Camp Che-Na-Wah Counselor Toast 2014
On behalf of the counselor staff we would like to make a toast to the summer of 2014.
12 years ago, at 8 years old I started as a camper in bunk 4
Last year I was 19 years old and started as a counselor in bunk 4.
Our paths that led us to Che-Na-Wah were completely different and life changing in their own ways. Despite this we both have a shared love for Che-Na-Wah.
Coming to camp every summer gives us a break from the real world. Camps its own community where unlikely friendships are made. There’s no other place in the world where you are greeted by Lake Balfour on your walk down to breakfast, where there is a cheer for everything, from nutty buddies, to oh who’s going to win and where you have sisters to guide you for 7 weeks and be there for the rest of your lives.
Over the next couple of hours, take in the scenery; whether you are down by the lake or up by the hoops, take a minute to look around. So when you are home over these next 10 dreadful months, and missing Che-Na-Wah you can remember how perfect it is. Because the worst day at camp is always better than the best day at home.
Real life adversity does not exist here. Che-Na-Wah is our safe heaven and getaway, where the only hassels are whether the current is strong enough to sail in Lake Balfour, or changing into longs and longs for evening activity because Stock told us to.
Stock and Grobie: You guys have become our best friends over these past 7 weeks.
Grobie: Thank you for being an amazing role model, friend and supporter. We don’t know what we would have done without your antics, your humor, your taste in music and your cookie obsession. Are you even an adult? You are the coolest and we love and thank you for everything.
Amy Weinstock Kitchin- It’s crazy to think you’re becoming a mother in a few weeks. We can confidently say you will do an amazing job because you’ve been practicing for so many years. Thank you for keeping us sane, always having the answers and never losing patience with us.ย We know we can always count on you, and we can’t wait to get the text when the muffin is born.
We love you both and could not imagine camp without you.
Jen and Leslie:Thank you for being our seconds mothers and helping us with anything and everything. You both have welcomed us into your families and we love you and of course Lake Balfour.
Jane, Barbara and Worty. Thank you for all you do. You’ve made a life long impact on both us and the lives of every girl sitting in the council ring right now. You’ve watched us grow and shown us the type of people we would like to be. For that we are eternally grateful. We love you and can’t wait to see you next summer.
Ruth- Thank you for keeping the traditions alive and always having a smile on your face. We know we can always count on you to send some spirit our way. We will always have your back and we know Mel is smiling down on all of us. We love you.
To the 3 best group leaders- After many long days and head OD nights (See ya Tay) we’re so happy we were able to lean on each other for the past 7 weeks. We couldn’t have imagined sitting in the counselor house attempting to plan evening activity with anyone else. Its been a pleasure to watch us grow individually and together as best friends. We love you and are so proud of the all you have accomplished.
22- You girls have led camp with grace and perfection this summer. We are so proud of all that you have done, and we can’t wait to compete against you on Green next summer. We love you all!
To the illustrious waitresses of 2014- Make the most of these next couple of days as a bunk before you become counselors. We can’t wait to welcome you to Pink team next summer. We love you and we know that you will make great counselors.
International Che-Na-Wah staff- It seems like two minutes ago we were all sat on the facebook page judging each other by our profile pictures. It’s been more than a pleasure to share this incredible experience with all of you and I have loved watching you thrive in your own ways at Che-Na-Wah. Returning Che-Na-Wah staff- Thank you for accepting us into your second home. Thank you for showing us the power of summer camp. You are all so lucky to have been able to return to this place summer after summer. You all contribute in your own way to help create this special place. This summer in particular I learned that Che-Na-Wah is not just a way to spend your summer but a way of life.
To the 2010 waitresses- There are no words for how much you all mean to me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you guys. You are all amazing individuals and I’ve loved watching you grow into the people you are today. I’m so proud to call you my sisters and could not have asked for a better bunk to have been 16 with. I love you all.
People always say camp is our second home, but as we grow older it becomes our only consistent home. We get older, we move away, we go to school, we movecities but our summer home will always remain.
We may grow and change but Che-Na-Wah will stay the same. Camp has given us a safe place to grow into the people we are and make lifelong friends and memories.
Power of friendship binds us together, no matter how far.
Feel camp presence beside you wherever you are.
Love,
Camp Che-Na-Wah Counselors 2014
Hannah L., and Emma C.
