Lolla Page’s beautiful new poem from Tent Row ’66 is a love letter to Lake Aloaloa, Council Ring nights and the friendships that have held fast for sixty summers and more. As you read their words about threads unbroken and “The Spirit of Nakanawa,” let it nudge you to reach out to your own Tent Row and make sure you’re registered to come back, sing together and keep those TIES strong at this year’s reunion events.
Sixty summers circle back to one bright place in time— Tent Row ‘66, still standing in the echo of our rhyme.
Pensacola gathers us again, not just to reminisce, but to feel the threads unbroken in every laugh and kiss.
Sixty-five years of friendship— a lifetime, and then some— woven through Lake Aloaloa’s shores where we first became “we,” from “one.”
Amazon fierce, Valkyrie strong, we carried banners high, not just in games or victories, but in the way we tried.
Council Ring beneath the stars, hands joined, voices clear, where stories shaped our younger selves and still draw us back here.
“The Spirit of Nakanawa”— our anthem, bold and true— not just a song we used to sing, but a promise we still do.
Time has weathered, softened, changed, yet something holds us fast— a lake, a song, a circle wide, where present meets the past.
With 75 campers, 68 mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and friends, and 28 smiling staff, camp was alive with laughter and fun. Families enjoyed horseback riding, a lively Nature class featuring Toadally Awesome, the toad, Charlie the snake, and baby raccoons, plus camp songs, arts & crafts, and—of course—s’mores! The highlight was a spirited mother–daughter game of Double Trouble that had everyone cheering. New friendships were made, memories were shared, and the camp spirit shone brightly all weekend. Best of all, the weekend sparked 15 registrations for the 2026 camp season!
A big thank-you goes to Blair Mayfield Rissing, Ashley Thomas Smith, and Samantha Lunn for their wonderful planning and leadership. Special thanks to the campers and counselors who gave their time and energy to lead activities and groups—you made the weekend truly unforgettable! And a heartfelt thank-you to Chris and Nicole Deluzain Dezendorf TR ‘89 for cooking such delicious meals that kept everyone fueled and happy.
All attendees reported that they enjoyed MDW, and 100% would recommend MDW to others. Mothers’ comments included enjoying “spending time with my daughter and making new friends. Her favorite was the nature lessons.” Other highlights were “Canoeing and swimming, evening entertainment, time at the Crow’s Nest.” Our staff were just as positive: “This MDW went so smoothly, well paced and with genuine hospitality all around. Keep it just like this one!”
Mother Daughter Weekend 2025 was a great success! Every Senior cabin was in use, and the sunset cookout was picture-perfect. First-timers did not want to go home. Stay tuned next spring for registration details! Mother-Daughter Weekend returns September 18-20, 2026, inviting new and returning families to experience our special camp community.
I think this MDW went so smoothly, well paced and with genuine hospitality all around. Keep it just like this one!
All of us have at least one Nakanawa touchstone. For Elizabeth Lewis Sankovitch (TR 77), Camp provided her the opportunity to commune with and appreciate the nature around her. The lake, the woods, the sound of the frogs at night. “Connecting with nature has always provided me with a deep sense of peace.” Elizabeth “loved being at camp for 8 weeks each summer with my camp friends”. She enjoyed challenging herself in all activities and during her 6 years as a camper earned club in Soccer, Tennis, Posture, Archery, Glee Club, Fencing, Sailing (Skipper), Horseback Riding (Tally-Ho) and Canoeing (War Canoe). To say Elizabeth was a busy and committed camper is an understatement. Both of Elizabeth’s daughters, Laura Sankovitch King (TR 05) and Sarah Sankovitch (TR 10) were campers. Laura for 10 summers and Sarah for 11 summers. Elizabeth said, “Knowing my daughters were able to have the same wholesome opportunity I had to enjoy all that camp has to offer, and gain the Nakanawa spirit, made me so overjoyed.” After graduating from Smith College with a B.A. in Economics and Government and a minor in American Studies, Elizabeth continued her education and earned her MBA in Marketing from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She lives in Evansville, IN with her husband Jeff and 2 cats recused by Laura. But Camp Nakanawa was never far from her mind. “During COVID, our TR group started zoom visits. It was awesome to strike up our friendships again and revisit stories that made us laugh so hard the years melted away and we were silly 14-year-olds again”, said Elizabeth. She and several of her TR 77 friends attended Service Weekend in May of this year. “We all discussed how wonderful the Nature Hut programs have been for campers. We met with Margaret Hawkins Matens and asked how we could support this beloved activity to keep it alive for future campers.” One of the gifts we all receive from Nakanawa is reflection – of our times there as young girls; as mothers, aunts, grandmothers of current campers; and as alumnae with hearts open to continue to give back to this place we all hold dear. On her trip home in May, Elizabeth thought of ways to contribute to nature programs at camp. “Appreciating the natural world around us is critical to girls’ character development, mental health, and lifelong curiosity. To this day, I see Margaret’s influence in the lives of my daughters as they fearlessly pick up a snake, stop to watch an insect, rescue a critter or advocate for environmental preservation.” Elizabeth and her daughters joined together to make a generous donation to camp designating their gift for the purchase of an incubator for baby animals, as well as other Nature Hut supplies, programs, and building projects for both Junior and Senior camps. They believe the awe of flora and fauna fostered at Nakanawa helps campers grow in their love of nature and become champions of saving our precious planet. They gave the gift in honor of Margaret Hawkins Matens who left a positive imprint on each of their lives as a Senior riding counselor for Elizabeth and the Junior Nature Hut counselor for Laura and Sarah. We thank all three of you for your continued support of Nakanawa and wish Elizabeth well in her retirement as she and her husband Jeff fulfill their quest to visit every United States National Park. As she so passionately shared, “Nature = peace, peace, peace!”
1976 second year senior last day. Top Row: Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Fischer, Cynthia Yeager, Jane Beth Parker, Allison Horon; Bottom Row: Kathy Glover, Frances Robinson, Lisa Wolfe
Dressed up to go to The Cumberland Playhouse 1976 (Second Year Senior). Top Row: Mary Fischer, Elizabeth Lewis, Frances Robinson, Cynthia Yeager, Kathy Glover; Bottom Row: Jane Beth Parker, Allison Horan.
Service Weekend 2025. TR ’77. Top Row: Allison Horan, Pride Forney, Charlotte Cunningham, Frances Robinson; Bottom Row: Danna English, Elizabeth Lewis, Kathy Glover, Charlotte RobinsonElizabeth’s daughter, Laura, TR ’05.Elizabeth’s daughter, Laura, TR ’05.
May Musings: As we look forward to the Service Weekend 2025, many thoughts and plans begin to take shape.
They say April showers bring May flowers… but around here, May brings rakes, paintbrushes, pruners — and an enthusiastic band of volunteers. Service Weekend was a big success! A huge thanks to everyone who came out to help get camp looking sharp. We were especially thrilled to be joined by the reunion crew from TR ’77. Let’s just say: they still know their way around a broom and a good camp story.
Camp is getting itself in tip-top form for the arrival of our campers — and we’ve got more of them than last year! Enrollment is up 6%, which tells us one thing loud and clear: the great outdoors still beats great Wi-Fi. Time spent in nature, screen-free, is something families are truly valuing — and we’re thrilled to be part of that unplugged magic.
We’ve also begun welcoming our international staff, bringing a whole world of energy and new perspectives. Each day, more of our summer team arrives, and every new face makes it feel more real: camp is happening.
I can’t wait until it all comes together with the laughter of campers and counselors! Until then, here’s a chuckle for you:
What did the graham cracker say to the marshmallow at the campfire?
“You make me feel all warm and gooey inside!”
Until next month — keep your sunscreen handy and your bug spray closer.
Campfully yours,
Karen
Paige, Alden, and Emily on Crow’s Nest during sunset.
Almost 65 women – former campers, counselors, and “friends of camp” – came together for a weekend of work and fun to prepare Nakanawa for the upcoming summer sessions. Tent Rows from the 1960s-2010s were represented, creating a wonderful opportunity to make new friends across decades and deepen ties to our Nakanawa sisterhood. We painted, planted, weeded, wood burned and assembled awards and name tags, inspected cabins, and helped prepare and serve meals. A dip in the lake and sunset views over Lake Aloaloa were welcome rewards after a day of work. Thank you to each of our attendees whose service and love of camp made the weekend a success.
Interested in joining us next year?Mark your calendar for May 15-17, 2026 – come on and join the fun!
We are delighted to announce that registration is now open for our beloved Mother Daughter Weekend at Camp Nakanawa, happening September 12–14, 2025! This special event is the perfect way to introduce girls ages 5–11 to the magic of Camp, as they experience a fun-filled weekend alongside their mother, grandmother, or another cherished adult friend.
During this unforgettable weekend, you and your future camper will sleep in a cozy Camp cabin, tour our beautiful grounds, canoe on the lake, ride horses, roast s’mores, enjoy a hayride, learn Camp songs, and meet current campers and counselors. Whether you’re a Nakanawa alumna or a brand new friend, everyone is welcome to join us for this heartwarming tradition.
Dates: September 12–14, 2025 Where: 1084 Camp Nakanawa Road Register by: September 9, 2025
If you have any questions, please contact the office at (931) 277-3711 or campnak@campnakanawa.org. We can’t wait to welcome you to Camp for a weekend of laughter, adventure, and cherished memories!
TR ‘77 (Left to Right): Danna English, Charlotte Robinson, Allison Horan Wiltison , Charlotte Cunningham Burton, Frances Robinson Snipes, Elizabeth Lewis Sankovitch, Kathy Glover Carrington, Pride Forney
“Straight from Heaven TR 77” had a glorious reunion during Service Weekend. They gathered for their 48th anniversary this May as they look ahead to their 50th, which they will celebrate during July Reunion Weekend. This super-organized group has already secured the Garden Inn B&B for July 2027. Highlights for this group were a hike to the dam, walking to Junior on the trail, two beautiful sunsets, exploring all the facility improvements, and spending time in and cleaning the Library (their group service project). Continuing our May Weekend tradition, TR 77 dug through boxes of memorabilia to find remnants of their TR church. They put together a truly meaningful Sunday morning service on the theme of clouds. It was a “heavenly” parting gift for all those who attended Service Weekend. We can’t wait to see them receive gold Carson Crosses in two years.
Changed and Unchanged?
We asked TR 77 what impressed them most that was JUST THE SAME and what NEW CHANGES at camp they found exciting. Here are their replies:
UNCHANGED
At first glance, it looked the same as when I was a camper 55 years ago. In a world where “nothing stays the same,” it is such a blessing.
I love that the old dining room tables (that were built by Carson) are still in use.
The smell of the pine trees, the sound of our voices singing camp songs, the taste of Sunday coffee cake, the touch of hugs from true childhood friends, the peaceful lake. Years of the layers of my life instantly peel away when I am at Nakanawa.
I felt warmly welcomed and inspired by wonderful Nakanawa women.
It was (and still is) a place that inspires trying new things, pushing self to new limits, being creative and embracing deeper friendships. I love that Amazon and Valkyrie traditions remain and positive moral character traits are still taught/expected by all.
The connection between old friends remains unchanged. The experiences we shared at Nakanawa almost 50 years ago formed the bond eternal that still links us.
Camp itself! I love how the minute I drove in it felt so familiar, so comforting. It was a heart touch to be right back where it was when we were there, and yet it’s all in wonderful shape!
CHANGED
The thoughtful approach being taken by the board to ensure Nakanawa’s future for generations of girls yet to come is very exciting. The efforts being made to honor tradition while acknowledging Nakanawa must change to remain relevant will be transformative.
The new thing that blew me away were the waterfronts both in senior and junior camp. The new docks are beautifully done and improved.
The new Stargazing program (revived from the Col. Rice days) is an awesome addition!
The nearly 100 trees that have just been planted all over camp. They are not saplings, but 5 feet tall!
The improvements are stellar and desperately needed. I love the cover on the Riding Ring in Junior.
The improvements to the waterfront and around camp are more functional AND fit into the woodsy style of camp.
The new program I am excited about (Bold and Ready) emphasizes teaching the girls more nature/ camping/ outdoor living skills. Colonel Rice and Mitch would be so pleased!
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
Karen and Camp staff had the facilities looking top-notch.
The weather was pleasant and cool.
Event organizer and Recruitment Chair Blair Rissing was assisted by Samantha Lunn, who will be stepping into the role next year.
Mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends, and future campers enjoyed singing, riding horses, playing with Nature Hut critters, making lanterns, swimming and canoeing.
By the Numbers
134 attended, including 52 potential campers aged 7+ and a few under age 6
19 of those attendees are new to Nakanawa families
19 new campers applied within a few days of attending the weekend
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
Any campers that are experiencing any symptoms like fever, sore throat, nausea, please contact camp and delay your arrival to camp.
We request only one parent deliver their camper to camp.
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.
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.
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
All cabins and mattresses will be disinfected regularly.
Proper PPE supplies will be available at each Infirmary.
If someone has Covid-19 symptoms, we will immediately isolate and notify the parents. We have identified places suitable for isolation.
Hand sanitizer will be available in Main Buildings, Dining Halls, Infirmaries and various Activity locations.
Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
Temperature checks weekly or as needed throughout the session.
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
Vendor deliveries have no contact with the campers and counselors.
We have a No Package policy.
CLOSING DAY
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.
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.
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.
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!
Camp Nakanawa celebrated its 100th Anniversary on July 19th – July 21st. Over 750 alumni, friends and families traveled near and far to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Camp was filled with laughter, excitement, singing and much more. Hearing the sounds of former campers greeting each other after many years with hugs and tears was beautiful. There were many stories told by every generation of campers and counselors. All were able to revel in the natural beauty of Nakanawa, watch team events, canoe on the lake, participate in the Reunion Octet & Choir, attend Former Team Rock Meetings, The Amazon Serenade, Valkyrie Vespers and The Centennial Celebration Program. The Grand Prize, though, was the re connection with so many Nakanawa Friends, seeing all of the Nakanawa Traditions that are still going strong and making memories to last our whole life through. Thanks for all who came to celebrate with Nakanawa on her 100th Anniversary! Hope to see you all again soon!
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!
Guests will lodge in camp cabins, which are equipped with bunk beds and cubbies.
Bathroom facilities are located in “Egypt,” our bathhouse that’s close to all cabins.
Things to bring for Service Weekend and Mother Daughter Weekend:
Towels
Linens
Bedspread or sleeping bag
Pillow (Note: If you are flying and cannot bring bedding, we can provide you with a camp sleeping bag and pillow.)
Comfortable clothes
Bathing suit
Water shoes
Warm clothes (nights and mornings can get chilly…think layers!)
Rain gear
Jeans
Toiletries
Bug spray
Flashlight
Water bottle – We will fill our water bottles at one of the many water fountains located around camp.
A word about Egypt – Our bath house is called Egypt, because in the olden days of Nakanawa, it was considered “far, far away.” We suggest flip-flops or shower shoes, and perhaps a small “Egypt bucket” for you and your daughter(s) to share. In the bucket, you will have all the necessities: shampoo, soap, your toothbrush and toothpaste; anything needed for that far-off journey to Egypt!
Snacks – For Mother-Daughter weekend, we encourage Moms to bring along snacks. We will provide plenty of grab-and-go food, but you know best what your daughter enjoys. Feel free to bring a cooler.
Hi, I’m Goodwin Burgess, Tent Row 2007 (yeaahh ‘07!!), and I was a counselor in the two-week session during my TR summer and during both sessions last summer. (That’s me on the right, with Rebecca Darling.)
I had dreamed of being a counselor ever since my early years at camp. In 5th grade, Elise Landau and I actually made plans to teach arts and crafts together someday. That didn’t work out. Having been a camper, I thought it was a little weird to be a counselor. It’s an odd transition, especially from your TR summer. It’s also very different depending on what camp you’re in; I have been a counselor in both Junior and Senior, so I’ll talk about both.
If Camp Nakanawa were an ice cream cone (just go with it), Junior would be the ice cream, and Senior would be the cone. Junior Camp is just this amazing, messy whirlwind of laughing and screaming and silliness and juicy cups while Senior has a more serious side but with plenty of giggles thrown in. I, personally, found it easier to know my place as a counselor in Junior than in Senior. You are almost like a surrogate mother in Junior while you’re this combination of friend and authority in Senior. Also, you already have relationships with the campers in Senior. I’m not going to lie, it took me a while to feel normal again. How do you act around the girls you willed stuff to, as a counselor? From watching older camper-counselors and just over the four weeks, I realized that it’s okay to still have those special friendships and “I Spy My Tie” is a game that’s just going to happen. But, you have to remember why you’re there. You are a counselor, and camp is now your job. You have responsibilities to your own bunkies, to the other counselors, to Karen and to Ann and Pepe. It’s a lot of work.Imagine you’re working on AWR, VSP and Banquet all at once for two, four or six weeks…it’s kind of like that.
But what I particularly enjoyed about being a counselor (other than the hot tub and bowling alley in the CB) was that I formed this whole new type of relationship to camp. Yeah, it takes a little adjusting, but being a counselor is amazing. You feel like you’ve really contributed to camp and like you’ve bonded with the other counselors and with your fellow ex-campers in this whole new awesome way. And I would not trade reading The Princess Bride aloud with my bunkies, bailing canoes or late night CB dance parties for anything (well, maybe the bailing canoes one). Anyway, moral of the story, camp remains paradise on earth even when you’re done being a camper. The only difference is your role in that paradise.
I hope this has been helpful. Returning TR girls, you will also be asked to watch this 20 minute video. It will address some of the issues you might confront. Please plan the time to watch it before you come to camp.
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