Skip to main content
Locations

Camp Nakomis

Join our Mailing List

Welcome to Camp Nakomis! 

Camp Nakomis is a summer adventure offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, designed to give youth ages 6-14 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: 

  • Explore nature 
  • Build lasting friendships 
  • Create lifelong memories 

But camp is more than just fun! It’s a place where youth develop: 

  • Confidence 
  • Teamwork 
  • Leadership skills 

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: 

  • Themed Weeks & Special Events 
  • Awesome Field Trips 
  • Lake Life Adventures 

Activities (weather & lake conditions permitting): 

  • Canoeing on the lake
  • Swimming & water games 
  • Epic slip-and-slide challenges 
  • Archery like a pro
  • Bounce houses for endless fun 
  • Pontoon boat rides 
  • Fishing by the shore 
  • Grilling & outdoor picnics

…and so much more! 

Every day is packed with new experiences, laughter, and memories you’ll never forget!


Your Week at Camp

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 Games
In 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 Week
Week 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 Scientists Week
Unleash 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, & Cameras
Bring 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 Cookoff
We 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).


Registration for Camp Nakomis will open February 9 at 10 AM!

Watch your email 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.

  • All registration must be completed online for each camper — this includes Jesuit Academy campers.
  • Please only register for weeks your camper will attend.
  • Payment must be made in full for all registered weeks. Weekly payments will not be accepted.
  • Refund requests will only be granted before May 1, 2026.
  • No refunds will be issued after May 1, 2026.
  • After completing payment, you can print a receipt that includes the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands’ Tax ID number for your records.

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:

  • $275 per camper, per week
  • In observance of Juneteenth, Camp Nakomis will be closed on June 19. Camp fees will be adjusted ($220).

Drop-off Sites

Transportation Details:

  • Buses with Camp Nakomis staff will arrive at 8 am to pick up locations. Campers should not be left unattended prior to the bus arrival. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands and Camp Nakomis are not responsible for any campers dropped off prior to the bus arrival.
  • Evening drop off will begin at 4:15 pm depending on the location (see above). Campers must be picked up by 5 pm. Pick up after 5 pm from transportation locations will result in a $20 late fee. Campers will not be able to return until that fee is paid.
  • Transportation locations will be chosen during registration. If you need to change the location at any point in time, please let us know at akopf@bgcomaha.org or call (712) 347-5687
  • Bus lists are updated daily, please let us know at any point if you need to change your location.
  • Parents are guardians must also let camp staff know if they are not utilizing transportation at any time

Visitors at Camp

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


Daily Camp Schedule


Camp Area Descriptions


FAQ

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

    Campers are placed into groups each Monday, and those groups stay together for the entire week. We create age-appropriate groups to ensure the best experience for both campers and staff.

    We understand friendships are important! Requests to be with friends or siblings will be considered on an as-needed basis, and we’ll do our best to accommodate when possible.

  2. Are Camp Scholarships available?

    Unfortunately, scholarships are not available for Camp Nakomis. This is a fee-based program.

  3. Does Camp Nakomis accept Title 20?

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

  4. When will my camper receive their camp t-shirt?

    Your child will receive a Camp Nakomis shirt on the first day of camp.

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

    YES! All campers are Boys & Girls Club members. Some campers are already Club Members. If your camper is not already a Club Member at one of our 12 clubs, they will become a Carter Lake Club Member. This can be changed to any other location by calling that location directly.

  6. Can my camper stay at Boys & Girls Club until 5 pm?

    YES! Campers may head inside to Boys & Girls Club at 4 pm when the buses leave to drop off other campers.

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

    Yes. If there are openings during your desired week, you can change your campers week at camp.

    Reminder:
    • Please only register for weeks your camper will attend.
    • Refund requests will only be granted before May 1, 2026.
    • No refunds will be issued after May 1, 2026.


Location


Contact Us

Alex Kopf
Camp Director

akopf@bgcomaha.org
Phone: 712.347.5687

4101 North 17th St.
Carter Lake, IA 51510




MENU CLOSE