Camp Nawakwa

Specialties

Camp Nawakwa is a summer camp in the heart of the Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. We have provided a relaxed, open atmosphere in the natural environment for children of Southern California and Nevada since 1947.

Through camping, youth from diverse backgrounds develop important skills such as socialization, self-​reliance, problem solving and an appreciation of and commitment to the natural environment. They make their own decisions, have fun and are adventurous. Through a group living experience, youth learn more about themselves and others. Individuals become friends, and they learn understanding, acceptance and trust.

Camp Nawakwa is open to everyone. * We embrace the uniqueness of all young people and their families. * We ensure that every child has a place, no matter his or her background or age. * Participants build relationships with youth and adults of all ages and backgrounds.

History

Established in 1947.

Camp Nawakwa was founded in 1947 as a camp retreat for young women in Southern California. In the mid-​1960 the programs were opened up to both boys and girls. Today we serve youth and families from across the South Western United States at our beautiful and rustic camp site in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Meet the Manager

Johnny M.

Manager

Johnny McLaughlin serves as the Executive Director of Camping Services at Camp Nawakwa, close to Angelus Oaks in California.

Johnny has worked for the YMCA both in New Jersey and Colorado coming up through ranks from Camp Counselor to that of Director of Camping Services. He also spent time working for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco as the Camp Director for their resident camp. He left the Boys & Girls Club Camp to put together Camp Yellow Ribbon, a day & resident camp based in San Diego for children who had at least one parent deployed to an oversea war zone.

He is an avid outdoors person; he camps, hikes and snow boards whenever he has the opportunity. He loves to ride his motorcycle. When he moved to California from the East coast, he spent twenty-​eight days on the road driving his motorcycle along the back roads of the country. He also passionately follows Glasgow Celtic Football Club, a Scottish soccer club, whenever he flies back to Scotland to visit family and fr