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Camp Nakomis

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Camp Nakomis is located on 35 wooded acres in Carter Lake, IA. Miles of hiking trails, numerous campsites and a fishing dock give campers countless opportunities to enjoy themselves, all in a safe and positive environment. Camp Nakomis is the perfect place for youth ages 6-14 to enjoy the outdoors. Camp Nakomis is open to the public.

We have several outdoor activities for your child/ children to enjoy. We have 9 campsites, a beach, fields, swimming pool, a fishing dock, canoes, a pontoon boat, archery site, outdoor billiards, race car track and a basketball court. Throughout the course of the day, we rotate through the different areas and sites enjoying the outdoors and participating in group games and activities. Day to day we will fish, hike, shoot bows and arrows, make friends, swim and of course have fun. Our weekly themes will be incorporated throughout those activities.

 

Registration for Camp Nakomis 2024 will open soon. Please watch your email for updates. 

 

 


Location

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Cost & Registration

$185 per week

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Camp Nakomis observe Juneteenth. Reduced weekly fee $148.


Camp Weekly Themes

Week 1 (June 3rd -7th ) – Hello Summer!
Welcome to Camp Nakomis and hello summer! This week we’ll be learning new games and engaging in all the activities Camp Nakomis has to offer while meeting new friends and getting to know your camp counselors! Get ready for an exciting summer full of swimming, canoeing, finishing, archery, gaga ball, and so much more!


Week 2 (June 10th -14th ) – Sensational STEAM Week
Science is fun for everyone! This week, campers will have the opportunity to learn how to build a robot, create and test a DIY water balloon launcher, conduct science experiments, and make scented slime. These activities foster valuable 21st-century life skills like problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and more.


Week 3 (June 17th -21st ) – Camp Nakomis Circus
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls… join us under the big top for sweet treats (cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn), fun crafts (balloon animals and face painting), wide life encounters and a variety of traditional carnival games. Don’t miss out on the fun!  There will be no Camp on Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

 

Week 4 (Week 24th -28th ) – Olympic Games Week
Join us for a week of minute to win it games, sports, and competitions here at Camp Nakomis! This week, campers will take part in opening and closing ceremonies, compete in various summer sports, create their very own Olympic rings, and have the opportunity to go for the gold!

 

Week 5 (July 8th -12th ) – Camp Nakomis’ Got Talent
Join us for one of our most infamous weeks at Camp Nakomis! This week, campers will have the opportunity to prepare for our end-of-the-week talent show! Acts will range from singing and dancing to musical performance and showing off your athletic abilities. Every camper is encouraged to partake in the fun as part of a group performance or as a solo act. Groups will also create skits and perform them at the end of the week. Show us what you got!


Week 6 (July 15th -19th) – Splish Splash Water Week
Come make a splash at Camp Nakomis and join us for a week of water fun! This week will be all about cooling off with a cardboard boat competition, water relays, and all sorts of other water games!


Week 7 (July 22nd - 26th ) – Spirit Week

It’s the last week of camp, so join us and show your Camp Nakomis spirit!! It’ll be a week full of team spirit team-based activities! Dress for the daily themes, create team flags, create a Camp Nakomis parody song, and compete in activities and relay races against other teams!

  • Tuesday – Twin Tuesday (match with a friend, counselor, or group of campers)
  • Wednesday – Wacky Wednesday (wear silly socks, mismatched, inside out, or backwards clothes)
  • Thursday – Rep Your Team! (wear your favorite sports apparel)
  • Friday – Color Wars!! (pick a team color and compete against other camp groups in various activities to see which color comes out on top)

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.

*Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater to register online*


Daily Camp Schedule


Camp Area Descriptions


Drop-off Sites

Please Note:

  • Campers may arrive as early as 8 am, and get picked up as late as 5 pm. (all Camp Nakomis staff are scheduled to arrive at 8 am at each location and to leave at 5:00 pm. Do not leave any campers unattended. BGCM is not responsible for any campers dropped off before 8 am.)
  • Campers will be spread out on the buses to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
  • Please indicate a bus choice that you will have your child ride on a majority of the time. If you need to change it at any point in time, please let us know at etaylor@bgcomaha.org
  • We update the bus lists daily. Each transportation staff will get a list of kids going home with them. If you would like your child to take a different one home, that is fine. Please contact us. Counselors will check campers on and off each day. We will ensure your child goes home on the same bus they came, unless otherwise noted. We do accommodate campers on different departures, as long as we are notified.

*** Pick up after 5 pm will result in a $20 late fee.  Campers will not be able to return until that fee is paid.**


Visitors at Camp

Parents can join us for lunch every Friday at 11:30. An awards ceremony will also take place at 3:15 every Friday and is open to parents. 

*Lunch will not be provided for parents


FAQ

  1. Camp Nakomis Provides:

    Water
    Sunscreen
    Bug Spray
    Breakfast
    Lunch

  2. What do campers need to bring from home?

    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.

  3. Can my camper be in a group with a friend?

    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.

  4. Are Camp Scholarships available?

    No. Camp Nakomis is a fee-based program and scholarships are not available.

  5. When will my camper receive his/her camp t-shirt?

    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.

  6. Inclement Weather / Heat / Humidity.

    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.

  7. Medical Emergencies & Camper Illness.

    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

  8. Are the Counselors Trained & Certified?

    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.

  9. Does my camp fee include a Boys & Girls Club membership?

    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.

  10. Does my camper need a membership?

    Campers that will utilize the Carter Lake Club for drop off and pick up will need to secure a Boys & Girls Club membership. The cost of the membership is $30 a year. You may drop off at the Carter Lake Club as early as 7:00 AM and pick up as late as 5:30 PM. Carter Lake Club hours are 7:00 AM-5:30 PM. Please contact Courtney Comfort, Club Director, to set up drop off and pick at the Carter Lake Club as well as your $30 membership fee. Club drop off can only be at the Carter Lake Club. There is NOT transportation from other Club locations.

  11. Is there a Jr. Counselor Program for older campers?

    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.

  12. Can I change the weeks I register for at a later date?

    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.

  13. Does Camp Nakomis accept Title 20?

    No, Camp Nakomis does not accept Title 20 at this time.

  14. How does the camp handle discipline?

    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:

  • BGCM reserves the right to remove a camper(s) from activities as a consequence of misbehavior. Refunds will not be granted in cases of removal from camp due to discipline issues.
  • All other questions should be directed to: Evelyn Taylor, Carter Lake Campus Unit Director at (712) 347-5687 or etaylor@bgcomaha.org

Contact Us

Evelyn Taylor
Camp Director

etaylor@bgcomaha.org
Phone: 712.347.5687

4101 North 17th St.
Carter Lake, IA 51510




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