2018: Year in Review
2018: Year in Review
2018 was another incredible year at Wanakee. In a world that too often feels full of division and anger, of distrust and pain, Wanakee continues to shine as a beacon of kindness and connection. We are blessed to be a place where individuals overcome differences and create something sacred. Thank you for the role you played in supporting this amazing community of love and acceptance.
Last summer, we welcomed 15% more campers than our previous season, marking 33% growth in 3 years. This is amazing! And only possible because you told friends and family about the positive impact Wanakee has had on you and your loved ones. Don’t take my word for it - here’s what camper families are saying in evaluations and online reviews.
“A wonderful, healing, spiritual place in God's creation!”
“Our daughter went to camp for a week last year. That was her first time away from home. She was completely beside herself with fear of the unknown. At the end of one week of camp, she could not wait for the next summer […]. She loves the camp, the activities, the food and most important the people.”
“Wanakee is a place where kids can be unplugged, learn to love nature […] and learn about God and the love God has for them. The staff are wonderful. The grounds are beautiful. […] I wish I had a Wanakee to go to when I was a kid!”
This is richly rewarding feedback, and we are so excited to continue learning as we strive to serve more people, more effectively. This is where you come in. Wanakee needs focused diligence, and careful, significant investment. We’re quickly outgrowing our Dining Hall, the Rec Hall septic system and roof need to be replaced, and we are overdue for new construction. Demand for camp scholarships is up 78% since 2016, and we remain wholly committed to ensuring a camp experience is available for all children and youth, regardless of finances. Can we count on your support to help us prove what’s possible?
A recent milestone that exemplifies the investment required for growth is the successful hiring of Wanakee’s first Assistant Director, Hannah Cote, a longtime camper and summer staffer. Hannah joined us year-round beginning in January 2018, and has jumped into leadership. Hannah’s skills and passion for Wanakee’s people and ministry are already allowing us to achieve our mission more effectively.
I hope we can count on you to help us build a higher quality, more accessible Wanakee experience through an end-of-year donation. Gifts of all sizes are welcomed and deeply meaningful at a small, mission-focused organization like Wanakee.
I am eager to continue working towards a bright future for our beautiful spiritual place in the hills, a future made more promising through your presence, prayers, and support. Your passion (and time) is so needed here - thank you for keeping Wanakee a priority.
Grace and Peace (and Happy New Year!),
James Tresner, Executive Director
2018 by the Numbers
532: total campers, a 15.6% increase over 2017
57: years of operation
80: volunteers during summer 2018, 19 more than 2017
7,006: hours of volunteering at Wanakee last summer, 22% more than 2017
$13,680: value of camp scholarships provided, 78% more than 2016
21: number of summer staff (including 16 former campers and 3 internationals)
242: members of our new Wanakee Alumni Facebook group
110.5: pounds of Cap’n Crunch consumed in the Dining Hall
220: pizzas served on Friday nights over 7 weeks
2: “Lofts @ Wanakee” (extra rooms) opened above the Dining Hall for overflow seating
40: beds purchased for use by campers
6: cabins “re-screened” since summer 2017
3: summer staff positions to be added in 2019
104: registrations for the Wanakee Wilderness 5K, our second straight year over 100
44: number of United Methodist congregations who sent campers to Wanakee
2019 GOALS: Grow our impact by serving more campers; address the physical needs of the Rec Hall; explore and develop new ways to engage and support local congregations; engage our alumni more deeply, continue our momentum towards a bright and sustainable future.
2019 EVENTS: Wild Wanakee Women [January 25-27, 2019], Senior High Winter Retreat [February 15-17, 2019], Wanakee Homecoming BBQ and Wanakee Wilderness 5K [August 17, 2019], work days [May 4, 2019, June 1, 2019, September/October], and more!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We couldn’t exist without our volunteers, and are always looking for friends to assist with day-to-day happenings in all seasons, summer counselors + event directors, and committee members. Your time makes a difference at Wanakee!
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: A gift to Wanakee ensures that future generations will get to experience our “beautiful spiritual place in the hills,” while changing lives today. Your donation can go towards:
General Operating: These gifts provide flexibility for your funds to go where they are most needed.
Friends of Wanakee: Gifts to Friends of Wanakee are used to support capital and programmatic improvements, such as ropes course upgrades, bathroom remodels, and equipment purchases.
Camperships: Donations to the Campership Fund ensure that finances are never an obstacle for any child to spend time at camp. Camperships are distributed confidentially via application. Since 2016, applications for Camperships have almost doubled.
Special projects: Would you like to connect with the Executive Director about giving for a specific purpose or in a specific way? Examples include support of a capital project or including Wanakee in your estate plan. We’d love to hear from you.