The Valkyries also
abide by their team traditions as well, wearing blue as their color.
Although the two teams compete against each other in numerous challenges
throughout the summer, a strong sense of comradery and a close bond are
formed between members of each team.
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What it's Like
The
bell rings at 7am. Time to get up! Put on those blues and whites,
wash your face, then head to the Wiggie for flag raising. Then it's
time for some breakfast!
After stuffing yourself with eggs and bacon, it's time for cabin
clean up. You'll have about 45 minutes to straighten up the cabin
and get it lookin all spiffy for Inspection.
Around 8:30, another bell will ring. It's time to go to your first
class. During a typical day at Nakanawa, campers are required to
participate in 7 classes, ranging from horseback riding, canoeing,
swimming soccer, tennis, archery, and much more. The days are packed
full of endless activities with something new for every camper.
After the first 3 morning classes, it's time for Apple Break. Go to
the Commissary for some yogurt, an apple, or a cold juicy cup. Then
go to one other class.
All that hiking, running, ping-pong, or scaling the climbing wall
really works up an apetite, so come noon, it's time for lunch,
followed by a much-needed Rest Hour. |
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Crash on your bunk, write a letter to Mom, or listen to some tunes on your
CD player. Then it's time for Free Swim. You can grab an apple at the
Commissary, cool off in the lake, or work on a goal you are trying to
accomplish. Then it's back to the afternoon classes for more fun and games.
The end of the day is usually topped off with some form of "Evening
Entertainment," with games such as "Capture the Glowstick" or
"Human Bingo." When "lights out" finally rolls around, my muscles begin to
relax as I lay down on my bed, and my eyelids slam shut, welcoming the
opportunity to rest after such a long day of having fun.
I love Nakanawa for
many reasons.
The summer showers and beautiful sunsets across the lack are permanent
images engraved into my mind. I love the sound of the birds when waking up
to the bell each morning, and I even love the honks of the Canadian geese
at 5am (although I wanted to shoot them a couple of times).
I remember the delicious around of brownies and chicken patties drifting
from the Dining Hall, the taste of "Saturday Night Dinner," and the fresh
small of clean clothes back from laundry. I can still hear soft giggling and
gossiping in the cabins after Taps have sounded and the lights are off.
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I love sweating in the middle of the day and then jumping into the lake to
cool off. I love laying out on the docks during Rest hour while reading a
magazine, writing letters, or floating on a raft with friends. I love
overnight campouts, making s'mores, fireworks on the Fourth of July, wienie
roasts and cookouts. I love taking a walk to the dam or sitting on the
Crow's Nest, thanking God I have the opportunity to be in such a marvelous
place. The thrill and enjoyment of camp life is untouchable and can be
compared to nothing else.
The main reason I return to Camp Nakanawa is simply for the amazing friends.
If only I could find the right words to describe these special and
incredible girls. Friends at camp are nothing like friends back home. I love
every one I have met. I can talk freely about anything, spill out
embarrassing stories, share secrets, tell dumb jokes, act crazy, and confide
wholly in them.
Most importantly, when I'm around my camp friends, I can be
myself. There is no pressure to impress or compete with on another for
looks, clothes, achievements, etc. We are all the same.
We do not try to be
someone we are not; we all love and accept each other for who we really are,
which is a true sign of friendship. Those girls are always willing to reach
out, ready to provide comfort, encouragement, and love.
One of the main
reasons I believe that my friends at camp are so special is because of
the limited time we have together once a year. We are not able to see
each other very often; therefore out time spent together is cherished.
Throughout the year, we all keep in touch through e-mails, letters, and
phone calls. Hearing the voices of my dear camp friends lifts my spirits
and makes my day. Although I miss those girls so much during the year,
it's their everlasting love and smiles that keep me going and renew my
faith that we will someday meet again. |
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Concealed
from the crazy world outside, living at camp has opened my eyes to
simple, everyday pleasures.
So what, so we
might be "roughin' it" for a bit. So we might be living with the bare necessities. But that's what camp is all about:
having fun while learning to live without the pleasures of modern civilization.
While at camp, the simple pleasures are revealed anywhere from having an ice
cream treat on Sunday to a mini candy bar once during the week; from getting
a sip of Coke of
the 4th of July to receiving a piece of mail. Winning a medal, being
recognized for good attitudes and good deeds, and most importantly,
being surrounded by happiness found everywhere around you are the
small things ar Nakanawa that make one find large rewards in small
accomplishment.
Whenever I return home after camp, the first
thing I always say is, "Omigosh! It feels so nice to have air
conditioning!" I notice all the things that the world takes for
granted: hot showers, comfort of home, electricity, and a working
toilet, among several other things.
There is a mild shock associated with returning home into the 'real
world' after living under such simple terms for a month. The affects
of camp usually take about 2 weeks to wear off. During this time, I
usually find myself wearing flip-flops to the shower, eating 3
square meals a day, and taking naps at approximately 2:00 each afternoon.
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During the short 5 weeks at Nakanawa, my perspective of life is changed. The
meaning of life becomes more obvious as I forget what is going on in the
outside world, focusing only on what is before me. I see things from a
different point of view. I learn to appreciate each and every little thing
around me. I learn to take each day as it comes, making the most of any
given opportunity, for I know that someday I will not be able to return to
such a beloved place. Nakanawa has made an imprint on my heart. It taught me
a great deal of selflessness, care, motivation, perseverance, and love.
Sometimes I lay awake on my bed, looking at the ceiling, and laugh out loud
to myself as I remember all the awesome times at camp. I thank God for such
a blessing. Although my time at camp is up and I'm too old to return as a
camper, I am proud to say that I have been part of such a special place.
I am glad to be a true Nakanawa girl.
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