Camp Na Wa Kwa

Registration opens January 31 at 9 a.m.!

Beautiful Camp Na Wa Kwa is closer than you might think! Just half way between Terre Haute and the Indianapolis airport, its calm green trees and running streams will make you feel part of the outdoors. On over 250 acres, troops and families will have the ability to explore the forest trails, canoe in the pond, and stomp in the creek! Troops and families will also make memories of a lifetime participating in activities like tie-dying, the climbing wall, & archery. You can certainly Lead Your Own Adventure this summer at Camp Na Wa Kwa! Check out the Lead Your Own Adventure dropdown below to find out more!

We continue taking every precaution to provide a safe camp experience and follow updated guidelines for Covid 19.

Meet the director!

Hi, my name is Salina Shelton and I am the director at Camps Na Wa Kwa and Sycamore Valley. I can’t wait to welcome girls to camp this summer! My love for all things camp started when I was 19 and worked all summer at a camp in Minnesota. Since then, I earned a degree in Outdoor Recreation and I’ve spent 15 full summers at camp, with 7 of those as director! Camp has been a constant presence in my life, and I treasure memories of summers spent in the woods. I believe in the power of a summer spent at camp, and I am looking forward to creating a summer to remember!

Camp Na Wa Kwa - Summer Camp Options: Whether you like to just come out for the day or you are a little more adventurous and want to camp with us for a few days, we have some great options for you!

Day Camp:

Girl Scouts Travel Through Time

July 11-15
Grades 1-12

What was life like in the distant past? What will it be like in the future? Spend the week exploring what things were like long ago and using your imagination to see into the future! Could you have made your own food over campfire? Will there be flying cars, robots and teleportation? Find out as you travel through time!

Mini Resident Camp:

Campers may be dropped off between 8:30-9:30 am on Sunday, July 17. Campers should be picked up between 3:30-4:30 pm on Tuesday, July 19.

Camping with the Stars

July 17-19
Grades 2-12

Lights, camera, camping! In this week, you will work together to create a play to present to the other campers at the end of camp. There is something for everyone in a theater production – everyone has a role to play. Writers, directors, artists, fashionistas, actors and more unite as one to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! This camp will take you on nighttime adventures of camp discovering what lives in our camp after dark, astronomy, and even a late night party! This camp will be full of outdoor fun for anyone that likes to keep those later hours...
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Lead Your Own Adventure: Come to camp with your family or troop and enjoy camp property socially distanced from others.

Your group will have the opportunity to participate in lots of camp activities, which include archery, canoeing, climbing wall, zip line, and tie-dying! Your group is welcomed participate in their own activities during your camp adventure as well. These include the playground, hiking, fishing, creek stomping, basketball, and more!

- Check in is at 9:00 a.m., all activities begin shortly after and cannot be rescheduled to accommodate late arrivals.

- All camp activities will follow Safety Activity Checkpoint guidelines for participation.

Interested in staying for the weekend? You have the option to stay for the entire weekend and camp with us or just come for the day! It’s completely up to you! Select the option that works best for you!

July 22-24 Weekend Registration
July 22 Day Only
July 23 Day Only
July 24 Day Only
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Fees: Day camp at Camp Na Wa Kwa is an experience for girls from different troops and groups to meet outdoors each day and have outdoor adventures! Fun and exploration are on the agenda every day as girls swim, sing, make crafts, play games, and more. Girls attend as individual campers and are placed in units according to their grade in the fall. Please note: This is not troop camp and an entire troop is not guaranteed to be placed together in one unit.

Day camp fees - per person

Day camp fees - per person
Na Wa Kwa camper fee (girls grades 1-9) $150
Non-Girl Scout fee $185
Day camp aide fee (girls grades 7-12) – must have completed training to sign up for this $50
Tag-a-long program fee $50
Optional Transportation Fee $50

Mini-Resident camp fees - per person
Na Wa Kwa camper fee $275
Non-Girl Scout fee $310

Full payment is due at time of registration. However, a payment plan may be set up at the time of registration if registering online. These payments will automatically be withdrawn according to our payment plan from the card in which you use at the time of registration.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Lodging: We are excited to see you at Camp Na Wa Kwa! Lodging is scheduled by weekend and family or troop reservation. When reserving your Lead Your Own Adventure weekend, you must include your preference of unit. We will do our best to accommodate everyone’s requests, but the units are first come, first served! We know you will love it!

Please note: None of the units have indoor plumbing or air conditioning. Troops and families will have access to a latrine at each unit.

Looking to reserve this camp for your next troop or service unit campout? Visit our Camp Facility Reservation page to get all the scoop!
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Frequently Asked Questions: Is Camp Na Wa Kwa taking precautions regarding COVID-19?

Yes, safety is our number one concern. Please refer to the COVID-19 section of our website for more information.

Can my Girl Scout Attend As An Individual?

She doesn't need to have her troop to have a camp adventure! Many girls visit camp on their own and make brand new friends that stick with her for life!

Can my Girl Scout Bring A Buddy?

Girls can bring a buddy from their troop or a friend who is not yet a Girl Scout. Buddies can be placed together according to program session, age, and Girl Scout level. During the registration process you may want to indicate a buddy you know is signing up for the same camp session as you. This buddy should also request you. Attending camp with a friend from home is great, it's also great to make new friends. Please limit your buddy requests to one buddy. Buddy requests are accommodated when possible, not guaranteed.

What If My Girl is Not a Girl Scout?

You don't have to be a Girl Scout to attend one of your camps. Whether she's a first-time camper or an experienced adventurer, an outdoor enthusiast or a creative artist, your girl will find her perfect program at one of our camps. For all girls who are not current Girl Scout members at the time of registration, a non-refundable $35 registration fee will apply.

When Does Camp Registration Open?

Registration officially opens January 31 at 9 a.m. Online reservations will be accepted at that time on a first-come, first-served basis. Paper and fax registrations may be submitted prior to January 31; however, placement will not occur until January 31 during regular business hours. Registrations received after January 31 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Register:

Online at https://www.girlscoutsindiana.org/ it's that simple!

What does my Registration Include?

Registration fees include a camp patch, 2 badges, and a t-shirt. Plus, you get to make memories that will last a lifetime!

What if the weather is bad?

While at camp, every counselor is in touch with the camp director who has access to a weather radio. We are aware of any storms headed our way and have procedures in place to protect our campers. Some activities may be affected by weather, and in this case, refunds are not issued.

How can I prepare my Camper?

It is important for families to talk with their camper about what to expect at come this summer. The American Camp Association has great resources for families available at https://www.acacamps.org/campers-families.

May I visit my camper during camp?

Our camps are not open to parents, family, or other visitors during camp sessions so that we may provide a safe and secure environment for all participants. All participants and staff must be registered and all adults must have complete background checks prior to camp in order to attend. Plan to visit the camps during the open house to see the units, staff and program areas.

Can my Girl Scout attend multiple sessions?

There is no limit to the number of sessions each girl may attend (financial assistance is available for one session only). There is no need to submit additional copies of the health history form.

Is financial assistance available?

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana is committed to providing a positive experience to every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout. PAG's are provided so that a family's economic status will not be a barrier to participation.

To apply, submit the PAG application with your camp registration and health history form. A $35 deposit per girl is required to secure her placement. This deposit is not refundable unless your child cannot be placed into a session. Use a separate grant application per girl. Please fill out your PAG at the same time as your registration form.

All applicants will be notified by email as to the approval of the request.

All PAG information is kept strictly confidential. A limited number of grants are available for one camp session per girl.

When do my camp fees need to be paid?

Full fee must be paid no later than May 31 for all camp dates. Failure to do so will result in loss of reservation. A minimum $35 deposit is due at the time of registration.

When does registration close?

Registration closes two weeks before the beginning of each camp session or when the session is full, whichever is first.

What is the refund procedure?

The camp fee does not cover the entire cost of your child attending camp. The remainder is covered by various funding sources that support Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. For this reason, the refund policy is:

·         Refunds are given only if written cancellation is received at least two weeks prior to sessions.

·         $25 of fee will be retained for handling charges.

·         Bus fees are not refundable.

·         No refunds for family camp.

Refunds are not given for no shows or campers leaving camp early due to personal reasons including homesickness, sports, family vacations, behavior, lice, etc.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Meals and Snacks: Day Camp:

Campers will need to provide their own lunch each day at camp. Please plan ahead and include your child’s lunch in an insulated lunch box if possible. Girls will eat their lunch with their group.

A pre-packaged snack will be provided each day. To ensure camper safety, food allergies and/or special diets cannot be accommodated. Campers are welcome to bring their own non-refrigerated snacks and put in their backpack. No discount can be provided if a camper does not eat the camp snacks.

Mini-Resident Camp:

Meals will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the days in which campers are at camp. Meals will consist of items that can be cooked over a fire or grab and go continental meals. If your camper needs special diet accommodations, please plan to provide your meals that can be heated in a microwave.

Lead Your Own Adventure Weekend:

Meals are on your own. Pack your favorite camping meals to prepare throughout the weekend as needed.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Older Girl Leadership Opportunities: Day camp aides have long been a part of the day camp experience. Day camp aides provide a variety of skills, talents and support to younger campers while continuing to develop their leadership skills in an adult-supported and supervised environment.

Want to be a day camp aide this summer?

Each Girl Scout wanting to be an aide at camp must have completed a training aide session. If you have not completed a training session in the past, we have the below option available. Girl Scouts MUST be able to stay the entire training session.

Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This training is designed to reinforce basic skills and to give a foundation for leading and working with younger girls in the outdoors. You must be going into grade 7-12 in the fall.

Experienced day camp aides and girls who have complete training may apply to be a day camp aide. Applicants may apply for a maximum of 2 of our sessions. The cost is $50 per session. The fee includes a day camp T-shirt and patch. You must attend all five days in order to be a Day Camp Aide.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Open House: Are you interested in getting a sneak peek of camp before it begins? This is also a great opportunity to meet our volunteer directors and participate in some camp fun, too! Camp Na Wa Kwa's open house date Saturday, June 18 from 2-5 p.m.

There is no need to register for this event. Feel free to stop by anytime during this timeframe to chat with us! Please note that the open house will end at 5:00 p.m. so allow yourself plenty of time to check out camp and ask any questions.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Refund Policy: The camp fee does not cover the entire cost of your child attending camp. The remainder is covered by various funding sources that support Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. For this reason, the refund policy is:
- Refund are given only if written cancellation is received at least two weeks prior to sessions.
- $25 of fee will be retained for handling charges.
- Bus fees are not refundable.
- No refunds for family camp.

Refunds are not given to no shows or campers leaving camp early due to personal reasons including homesickness, sports, family vacations, behavior, lice, etc.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Tagalongs: If you are a registered day camp volunteer attending all week and have a younger child, she or he may enjoy participating in the tag unit. Trained staff will provide activities on site for your child. Day camp volunteers can place a younger child in the tag unit for $50/child for the week. The fee included a day camp T-shirt, patch, daily snack, and supplies. This fee cannot be pro-rated if your child does not stay every day. The tag unit is for the children of volunteer staff only. Girls registering for the tag unit must be 3-5 years of age; girls who have completed kindergarten should register for day camp as a Girl Scout Daisy. Boys registering for the tag unit must be 3-10 years of age. All children registering for the tag unit must be out of diapers.
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Transportation: Car Riders: drop off no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and pick up between 3:45 -4:00 p.m.

Bus riders: Typical bus pickup times fall between 7:15-8:30 a.m. and drop off times fall between 3:45-5:00 p.m. Bus transportation is not included in the camp fee. There is an additional $50 charge for anyone wanting to ride the bus. Girls may attend the session of their choice. However, transportation will only be provided according to the day camp bus transportation per camp. Information will come via email a few days before each session with bus stop times. Bus stop selection cannot be changed after being submitted with registration due to the safety of the girl.

Transportation stops will include:

Bus stop locations coming soon!
Camp Na Wa Kwa - Volunteer at Camp: Do you have a passion for working with children and enjoy the outdoors? Volunteer at the day camp! Without volunteers, the valuable learning experience would not be possible for the girls of central Indiana. Interested parents and adults are invited to register.

Volunteer selection

The selection of volunteer staff is based on the qualifications of the applicant and staffing needs of each session. For the safety of all campers, you must be physically able to stand for long periods of time, walk on rough terrain, and stay all 5 days for day camp and all 3 days, 2 nights of mini resident camp. All volunteers must be able to become a registered Girl Scout member and complete a background check.

Volunteer benefits

·         Attend the day camp free of charge

·         Waive the camp fee for a girl of your choice

·         Receive 50% off of your transportation fee and one camper’s transportation fee (if riding the bus)

·         Receive camp T-shirt and patch

·         Make a difference in a girl’s life

To be a volunteer and waive a camper’s fee you must

·         Attend the pre-camp meeting of your week

·         Attend day camp all five days (Monday-Friday) of day camp and 3 days, 2 nights of mini resident camp

Please understand that you are expected to volunteer the entire week. This is for the safety and wellbeing of our campers. No exceptions!

Volunteer Training

All day camp volunteers must attend the virtual pre-camp meeting for the session(s) you are assigned to. At this meeting, we will go over what to expect at camp including safety protocols for the week. Also, you will learn about the specifics of the session from the Volunteer Day Camp Director.

Pre-Camp Meeting dates:

Volunteer Training Dates coming soon!
Camp Na Wa Kwa - What to pack for camp: What to bring to camp each day (day pack) Bring these items daily to camp in a backpack or similar type bag. Mark the bag with the camper’s name, unit name, and bus stop name or “car rider”. Your camper will carry her backpack around so please only pack what the weather warrants that day.

·         Water bottle (bottles with a screw on lid are best)

·         Swimsuit and towel

·         Sit upon – this is something that campers will use to sit on the ground when needed during activities

·         Facial mask covering – pack extras in case your camper’s mask is saturated from sweat or other activities that may cause the mask to get wet.

·         Sunscreen and insect repellant. Your camper will need to play their own sunscreen and insect repellant. Please show them how.

·         Hat or Bandanna

·         Raincoat or Rain poncho (if weather warrants it)

·         Boots or extra shoes (if weather warrants it)

·         Extra socks

If you are attending any overnight camps – during the summer, use the following lists as a packing guide.

Clothing

·         Face masks (at least 2 just in case we can’t be socially distanced outside during an activity)

·         Underwear (enough for each day plus at least one extra)

·         Socks (enough for each day plus at least one extra)

·         T-shirts or tops (one for each day)

·         Two sweatshirts or warm tops

·         Shorts

·         Long pants (yoga, sweats, jeans)

·         Raincoat or poncho

·         Swimsuit

·         Pajamas (one pair)

·         Sturdy walking shoes that are closed-toed and have support (plus 1 extra pair)

Equipment

·         Backpack (book bag) for carrying items around camp

·         Sleeping bag or twin-sized sheets and blankets

·         Pillow and pillowcase

·         Water bottle

·         Mess kit (can be a plastic plate, bowl, and silverware)

Toiletries and Key Items

·         Deodorant

·         Insect repellent

·         Hand sanitizer

·         Sanitary napkins or tampons

·         Lip balm or chap stick

·         Shampoo and conditioner

·         Towels (for swimming and showers)

·         Washcloth and hand towel

·         Toothpaste and toothbrush

·         Comb or brush

·         Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

·         Bandana or hat

·         Flashlight with extra batteries

·         Shower shoes or flip-flops

Optional Items

·         Books to read

·         Camera

·         Facial Tissue

·         Notebook/journal and pencil or pen

·         Other toiletries as necessary (contact solution, glasses, etc.)

·         Stationary or postcards and stamps

·         Stuffed animal or another comfort item

·         Sunglasses