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Dock Update

Nakanawa Dock Update from the Committee

The 2023 camp sessions will be an exciting time for campers and counselors alike as they welcome the addition of new Junior Docks for all to enjoy. The Waterfront Project has been a top priority for the Board of Directors.

A year ago, when the decision was made to replace both Junior and Senior dock systems, Camp was able to acquire an estimated cost for replacement of the current footprint of the dock systems.  In early 2022, a Dock Ad Hoc Committee was formed to research, discuss and redesign.  The layout, and materials selections for the new dock system will last for decades to come while reducing the need for annual maintenance.  Through the discussions, a decision was made to move to floating docks as they will do just that with the additional advantages of better swimming and canoe access. It was an exciting decision until the Request for Proposal was sent out to vendors for their bids.  The committee knew they could count on the price increasing some, but could not anticipate how much the escalation of materials and labor had shot up over the year.  Camp has entered into a challenging time for the much-needed capital improvement.  The initial estimate of $200,000 to complete both Junior and Senior dock systems has now become less than what is needed to complete just one side.  Thanks to the hard work of the Development Committee and the generosity of our community, Camp has the funds to cover most of the costs associated with completing the Junior side at this time. The goal moving forward over the next several months is to raise the additional funds needed to cover the costs for Junior and raise the funds needed to secure and schedule the replacement of the Senior docks. The Facilities Committee which is now overseeing the Waterfront Project is currently working to acquire a solid estimated cost for the Senior side. 

A special thanks to those who served in the preliminary research and discussions on the Dock Ad Hoc Committee: BJ Jenkins, Tiny McPhillips, Kayla Blouin, Jeff Blake. And to Karen Hale, Pepe Perron, Bree Patillo, Jeff Blake and Georgia Mattern for their guidance and diligence with the behind the scenes needs of the Waterfront Project.

Sincerely,
Georgia Mattern
Secretary, Board of Directors

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2022 Holiday Letter

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