CategoriesCamp News by

2022 Camp Dates & Info

Two-Week Session

June 12-June 25, 2022

Junior 8-11 years (Completed Grades 2-5)
Intermediate 11-14 years (Completed Grades 6-8)

Two-Week Session Cost

$2,200  Total Tuition
$400 Registration Fee to be included with the application

About Two-Week Camp Session

Our two-week program is an excellent introduction to camping at Nakanawa. The two-week session is for ages 8 to 14. The girls participate in activities, draw to become an Amazon or Valkyrie, have team meetings, special events, and activity meets. For the camper who has never been to Nakanawa before or away from home for any length of time, this is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and independence in a caring and active atmosphere.

Four-Week Session

June 27-July 24, 2022

Junior 8-12 years (Completed Grades 2-6)
Intermediate 13-14 years (Completed Grades 7-8)
Senior 15-17 years (Completed Grades 9-11)

Four-Week Session Cost

$3,950  Total Tuition
$450 Registration Fee to be included with the application

About Four-Week Camp Session

Our four-week program is an excellent continuation to camping at Nakanawa. The four-week session is for ages 8 to 17. The girls participate in activities, draw to become an Amazon or Valkyrie, have team meetings, special events, and activity meets. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and independence in a caring and active atmosphere.

Daily Camp Schedule

7:00 AM

Wakeup

7:25 AM

Flag Raising

7:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM

1st Bell

8:35 AM-12:40 PM

Tennis, Swimming, Canoeing, Diving, Games, Riding, Glee Club, Arts & Crafts, Drama, Riflery, Dance, Sailing, Archery, Soccer, Softball, Fencing, Nature, Climbing Wall, Tumbling, Handbells, Table Tennis, Running, Golf, War Canoe, Outdoor Adventure

10:45 AM

Milk Break/Apple Break

1:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM

Rest Hour

3:00 PM-4:00 PM

Free Swim

4:00 PM-5:30 PM

Activity Classes Continued

5:30 PM-6:25 PM

Clean Up for Supper/Free Time

6:25 PM

Flag Lowering

6:30 PM

Supper

7:35 PM

Evening Entertainment Such as Amazon and Valkyrie Team Meetings, Sunday Evening Vespers, Council Ring, Skits and Games

9:00 PM

Taps: Junior Camp

9:30 PM

Taps: Intermediate & Senior Camp

CategoriesCamp News by

Meet Karen Hale

Meet Karen Hale New Director of Camp Nakanawa!

Dear Nakanawa Family and Friends,

We are delighted to announce that Karen Rathgeber Hale (TR 80) has agreed to serve as the next Director of Camp Nakanawa. Karen’s long tenure as Head Counselor and deep connection to camp, combined with her business experience, make her an ideal choice. The next years will be ones of transition and change as we retire and camp segues to a non-profit. It is incredibly reassuring to us to know that Karen will be the person to guide camp through these coming summers. She will officially begin her transition to directorship in the fall of 2021, and plans to make camp her permanent residence. 

Karen first came to Junior Camp from Houston in 1974. During her Tent Row summer, she was elected Captain and then selected as Lady of the Cup, an award presented to her by “Mitch.” A graduate of Texas A & M, she returned to Senior Camp as a cabin counselor intermittently from 1982 to 1999, and led many activities including Softball, Climbing Wall, Horseback Riding and Sailing. Since 2000 Karen has served as Head Counselor in either Junior or Senior Camp, making her one of the longest tenured head counselors since “Wally” Hall. During this time she has led both Two-Week and Four-Week sessions. She has provided continuous, strong leadership in Senior now for 14 summers, helping guide us through challenges that include dealing with technology, enrollment, staff, and COVID-19.   

Karen, with her late husband Chris, operated a successful business in Salado, Texas, for over twenty years. Karen also served as property manager of their own 17-acre property and her family’s 500-acre ranch. She has worked on numerous boards and was a civic leader in her community. Her background in marketing, graphic design, social media and photography are yet another asset. She has acquired an intimate working knowledge of every aspect of camp operations, from the location of fuse boxes to the recipe for frozen fruit salad. She knows the history of Nakanawa from A to Z, understands the lineage of our four-generation camp families, and has been a key part of TIES and our great alumni volunteers. A section on leadership in the Centennial History reads: “Karen, valued for her upbeat personality, always takes time to listen. She works to ensure camaraderie between the Junior and Senior staffs. An avid outdoorsman, she encourages a love of nature and adventure. Karen brings a sense of fun and playfulness to Senior Camp to counteract the pressures that fill the lives of today’s teenagers. She values the transformative nature of camp and the role Nakanawa plays in shaping the characters of young women.”

After working so closely with Karen for over 40 years, we know that she will provide that rare combination of warmth, humility and strength. She inspires us and those she leads with her caring attitude, wise counsel and sensitivity to the needs of others. Her dedication to the values of camp and her generous and giving personality shine brightly to all. Rest assured that Karen is committed to the continuation of “Nakanawa being Nakanawa.”  

We would like to send a special “Thank You” to the Search Committee led by Donya Boylston Rose, Shelly Duer Landau and Margaret Hawkins Matens, with Holly Ivey, Kelsie Costello Wagner, Barbara Keith Brown Payne, and Lizzie Mills Murthy, all Nakanawa alumnae. The committee spent countless hours reviewing applications to help find the person who would lead Nakanawa into its second century. We are grateful for the professionalism and inclusiveness of the search process and the high standards that were set. We were awed by the number and strength of the applicants, especially given the short time frame of the search. The common thread among those who applied was their abiding love for this camp and the desire to see Nakanawa transition successfully to new leadership and governance. It is indeed a testament to the impact Nakanawa has had on so many lives that such an impressive group of women were willing to consider undertaking the unique challenges and way of life that come with being camp director.

Nakanawa’s 102nd summer was a wonderful, memorable one. We feel blessed that we were able to complete our sessions safely. We look forward to starting work on our new camp home and to keeping in touch with all of you who have been a beloved part of Nakanawa and of our lives. One of the benefits of Karen Hale’s many years at camp is her multitude of lifelong camp friends. We know that many of you who have come to know and love Karen will be celebrating with us as you receive this news. We trust that Karen will be able to count on the same outpouring of support that we have received over the last four decades.  If you would like to contact Karen, her email address is: karen.campnak@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Ann and Pepe Perron
Directors

CategoriesEvents by

Caroline Harris – Life as a Counselor

Caroline Harris - Life as a Counselor!

As a camper at Camp Nakanawa for nine years, I knew that Nakanawa was a very special place. However, it wasn’t until I was a counselor that I believe I witnessed just how special a place it truly is! Counselors at Nakanawa are uplifting, kind, welcoming, and vibrant. This team of incredible women work hard to provide the best experiences for their campers! I believe that counselors at Nakanawa have just as much fun as the campers (if not more:)) I have made friendships through my years a counselor that I know will last a lifetime.
 
Our head counselors are supportive, energetic, and loving! They lead in a way that inspires counselors to be the best they can be! New counselors are welcomed with open arms and immediately join the Nakanawa family.
 
I encourage anyone considering joining the Nakanawa family this summer to join! I have only fond memories of my time at Nakanawa, and I am so thankful for my time as a counselor. There is truly no place like Camp Nakanawa! Memories made at Nakanawa last your whole life!
 
Caroline Harris
TR ‘16
CategoriesEvents by

Margaret Leatherbury – We Wear Many Hats

Margaret Leatherbury - We Wear Many Hats!

Hi Everyone! 

My name is Margaret Leatherbury and I’ve been attending Nakanawa since 2005. I was born and raised in Mobile, AL but have been living in New Orleans, LA since I graduated from The University of Alabama in December 2018. I was a camper for 9 years and have been a counselor for 4 years, soon to be 5 years. I am excited to be spending time at Nakanawa for my 14th year this summer! There is nothing better than spending a summer unplugged and living in the moment. Time at Nakanawa is something that I’ve always valued both as a camper and a counselor. The bubble that Nakanawa creates allows young women to take a step back from the “real” world that has stereotypes and social norms and to truly be themselves. This is one of the many reasons that I have continued to be drawn back to the Cumberland Plateau.

Nakanawa has instilled values in me that I don’t know if I would have gotten if I hadn’t gone to sleep away camp. I was taught to be a leader, how to be a part of a team, how to enjoy the quietness of the world around me, and to slow down. Slowing down is something that I’ve found challenging while at home to this day. Since my time at Nakanawa has been limited to 2, 4, or 6 weeks, I’ve learned to appreciate every conversation, swim meet, devotion, and every laugh. When working throughout the school year as a teacher I feel like I am rushing to get things done or go places. At Nakanawa it is quite the opposite. While there is a schedule of things to do and places to be, you are more easily able to enjoy conversations or activities going on around you. There aren’t the distractions of Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or any technology to hold you back from enjoying the spirit of Nakanawa. As a counselor, our job is to provide a positive example for the campers. I suggest unplugging yourself from your phone or computer in the CB and spending time in your cabin with your bunkies, taking walks around camp, and getting to know other counselors. These are things that you will come to value as the years go on. 

Being a mentor and positive figure to the campers is one reason I was so interested in coming back as a counselor after my Tent Row summer. Camp would not happen without the work that the counselors put into everything that they are doing. We wear many hats including the older sister or mom, the hype squad, the friend, the teacher, the mediator, and many more. Yes, some nights may be hard staying up to get mama letters submitted or planning the 4th of July marathon but the outcome of the product in the end is worth seeing the overjoyed smiles of the campers. As a counselor we are looked to to help guide the girls in their weeks at camp. In order to do so I’ve found that slowing down to be in the moment is the best way to aid the campers in making this one of their best summers yet. My years as a camper were filled with amazing counselors that I look up to to this day and that have inspired me to give back to hopefully be the same mentor that I once had. 

If you ever have questions or see me walking around Senior Camp this summer, please do not hesitate to reach out! I love talking about my experience at Nakanawa and meeting new people. I can’t wait to see y’all this summer! 

 

WoHeLo,

Margaret Leatherbury

CategoriesEvents by

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

CAMP NAKANAWA
2021 Covid-19 Protocol
May 26, 2021

Camp Nakanawa will make every effort to create an environment that will ensure the health and safety of the children you have entrusted to us.  The Covid-19 Pandemic has affected all our lives.  The published Protocol for Camp Nakanawa has been developed with the guidelines from the Cumberland County Tennessee Health Department, the Center for Disease Control and American Camping Association.   If future changes in Protocols and Guidelines are issued, they will be posted on our Website: www.campnakanawa.com. 

OPENING DAY

  1.  Temperatures will be taken for campers and parents/guardian, with touch-less thermometers. This includes a Health Screening and a questionnaire about any symptoms and persons you have been in contact with that have possibly been exposed to the virus. 
  1.  Campers, please quarantine at home for 7 to 10 days prior to arrival at camp. Campers MUST arrive with the negative results of a Covid-19 Test having been taken 3 to 5 days prior to arrival at camp.  Or, if available, have your daughter vaccinated for Covid-19 prior to attending camp. Please bring vaccination card with you.
  1. Any campers that are experiencing any symptoms like fever, sore throat, nausea, please contact camp and delay your arrival to camp.
  1. We request only one parent deliver their camper to camp.
  1. Campers are required to wear masks on Opening Day and at other times to be determined. Please have your camper bring 5 to 10 washable masks with her to camp. 
  1. Parents and Campers please check in at Welcome Gazebo in Junior or Senior Camp. All campers and their luggage will be delivered to their cabins by camp personnel from the Senior Camp Wigwam Area and the Junior Camp Parking Lot.  We encourage you to ship your daughter’s luggage to camp via FEDEX or UPS one week prior to the opening of camp.   The luggage will be delivered directly to her cabin.
  1. All Medical Forms should be completed, signed by the parent and the doctor, and submitted to camp before Opening Day by mail, email or FAX.

DURING THE CAMP SEASON

  1. All cabins and mattresses will be disinfected regularly.
  1. Proper PPE supplies will be available at each Infirmary.
  1. If someone has Covid-19 symptoms, we will immediately isolate and notify the parents. We have identified places suitable for isolation.
  1. Hand sanitizer will be available in Main Buildings, Dining Halls, Infirmaries and various Activity locations.
  1. Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
  1. Temperature checks weekly or as needed throughout the session.
  1. We are striving for a Covid-19 Free environment. Requests for campers to leave camp for special events and then return, will not be allowed.  Late Arrivals to camp and Early Departures from camp would be allowed.  No visitors are allowed throughout the camp session.  

DELIVERIES

  1. Vendor deliveries have no contact with the campers and counselors.
  2. We have a No Package policy.

CLOSING DAY

  1. One parent should pick up their camper. Campers and their Luggage should be picked up in the Senior Camp Wigwam Area and the Junior Camp Parking Lot.   We offer the opportunity to ship your daughter’s luggage home via FEDEX only. 
  1. We plan to video the Two Week Junior, Intermediate Musicals and Four Week Junior Operetta. We will video other events throughout the camp season.   We will post all videos on our Website.
  1. Following present day protocols, Camp Nakanawa will have our traditional closing day ceremonies in all sessions just for the campers and counselors, without parents and visitors. The ceremonies will be videoed and posted on our Website.

This protocol is subject to change according to guidelines published by the State of Tennessee Health Department and Center for Disease Control in May/June/July 2021. 

We appreciate your loyalty and trust in Camp Nakanawa.  We will do everything possible to make this a safe and fulfilling summer.  Thank for your continued support. 

Ann and Pepe

CategoriesEvents by

Something or Someone I Love about Nakanawa

Someone or Something I Love about Nakanawa!

The McCormack Sisters entered a contest for a gift certificate from “Everything Summer Camp.”  Their stories are wonderful tributes to Camp Nakanawa and the people who make it so special.  We would love to hear from all of you about someone or something that is special to you about Camp Nakanawa.  Contact us to submit your story via email and we will add it to this page!

Susan McCormack’s operetta story and love for Ms. Tiny!
Read More
Anne’s love for Wyeth and riding!
Read More
Cecilia’s love for Lucy Blake and shout outs to Sara and Sarah!
Read More
CategoriesEvents by

Nakanawa is Unplugged!

Nakanawa is Unplugged!

Dear 2021 Nakanawa Parent,

One of the many benefits of being a camper at Camp Nakanawa is having an “unplugged” summer experience away from all of the social networks, cell phones, texts, instant messages and internet access that has become such a part of our young girls’ everyday lives.

We are delighted to see that there are many other great camps across the nation that have made the decision to go “unplugged” as well. Nakanawa has never allowed campers to bring laptops, iPads, cell phones, electronic readers or any device that has wireless capability to camp. We do, however, realize the value of having appropriate music balanced with the simple and “back to basic” atmosphere that Nakanawa has always offered.

We want our campers to have reasonable access to music at camp by allowing them to bring personal music devices. However, we want to make sure that our “no wireless devices” policy is clear. We certainly do not want your daughter to be disappointed if she arrives at camp with an unapproved device for listening to music. We have skits, dances and events (like the prom or the talent show), which would not be the same without music.

The only approved music listening devices are those that have NO WIRELESS CAPABILITY. Your daughter may NOT bring a device that has wireless capability even if it can be disabled. The devices may NOT have that capability at all. If a camper arrives at camp with a wireless device, she will not be permitted to use it at camp. It will be put with the valuables in the safe and returned to her as she leaves camp.

Some examples of music listening devices that do not have wireless capabilities and are approved to bring are: iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Classic, Music Tube mp3 5G Style, Music Tube mp3 6G Style. The campers may also bring cd’s and a cd listening device as long as the device does not have wireless capabilities.

Additionally, please note that we do not allow electronic readers (such as Nooks, Kindles, or iPads), we do not allow any type of DVD players, gaming devices or videos of any type to be brought or viewed at camp. Campers may bring the approved devices for listening to music only. (We are emphasizing no Electronic Readers; as all of them are now wireless as far as we know. Please plan to bring good-old-fashioned paperback books for your camper’s rest hour reading.)

Additionally, please remember that camp is not able to accommodate regular charging of these approved devices. If you want to bring a docking station, be sure to bring one that runs on batteries.

Our goal is always to encourage a community atmosphere. Ultimately, we would like to ask our campers to take their earbuds out and interact with each other. Our core Nakanawa values are based on friendships, nature, and a strong sense of community.

So please make sure your daughter is bringing a music listening device that complies with our ” no wireless capability” policy. Of course, it is not necessary to bring one at all. We have plenty of music around camp for everyone. Additionally, we’d love for you to suggest that the girls bring their guitars, fiddles, harmonicas, paperback books, and craft activities.

Just a note ….. Our counselors comply with this policy while in the cabin area as well. See you soon!

Ann and Pepe

CategoriesCamp News by

Pre-Camp Counselor Check-List

WELCOME 2021 COUNSELORS!

Please complete every item on your Counselor Checklist prior to arriving at Camp Nakanawa. We look forward to a wonderful summer together!

REGISTER AND COMPLETE THESE ITEMS:

  1. SELECT YOUR COMMITTEES AND ACTIVITIES
  2. EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM
  3. ELIGIBILITY FORM AND TAX FORM
  4. MEDICAL FORM 2021 – MUST BE SIGNED BY A DOCTOR
  5. PLEASE READ YOUR 2021-COUNSELOR-TRAINING-MANUAL

THE MANUAL COVERS A LOT OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION PLEASE BE SURE TO MAKE TIME TO READ THIS BEFORE PRE-CAMP 🙂

Pre-Order your 2021 Staff T-Shirt (Optional!)
Every counselor will receive one free white staff shirt upon arrival at Camp Nakanawa. This is a different t-shirt – designed by our counselors – that is available for you to purchase. Again, this is not mandatory, just a fun option you may want to think about. The shirts will be shipped to camp and given to you there. THANK YOU MARGARET MATENS for the wonderful artwork that you created! Please place order by June 7th.

Click Here to Order a Short Sleeve Staff T-Shirt

Click Here to Order a Long Sleeve Staff T-Shirt

*READ EACH OF THE FOLLOWING TUTORIALS:

  1. Meet Ann Perron
  2. Pepe says hello!
  3. Meet Annette Hall
  4. Meet Karen Barlow Parrish
  5. Meet Your Head Counselors
  6. A brief history of Camp Nakanawa
  7. How to be a great role model
  8. Child development and Camp
  9. Counselors as teachers
  10. Our Focus is the campers
  11. Devotions and bonding with your cabin
  12. Cabin life tips
  13. Homesickness
  14. What to expect as a brand new counselor
  15. Transitioning from Camper to counselor: please watch this 20 minute video prior to camp!
  16. Rest Hour Etiquette
  17. Extras that you may want to bring to camp…
  18. Social Media & Going Unplugged
  19. The new “reality” for girls
  20. Taking care of YOU!

AND NOW, A FEW MORE COUNSELORS HAVE SOME ADVICE TO SHARE…GET TO KNOW THEM ALL!

Margaret Leatherbury – We wear many hats
Caroline Harris – Life as a Counselor
Mop’s 30 Plus Summers
Casey’s Life of Adventure
Tiny tells about Nakanawa legacies
Val is ever returning