2022 Holiday Letter
December 2022
Happy Holidays campers, counselors, parents and friends!
Thinking of Nakanawa and the peaceful beauty of the surrounds, I am overcome with gratitude for those who walked the grounds before me. For 103 years, Colonel Rice, Mitch, Ann and Pepe, all forged ahead to advance the Nakanawa mission ensuring young girls develop into the leaders and women they are meant to become in a fun and safe environment.
In today’s society, it remains even more important than ever to have a place where young women can hone their leadership skills, have face to face social interactions, and gain awareness of their unique talents all while building confidence through trying new things.
One of my most favorite things during the holidays is listening to the sounds of the season. I love holiday music of all kinds! Every year when Christmas comes around, one song in particular turns my thoughts to the campers and women of Nakanawa and every year I think “if there is anything I could give to campers, it would be the sentiments this song provides. From Amy Grant (or for some of you, it may come from Kelly Clarkson or Michael Bublé) the words from My Grownup Christmas List wrap up my desires so precisely:
“No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end,
This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown up Christmas list.”
It was the beautiful sounds of people saying good words to each other, laughing and singing that made the star, in the Dakota legend, want to stay inside the cottonwood tree. Our 2022 sourwood tree ornament is designed, as always, by Ann, and is a representation of the star located in a cottonwood tree branch. This is from the legend from Pepe’s church this past summer. May you use your words to spread kindness and help others so you can all be Stars!
The beginning of winter also means we are halfway to summer!! Those of us at camp are working diligently like Santa’s elves to get camp ready and so many things have been happening since we last were in touch. We love that so many of you have already enrolled and we are really looking forward to the best summer yet!
While Christmas is a great time to be reminded of the generosity people are capable of, I am also led to think of Camp. Through staff, volunteers and campers, Nakanawa has been cared for by many generations of people. Whether it’s putting on a new roof, cutting the grass, cooking meals, washing dishes, serving on committees, becoming counselors, people commit their love and energy to Camp. The care at Nakanawa can be felt at all times. It is truly encouraging to me to see the spirit of giving strong and alive at Camp.
It has been a busy year. For everyone who have already contributed to Camp this year, in any way, and those who will play a part in the future thank you. Without your patronage, volunteering, labor and love, Nakanawa wouldn’t be the community it is.
This time of year can be very chaotic but I wish for everyone to be able to find peace, friendship, and love and of course, plenty of hot chocolate and cookies. Have a very Merry Christmas and share that feeling with as many as you can.
With love,
Karen and Scout, Ann and Pepe and Bolt, Corie, Annette, Apryll, Bunk, Donathan and, of course, Dinkleman
