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
