Camp Nawakwa moves onward in new chapter of history

By Ginna Young

Nawakwa is an Ojibwe word, meaning “in the woods” or “camp by the water,” which fits the 75-acre property at 25336 Cty. Hwy. E in Cornell. For 87 years, the parcel operated as Camp Nawakwa, a Girl Scout retreat.

But that all changed Sept. 30, 2023, when the property forever closed as exclusively a Scouting place.

About two years ago, the Girl Scouts Council announced they were going to divest of the property, so a group of people started talking about how they couldn’t let that happen. There were lot of ways to go about that lofty goal, but only one clear path emerged.

“It just wasn’t in the cards for the Girl Scouts Council,” said Sherry Jasper, board of directors for Our Nawakwa. “I’m proud of folks being able to move beyond that fairly quickly.”

A non-profit “business” was quickly formed, with the group working with a conservancy to assess the value, which was different from the Scouts’ assessment. Regardless, the two entities reached an agreement and Camp Nawakwa-Our Nawakwa came into existence, closing on the property Jan. 9, of this year.

“So, the property never hit the market, which was huge,” said Jasper.

The Scouts went out of their way to allow the change of property to happen and were willing to leave almost everything at the site.

“We couldn’t have done it otherwise,” said Jasper. Set on glacial terrain, the property has many unique features, as well as neighboring attractions, with the National Scenic Ice Age Trail running along the edge of the boundaries, while a 34,000-acre county forest abuts the camp.

The mission of the camp is to expose youth to the wonders and benefits of the outdoors, while building leaders for the future, with the camp now open to youth groups and organizations.

“Girl Scouts will always be part of this,” said Jasper. “We hope that Boy Scouts will again be part of it. And then everybody else under the sun.”

Accommodations include a four-season chalet, with kitchen, program space, fireplace, sleeping mats, bunk beds, toilets and showers, as well as a commercial kitchen, a four-season house, honor house guest lodge, other cabins around the property and three seasonal yurts.

“They could be year round, if someone wanted them to be,” said Jasper. “Most people aren’t going to choose that.”

If the camp was at full capacity, it would house around 140 people, which is something Jasper and her colleagues would love to see happen.

“That really is our goal, for kids to find their place in nature, and to feel whole and complete,” said Jasper.

There is WiFi available, if needed, but visitors are discouraged from being online. And since the camp doesn’t charge for firewood or snowshoes, there’s plenty to do to keep oneself occupied.

Included in that is, a small archery range, which requires a certified instructor, as well as art spaces, a 62-foot deep lake, with kayaks and paddle boards, and fish that practically jump on the line. However, a lifeguard must be on duty to utilize the lake.

“Our dream, is to have a core staff, in time, that will be able to do those things,” said Jasper. “We’re not there.”

Our Nawakwa is governed by a seven-member board of directors, along with an active task force to serve on committees.

“We are completely volunteer-led and operated,” said Jasper.

To volunteer time or talents, book a place at the camp or donate to the venture, visit ournawakwa.org.

This fall, Our Nawakwa crossed the halfway mark of raising $2.3 million in a capital campaign, Connecting YOUth to Nature, to make essential improvements and cover operating expenses, which covers the property purchase loan and five years of maintenance. The group hopes that in its sixth year, the camp will not only be a haven for youth, but also self-sustaining.

“That’s everything we’re building toward,” said Jasper.