Nuwi Somp – April 20, 1969 – September 28, 2025

It is with great sadness that I share the news that legendary Pemi counselor Nuwi Somp passed away after experiencing a stroke. Nuwi’s contributions to Pemi were indelible, with hundreds of boys and fellow staff benefitting from their time with Nuwi. Years after Nuwi’s last summer as a staff member, three of his boys, Sompy, Timmy, and Brandon, attended Pemi as campers making the Somp family impact on the Pemi community multi-generational. Through Nuwi’s Pemi connection, his daughter Joanne also attended Camp Wawenock in Maine, enjoying several successful summers there as a camper and staff member.

Nuwi’s unique journey to Pemi began in 1991, and Pemi’s “First 100 Years” history book documented this historic moment – 

That same summer, Nuwi Somp joined the staff as an instructor in nature. A native of Papua New Guinea, Nuwi was recruited by Austin Richards, a former camper and staff member who met him while on a research trip to Papua New Guinea. Austin recognized not only Nuwi’s amazing knowledge of animals and insects, but also his reverence for all things natural and his extraordinary humanity. Knowing that these qualities would help overcome any potential cultural hurdles, Austin recommended Nuwi with enthusiasm, and was quickly proved correct. Nuwi added immensely to the life of Camp not only as an instructor, but also as a campfire performer, singing songs and telling stories from Papua New Guinea. His screaming Polar Bear dips in the Junior Camp also became legendary.

Of Nuwi’s seven summers on staff, he spent five summers as a counselor in the Junior Camp. His energy and joyful demeanor were a perfect match for Pemi’s youngest campers, who cherished their time with Nuwi. He would gleefully play frisbee running bases or capture the flag, giggling louder than any Junior camper. Joining our morning Polar Bear ritual became a can’t miss moment, as Nuwi would attempt to hop in the water on one foot, staying dry and warm as long as possible before the inevitable. The water may have been dozens of degrees cooler than his home temperatures, but the warmth of his smile provided a spark on the coldest of mornings. It was no surprise that Nuwi was awarded the Joe Campbell Award by his peers at the first opportunity in 1993.

Throughout his years, Nuwi contributed immeasurably to the Nature Program, helping to make it as broad and deep and impactful as it is today. Campers flocked to the Nature Lodge to be with Nuwi to learn about his adventures and to hear him talk about the natural world. He led activities like Bush Lore, Wilderness Survival, Butterflies and Moths, and Wild Foods with Nuwi, with the rule for the latter being campers had to eat anything that Nuwi ate. He also taught crafts. One special one was basket making. Nuwi and Larry Davis researched what the Native Americans here in NH used for making baskets: strips of white ash that you could get after soaking a log of it in the lake for a week or so. Nuwi used these to show the campers how to make baskets and fish traps (which were then used to catch fish) in the Papua New Guinea style. 

Nuwi allowed all of us to view camp through a completely new lens. The cultural differences between his home village in Papua New Guinea and a boys summer camp in New Hampshire, USA could not be more vast. His unfiltered approach to such a new and foreign place provided us the most fitting example of trust, education, and the ability to embrace the adventure of life. Nuwi’s former campers will never forget his practice of telling stories from his childhood in Papua New Guinea each night as they drifted off to sleep, a special opportunity to learn more about their counselor and a culture entirely different from their own.

Nuwi had a magical positive presence and possessed a genuine kindness that was unmatched. His memory will surely bring joy to all who were lucky enough to spend time with him. Please join me in sending our love to the Somp family.

Funeral arrangements are being finalized in his home village of Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. Alumni and friends who wish to help the Somp family travel for the funeral and other arrangements, please be in touch with Larry Davis, ([email protected]) who is assisting the family. For those who wish to send a message to the Somp family, please respond to this email or email Larry directly. 

Kenny Moore on behalf of the Pemigewassett family