the Waitresses of 2021. What can we even say? Yesterday, while we headed to the tennis courts to rehearse our famous What Does the Fox Say dance for the final show, I felt like I was back in Bunk 22 of 2019, living together for the first time in a bunk flooded with bunk beds and blue and gold clothing. Back then, although we were only 14 years old and trying to navigate a 3 to 1 combination while leading color war, our love for each other was already so strong. Growing up in 3 bunks, our love always pulled us together, making us feel like a family in ways we couldn’t even understand yet. This love is what allowed us to hold onto these bonds even when we were scattered amongst the camp again as counselors, reminding us that it doesn’t matter whether we are together or not, you girls are our best friends forever. The end of this summer may feel even more painful than others, the uncertainty and change are uncomfortable, but one thing we know for 100% certainty is you guys. We can’t wait to live the rest of our lives together, sharing all of our wins and losses and everything in between, and knowing that no matter where we are, we can come back together and that magic will never go away. Thank you for being our family.
Shine. Presence. Gratitude. Comfort. We each wore these four words on our wrists all summer, we carried them close to our hearts and held them strongly in the forefront of our minds. There is an endless list of words we could rattle off that describe our love for camp or what it means to us. These words also may not have been the same if we had done this last summer. This is part of what makes camp so special. While no one person’s experience here is exactly the same, and each summer harbors it’s own stories and sentiments, there is always a common love and understanding among each of us of how lucky we are to be here.
With that, we leave you with these last four thoughts. Keep shining, stay present, be grateful, and take comfort wherever you can.
Thank you to the Summer of 2024, every summer past, and those yet to come. We love you.
Emma Weiner, Sophia Friedman, Ellie-Rose “El-Ro” Wallach & Al Whitmore,
Waitresses of 2021