CAMP NAWAKWA STANDS TALL. An effort joined by so many has culminated in the officially purchase of Camp Nawakwa, ensuring its continued existence and programming. (Photos via Facebook)

Camp Nawakwa is officially owned by Our Nawakwa Inc., as of Jan. 9, guaranteeing the beloved camp’s continued operations on the outskirts of Chippewa County.

After two decades under the Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes, the Girl Scout council – which serves 10,000 girls in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – surprised many when it announced in October 2022 that it would be putting the 75-acre property up for sale.

Luckily, about one month later Our Nawakwa Inc. was established and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status last March. The group formed with the intention of preserving the legacy of Camp Nawakwa and its property’s natural surroundings, as well as continuing its status as home to the Girl Scouts and opening to any local organization focused on developing spiritual and physical growth of youths.

Camp Nawakwa map (made by Scribbles Cmede)

Nicole Verdon always felt Camp Nawakwa was her “home away from home,” a recent media release noted. So much so that she stepped in to offer her time and talent to Our Nawakwa. “Much of my childhood was spent at Camp Nawakwa,” Verdon said. “Those summers of singing around the campfire, swimming in the lake with sisters, learning canoeing, and making friends from all backgrounds, have truly sustained me throughout my lifetime.”

Our Nawakwa Inc., charged with running day-to-day camp operations, will begin hosting campers again this spring, as the camp has since 1936 when Boy Scouts opened it. The camp features recreational opportunities like swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking in its 22-acre wild lake, as well as more indoor and outdoor programming. The National Ice Age Trail runs along the edge of the camp and the 34,000-acre Chippewa County Forest abuts the property as well.

“We are thrilled that a dedicated cadre of volunteers and donors have stepped in to build a foundation so that future generations of campers will be able to enjoy the natural beauty and long-term friendships that are a part of camp life,” says Sherry Jasper, Our Nawakwa Inc. board president and former camp staff member and volunteer.

To reach its mission, Our Nawakwa needs site volunteers to help clean, paint, repair buildings, and work on the land. Volunteer Camp Hosts are also needed to stay at the camp, acting as a point of contact for renters. They are also in search of those with skills in grant writing, marketing and communications, nonprofit business management, IT, event coordination, finance, and more.

According to a recent media release, a capital campaign is set to be formally announced in the coming months.

The nonprofit is exploring partnerships with dozens of organizations, existing support from Girl Scout Troops, 4-H, Boys and Girls Club, Chippewa County Human Services, and area schools including McDonnell, Chippewa Falls, Altoona, and Anthony Acres.

According to a recent media release, a capital campaign is set to be formally announced in the coming months.

Learn more about Our Nawakwa, how your youth group can utilize the camp, volunteer and donation details, and more at OurNawakwa.org. Reach out via email at OurNawakwa@gmail.com. Keep up with the nonprofit on Facebook and other social media.