Camp Che-Na-Wah Life

That’s a tough question, because there is no typical day. A new schedule is written every day to suit the needs of the campers.

Most days, campers have a full schedule of activities, punctuated by leisure time after lunch, and a free period where campers individually chose an activity from a list of electives that are available that day.

Since schedules are written daily, campers have an opportunity to make suggestions for their next day’s schedule. If, for instance, an age group is in the midst of a fun basketball game, they may ask to play again the following day.

To give you an idea, here’s how the day “typically” flows!

Wake up call!

Our day begins with morning visits to each bunk from camp group leaders. Campers and staff can see their schedule for the day on the way down to the dining room. No two days are alike – this is when everyone gets psyched for the day that lies ahead. Before breakfast, campers line up to raise the flag. Bunks are chosen at random to raise the flag – if it’s a camper’s birthday, that girl is given the honor that day.

Meals

Before every meal, the camp gathers in front of the dining hall for announcements. Dinnertime is when we honor campers’ daily achievements such as passing a deep water test, getting a bulls eye in archery, or passing a level in ski. Honored campers lower the flag. At meals, each bunk sits with their bunkmates and bunk counselors.

Clean up

After breakfast, campers and counselors return to their bunks for the best part of the day: “clean up!” (Just kidding, but chores are an important part of the learning that goes on at camp).

Activity Periods

There are three activity periods in the morning, and three in the afternoon. All campers receive swim instruction daily. During the other periods, campers are assigned with their age groups to a balance of water sports, land sports, and the arts. Of course, campers might be involved in rehearsals for shows, and participate in tournaments, which would be worked into their schedule for the day.

There is at least one free swim period every day. Campers who choose not to swim can participate in tennis, Arts & Crafts or other activities.

In addition to our regularly- scheduled activities, we occasionally have a day full of surprises, such as “Happy Birthday Camp Che-Na-Wah” – campers participate in activities with other campers who share their birthday month and everyone eats birthday cake. Another special day is “Spirit Day” – our oldest campers plan a day of fun and spirit. Each bunk has to dress up in costumes, and learn a new camp song to sing at dinner.

We have many other creative activities and traditions that keep the summer exciting and memorable.

Evening Activity

In addition to their daily schedule, there is always an evening activity. Some of our special evening activities are talent shows, scavenger hunts, tag games and campfires.

Snack

Snacks are served in the afternoon, and after evening activity.

Lights out

Campers return to their bunks after evening snack. They take showers, write letters, and play quiet games, listen to a story until lights out, which begins at 9:00 p.m. for our youngest campers, and increases every 15 minutes for each older grade group. There is a counselor on duty in each bunk at all times.