CategoriesCamp News, Events, Intermediate Camp by

AHHH . . . IT’S SUNDAY

Church, Meets & Vespers (What is SAE??)

Greetings again, my friends,

The saying is true: time flies when you are having fun! Saturday was a day full of meets where the campers could cheer loudly and proudly for their friends in Amazon red and Valkyrie blue. Sunday kicked off with a heartwarming trip to Junior. The infectious excitement and joy on our campers’ faces as they chatted with friends, sisters, and counselors across the lake was a testament to the shared mission of Nakawana. Our campers returned after an encouraging church from Pepe and Karen, ready to tackle the Tennis meet. A well-deserved extended rest hour later, they were recharged and ready for the Sunday After Event, which is an afternoon of games and a refreshing slice of watermelon. The day concluded with Vespers led by our counselors and a cozy Cabin Night. As we approach the final week, I’m thrilled to witness the growing friendships and confidence gained among our girls.

Until later,

Maegan

CategoriesCamp News, Intermediate Camp by

NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS

Hi guys, it’s RJ. I’m here to write about some amazing highlights from this weekend! This Friday all of intermediate camp attended a musical at the Cumberland County Playhouse! This time the musical was Anastasia! The costuming and set design were incredible as always. Some of our favorites included Anastasia’s royal red dress and the Winter Palace set. The leads were absolutely show stopping. Vlad was hilarious and Anastasia’s voice was unforgettable. We snacked on sodas and sweet treats during intermission. The Playhouse was extremely kind and gave a shout-out to counselors Alé and Claire for their birthdays. The kids were inspired by all the wonderful work and sang camp songs on the bus the whole way home.

Our first well-needed laundry day arrived and everyone sent their laundry away. The campers switched their sheets and bed. That night everyone got comfy in their new beds! Two days later laundry was sorted and arrived back at camp. Camp finished off the weekend feeling fresh and clean and ready to start a new week!

– <3, RJ Gilliland

CategoriesCamp News, Intermediate Camp by

STAR GAZING & PANCAKES

Wo-he-lo there friends,

Astrid Balink reporting live from the counselor cabin on senior side. We’ve had a busy few days! We started off with camp pictures on Wednesday and it was quick and painless. The campers looked beautiful in their red and blue ties! After pictures the campers had a fun filled free day, with free swim, hikes and more! We had cookout for dinner before the overnight; delicious burgers all around! Myself and a few counselors looked great in our “grill” master aprons, provided by BJ herself. After an exciting, and luckily cold night on the dam and at Carson’s point, we had pancake breakfast. They fueled the campers after a big night of swimming in the dark with glow sticks! In PJ’s holding hot chocolate, we all made it through a delicious breakfast. A favorite all around, the campers enjoyed the extra minutes of sleep and eating, starting classes at second period. Can’t wait for more activities in two week, have a lovely day my fellow counselors.

Wishing you luck and love,

Astrid Balink.

CategoriesCamp News, Karen's Corner by

Karen’s Corner: WE’RE HERE & HAPPY!

On Opening Day, campers gathered to reunite with old friends and warmly welcome our
new campers. Thanks to our wonderful counselor staff and all of you parents, the day
went very smoothly. We are truly grateful to everyone!

During the first assembly, the campers were entertained by the counselors who performed pop songs with camp-themed lyrics to welcome them to camp. A thorough walk-through of the activity schedule was conducted to ensure that everyone knows
where to go, what to bring, and what to wear to have the most fun and be successful.
The excitement and various activities surely worked up everyone’s appetite. Spaghetti,
salad and Texas toast was devoured at dinner. The excitement reached its peak during Team Drawings. Junior Camp had 66 new campers while Intermediate welcomed 17 to
either draw or choose to honor the team legacy of their family members. At the end of
the evening, the Amazons and the Valkyries celebrated with their new members. Today, camp is bustling with activity. After breakfast, all activities are in full swing. Tennis is being played and laughter can be heard from the docks as campers enjoy
swimming and jumping off the diving boards.

Our photographers are doing their best to capture as much as they can on camera. If
you haven’t signed up already, please make sure to download the CAMPANION app for
easy access to photos of your camper(s). It is a great tool to have all things Camp Nakanawa in one place on your phone.
We are all about having fun and playing games here! Enjoy the next two weeks because here in Mayland, we DEFINATELY are!

In the Spirit of Nakanawa,

Karen

CategoriesCamp News, Counselor, Intermediate Camp by

Classes, Team Leader Elections, & Evening Entertainment

Hey Y’all, 
Intermediate camp is buzzing with excitement! Campers and counselors are soaking up the sun and
having loads of fun! Campers are learning new skills and working eagerly to expand their current
knowledge. Our counselors enthusiastically lead classes and cultivate an environment rich in camp fun!
Our evening entertainments included a trio of camp classics, 12 Days of Camp, Birdy on a Perch, and
Human Bingo, which were a hit with new and returning campers. The teams voted for strong leaders
who exemplify excellent qualities that will lead the Amazons and Valkyries to a successful two-week
session.

Wo-He-Lo,
Maegan, Head Counselor Intermediate Camp
Alumnae are sweeping the Wigwam during Service Learning Weekend.
CategoriesAlumni, Camp News, Events, Newsletters, The Valkazon by

Service, Smiles, and Sunshine at Service Weekend

Amazons, Valkyries and friends came together for a weekend of work and fun during Service Weekend. This annual event provides alumnae an opportunity to help prepare camp for the upcoming summer sessions while making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. This year’s event also included several groups like Tent Row ‘74 who celebrated their 50th reunion!

https://youtu.be/ISuP7YzRGSs?si=LofYjbK67oQEhkZN
Alumnae and Staff enjoyed a weekend of cleaning and prepping for the 2024 Camp season!

The weather report wasn’t promising, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance. Karen welcomed us all for “Happy Am I Hour” and dinner at The Big House. As the group gathered later in the Wigwam, a hearty rendition of “Mr. Sun” was sung with fingers crossed for better weather for the rest of the weekend. 

Saturday was wet and overcast, but Nakanawa spirit and singing did the trick as the sun eventually came out! Ties were tied, medals and name tags were created, and gardens were replanted and pruned. Clearing the basement of the Council House, cabin checks, repainting table tennis tables and more kept attendees busy all morning. We also wrote welcome notes to our 2024 counselors — a special project to help our staff kick-off this summer on a high note.

After lunch, Rest Hour, and some final project work, we enjoyed a beautiful evening on the Crow’s Nest for another “Happy Am I Hour” and a cookout dinner. We recognized attendees celebrating their five-year Service Weekend anniversary and honored our 50th reunion group. A spectacular sunset was the perfect end to the day.

Sunday’s weather was perfect. Following breakfast, we enjoyed church on the Crow’s Nest, led by Tent Row ‘74. We wrapped up projects and attendees started to head home, savoring memories of a weekend spent at a special place where everyone’s contributions were celebrated and appreciated. We thank each person who took time out of their busy schedules to spend the weekend with us. Save the date for the third Weweekend in May 2025. We’ll see you at Camp!