Memories of Camp Nawakwa shared at Chippewa Area History Center
Apr. 22, 2024
CORNELL (WQOW) -
Today dozens of people gathered and told stories of their time at camp Nawakwa at the Chippewa Area History Center. People could bring pictures and artifacts of their time at the camp. The event was hosted by Our Nawakwa, the new owners of the camp. They hosted the event to honor and celebrate the memories made there while informing people about the area's future.
It originated as a Boy Scout camp then the Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes became the owners of the property. In October 2022 the Girl Scouts announced they would sell a camp. It was then bought by Our Nawakwa, a nonprofit that would rent the camp to any organization that would like to use it.
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Tell your Camp Nawakwa story
Apr. 21, 2024
CORNELL (WEAU) -
The Our Nawakwa Team shares the upcoming activities happening in preparation for the Grand Opening Event on May 5, 2024.
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Camp Nawakwa Purchased by Our Nawakwa Inc., Will Host Campers Again
Jan. 24, 2024 | McKenna Scherer
Camp Nawakwa is officially owned by Our Nawakwa Inc., as of Jan. 9, guaranteeing the beloved camp’s continued operations on the outskirts of Chippewa County.
After two decades under the Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes, the Girl Scout council – which serves 10,000 girls in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – surprised many when it announced in October 2022 that it would be putting the 75-acre property up for sale.
Luckily, about one month later Our Nawakwa Inc. was established and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status last March. The group formed with the intention of preserving the legacy of Camp Nawakwa and its property’s natural surroundings, as well as continuing its status as home to the Girl Scouts and opening to any local organization focused on developing spiritual and physical growth of youths.
'This is the camp we can save': Nonprofit buys former Girl Scouts camp in rural Cornell
Jan. 9, 2024 | Audrey Korte
What happens to a camp when its owners decide they no longer can maintain the property?
A handful of locals are so dedicated to a camp that they bought it from the Girl Scouts of America of the Northwestern Great Lakes because of its significance in their lives. Now they are figuring out how to run it for the next generation.
Our Nawakwa takes ownership of former Girl Scout camp
Jan. 7, 2024 | Matthew Baughman Leader-Telegram
CORNELL — Our Nawakwa, Inc. closed their purchase of the former Girl Scout Camp Nawakwa on Jan. 9, thus opening the site for a variety of youth group rentals in 2024.
The Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes made an announcement of the sale in early October of 2023. Prepared to transfer the ownership of Nawakwa in January, their organization recognized Our Nawakwa’s mission to provide outdoor experiences to Girl Scouts and other community organizations while preserving the campsite’s beauty and legacy.
'We are thrilled': Camp Nawakwa sale to be finalized soon
Jan.3, 2023 | Caitlin Boyle
CORNELL (WQOW) -
The sale of Camp Nawakwa in Cornell will be finalized next week.
Our Nawakwa, Inc. will close on its purchase of the property on Jan. 9, and rentals for youth groups will be available starting in the spring.
“We are thrilled that a dedicated cadre of volunteers and donors have stepped in to build a foundation so that future generations of campers will be able to enjoy the natural beauty and long-term friendships that are a part of camp life,” says Sherry Jasper, Our Nawakwa Board President and herself a former camp staff member and volunteer.
The nonprofit will provide camp space in nature for youth groups and organizations. Those groups will develop their own programs for kids to grow outdoors.
The camp has been a staple in the Chippewa Valley since it was founded in 1936. Girl Scouts of Northwestern Great Lakes announced they were divesting from the camp in October 2022.
A Capital Campaign will be announced in the coming months.
For more information on donating or volunteering for Our Nawakwa, click here.
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Nonprofit Spearheads Effort to Buy, Preserve Girl Scout Camp
Nov. 1, 2023 | Sheng Yang
Nestled peacefully about 45 minutes north of Eau Claire, a 75-acre camp sits silent. Camp Nawakwa has been best known for the past few decades as part of the Girls Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes. It was a summer haven for Girl Scout troops to meet, camp, and connect with nature.
In October 2022, it was announced that the Girl Scout council – which serves 10,000 girls in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – was selling off properties and assets, with Camp Nawakwa being one of the properties being let go. Heart-broken Girl Scouts and parents in the area were left with uncertainty about not only the camp’s future, but for the future camping experiences of their daughters.
HATCH 2023: Unveiling Winners and a Packed House at Chippewa Valley Startup Week
Nov. 15, 2023
Our Nawakwa Inc., the non-profit spotlight, shared their impactful mission with attendees, shedding light on Camp Nawakwa—a historic 75-acre camp nestled between the towns of Cornell and Bloomer. The organization’s goal is to raise $2.3 million to purchase and restore the camp, intending to provide a low-cost option for area youth groups. This non-profit spotlight not only showcased the invaluable work of Our Nawakwa, Inc. but also underscored HATCH 2023’s commitment to community engagement and support.
Area Girl Scout Camp Set to be Sold, Nonprofit Plans to Keep It Going
Oct. 4, 2023
CORNELL (WQOW) - A new nonprofit is working to purchase a western Wisconsin summer camp for sale by the Girl Scouts.
Camp Nawakwa, located near Cornell, has been owned by the Girl Scouts since 1951. Last October they announced the camp was for sale as the Girl Scouts sought to reduce the number of properties they own.
Local scouts and parents were upset by this, telling News 18 they wanted to continue having the nature-based summer camp experience in the Chippewa Valley.
Now, a new nonprofit Our Camp Nawakwa, Inc. has formed and purchased the summer camp. According to a press release from the Girl Scouts, this will "preserve the legacy and natural beauty of Camp Nawakwa while continuing to provide outdoor experiences."
“Our Nawakwa, Inc. has demonstrated a strong commitment to the principles that have made Camp Nawakwa so special, and we are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring to youth throughout the community,” said Dr. Kelly Steelman, Board Chair for Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes in the press release.
A petition created last October to support saving the summer camp has more than 2,000 signatures.
Officials with Our Nawakwa told News 18 they have signed and accepted an offer to purchase the camp and anticipate closing in January. They also will be starting a Capital Campaign to raise funds for the camp.
For more information on donating or volunteering for Our Nawakwa, click here.
Watch the Full Story HERE