Nakanawa Unplugged
Our core Nakanawa values are based on friendship, nature and a strong sense of community. One of the many benefits of being a camper at Nakanawa is having an “unplugged” summer experience away from all of the social networks, cell phones, texts, instant messages, and internet access that have become such a stressful part of our young girls’ everyday lives.
Our unplugged fun includes skits, dance parties and events such as a talent show and hoe-down which would not be the same without music. Event music is provided by Camp, but the only approved personal music devices allowed are those with NO WIRELESS CAPABILITY.
Campers may NOT bring a device with wireless capability even if it can be disabled. Wireless devices that arrive at Camp will be put with other valuables in the safe and returned at the end of the session.
Device Details
Allowed Items
- Music Devices:
- iPod Shuffle
- iPod Nano
- iPod Classic
- Music Tube mp3 5G Style
- Music Tube mp3 6G Style
- CD Player/CDs
- Guitars, Ukuleles
- Fiddles
- Harmonicas, Flutes
- Books, paper or hardbound
- Craft Activities.
Items Not Allowed
- Phones
- Tablets
- Electronic readers
- Laptops
- DVD Players/DVDs
- Gaming Devices
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.
Special Note: Our counselors comply with this policy while in the cabin area as well.
Food Policy
Please do not bring food, candy, or gum to camp. Any items brought to camp will not be stored and will be discarded. Since the primary purpose of a summer camp is to conserve health, Nakanawa requests that campers receive no edibles of any kind while in attendance at camp. Fresh fruit and fruit juices are available daily in the dining area. There is also a milk break in junior camp and a fruit break in senior camp each morning. The camp diet is carefully planned and is nutritious in quality, varied, and appetizing. Counselors and campers who have attended Nakanawa in past years will bear testimony to the excellence of the meals served at camp.
Bunkie Gifts
A word about bunkie gifts: Camp is a gift in itself. Parents need not add this unnecessary expense to a summer at Nakanawa.
Anti-Bullying Policy
At Camp Nakanawa, bullying is NOT tolerated. Our philosophy, which dates back to our founding in 1920, is based upon the ideals of mutual respect, friendship, honor, and truth. At Nakanawa, we strive to ensure that all young women gain self-confidence, make new friends, and leave with cherished memories. Bullying, in all its forms, stands counter to Nakanawa’s fundamental goals.
We address all incidents of bullying quickly and seriously, and our counselor staff is trained to alert the Directors to any occurrence. Every person has the right to expect a positive experience at camp; by working together to identify and prevent bullying, we help ensure that for all campers, counselors and staff.
No Package Policy
Mail call is a highlight of the day; campers enjoy receiving mail from their family and friends. Over the past few years, summer camps have seen an overwhelming increase in the number of packages. Unfortunately, this has created a messy cabin environment, competition among campers and interference with the true purpose of camp. The influx of packages and their waste runs contrary to our environmental impact statement.
Thus only flat letters (No. 10 envelopes and smaller) may be received by campers. We open all thick and/or larger than letter size envelopes in accordance with our camp policy. Please spread the word to family and friends to avoid unnecessary shipping costs as packages will not be delivered until closing day. Camper packages may NOT be sent to counselors.
Over recent summers, many parents have been sending photos via the Postagram App. We gladly accept and deliver!
If your camper is having her birthday during camp, please mark any package “Hold for [Camper’s Name] Birthday” and drop it off at the office on Opening Day. Remember, do not include any food or candy!
Parental Visits
Parents and visitors are always welcome at Nakanawa. However, we request that visits be deferred until after the first week of both sessions. The best time to visit a camper is during rest hour from 1:30-3:30 pm CDT. Designated visiting spaces in each camp ensure that other campers and counselors can rest.
Parents of two-week campers are invited to join us for the buffet, musical, and awards presentation on the final Friday. Parents of our four-week campers are invited to join us for the Operetta, fine arts programs and awards ceremonies on the final Saturday. Please note that visitation policies are subject to change for health and saafety.
Refund Policy
*Deposit is partially refundable until March 1st.
*Refunds of Deposit are non refundable after March 1st.
*Tuition is non refundable after May 15th.
Prior to March 1st Full Tuition Refundable
March 2nd – April 1st – 75% of Tuition Refundable
April 2nd – May 1st – 50% of Tuition Refundable
May 2nd – May 15th – 25% of Tuition Refundable
*In order to plan properly for a successful summer, any withdrawal after May 15th will result in forfeit of tuition.
Camp Nakanawa Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Camp Nakanawa does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Our non-discrimination policy extends to all aspects of our operations including employment, policies, operations, staffing, admissions, fees, programs and summer camp activities.
Camp Nakanawa is committed to creating, maintaining, and nurturing an inclusive, respectful and collaborative summer camp environment for all campers, counselors and staff. We believe that such an environment is important to achieve our Mission of educating girls and young women through outdoor experiences to gain confidence and reach their full potential. Equally, our Vision to develop the potential of girls and young women in an environment where they discover their own excellence and develop lifelong friendships requires the same commitment. We seek to fulfill our Mission and Vision by cultivating character, confidence, courage, kindness, and leadership.