CategoriesAlumni, Camp News, Service Weekend, The Valkazon by

Service Weekend 2025

A Successful Service Weekend is in the Books!

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.

The 60s
The 70s
80s
The 90s
2000s
2010

Interested in joining us next year? Mark your calendar for May 15-17, 2026 – come on and join the fun!

tr77-reunion
CategoriesAlumni, Newsletters, Service Weekend, The Valkazon, Traditions by

TR 77 Reunion: Cherishing Tradition and Embracing Change at Camp Nakanawa

Straight from Heaven TR 77

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! 
  • Establishing camp as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the amazing women who have stepped up to steward it.
  • 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!

#CampNakanawa #NakanawaAlumnae #TR77 #CampReunion #NakanawaSpirit #GirlsCampLegacy #NakanawaTraditions #ServiceWeekend #BoldAndReady #SisterhoodForever