Nawakwa News January 2017

INSIDE WOMEN’S WEEKEND

What is Family Camp Nawakwa without children, significant others, and meals to prepare?

It becomes a place for restorative downtime! It offers the possibility of choosing between

taking a nap or engaging in an activity that awakens one’s creative spirit. It is having

precious time to finish a novel or to experience a group paddle on Big Crooked Lake; time

to simply sit on a pier and enjoy the warmth of the fall sun or to linger at a table, after a

catered meal (no dishes to wash), and share in the warm camaraderie of other women.

For the past four years, Family Camp Nawakwa has been transformed, for one fall

weekend, into the Women’s Weekend. It has drawn women of diverse ages--some familiar

with the beauty and magic of Camp Nawakwa, others enticed by the imagined possibilities

of a getaway to the northwoods during nature’s spectacle of color change. The Women’s

Weekend has become a gathering place for honoring special relationships—sisters, college

friends, mothers and daughters, Nawakwa friends—each carving out special time for one another, creating new memories

together and developing new connections with other women.

One highlight of the Women’s Weekend is an evening presentation by a local woman who is thought to be inspiring and whose

work has the potential for expanding an understanding of the culture and context of life in the northwoods. Past presenters

include: the editor of Memories of Lac du Flambeau Elders; a naturalist; and the adventure-author of Paddling to Winter. This

past fall, artist and weaver, Mary Burns, shared her most recent work, Ancestral Women Exhibit: Wisconsin’s 12 Tribes, which was

on display in Wausau during the Women’s Weekend. It was an honor for Camp Nawakwa to host Mary in describing this seminal

work as giving voice to “women leaders who have kept traditions, cultures, and languages alive. They are the glue in the fabric of

their communities.”

Inspired by the beauty and rhythm of nature, the intention of the Women’s Weekend is to provide a place and time for women to

pause and slow down, connect with the natural world and others, and to honor themselves. Plans are underway for the 5th

Women’s Weekend, September 28 – October 1, 2017. Come w ith a relative, friend or by yourself.

Imagine being in historic South Camp Lodge, warmed by a glowing fire, resting on a yoga mat; coaxed by the soothing voice of a

gentle yoga teacher, tensions begin to melt away with each breath. Or, imagine yourself returning home to all that awaits you,

relaxed, with a sense of renewal and filled with new memories of Camp Nawakwa. Make your plans now!

NEW SUMMER PROGRAMS

Believe it or not, the summer is going to be here soon!

The Camp Nawakwa staff are already planning what

classic camp programs will be returning and what new

programs will be beginning. Three programs that really

took off last summer that will be returning this summer

are trivia night, water coloring on the beach, and the

coveted triathlon board! Trivia Night was debuted

during Week 2 last year and was well attended every week of the summer! Another program that was a hit last summer was water

coloring on the beach. Claire Culton, one of the summer counselors, did a great job creating and implementing a successful

program that engaged campers in learning a new, low-stress skill. Last but not least, the triathlon board was a huge hit last

summer! We had so many teams competing each week to get their team name and time up on the new triathlon board. Start

training now and get ready to compete again to get your name up there!

A few of the new programs that are being developed for this coming summer include Predator Prey, tie dye pillowcases, and

orienteering! Predator Prey and orienteering were all created and debuted this fall at Homeschool Week, Women’s Weekend, and

Fall Harvest Family Camp. Predator Prey is a great, interactive game that simulates the ecosystem surrounding Camp Nawakwa.

Orienteering is a program that will keep your mind fresh and help you learn a new skill! Of course, it is important to remember

that at Nawakwa you can also just do whatever you want to do. Whether that be reading on a dock, canoeing, kayaking, or just

catching up on some R&R.

Family Camp Nawakwa | 13400 Camp Nawakwa Lane, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54548 | 715.588.7422 | nawakwa.com

Friends at Women’s Weekend

KEEP THOSE PADDLES COMING!

Camp Nawakwa depends on it’s donors to help it thrive and

continue to offer an outdoor family camp experience for all.

Without the help of Camp’s donors, there would be many cabin

and equipment repairs left undone, and financial assistance

opportunities for families would be more limited.

In 2016, a new Faith in Families recognition board was estab-

lished in South Camp Lodge (see pictures above). A new theme

was created that encompasses the beauty of the north woods.

All donors who give $140 or more will get their names laser

printed on a mini magnet paddle and there are several different

divisions of those paddles. Families or individuals, who donate

$1,000 or more, w ill have their names posted on a larger

paddle. Those who give $1,000 or more for 5

consecutive years w ill have their names posted on a

large wooden canoe and finally those families, who

donate $1,000 or more for 10 consecutive years, get their

names posted on a wooden silhouette of Big Crooked Lake.

There are currently 38 families donating $1,000 or more

annually and we hope those families continue to donate and

more campers will want to do the same. Regardless of the size

of your gift, the staff and board are grateful for any

commitment you can make!

The following donors gave a $1,000 or more in 2016: They are

also recognized in the YMCA Annual Report.

Big Crooked Paddlers: $1,000+

Large Paddle: $1,000+ for 1-4 consecutive years.

Anonymous Donor, Pat & Mark Levine, Jim Arendt & Laura

Lopez, Dan & Barb Mazur, Mike & Nancy Peske, Rick & Debbie

Bedell, James & Ardith Grover, Ray & Diane Maida, In Memory

or Phil & Reba Lichtenheld, Gary & Maureen Lichtenheld, Lance

and Martha Lambert, Bob & Linda Zoiss, Yvonne & Nikki Besyk,

In Memory of Jack Mathews, In Memory of Kris Lopez, Kirby &

Gail Petersen, Matt & Rose Lemke, Kirk & Cindy Musselman,

Rebecca Sampson & Tim Craig, Ken & Brenda Odom, In Loving

Memory of Duke Duquette, Jim Milne & Marlene Meyer, The

Franzen Family, In Memory of Connie and Chuck Lopez Sr.,

Superior Chimney: Eric Bereta & Matt Codak, Morton & Louise

Kier, David & Judy Wolf, John & Nancy Diekelmann, Larry &

Sharon Cohen, Christopher & Wendy Stippich, Ron & Sally

Johnson, Bruce & Lori Nixon.

Large Wooden Canoe: $1,000+ for 5-9 consecutive years.

Jim & Barb Kordick, Gregg & Susie Bach, William & Laurel

Bresnahan, Dave & Cindy Lichtenheld, Bob & Lisa Egan.

Large Big Crooked Lake: $1,000+ for 10 or more

consecutive years.

The Iberle Family, In Memory of Rick & Greta Lichtenheld.

Nawakwa News | January 2017 | nawakwa.com

2017 “FAITH IN FAMILIES” CAMPAIGN KICK’S OFF ON JANUARY 18: $80,000 GOAL!

Jim Kordick (Nawakwa Board Member) is once again leading

the charge to raise funds for the Annual Faith in Families

Campaign! Jim began his role in 2006 as the campaign chair

and has been doing it ever since. We can’t thank him enough

for his dedication to Camp Nawakwa! The 2017 goal is

$80,000 and over 40 volunteers will take time out of their

hectic lives to help support this wonderful family camp

experience. They will begin making calls in January and the

campaign will continue through March, so please say YES

when they contact you. As mentioned, we have created a

new recognition board with paddles, canoes, and lakes as the

theme. All families who donate $140 or more are recognized

with a mini paddle and all families who donate $1,000 or

more are recognized, with a large paddle, canoe, or lake as

described in this newsletter. Keep those donations coming!

We need your help and camp continues to blossom and serve

more families because of your generosity! This years

leadership team includes:

Campaign Chair:

Jim Kordick (11th year as Campaign Chair)

Board Gifts Co-Chair

Bill Bresnahan & Bob Egan

Big Crooked Paddlers Chairs:

($1,000 or more gifts)

Jim Grover & Gregg Bach

Community Gifts Captains:

Bill Gaul, Mark Duquette, Dan Lambert, Sandra Mathews

Mike Schiller & Mary Tessiatore

Program Division:

Abi Naffziger

New Canoes and

Big Crooked Lakes

Nawakwa News | January 2017 | nawakwa.com

DIRECTOR’S CORNER: WHY WAX THE FLOOR?

South Camp Lodge floor was completely stripped of wax and several new coats

were applied this fall. And boy does it look beautiful! Projects like these are not

the most glorious things to do at camp, but left undone the buildings and proper-

ties will begin to wither away. I love South Camp (S.C.) Lodge. It is my favorite

building in camp, because it is the most nostalgic facility we have. Although we

have modernized many of the other accessory buildings and cabins, S.C. Lodge

has been a building that the board and staff are trying to preserve in its original

state. The roof has been redone; a new wall was constructed and new tie rods

were added to strengthen that interior wall; new windows replaced the old with a

similar look; renovations to the staff living quarters were completed; the building has been painted once or twice; and the screen

porch has been repaired several times. Even though we have spent tens of thousands of dollars on the S.C. Lodge over the last

20+ years, there has been an intentional focus to preserve the look. So when we strip and re-wax the floors, the 40+ year floor

comes back to life.

Yeah, I know… some of you are thinking why is Kirby excited about a floor? It’s really not about the floor but preserving the

memories for the Nawakwa families, as well as the staff, who have experienced many special times together in that building.

Potluck dinners are a wonderful time for families to eat together and share both their memories of camp as well as their personal

family stories. There have been many memorable worship services in that building where beautiful songs were shared, spiritual

conversations were had, and tributes were shared about many lost loved ones who have passed on to a better place. Opening

Ceremonies is a time for silly songs and skits, as well as the traditional songs like “Nawakwa will Shine”, “Land of the Silver

Birches”, and “Taps”. And, of course, we can’t forget the Nawakwa Circle where families share their first and last names and how

many years they have attended camp. First year campers are welcomed with loud cheers and applause for joining the Nawakwa

family.

More and more memories are being made in that building every year and it does not just extend to summer only. There are now

several weddings a year and many special toasts are given about the bride and groom. There have been many Native American

presentations, wildlife presentations, work weekend announcements, corporate staff retreats, Women’s Weekend projects, home

school lessons, etc. that have all taken place in that lodge.

How many of you have shared a personal conversation around the fireplace? Read a book on the screened porch? Played a chess

game, or just come inside to listen to the rain? I could write a book on the special moments that are shared in that building.

Personally, it was the first place I lived when I began my Nawakwa life. All three of my chil-

dren, have grown up experiencing more potlucks, and Opening Ceremonies than they can

count. And they’re still attending. Gail even raised 9 bulldog puppies for 8-10 weeks in the

back bedroom, where we created a whelping box and she made sure the puppies were fed dur-

ing the wee hours of the night. Not to mention, I can remember the first year we were married

and we were swatting mosquitoes inside our bedroom. I finally gave up and killed them with

insect spray. I know what you’re thinking…yes I sprayed it inside against Gail’s wishes. That

was a bad year for bugs and those who vacation in June can attest to that. :)

South Camp Lodge will always hold a special place in my heart but more importantly Family

Camp Nawakwa is just a “special place”. Thank you to all who continue to support this camp

with donations, time, talents, and vacation time. Keep those memories coming and, when you

are longing to return, remember you can always come back any time of the year to your home

away from home!

Sincerely,

Kirby Petersen—Executive Director

NEW FOR FALL 2017: 55 PLUS WEEK October 9-14 Cost: $242/person

It is finally here! The first ever 55 Plus Week at Camp Nawakwa. This

week is unique because you can do your fill of Camp Nawakwa activi-

ties or choose to adventure off with your friends to attractions all

around the Northwoods. During the day you and your friends can ven-

ture out and go on a cranberry marsh tour or experience the North-

woods Art Tour. You can spend a day golfing or going to local antique

stores. If staying at camp during the day is more intriguing you could

finally get a bullseye in archery or go on a canoe trip! This will be a

unique event for all. It will be an experience that offers rest and re-

laxation along with great new Northwoods experiences!

Register today at nawakwa.com! Spread the word!

South Camp Lodge Newly Waxed

A Fall Day on Big Crooked Lake

Aaron, Lydia, and Maya in the early years.

Nawakwa News | January 2017 | nawakwa.com

Family Camp Nawakwa | 13400 Camp Nawakwa Lane, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54548 | 715.588.7422 | nawakwa.com

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ABI NAFFZIGER

Recently, I was having dinner with some campers who came up to camp during November.

They starting talking about how quiet and peaceful it is to come up to Nawakwa during the

fall, winter, and spring and how they feel as if they are the only ones in the giant North-

woods. Obviously, I feel very blessed to live at camp year round. For this first year, every

change of season has been exciting and new. Whether it be the leaves changing to the

colors of fire or snowflakes softly falling, everything has been so beautiful.

Camp has many seasons that I did not get to experience as a summer camp counselor.

When you work at camp for the summer, you do not really think about all the things that

need to happen in order for summer to be successful. Of course my big task is hiring and

recruiting quality staff but there is also the annual campaign to run, cabin repairs to make,

and registrations to process. Every day, I feel like I learn something new that happens in

the fall, winter, spring that is crucial to making summer happen.

The thing that makes me laugh the most about the process of growing into my position is

the amount of skills that you develop along the way. When you graduate from college, you

leave with a particular skill set. For me, it was teaching. Obviously there is a lot of overlap

between being the Program Director and being a teacher; however, there are a lot of skills

that are unique to Camp Nawakwa. I find myself discovering and developing so many new

skills and that is really exciting to me.

So, as I walk around in my snow boots and look at North Camp Beach, the pavilion or even

just sit on my couch in Tamarack, I can see the kids playing gaga ball and building

sandcastles. I cannot wait to watch camp come to life, and I cannot wait to see all of you

this summer. There is so much work to be done in order to prepare but being a part of your

family vacations is such an honor for all of us at camp. Here is to the best summer yet!

APPLY NOW FOR SUMMER 2017 STAFF POSISTIONS

Calling all future Camp Nawakwa Counselors! The hiring season for

summer 2017 is underway, and we are looking for some reliable,

camp-loving counselors. To thrive as a Nawakwa Counselor, you have

to be open to new experiences, love the outdoors (mosquitos included)

and be focused on serving our wonderful families! This year, we are

putting an emphasis on potential counselors completing their American

Red Cross lifeguard certification prior to being hired. If you or someone

you know would be interested in spending a summer at Camp

Nawakwa, please contact Abi Naffziger at anaffziger@ymcachicago.org

for more information.

WORK WEEKEND 2017 May 26-29 Call to let us know you want to help!

Did you know that Work Weekend has been a part of Camp Nawakwa’s

history for a long time? Before Camp Nawakwa was a year round camp,

it had to be reopened every May. Barry remembers finishing repairs

late at night the day before campers came one year! Some very

important projects that have been completed over Work Weekends in

the past include adding the beautiful decks to the Welcome Center,

moving the North Camp playground, installing boat racks, and moving

the bell tower! Every year, opening camp takes a lot of hands, and we

always appreciate all the help. Whether you are raking leaves or putting

the docks into the water, every job is vitally important to get camp

ready for summer. As the staff of Camp Nawakwa gets ready to gear up

for summer 2017, we are thankful for all the volunteers that help camp

in so many ways! Thank you volunteers!