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!
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!
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
I hope this finds you well and filled with the same warmth and enthusiasm that embodies the “Spirit of Nakanawa.” On behalf of the entire Nakanawa family, I’d like to take a moment to express my deep sorrow regarding the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on many members of our Camp community. I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through, but please know that my heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time.
Here in Crossville, I’m pleased to share some wonderful highlights with you from the past few months. Our recent Mother-Daughter Weekend was a resounding success, filled with laughter, bonding, and memorable experiences that truly embodied what Camp is all about. Close to 70 campers participated in new activities while making new friends, all led by enthusiastic counselors who joined us from TR 24 and 25.
Additionally, we’ve rented out our facilities to various organizations. The joy of sharing Camp with diverse groups amplifies our celebration of community. Looking ahead, we’re also excited about our ongoing counselor recruitment efforts and are committed to hiring individuals who embody the heart and soul of Nakanawa.
As we continue to build on this foundation of goodwill and friendship, I’m filled with gratitude for each of you who contribute to our Camp family. Together, we are ensuring that the spirit of Nakanawa remains alive and flourishing for generations to come.
