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Camp Dictionary "If they could understand what Rock Meetings are, if they could appreciate
a wish on a star..." |
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A Allowance-
each week, campers are allowed to
take out $10 a week for necessary items from the Commissary B 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
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 C
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. |
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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
L Little Theater-
a cute little building near the infirmary. Skits and plays are
performed here
Minnies-
the fierce rivals of the Koochies. Minnies are fish; their
color is yellow. Nakanawanian-
right and just. An act is "Nakanawanian" if it embraces the spirit
and essence of camp living |
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 |
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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 Serenade-
a special night where, instead of
the usual "taps," the Amazon team and walks around camp with lighted
candles, singing sweet lullaby songs 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. |
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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 Valks-
short for Valkyries; most
commonly used in the phrase, "GO VALKS!" 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. |
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! |
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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.
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. |