As we count down the days to sunshine on Lake Aloaloa, it’s time to start gathering gear and goodies for the best summer ever with Everything Summer Camp! 🌤️ We’ve partnered withEverything Summer Camp to make packing easier and more meaningful.
Use our camp code trail335NK at checkout and enjoy exclusive discounts on all your camp essentials. When you shop using this code—or by selecting NAKANAWA from the Find My Camp menu—we receive a portion of each sale. These funds then support Camp.
Laundry bags, water bottles, camp trunks, personalized towels—you name it! Every item is approved for Nakanawa life and crafted for quality.
To see only the items eligible for your discount, click the My Camp Deals button once your code is active.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or packing for your final year, this is one small way to prepare with care. In doing this, you carry the Spirit of Nakanawa into everything you do.
It is with deep gratitude and excitement that I stand before you today to announce a truly meaningful step forward in the stewardship of Camp Nakanawa’s cherished natural beauty. The fact that our founder, Colonel Rice, was able to acquire this land — land that had remained largely undeveloped despite its long and rich history — and that the Directors and their families have preserved and protected it for 106 years makes Nakanawa truly one of a kind. This continuity, this unbroken chain of stewardship, is a rare and precious legacy among camps. Such heritage does not endure by chance. It takes deep care and a shared commitment to conservation—an ongoing promise to protect the ecosystem and safeguard the natural beauty that define Camp Nakanawa. This land is more than our setting; it is our guide. It helps shape the values we hold dear as Nakanawa girls and reminds us every day of the importance of living in harmony with nature. Today, Arbor Day 2025, we announce the development of the Camp Nakanawa Arboretum — an initiative that will serve not only as a living library of our region’s unique and diverse tree species, but as a lasting symbol of our commitment to conservation, education, and the preservation of the natural world for generations to come. On this rainy day, we all know that “without the showers, there would be no flowers”… or trees. And here at Nakanawa, we’ve been blessed with a forest rich in life and beauty—a place “where the trees are big and strong,” and the memories run just as deep. For more than a century, Camp Nakanawa has been a place where young hearts are inspired by the rustle of leaves, the calm of shaded trails, and the wonder of our forested surroundings. We’ve all felt that magic beneath the pine trees where there is a soft breeze, and we’ve gathered “‘neath the shining stars and tall trees,” forming friendships and stories that last a lifetime. Now, with this new arboretum, we take action to ensure that these beloved trees — and the stories they hold — continue to grow, thrive, and inspire long into the future. This vital project would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity and vision of Carolyn Thomas Rogers, Tent Row 70, and her husband, Robert Rogers. Their love for Nakanawa and their unwavering support of its mission have made this conservation effort a reality. Carolyn and Robert—thank you. Your gift is more than a donation; it is a legacy, one that will keep Nakanawa green, shaded, and lush, and one that will echo with the laughter of campers and the rustling of branches for years to come. I also want to extend heartfelt thanks to the many people who helped make this dream a reality—and continue to do so. Mary Shearer Baker and Barbara Keith Brown Payne, Wyeth Outlan Burgess, Ashley Stroud, and our Arboretum Committee—chaired by Karen Schneider, with Lucie King, Mollie Gaines, and Corie Wilson—have each played a vital role in bringing this project to life. Your dedication and love for Nakanawa shine through every step of this journey. At Nakanawa, we strive to be good stewards of the land entrusted to us. This arboretum is a major milestone, but it is also just the beginning. It marks the first step in a broader conservation plan—one rooted in care, responsibility, and a deep respect for the natural world. We know that golden wishes do not grow on trees, but we also believe that with hard work and heart, we can grow something just as magical. As we look ahead, long may we cherish thee—woods and lakes adore. We are committed to ensuring that this special place remains vibrant and thriving, not only for those who are here today, but for all who will walk these paths tomorrow. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s step forward together—into the shade, into the breeze, and into a future that stays forever green. 💚 – Karen Rathgeber Hale, Camp Nakanawa Director
Spring has arrived, bringing with it daffodils, yellow forsythia, and a much-needed splash of color after winter’s grip. Unfortunately, it also brought some high winds – too strong for kites and a bit too much for a few of our beloved trees. But no worries! Our amazing staff and volunteers have rallied, tidying up and making repairs to keep Nakanawa looking its best. On a brighter note, we’ve got 40 new trees of various species ready to plant at both camps, promising even more beauty and shade for years to come.
This spring, in early March, we were thrilled to welcome Deaton Dock and our brand-new boathouse. This project is a game-changer for the health of our war canoes, providing them with a safe, dry spot all year long. It will also serve as the home for our sail boats and kayaks, making water activities even better for everyone.
While enrollment is looking fantastic, we still have a few spots available. We didn’t fill our new session, so we’ve offered those already enrolled a spot in our original two-week session. We’re excited for next year’s session, with word spreading earlier than ever!
We recently attended the Tri-State Camping Conference – the largest of its kind in the world – and walked away more inspired than ever. Camps across the globe share our commitment to enhancing security and ensuring our staff is trained to handle any situation. Nakanawa is rolling out a multi-phase plan based on expert recommendations, and security is our top priority as we head into counselor training and the summer season.
I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful season of spring!
There’s a brand-new addition floating on the waters of Lake Aloaloa — and she’s a big one! Welcome Camp Nakanawa’s new boathouse.
Earlier this month, five full semi trailers rolled into Junior Camp, packed tight with aluminum frames, floats, and materials for what would soon become our brand-new boathouse. Thanks to the expert work of Deaton’s Waterfront Services, each piece was carefully unloaded, transported down to the water’s edge, and assembled right here at camp.
The process was no small feat. After building the main frame of the boathouse on the water, the Deaton’s crew did something extraordinary — they floated the entire structure from Junior Camp across the lake to Senior Camp, where it was secured and attached to shore. Floating a building across Lake Aloaloa is no everyday event, but with clear skies, teamwork, and a whole lot of determination, the new boathouse found its home.
This beautiful new structure will soon be the heart of our waterfront activities — housing the iconic war canoes, nimble kayaks, and majestic sailboats that campers use throughout the summer. With improved docks, more space, and a strong, modern frame, the new boathouse will serve generations of Nakanawa girls to come. You can see Casey approves!
Deaton’s Waterfront Services will return in just a few weeks to complete the final stages of construction. Once the finishing touches are in place, this floating boathouse will be ready to launch a whole new chapter of lakefront fun.
The water is calling, the sun is shining, and the new boathouse is almost ready to welcome our campers back to their home on the lake. We can’t wait for you to see it in person this summer!
“I love people, I love nature, and I love to help – if that’s not Nakanawanian, I don’t know what is.” Say hello to Margaret Van Clief! If you know Margaret, you know this statement is MORE than true. And if you don’t, allow us the privilege of introducing her to you.
Margaret grew up in Charlottesville, VA, and since 2008 has resided in Cape Charles on Virginia’s Eastern Shore where she now lives with her mom, “just a block away from the Chesapeake Bay. We have fun, and it’s a gift to be able to help her and spend time with her”, she shared. She feels fortunate to be living just across the Bay from her sister and best friend, Courtney, who was also a Nakanawa girl and has fond memories of Camp Nakanawa. Margaret’s father is a “short three hours away” in Charlottesville, and she sees him often. Family has always been and remains extremely important to her.
As a 5-year camper, from 1990-95, Margaret says her favorite activities included rock meetings, pep rallies (especially prior to Varsity Soccer as Valkyrie Head Cheerleader), war canoe races, making bunkie gifts and spending time with friends in cabins, on the lake, and on the trails around Camp Nakanawa.
Margaret described certain Camp feels beautifully when she said, “the sensory experience of walking the trail to Valkyrie Rock – the sounds and fragrance of the forest, the rocks and roots beneath our feet, our arms linked and hearts beating as one.” A true standout for Margaret was Valkyrie Vespers. “I would love to call out a particular year or experience, but it truly is the spirit of all my Valkyrie Vespers combined that is in my heart.”
Margaret presenting to high school students “in the field.”Margaret in South Bay near Wreck Island, helping out with the world’s largest seagrass restoration project.Margaret and biology students from Chincoteague HS leave the village of Wachapreague, bound for Parramore Island.Margaret with bilingual interns at TNC’s Summer Picnic 2024.Emily Wheat Maynard and Margaret Van Clief reunite at The Shanty on Cape Charles Harbor in June 2019.We’ll have our reunion!TR ’95 at the Centennial.Margaret and Mary Shearer Baker as counselors, Circa 1997.Nakanawa girls & Van WilDHearts in Evansville, IN. (October 2019) Wendy Igleheart Walker, Margaret Van Clief, and Diane Foster Igleheart
These cherished moments evoke memories for Margaret, accurately describing the spiritual feeling of being outdoors at night, sharing the magic of Camp with friends who felt like family, especially members of the Igleheart and Reed families, whom she credits for introducing her to Nakanawa. Diane Foster Igleheart was a camper, as were her daughters and granddaughters, and was “one of my grandmother’s best friends.” Freddy Wilhelm, Brook Reed’s grandmother, was also best friends with ‘Aunt Diane’ and ‘Grammie’. Margaret refers to her contemporaries and fellow campers in this fabulous group of women as the “Van WilDHeart frousins” and treasures their “bond which is strengthened further by also being Nakanawa sisters.” Although Margaret’s mother and grandmother never attended Camp, she knows they would have been “excellent Nakanawa girls.”
Her passion for nature helped her land her “dream job” as the Community Engagement Specialist for The Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Coast Reserve. “I work to connect people of all ages with the benefits of nature . . . whether that is catching butterflies in our pollinator meadow with kiddos from our county schools’ summer migrant youth program or facilitating community discussions in coastal villages endeavoring to adapt and increase resilience in the face of climate change.” Always an adventurer, Margaret has also held jobs as a kayak guide, a field organizer, a marine field technician, “and a house cleaner, to name a few!”
On January 20th of this year, Margaret was presented with the 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award from the Northampton County, VA. branch of the NAACP, “for dedicated service, effort, and support for the many activities that foster unity and equality on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.” Alongside three other women whom she “admires very much”, Margaret was “immensely humbled and proud” to receive this honor.
In addition, Margaret recently received a Community School Partnership Award from Northampton County Public Schools in recognition of her ongoing work with The Nature Conservancy and the local school district.
When not working and contributing to her community, Margaret loves “to sit on a good back porch with friends, talking and laughing,” or “sitting alone by my fire pit, listening to music and poking at the coals for about four hours straight.” She is currently learning Spanish and enjoys volunteering to support community non-profits which are dear to her heart.
Margaret returns to Camp Nakanawa “every chance” she can get and remembers Centennial Weekend as a really “special visit.” She also shared, “while there are plenty of weird things about social media, being able to keep in touch with Camp friends is wonderful, even if we don’t all talk frequently. I love keeping up with my sisters online!”
We join you in that love of connection, Margaret and have loved getting to know you!
The greenest of green thumbs, patience and skill in building and repairs, and a contagious smile: put them all together and what have we got? Camp Nakanawa’s Bunk Hall, newly retired after 58 years with Camp. Job well done, sir, and retirement more than earned! You could say that Bunk got an early start at Nakanawa. As a teenager, he worked both in the kitchen and as a garden helper to Mitch’s friend and right hand “Eva B.” (Eva Boylston), who was dedicated to planting and maintaining Nakanawa’s colorful flower beds. Bright and early on the Saturday morning after Bunk graduated from Cumberland County High School, Carson Tays knocked on the Halls’ front door to tell Bunk he wanted him to come work at Camp. That very Monday, the 58 years began.
Bunk builds, repairs, harvests hay, grades the terrain, spreads gravel, and rescues the plumbing. Many are the trunk locks he has opened, fence rails he has replaced and electrical mysteries he has solved. The Camp community would not be what it is without his skill, reliability and willingness. The signature tables where we share meals and fellowship are Bunk- Crafted. A man of deep lifelong faith, Bunk is a longtime part of Camp Sundays as well. For decades, the spectacular dahlias, sunflowers and zinnias on the worship tables in both Junior and Senior Camps have come from his legendary garden. His wife Kathy maintains that watching and listening to “Miss Eva” as a boy nurtured Bunk’s understanding of gardening and, perhaps the land itself. From the welcome at the Library to our supper tables and the Big House, Bunk’s flowers, so generously shared, are a tribute to both his mentor and Nakanawa’s tradition of hospitality.
Bunk, whose given name is Bennie, is a part of the Plateau. The Hall family’s history in Mayland goes back as far as anyone can remember. The Halls are related to the Garretts, very early residents of the area who were friends and guides to Colonel Rice as he built Camp and explored the Cove as a hiking and overnight destination for campers. During the Nakanawa Centennial, volunteers found an old photograph of Bunk’s grandfather, Name? Garrett, and Colonel Rice resting on a large rock eating a lunch packed in a tin pail.
Resting? Bunk has earned more than a bit of that, and we hear that Kathy is enjoying having him at home. The Halls are avid and experienced travelers; here’s to many more interesting trips together. We hear, too, that sometimes Bunk’s truck drives itself over to Camp, just to check on the place. Thanks Bunk, for everything.
Leave your well wishes or memories below for Bunk.
War Canoe at Camp Nakanawa is a race of endurance, teamwork, and tradition. Every summer, paddlers take to Lake Aloaloa, guided by their cox’s steady calls. But one of the most iconic War Canoe traditions—painting a letter on the cox’s forehead—started with Shelly Duer, Senior Amazon Cox of TR 74.
Before her big race, Shelly painted a red “A” on her forehead, a bold symbol of Amazon pride and leadership. That moment sparked a tradition that is now essential—every War Canoe Amazon cox since has worn their team’s letter: A for Amazon.
War Canoe is more than just a race; it’s about precision, strength, and unity. Each stroke must be perfectly timed, every paddler fully committed. The cox leads with confidence, driving their team forward with every call.
Today, when a War Canoe cox stands at the bow, paint on their forehead and fire in their eyes, they carry on a legacy that started with one simple, powerful act.
Who was your War Canoe cox? Share your memories below!
Every summer at Camp Nakanawa is filled with memories that last a lifetime, and you can help set the stage for this year’s campers during our 2025 Service Weekend. From May 16–18, we invite you to join us for a weekend of camaraderie, light work, and meaningful contributions that will ensure camp is ready for the summer ahead.
What We Do
During Service Weekend, participants take part in a variety of tasks, including:
Creating Amazon and Valkyrie ties that will be cherished by campers during team events.
Planting flowerpots to welcome visitors and brighten campgrounds.
Wood-burning medals and counselor name tags, adding a handcrafted touch to camp traditions.
Other light tasks to keep Camp Nakanawa as beautiful and welcoming as ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or joining us for the first time, Service Weekend is a chance to give back and reconnect with the “Spirit of Nakanawa.”
It’s Not All Work!
There’s plenty of time to enjoy the camp’s natural beauty. Take a peaceful walk along Lake Aloaloa, unwind in your favorite quiet spot, or reminisce with friends about summers past. The balance of work and play makes this weekend a truly rewarding experience.
How to Join
Registration for Service Weekend 2025 is open! Be sure to mark May 16–18, 2025 on your calendar, and plan to join us for a weekend filled with purpose and fun. Together, we can ensure that this summer’s campers enjoy the unforgettable magic of Camp Nakanawa.
🎶 “Oh, the campfires are calling, calling to me…” 🎶
Our Nakanawa slideshow season was unprecedented! We are so encouraged by how many new campers will be joining us this summer and want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our incredible slideshow hostesses and city representatives who made this possible. Your dedication to sharing the Spirit of Nakanawa has been nothing short of inspiring.
Special thanks to our amazing city representatives: Kate Miller Short (Birmingham, AL), Catherine McPhilips Inge (Mobile, AL), Courtney Black (Little Rock, AR), Anne Peden Robertson Watts (Atlanta, GA), Vica Bourque (Decatur, GA), Katy Mallory (Decatur, GA), Neill Myers Caudill (Bowling Green, KY), Brittany Rampick Setton (New Orleans, LA), Anne Summerour (New Orleans, LA), Margaret McPhillips (Jackson, MS), Emily Richardson Blake (Oklahoma City, OK), Samantha Lunn (Chattanooga, TN), Blair Mayfield Rissing (Franklin, TN), Simonne Brown Wortham (Knoxville, TN), Katie Johnson (Nashville, TN), Ashley Thomas Smith (Nashville, TN), Marly Moate Page (Austin, TX), Julia Broadbent (Dallas, TX), Ashley Stewart Wilson (Dallas, TX), Megan Thompson Lovoi (Houston, TX), Allison Hayne (San Antonio, TX), Carol Kennedy McCormack (Alexandria, VA), Laura Layman Lazarevich (Northern Virginia, VA), Mary Baker Baker (Norfolk, VA), Rankin Sims Livingston (Columbia, SC), and Martha Layman McKechnie (Harrisonburg, VA).
Your efforts to host, support, and share the magic of Camp Nakanawa have helped us reach new campers and their families, ensuring the legacy of Nakanawa continues for generations to come.
🎶 “Happy are we at Nakanawa!” 🎶
As we reflect on this season of joy and connection, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who participated in making this slideshow season such a success.
Interested in hosting a future slideshow in your hometown? Email Blair at blairrissing@gmail.com to learn more about bringing the Nakanawa magic to your community!
On every level, Mary Miles Loveless is a generous and impactful communicator. She makes connections with her “great big Nakanawa smile,” her contagious laugh and her memorable stories. Mary’s narrative ability connected with readers, too, in her professional life as a journalist for both Ducks Unlimited and Memphis Magazine.
From Fifth Grader to Lifelong Friendships
As a fifth grader on the Memphis bus to Camp Nakanawa in 1965, Mary was surrounded by girls from home but found herself in a cabin far away from familiar faces. We know how this story turns out – with many new, lifelong friends. One of Camp’s gifts, she says, is the opportunity for small but significant successes such as expanding friendships, passing milestones in canoeing and overcoming a touch of homesickness.
Canoeing Milestones: A Family Tradition
Those canoeing milestones were no small matter. Mary and her daughters proved to be proficient with paddles as both campers and counselors. The Lovelesses have their own green, wooden Old Town canoe which survived the voyage to Omena, Michigan, atop foam pool noodles on the roof of an old Suburban. One chilly, windy Michigan afternoon on the lake, the Coast Guard patrol boat followed Mary canoeing in a headwind before a storm. “I see that J-stroke!” the officer called. He too had learned the J-stroke at summer camp.
Keeping the Fire Alive: Legendary TR ‘71 Reunions
The Loveless lake home serves as a connection, too, as headquarters for camp reunions. “TR ‘71 reunions,” Mary says, “are legend.” A close, dedicated Tent Row, 1971 has weathered storms together, supported Nakanawa and kept the fire embers warm with their legacy nieces, daughters and granddaughters. We look forward to welcoming Mary Miles Loveless and daughters Lucy, Kate and Mary to our fine boathouse in 2025 – 60 years after that first bus ride to Nakanawa!
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