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

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!