A wish list for Wanakee

A camper and a staff member holding hands

In my last note, I hoped to convey the “urgency of now.” For Wanakee, the next 5 years are full of big challenges and big opportunities. I am confident that today’s volunteer base is poised to rise to this challenge by initiating and shepherding a period of growth in the number of campers we serve each summer, as well as improvements to our physical infrastructure. The proof is already there: camper numbers ticked up 7% this year, and we’ve managed to complete an incredible number of urgent facility upgrades since April, including renovations to the Cook’s Cabin and Rec Hall Bathroom (upstairs), removal of 7.9 tons of trash from the property, repairs to neglected septic and plumbing issues, installation of outlets in all Rec Hall bedrooms, purchasing brand new ovens for our dining hall, and more. By and large, these are examples of reactive, essential improvements. Our goal is to become increasingly proactive and systemic in the years ahead.

The list below is this director’s rough outline of what our next 9 large investments might be. Consider this a “what would James do with 2 million dollars” list, in no particular order. It goes without saying; any of these improvements/purchases/ investments would require support from the Board of Directors and the appropriate Committee(s).

(Note: all cost estimates are rough [at best] – some of these have been priced in 2016, some 20 years ago, some have never been seriously investigated.)

We have imminent plans to substantially upgrade the Farmhouse (prior to summer 2017). We are planning to install new siding, windows, and trim, as well as make necessary repairs due to water damage. The rough cost of this project projects at $100,000 to $150,000. We are almost ready to “break ground” because of our 2016 fundraising efforts, the 2015 and 2016 Wanakee Wilderness 5Ks, and the Together for Tomorrow Campaign. To those who have given to Wanakee this year – thank you for supporting this big step.
Rewiring the farmhouse, including increasing from 100 amp to 200 amp service. [Estimated cost is $25,000.]
Additional upgrades to the farmhouse for year round use (heat, water, accessibility). [Hard to estimate a price because the project scope is so unclear.]
Rewiring the Dining Hall. [Estimated cost is $20,000-$30,000.]
A new tractor, including front loader. Our current tractor is about to celebrate its 30th birthday and is too large to do light work (mowing, etc.) and too small to do heavy lifting (moving docks, etc). It also lacks a hydrostatic transmission. [Estimated cost is $30,000-$35,000 (new).]
A (nearly) year-round Facilities Manager. [Estimated cost is $15,000-$35,000 annually.]
A year round Office Manager/Retreat Coordinator. [Estimated cost is $10,000-$20,000 annually.]
A new high ropes course. [Estimated cost to build is $15,000-$25,000, with $2,000-$3,000 needed for annual upkeep and purchase of current equipment.]
And finally: a new Dining Hall+, estimated to cost $1,000,000. This is perhaps the most important item. Our current dining hall only fits 86 occupants due to a recent change in fire code interpretation. Ideally, a new dining hall would be winterized, include dual-occupancy sleeping quarters for 40 [used by You 'n Me in the summer and retreat groups in the winter, supplanting the Rec Hall], and house a new Health Office.

Wanakee remains strong where it matters – it is a uniquely loving community made up of remarkable individuals, where every summer, children, youth, and adults have life-changing experiences living in Christian community. In order to continue sustaining that community and supporting the remarkable outcomes that I am fortunate to witness every summer, we must commit to making essential improvements to our physical plant, and to finding creative ways to fund those improvements. In so doing, we can ensure that Wanakee exists at 75 Upper New Hampton Road for generations to come.

Let’s be ambitious. Let’s be hopeful. Let’s bring urgency to securing the future of this Beautiful, Spiritual Place in the Hills.

Grace and Peace,

James Tresner, Executive Director