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Camp Dictionary

"If they could understand what Rock Meetings are, if they could appreciate a wish on a star..."
 


To new campers and counselors alike, the many traditions and terms used at Camp Nakanawa are often very confusing. Don't worry, here is everything you need to know. Below is a list of words and phrases you might want to familiarize yourself with before heading off to Crossville.    

Amazons prepare for the War Canoe race
    Amazons prepare for the War Canoe Race

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z


Terms to Know

A

Age Groups- in senior camp, there are actually two different camps, senior and intermediate, but almost all classes and activities are done as a group. For meets (soccer games, swim meets, etc.,) intermediate and senior compete separately. The age groups are divided as follows:

1st Year Intermediates -
entering 8th grade
2nd Year Intermediates -
entering 9th grade
1st Year Seniors -
entering 10th grade
2nd Year Seniors-
entering 11th grade
Tent Row (TR) -
the oldest girls at camp, entering 12th grade

Allowance-  each week, campers are allowed to take out $10 a week for necessary items from the Commissary

Amazons-  the "Red Team;" according to tradition, the Amazons, led by Persephone, defeated Hercules in battle. They often travel in twos, wearing a maroon sash across their right shoulder. Their strength rests on land...

American Archer-
the highest rank in archery; a camper receives this award after shooting a score of 180 points from the 50 yard line

Awards Banquet-
the final night of camp, during which individual and team awards are given to outstanding campers in each activity

B

Barnyard-
a favorite of those who just don’t wanna go to sleep just yet. A cabin will yell, “Moo-Moo Cabin 2!!” Cabin 2 will then send a message like, “Cluck-Cluck Cabin 8.” Cabin will then send a “Hee-Haw Cabin 5” and so on and so forth.

Bell- rings to wake up campers, signals beginning and end of class, alerts campers of important activities, etc. Keeps camp on schedule

Bell Witch- the legendary "spook" of camp. According to legend, the Bell Witch is a dead counselor who tolls the Bell in the middle of the night, then haunts the camp by running through all the cabin, screaming at the top of her lungs

Big House- a big green house where owners/managers Ann and Pepe Perron reside. If your cabin wins inspection for the summer, get ready to feast there on Pizza, Coke, and Ice cream -- a camper's dream!

Blade-
the highest rank of canoeing skill; once a camper passes all of her Lines and Landings, she may attempt to learn new strokes and go out on the lake by herself

Blinks- a lighting system used at night to warn campers how much time is left before all electricity is turned off. One blink means "go brush your teeth and wash your face." Two blinks means "make way back to your cabin." Three blinks means "be in your cabin for devotions." Lights out means "on your bunk!"

Blues & Whites- a nickname for the required uniform; blue shorts and white shirts

Braves- the two lucky campers who are chosen to assist Chief Hagawana every Thursday night at Council Ring

C

Carson's Point-
a spot across Lake Aloaloa, located near the Dam. An ideal place for overnights, complete with a bonfire, marshmallows, and ghost stories

Canoe Trip- a 3-day vacation for Tent Row girls on a beautiful lake. Camp out, swim, canoe, and play in the rain (as it usually rains on the 2nd day of the trip).

Cave Trip-
an overnight "schplunking" adventure for all 2nd Year Seniors. Travel a few hours away to Cumberland Caverns and crawl your way through a dark cave full of wonder and surprise. Then, have fun roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories all night long!

C.B.-
“Carson’s Bunk,” named after Robert Carson, a man of prestige and kindness as he helped camp become the beautiful place it is today. The C.B. is the counselor meeting place; business is conducted and activities are organized, along with the occasional vegging out after the campers have turned in for the night.  According to legend, there is a bowling lane and swimming pool underneath the C.B. Only when one becomes a counselor can one know the truth…

Challenges- a series of fun games and competitions played each week at Council Ring. These include the Crab Walk, Orange Pass, Ice Cream eating contest, Mummy Wrap, and more.

Chief Hagawana- the legendary Chief of the Nakanawa Indian tribe. He is the symbol of all that is right and just at camp. A TR girl is chosen to be Chief Hag for the summer and preside over every Council Ring.
 

Circus- a special event the Senior Campers showcase for Junior Camp. Each camper has a role, be it from clown to monkey, elephant to opera singer. Free ice cream and coke for all!

Commissary- Nakanawa's Wal-Mart. Low prices, everyday! Get all your toiletries and snack items here. 

Council House-
the meeting spot in Junior Camp, complete with a fireplace, stage, chairs, and piano.

Council Ring-
every Thursday, the entire camp ventures out into a hidden place in the woods for a small ceremony of recognitions and promotion. Counselors read out the names of those girls who have excelled in a certain activity. Posture awards are among the highest of recognition. Inspection winners for the week are also announced.
Things go bananas at the Circus!

Crow's Nest-
a large concrete structure with steps facing the lake. The Crow's Nest is the ideal place for all cookouts, Glee Club meetings, observing any happenings on the lake, conversations with friends, hanging out, or watching a sunset

Cumberland County- Nakanawa is located in the heart of Cumberland County, TN, a county with the most golf courses in the nation.
 

D

Dam- a small green hill lining Lake Aloaloa. Events such as the Amazon Wienie Roast and group overnights are held here. 

Devotions- the nightly cabin "downtime." Campers and counselors reflect on the day's events and what tomorrow may bring. You can also have a spa night or boyfriend bash. Anything goes.

Dining Hall- "Rub-a-dub-dub. Thanks for the grub." Ah, the Dining Hall. Time to chow down.

Distinctions- points awarded to either the Amazon or Valkyrie team after a competition.  Points are awarded in 5 or 10 increments, or split in the case of a tie.

D.M.- Dishonorable Mention, usually given to a cabin who has failed inspection. The consequences are harsh: the losing cabin must clean Egypt on Free Day.

Drill-
a War Canoe competition in which the Amaons and Valkyries perform a series of synchronized paddle movements and turns. The crew is judged on line strokes, how well the canoe is turned, and overall form of the team. Tryouts for crew are required.
 

E
Egypt-
the bath house. You can expect lots of showers, sinks, toilets, and general bath stuff. Always wear flip-flops in the shower and don't forget to throw all personal items away!

Egypt Queens- three studios, brave counselors committed their entire to service. They mop, sweep, scrub, and whatever else it takes to ensure your health and safety throughout your stay at Nakanawa. If you happen to see a Queen, give her some love: it's hard work.

Senior bath house called "Egypt"

Evening Entertainment-
 after a hard day's work, it's time for girls to have fun. Also known as EE, these are nightly events provided by the counselor staff. Try your hand at Human Bingo, Kangaroo Court, Counselor Tell the Truth, and Capture the Glowstick, just to name a few.

F

Felt Letter- every camper works throughout the summer to earn her felt letter, a small piece of cloth distributed to the campers during the last week of camp. Felts are seen as team awards, and as such are important to the team members. The letter is very important, as it symbolizes each and every girl's obedience and respect toward the camp rules and regulations.

Floating Dock- a floating barge in the middle of Lake Aloaloa, dedicated to camp in memory of Louise Boetler, a former camper.

Free Day-
forget those blues and whites. Forget classes! Every Wednesday is time to relax and do whatever you want. Take a hike to Junior Camp, write some letters to friends, etc. The day is yours!

Former- s
hort for "Former Rock Meeting." Any and all former campers returning to camp for a visit may attend their rock meeting. The meetings are conducted in a normal fashion.

G

Gong-
used by Jan (Senior Camp) or Mop (Junior Camp) to bring order to the Dining Hall before and after a meal. Respect for the Gong is a must.
H

Hiawassee River-
all intermediate campers take a day trip to the Hiawassee River; not as intense as the Ocoee, but great white-water rafting practice for the beginner

Human Bingo- have any stupid human tricks to show or out-of-this-world stories to tell?  Show camp what you can do in this all-time favorite Evening Entertainment game.

I

Ice Cream Social-
have a yummy Mayfield ice cream sandwich on the back porch of Ann and Pepe's house. Savor every bite: you won't get many during the summer.

Infirmary- got a booboo? Visit Marlene the Nurse and she'll fix you up nice!

Inspection-
cleanliness at camp is a must!! Don't be a slob. Pick up your cabin and you might win inspection for the week. Winners receive S'mores at the end of Council Ring. Winners for the year get ice cream, coke, and pizza at Ann and Pepe's. A real treat!

J

Jan-
the head counselor of Senior Camp; also known as the "TR Mama." Jan is a wonderful woman with an immense love for Nakanawa. Don't be scared of her, she won't bite.

Joint- no, we don't do drugs here at camp. Joint is short for 'Joint Rock Meeting', a rock meeting held on the last official night of camp. Amazon and Valkyrie teams alternate every summer meeting together on their rocks. During this time, songs are sung, prayers are said, and the Silver Letter Girls are announced. See Silver Letter Girl

K

Kiosk- most Evening Entertainment events are held here each night

Knockers-
these aren't what you're thinking. The Knockers were counselors who, on their day off, came back to camp at night and freaked out their campers. They snuck behind the cabins and threw large rocks and logs at the cabin, wreaking havoc throughout all of camp. The police were called and patrolled camp, but could find no trace of the mysterious intruders. Finally, the two counselors were caught and expelled from camp.

Koochies- like the Amazons and Valkyries, the counselors also have their own teams. The Koochies are the frogs, their color of course being green. See also Minnies.
 

Kiosk

L

Lady of the Bracelet-
the most outstanding 6th grade camper in Junior Camp

Lady of the Cup-
the most outstanding Third Year Senior (Tent Row) camper

Lady of the Necklace-
the most outstanding 2nd Year Intermediate

Leon-
the best head cook in all of Cumberland County! Leon has been serving Nakanawa delicious food for over 40 years.

Library-
few camps have a Library like Nakanawa's. Find a good book to read, or browse through old camp catalogs and pictures Play the piano if you want. It's a great place to chill in your free time.

Lines and Landings-
a canoeing technique all campers must master. Girls must guide the canoe in a straight line toward the dock, then land the canoe parallel to the dock.

Little Theater- a cute little building near the infirmary. Skits and plays are performed here

Lou- the grandmother of camp. Lou Lloveras, the head archery instructor, has been at camp for a looooong time. Summer 2003 marked her 50th year at Nakanawa. She eventually becomes your grandmother away from home. A real sweet thang.

Little Egypt- the men's bathroom, located below the Dining Hall.

M

Mail House-
you've got mail! Pick up your letters, postcards, and packages here.

Marathon
- an afternoon-long celebration on the 4th of July. The entire camp participates in a series of games and competition, whether it is the singing pyramid or the mummy wrap. The day ends with swimming, watermelon fights, marshmallows, burgers, and of course sparklers

Medal Meet- a series of individual competitions in which the triumphant victor receives a sterling silver medal on Trophy Night; Runners-Up receive a wooden medallion.

Minnies- the fierce rivals of the Koochies. Minnies are fish; their color is yellow.

Mop-
the head counselor of Junior Camp.

N

Nakanawa-
"land of 1000 acres"

Nakanawanian- right and just. An act is "Nakanawanian" if it embraces the spirit and essence of camp living

Nature Hut-
the Nakanawa "zoo," full of little furry, slimy, or scaly creatures. Located in Junior Camp

North Pole- a cool name for the local water fountain

o

Ocoee River-
the 1st Year Seniors take an all-day trip to the Ocoee River to face some extreme rapids and checkout lots of hot tour guides. Be prepared: bring sunscreen and sandals.

Octet- the 8 most beautiful voices of camp; Octet's beautiful harmony can be heard at all of camp's special occasions

Overnight- grab your sleeping bags and flashlights. Every age group has one night out in the woods, under the stars complete with hamburgers, marshmallows, and plenty of ghost stories!
 

P

Patrol-
2 or 3 counselors that make frequent walks around camp after TAPS to shush any loud cabins.  Patrol’s biggest duty is to end any and all barnyards. If you have any problems throughout the night, a counselor “on patrol” will be on the Egypt porch to help you.

Pavilion-
a place you may never venture to; often serves as a "rainy day" location for some activities

Posture Bird- the legendary winged bird of Nakanawa that soars the skies, closely eyeing those campers who sit straight and stand tall. If the Posture Bird notices your exceptional skill, a recognition at Council Ring is highly possible

Counselor bonding at Carson's Point

Prom- 
grab a partner and head for the Kiosk! It's time for the annual Camp Nakanawa Prom. You will see such couples as Barbie and Ken, Peas and Carrots, Dog and Tree, Bert and Ernie, or Superman and Lois Lane, just to name a few.

Q

Queen's Row- 
a small row of cabins next to the tennis courts. Counselors who do not have bunkies (usually the older counselors in camp), stay in these cabins. The Queens live in their own private pad, complete with electricity and all the joys of modern living.

R
Race- an intense, heart-pounding competition in which both Amazon and Valkyrie teams fly across the waters of Lake Aloaloa, racing towards the finish. 

Real World- life outside of camp, where electricity flows and boys roam free

Rock Meetings- Amazon and Valkyrie teams each have a special place in the woods where secret meetings are held every week.  At these meetings on the "Rock," the two teams discuss business, emphasize teamwork, unity and positive attitude, and pep the team up for the next competition.

S

Saturday Night Dinner-
almost every camper's favorite meal; roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, frozen fruit salad, and squishy rolls.

Serenade- a special night where, instead of the usual "taps," the Amazon team and walks around camp with lighted candles, singing sweet lullaby songs

Silver Letter Girl-
each year, a small sterling letter "A" or "V" is given to a group of select Amazons and Valkyries who have demonstrated the true spirit of a Nakanawa girl. Also know as "Sterling Girls," these campers are shining examples of the ideal camper.

Shark- a prestigious award given to those campers who swim 50 miles throughout the summer

Slide Show- grab your teddy bear and sleeping bag, then pile up with your friends in the Kiosk for a night of memories. The entire camp watches a slide show, created by group of counselors, looking for pictures of themselves from "back in the day" as a younger camper

Squishy Rolls- every camper's favorite treat! These fresh, buttery rolls, are always hot out of the oven and toasted to perfection, thanks to the amazing, talented cooking staff. Put a squishy roll or two on your plate and the daily meal is an instant winner.


T
Taps-
The last song of the night, sung around camp by campers, counselors, or an entire cabin of girls. After this song is heard, all cabins must be quiet and be on their beds.

Tent Row- the oldest campers in camp; the "seniors" of Nakanawa, usually 17 years old. As the oldest, TR serves as the leaders of camp, taking on responsibility and setting the example for younger campers. However, Tent Row Girls receive many privileges. They live in tiny cabins without the supervision of a counselor, can leave during Rest Hour, cut in line in all activities, lead songs, and aide class activities.
Lauren, me, and Sarah Munro wearing our Amazon ties

Tie-
a sash indicating whether a girl is Amazon (red) or Valkyrie (blue). A camper's tie is very valuable and must by shown respect for all times. NEVER leave your tie on the floor, and ALWAYS tuck your shirt in when you wear it.

Trophy Night-
the closing ceremony of camp, also a very emotional night. On this night, counselors say goodbye, Tent Row in honored for their leadership and fun, and awards are given. The announcement of the winning teams, follow by the awarding of the medals for outstanding performance in various activities.

U

V

Valkazon Point-
located across from Junior Camp, this is where the Valkyries host their Valkyrie Surprise Party for the Amazons; also where the Zip Line ends

Valks- short for Valkyries; most commonly used in the phrase, "GO VALKS!"

Varsity-  Softball and Soccer competitions taken VERY SERIOUSLY. Teams receive distinctions not only for their overall performance, but also for team spirit, sportsmanship, and most importantly, POSTURE.

Vespers- reflection each Sunday afternoon. All of camp gathers on the Crow's Nest for songs, meditation, prayer, and comradery with a special focus on the importance of camp.

W

War Canoe-
a 10-person canoe, led by a Coxswain ("cox"). Campers may compete in either Race or Drill War Canoe.

Waterfront- the dock area; only waterfront staff are permitted on the docks at anytime. Only Tent Row girls are allowed on the docks during Rest Hour.
 

Wigwam- an octagon-shaped building that has withstood the test of time. Otherwise known as "the  Wiggie," this marvelous edifice, originally built in 1929, has earned a spot on Tennessee's National Register of Historic Places. All camp meetings, church services, and ceremonies are held here. It's a fun place to chill, but as one of the oldest buildings in the state, please don't jump. The wood is sensitive! Oh yeah, and I watch out for the bats.

Wienie Roast - hosted by the Amazons, this is a traditional themed party complete with a warrior dance, entertainment and a tradiational meal of beans, cole slaw, and of course hot dogs. Ice cream for dessert!
The "Wiggie"

Willing Ceremony- an emotional afternoon in which Tent Row girls "will" (give away) their most cherished Nakanawa possessions to younger campers.

Whale- a presitgious award given to those campers who perform and perfect a certain number of complicated dives.

White House-
love to ride horses? Visit the White House, a small open building near the barn, and wait to mount your favorite stallion.

X

Y

Z

Zipline- Wheeee! Feel like Superman for a few seconds. Fly across the lake from Senior Camp to Valkazon Point. It's a pure adrenaline rush.

Zons- short for "Amazons," most commonly used in the phrase, "GO ZONS!"
 

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