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!

CategoriesCamp News, Counselor by

Two 2024 Counselor Staff Members

The 2024 camper enrollment is not the only thing around Nakanawa that is setting records, counselor applications are at an all time high! We could not wait to start tell you about member of the 2024 counselor staff that you can expect to see at camp next summer.

Mary is excited to be back at camp after taking a summer off after her TR year in 2022.  Mary has lots of Camp Nakanawa experience as a camper, and is looking forward to working with all her old friends and meeting new campers and counselors this year.  Mary is a talented tennis player, and wants to share her talent and passion for tennis with others.  When she is not at Camp, Mary attends Vanderbilt University where she is studying psychology.  One of her favorite memories at Camp was planning the TR dance with the 2022 TR Mamas.  She stated that it was great to see the counselors jump in to dance and that they made the whole summer smooth and fun.

Lake joined the Nakanawa counselor staff in 2023, and was an instant hit with campers and counselors.  She comes from Covington, Louisiana where she studies at LSU and is earning her degree in Architecture.  Lake fell in love with Nakanawa, the campers and counselors, the encouraging environment, and the fun traditions.  Lake is very excited to return to Nakanawa for another summer, and teach swimming and be on the waterfront again. Lake’s positive energy, willingness to help in any area, and enthusiasm for campers and their success makes her a Camp Counselor favorite and successful team player.

Don’t just take it from us, see there testimonies on why they are enthusiastic to be apart of Camp Nakanawa’s Counselor staff!

Mary Meacham

“I am so excited to be back at camp with all my old friends and meeting new people this year! I’m ready to be outside and unplugged for the summer. One of my favorite memories at camp was planning the TR dance with our 2022 TR Mamas. They jumped in to dance with us (it was the best solo I’ve ever seen!) and made the whole summer smooth and fun.”

Lake LeNormand

“My name is Lake LeNormand and I’m from Covington, Louisiana.  I fell in love with Camp Nakanawa last year and I’m so excited to come back for my second summer!  The people, encouraging environment, and the fun traditions are my favorite things about Camp! I love all the water related activities so you can definitely find me down by the waterfront. I can’t wait to make many more memories this summer!”

CategoriesAlumni, Camp News, Uncategorized by

Introducing The Camp Nakanawa Collection by Satchel

The Camp Nakanawa Collection by Satchel

You can tell a Nakanawa girl by charm, style — and now, you’ll be able to tell with brand new leather goods and accessories! Camp Nakanawa is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Satchel, a renowned handbag brand founded in 2006 by designer and Camp alumna Elizabeth Seeger (TR 2000). 

Based in Savannah, GA, Satchel features a wide variety of custom bags and leather goods, ranging from totes and clutches to crossbody bags and wallets. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted with an attention to detail that reflects the passion, dedication, and artistry of the team that creates them. Learn more about Elizabeth (a three-time Arts & Crafts medalist!) and her Satchel crew here.

The beauty of these products is even more unique with The Camp Nakanawa Collection – created exclusively for our community. Best of all, Satchel has generously pledged to donate 20% of all sales back to Camp!

Here’s what to do:

  • Select your style. Choose from a range of leather products in Amazon Red or Valkyrie Blue. Or, if you’re looking for something more neutral and natural, select from Sycamore Tan, Meadowview Green, or Medal Winner Metallic Platinum. Whether you’re drawn to a spacious tote, an elegant clutch, or a practical crossbody, acquiring a Satchel bag means owning a piece of art that tells a story – about you, and about the heart of Nakanawa.
  • Place your order by November 17 to guarantee production and holiday delivery time. When you make a purchase, you’re not only acquiring a beautiful, handcrafted item made in Savannah, Georgia, but also contributing to Camp Nakanawa’s mission.
  • Spread the word about this new way to support Camp Nakanawa on social media! Share a photo of your custom #CampNakSatchel accessories and tag @SatchelSavannah on Instagram, Facebook, and We can’t wait to see these exclusive Camp Nakanawa pieces out and about!

This partnership helps us connect with our Camp Nakanawa community. and enables us to continue providing unforgettable experiences for generations of campers to come.

We are deeply grateful for Elizabeth’s dedication and the generous support from Satchel.

CategoriesAlumni, Camp News, Uncategorized by

All hail and Farewell to Lyn Brantley

All hail and Farewell to Lyn Brantley

I am very pleased to pass the gavel to Wyeth Outlan Burgess (TR 75) who will serve as the 2024 President of the Board of Directors of Camp Nakanawa. It has truly been an honor to devote time and effort to Nakanawa as the Board President. The title was, after all, a significant upgrade to my Nakanawa resume which included Path Sweeper, Marshmallow Stick Finder, Council Ring Brave, Assistant to the Wild Woman, and Head of Evening Entertainment.

But seriously. I invite you to take a look at the 2021-2024 Nakanawa Strategic Plan (available on the website under Giving/Support Camp Nakanawa) to see what we’ve been doing.  In a very short time, we have made great strides forward, already accomplishing many of our goals and we are well on track to complete the others.

Our success is only possible through the dedication and hard work of many. Thanks to Ann and Pepe whose magnificent gift of the camp grounds and facilities with the vision to ensure that our camp has another hundred years of history, launched us on the non-profit path. Thank you to Karen Hale for coming onboard as the Executive Director and adding to her already thorough camp knowledge. Stop and look at page 173 of your Nakanawa History book to see a photograph of Karen Hale in 1980 with two future Nakanawa board members, all wearing red and yes, I am on her left.

Thank you to everyone in the office and on the year-round staff for being on the front lines. You are critical to meeting the many daily challenges. Nakanawa’s Board of Directors is filled with strong, smart, and experienced leaders who will carry us forward. Thank you to Wyeth Outlan Burgess, Sally Tubb Welch, Ginny Bass Carl, Georgia Graham Mattern, Pamela Griffiths Pabian, Mary Shearer Baker, Amanda Forgason Dempsey, and Jeff Blake. Thank you to the Committees of the Board for, literally, a thousand hours of your time, enthusiasm, and energy. Finally, a thank you to each camper, counselor, and person who has given time, thoughts, effort and financial support to Nakanawa. Please continue to attend great events like service weekend, reunion, or mother daughter weekend 

If you’ve been away from camp for a while, it’s time to come back. What you remember – working hard in activities, rooting for your team, and laughing endlessly with your friends – is still here. Come and listen to the teams cheering, or the gravel around the cabins crunching, or the bell ringing, or the door to Egypt slamming. Come and walk on the big beautiful new Junior Camp docks or sit on the Senior Crow’s Nest for a perfect Camp Nakanawa sunset. There is nothing else like it, anywhere.

Best, Lyn Brantley

TR’81

CategoriesAlumni, Camp News, Newsletters by

Alumnae Spotlight – Megan Grinder

Alumnae Spotlight - Megan Grinder

Interviewer: Rachael Groves

Name:  Megan Wellford Grinder

How many years & which years were you a camper? 
I was a camper for 7 summers 1984-1990.

Valk or Zon?
Valk!

How many years & which years were you a counselor? Which activity did you teach?
I was a 2 week counselor in 1991 and a 6 week counselor in 1992 and 1993 and taught riding.

What’s your day job?
I’m an artist.

What’s something you’re proud of (personal or professional)?
I’m most proud of raising two decent humans with whom I enjoy spending time.

Is there someone at camp who influenced you or made an impact on your life?
So many, but Jan Harper stands out.  I was a dining hall aide almost every summer, and she was in charge of the dining hall.  Jan had high expectations of us but never had to do more than raise an eyebrow to inspire us to meet them.  She was also our TR Mama. 

Any advice for younger campers/counselors (personal or professional)?Keep in touch with your camp friends as years go by.  Friendships formed at camp are so special.

What’s something that’s not on your resume?
Oh Lord! What is? I haven’t updated my resume in years!

Did you ever pull any pranks? 
I think we were always planning pranks – not sure how many we actually pulled off, though.  We short-sheeted counselors’ beds, started barnyards, etc.  As a counselor, I painted a mural in the hayloft of the barn and, with several others, attempted to “steal” the canoes of a group that was on an overnight to Carson’s Point in ’88.  I’m sure there were others.

Favorite camp memory:
So many, but the simple ones stand out:
-Dance parties in cabin 13 with counselor, Stephanie Robinson
-Hanging in the hammock behind Ann and Pepe’s with friends
-Walks to the gate or dam
-Sunset in the field with Katie Hansen Heckel

Favorite camp meal:
Taco lunch and Saturday supper.  Oh my goodness, I love frozen fruit salad!

Favorite camp song:
So hard to narrow down – I love them all!  But, if I had to choose, I’d say the rival songs – both Amazon and Valkyrie.  I loved singing “We never knew we could love any rivals…,” and I loved hearing “Hail dear old Valkyries…”  Such a great way to end healthy competition.

Memorable devotion:
One year a counselor taped a piece of paper to each of our backs, and we all wrote something we liked about each bunkie on the paper taped to their backs.  At the end, everyone had a sheet full of love and kindness to treasure.

Favorite camp activity/special event:
I really loved a good Evening Entertainment game – Human Bingo was a favorite!

Did you ever break any camp rules?
Certainly not any big ones!
I definitely talked after taps…

Dream job:
If not what I’m doing right now maybe landscape architect or forest ranger.