Welcome to Camp Nakomis!
Camp Nakomis is a summer adventure offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, designed to give youth a positive, challenging, and unforgettable outdoor experience. Nestled on the shores of Carter Lake, Camp Nakomis has been a cherished tradition for years—where kids can:
But camp is more than just fun! It’s a place where youth develop:
All in a safe, supportive, and exciting environment.
What to Expect at Camp Nakomis Get ready for non-stop fun and adventure! Every week brings something new, from themed celebrations to outdoor thrills. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s waiting for you:
Big Highlights:
Activities (weather & lake conditions permitting):
…and so much more!
Every day is packed with new experiences, laughter, and memories you’ll never forget!
Week 1 (June 1st -5th) – Mystery at Carter Lake For the opening week of Camp Nakomis, campers will get to help their counselors and other staff search and find a secret treasure that is hidden in Camp Nakomis. Campers will also work together in groups throughout the week as they follow a trail of clues to discover who is the culprit behind the hidden loot.
Week 2 (June 8th -12th) –Global GamesIn light of the World Cup and College World Series, groups will be assigned countries to represent for a thrilling contest of both skill and smarts, as they square off against their rival groups for eternal glory at Camp Nakomis.
Week 3 (June 15th -18th) – Heroes WeekWeek three is set to feature heroes from all over, spanning from those with badges and heroes that strengthen their communities from within. Members of the military, police force, and more will visit the campgrounds throughout the week to share their experience and teach important lessons.
Week 4 (June 22nd -26th) – Mad Scientist WeekUnleash your inner mad scientist in week four, as Camp Nakomis transforms into its own personal lab. From creating rockets that may (or may not) blast off, building a secure landing package for an egg, and creating a cardboard boat to safely send group members on a voyage.
Week 5 (July 6th -10th) – Call of the Wild: Creatures of the Forest, Jungle & Savannah Prepare to release your inner beast in week five, as the trees and animals of Camp Nakomis roar back. Sign up for this week for unique, hands on, and thrilling experiences with live animals and the wildlife camp has to offer.
Week 6 (July 13th -17th) – Outside the Lines: Colors, Canvas, & CamerasBring your brushes, canvas, and best red carpet attire, as Camp Nakomis turns Hollywood for week six. This week is all about expressing your creative side, as campers will get to transform everyday items into masterpieces and show off their unique skills in the famous Nakomis Talent Show.
Week 7 (July 20th -24th) – The Great Camp CookoffWe hope you’re hungry! The final week of Camp Nakomis is all about food, with various tastings throughout the week from cultures, countries, and your very own Camp Nakomis counselors!
Please Note:
Please note: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is observing Juneteenth on June 19. We will not be having camp on this day. Rates have been adjusted to reflect this.
No Camp week of July 4th (June 29th - July 3rd).
Stay tuned for more information!
Registration:
Campers can sign up for just one week or join us for all seven weeks of fun! Parents may register multiple campers at once, but must be the parent or guardian of each child they enroll.
Spots are limited, so registration will stay open for each week only while space remains—don’t wait! Waitlists will be available if a week fills up.
Orientation:
Each camper must have a parent or guardian attend an orientation session. Orientation sessions will be scheduled during the month of April. Both in person and virtual options will be made available.
Fees:
Pick up at First National Tower near the corner of 16th & Capitol. Directly across from the Double Tree hotel. 1620 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68102 Pick up at 8:00 am Drop Off at 4:15 pm
Parents have until 5:00PM to pick up campers.
On the East side of 34th Street between Dodge & Farnam Streets 34th St. & Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68131 Pick up at 8:00 am Drop off at 4:30 pm
North side of Dick's Sporting Goods 10000 California Street, Omaha, NE 68114 Pick up at 8:00 am Drop off at 4:45 pm
Transportation Details:
Parents can join us for lunch every Friday at 11:30 a.m. An awards ceremony will also take place at 3:15 p.m. every Friday and is open to parents.
*Lunch will not be provided for parents
8 am – 9 am: Arrival & Breakfast 9 am – 10 am: Area 1 10 am – 11 am: Area 2 11:30 am – 12 pm: Lunch 12 pm – 1 pm: Area 3 1 pm – 2 pm: Area 4 2 pm – 3 pm: Area 5 3 pm – 3:30 pm: Area 6
All camper groups will get to swim every day.
*Schedules are subject to change
8 am – 9 am: Arrival & Breakfast 9 am – 10 am: Counselors will greet kids and get groups ready: Area 1 10 am – 11 am: Area 2 11:30 am – 12 pm: Lunch 12 pm – 1 pm: Water Inflatables 1 pm – 2 pm: Inside the club for games 2 pm – 3 pm: Pool 3 pm – 3:30 pm: Inside the Education Building
Campers will get lessons from counselors on how to appropriately use a bow and arrow. They can play with a variety of targets and learn different games to play. Their favorite thing to do is get a bullseye!
The Camp Nakomis pool is one of the best perks of the campgrounds, allowing campers to cool off with a slide, basektball hoops, and a 5-foot deep end permitted after passing a swimming test
Husker Campsite has a pool table, foosball table, giant connect four, and card games. The campers get their own outdoor billiards area.
Campers will get to go fishing at this site. Once a week, we will give boat rides on our very own pontoon boat. Camp Nakomis will provide all sizes of Coastguard approved life jackets.
Campers can play volleyball, beach volleyball, tag in the sand or create sand castles with water tunnels. Take your pick at this two-court sand volleyball area.
Circle games, theater games, or obstacle challenges. This area has trunk like bleachers and an open spot for campers to learn and play new circle and/ or theatre games.
Triangle Ball, card games, basketball, chalk drawings, and of course a camper favorite gaga ball is played here. The campers have a choice of gaga ball or various different pavilion games.
Take a break from the heat inside the Boys & Girls Club. Video games (XBOX & Wii) or even watch a movie. Campers can draw, color, make art projects and play board games.
Whether it is kick ball, duck duck goose, peanut butter and jelly tag, relay races, or soccer. This huge green space has a lot of possibilities.
Water games, group games, world cup soccer, or team soccer. This green space is a bit more shaded and a camper favorite as well.
Water Sunscreen Bug Spray Breakfast Lunch
Campers are encouraged to bring the following:
Water bottle Hat or baseball cap Extra sun block if desired Mid-afternoon snack if parents feel campers will need one Swimsuit or old clothes that can get wet/muddy and a towel every day for water activities
Campers MUST bring tennis shoes and socks. (Sandals are permitted for water activities, but must not be the only footwear campers bring for the whole day) *Please note – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands encourages every parent to put camper’s names on all personal belongings. BGCM is not responsible for any lost or stolen property.
Campers will be put into groups each Monday. These groups will remain the same throughout the week. We put campers into age-appropriate groups that will work for both staff and campers. Requests to be with friends or with/without siblings will be handled accordingly on an as needed basis.
No. Camp Nakomis is a fee-based program and scholarships are not available.
Your child will receive a Camp Nakomis shirt as a thank you for registering. They will receive this on the first day of camp or at the parent meeting.
Heat Advisory Days: We will combine camp groups and make sure they are outside where there is water, or inside where there is air conditioning for 45 minutes of time and then we will rotate. Each campsite/location will be visited by campers at least twice a week to ensure a successful camp experience.
Inclement Weather: If there is light rain without thunder or lightning, we will continue our camp day as normal. We will bring campers inside until thunder or lightning have been clear 30 minutes. We will provide themed rain day activities.
Camper safety and well-being are of utmost importance; however, kids get bumps, bruises and the like. Non-emergency first aid issues are handled by trained camp staff. Parents will be immediately notified of any major injuries. In cases of emergency, the camp has a fantastic relationship with the Carter Lake Fire Department, and any emergencies involving major injury will be handled by their Fire & Rescue Squads. Camp has complete insurance coverage but requests that all campers have personal medical insurance as well. The closest hospital is Nebraska Medical Center 4350 Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE 68105
All counselors are certified in CPR & First Aid. All water activities are supervised by our Aquatics Team, who will carry a Lifeguard Certificate on top of the CPR/First Aid Training. The American Red Cross facilitates training.
No. The Camp Nakomis fees only cover access to the camp itself. Normal club program fees are separate. To learn about Club program fees, hours, and locations please visit www.bgcomaha.org and contact the Club you are interested in visiting.
You may drop off at the Carter Lake Club as early as 8:00 AM and pick up as late as 5:30 PM. Please contact Brenna Poindexter, Carter Lake Club Director, to set up drop off and pick at the Carter Lake Club.
Yes. The Jr. Counselor Program is back. Youth ages 14-15 may interview to become Jr. Counselors. Interviews with Courtney Comfort will be held by appointment 3/1 – 5/1. Jr. Counselors will assist staff in working Camp Nakomis and learn many important job skills. All Jr. Counselors will receive end-of-year assessments and recommendations. Jr. Counselors must pay half price camp fees. All Jr. Counselors will be asked for a minimum of 2-week commitment.
Yes. It is very important that you only register for the weeks you intend your camper to attend, but if a scheduling conflict arises you may change the dates of camp attendance – you can substitute a week for another week, but cannot cancel any weeks after May 1.
No, Camp Nakomis does not accept Title 20 at this time.
The summer is a time for kids to let loose and enjoy themselves in a safe, positive environment. However, any camper who engages in behavior that is dangerous or disrespectful to themselves, fellow campers, camp staff or the campgrounds runs the risk of being sent home for the day or suspended from camp for the duration of the summer, regardless of any amount of fees already submitted.
Please note:
Alex KopfCarter Lake Club Director
akopf@bgcomaha.orgPhone: 712.347.5687
4101 North 17th St.Carter Lake, IA 51510
