Thinking About Summer and What Comes Next
Dear Wanakee Family -
Over 58 years, you’ve created and sustained something special at our beautiful spiritual place in the hills. From the tangible; campfires at Family camp, joyful meals in the Dining Hall, contemplative moments at Inspiration Point, peace-filled services in the Outdoor Chapel; to the intangible; enduring friendships, vivid memories, and lifelong inspiration. I love sharing it all with you.
Right now, we’re living through an unprecedented moment, filled with uncertainty. It’s easy to feel scared, helpless, or overwhelmed. How are you holding up? I’ll be honest - I’ve struggled with how to be a good family member, friend, and executive director when so many things feel upside down. Then, after a long walk, deep breath, or Zoom call with family or friends or camp staff, I remember that this pandemic does not define who we are, and it is not the end of our story.
You might be wondering - what is Wanakee doing? What’s the plan? The short answer is the same as it is in most areas of life right now: we’re figuring it out. Here’s a bit more detail—
For Now:
Staff from 2020 and years prior, as well as year-round leaders on our Board and committees, are hard at work bringing camp to you (virtually) through Wanakee From Home. Our social media is more active than ever with opportunities to engage and connect (Facebook/Instagram).
As Wanakee’s on-site caretaker, I’ll do my best to post photos and videos of our transcendent grounds - spring is a beautiful season in the Lakes Region. You’ll see summer pictures and videos to ground us back to the excitement, unbridled joy, and peace of past and future camping seasons at Wanakee.
For Later:
We are closely monitoring the local, regional, and global implications of COVID-19, and following advice from public health authorities as it pertains to Wanakee’s operations. We are examining our policies and practices related to cleaning, hygiene, camper screening, and more. We will communicate any changes with you, which may include extra health screening when you arrive at camp. All Wanakee events are cancelled until at least 5/4, and we will consult public health authorities and industry leaders before we resume Wanakee programming.
While we are planning for a wide range of contingencies, we are also continuing to marshal resources and prepare for opening day on 6/28. Staff training is scheduled to begin on 6/14, a full three months from when things took a sharp turn. Life has changed so rapidly in our country in just the past month - it is impossible to know where we will be in 74 days. The best we can do is prepare for different possibilities, and that’s what we’re doing. For the most up-to-date information, visit Wanakee’s "Camp and COVID19 FAQ”
Two things I know:
First: community is what Wanakee does best. We create bonds that sustain and connections that provide meaning, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Second: whenever this passes, and it will pass, we will need tangible, in-person community and connection more than ever.
We will need to gather and revel in the simple joys of singing and laughing and praying and listening. We will crave new memories with old friends. We will seek the magical thrill of connecting deeply with someone new, the chance to share in belly laughs around the campfire, and the opportunity to give and receive support and love in times of joy and times of sorrow with a hug, a squeezed hand, or a high five. We will be yearning for opportunities to explore our place in the world, to question and experience the sacred and the divine in ways that are authentic, personal, and connective. Wanakee is where all of that happens, and so much more.
We will continue to do our best to offer connection while physical distance sets us apart. More importantly, Wanakee will be here, ready to welcome you home, when we once again have the opportunity to revel in the simple joy of time spent in physical community. I cannot wait to share that day with you.
Grace and peace,
James B. Tresner, Executive Director
