James Tresner named executive director at Wanakee

Dear Companions in Christ,

James B. Tresner

On behalf of the New England Conference, I am pleased to announce that James B. Tresner has been named executive director at Wanakee, our camp in Meredith, NH. James will begin his new role on Feb. 15, 2016.

James already has experience with camping and retreat ministries in New England; he has been involved at Wanakee since 1999 as a camper, staff member, and, most recently, as the volunteer director of Senior High Camp and member of the Operations Committee, where he helped Wanakee earn accreditation through the American Camp Association (ACA). He also served as a staffer at Camp Aldersgate in Rhode Island.

Most recently James, who lives in Somerville, MA, has been the development manager and brand steward at Year Up, a nonprofit that offers a one-year intensive training program for low-income young adults that provides a combination of hands-on skill development, college credits and corporate internships.

In his most recent role as a front-line fundraiser, James raised and stewarded over $500,000 in five months by cultivating and maintaining external partnerships. Prior to joining the development team, James was on Year Up's admissions and outreach team, where he designed admissions processes and developed innovative digital outreach tools.

From 2011 to 2013, James managed a school-based after school program, overseeing enrollment growth of 70 percent while building sustainable relationships with families, district staff, and other stakeholders.

I look forward to the gifts that James will bring to Wanakee and the New England Conference, especially in the areas of development, team leadership, familiarity and understanding of camping and ACA standards, and his passion and commitment to the Wanakee experience.

The Wanakee Board of Directors and I are confident that he will give excellent leadership in building congregational and community partnerships, and strengthening our camping program while administering a collaborative vision for expanding the mission and offering meaningful outdoor ministry in New England.

“As a former camper and staff member, and longtime volunteer, I have personally seen and experienced the fundamental ways that Wanakee can positively influence people from all backgrounds,” James said. “It is a uniquely joyful and caring community. There is no place that means more to me; the relationships formed at Wanakee provide a lifetime of support. I am eager to partner with families, the Wanakee Board of Directors, and the Conference to lead Wanakee towards a bright future.”

Asked where he sees Christian camping today, James responded: “(There is) an opportunity for camps to take on increased importance; to continue to be a source of support to churchgoers, and to be an inspiration to those without a faith home. It is possible to meet the needs of churches while also serving individuals from all backgrounds. Wanakee must remain a safe place for diverse people.”

James graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in Vermont with a BA in Environmental Studies/History and Music.

“Growing up in the Methodist Church, I am acutely aware of the significant ways in which the core theology of Methodism has shaped my values,” said the native of West Hartford, CT, who grew up attending the United Methodist Church of Hartford. “I am grateful to my parents and grandparents, whose lifelong commitments to the church and longtime commitments to Methodism are bedrock to our family.”

James takes over leadership of Wanakee from Michael Moore, who stepped down in September 2015 after 10 years as executive director.

Please join me in welcoming James to the New England Conference. I am confident I speak for the board when I say that we anticipate the 2016 camping season with excitement and look forward to the camp’s next chapter with James at the helm.

Connected in Christ,

Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson
New England Conference Director of Connectional Ministries

Letter from the Wanakee board of directors

Wanakee sign in front of farmhouse

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In June of this year, it was announced that Michael Moore would be stepping down as executive director of Wanakee in fall of 2015.

Though we are sad to see him go, we are incredibly grateful for all Michael has done for Wanakee over the past ten years, and for the spiritual growth he has helped nurture for our children, youth and young adults. We wish Mike and his family all the best in the future and pray that they will be happy in their new home.

This month, the Conference and the Wanakee Board will be reviewing applicants for the open Executive Director position, narrowing our list of candidates and conducting interviews.

During this transition time, the Conference has asked Rev. Philip Polhemus (ret.) to serve as our camp coordinator and work with the board to ensure a smooth transition over the next few months for camp. Phil will oversee remaining 2015 retreat programming, facilities and necessary year-end approved projects / winter maintenance, coordinate our volunteers for upcoming fall work days, and provide support for the annual closing of camp.

Phil will be checking the camp office daily regarding incoming retreat groups, answering emails, phone calls and distributing mail. Messages may be left at the camp office – 603-279-7950. In case of emergency, Phil may be reached at 603-393-7182.

We invite you to pray for all those involved in the transition process and especially for Wanakee – “A Beautiful, Spiritual Place in the Hills.”

Wanakee hosts 5K and homecoming

Runners at the 2015 Wanakee 5K

About 100 folks got to see the beauty of Wanakee at a quicker pace than most who tour the Meredith, NH, camp.

They were the runners and walkers who participated in this year’s Wanakee Homecoming and 5K Wilderness Run/Walk on Aug. 15, 2015.

So how much quicker? Overall winner Andrew Attorri finished the 3.1 mile-course in 24 minutes, 13 seconds; the first woman to cross the finish line, Ashley Polhemus, did so with a time of 26:26.

The first, second and third place winners overall and by age group are awarded trophies made by potter and former camp staffer Gary Storms.

The 5K is an off-road race along hiking trails that Mike Polhemus, who is co-director of the race with his father, the Rev. Phil Polhemus, described to racers as “grueling,” though he quickly added: “You’ll love it.”

The 5K started three years ago as the culmination of a week-long running camp. Now it’s been opened to the public and helps to raise funds for camp improvements.

The $10,000 raised by this year’s race, which has a number of corporate sponsors, will go toward re-siding the farmhouse.

This year’s event, which includes a homecoming barbecue, was a little bittersweet this year. Wanakee Director Michael Moore is leaving at the end of this camp season.

Speaking after the race Victoria Sheehan, chair of the Wanakee Site Committee, said: “Unfortunately, Michael Moore, who’s been our director here at Wanakee for 10 years is leaving; this is his last season, so we really want to take some time today and celebrate Mike and his family and the contributions they’ve made to camp."

Those attending were invited to share their good wishes and memories in a book, and a collection taken for a parting gift for Moore.

Michael Moore, center, fills water cups before the race.

“Michael Moore and his wife, Jean, came here 10 years ago to be our directors. They have touched hundreds and hundreds of lives, and made Wanakee a truly welcoming place and we’re very fortunate to have had them here,” Sheehan said. “The Moore family has meant so much to all of us, so we really want to wish them well.”

Jean Moore, who served as co-director with her husband, died in 2010. Moore said he has no “set plan” after stepping down, but is looking forward to spending time with his three children.

“There have been a lot of great memories over those 10 years and a lot of blessings,” he said, adding that 75 percent of the current staff are past campers. “It’s a neat way of seeing them grow – 10 years ago they would have been in elementary school, and now they’re the leaders, so that’s pretty exciting.”

“Wanakee is an amazing place for watching children grow spiritually and in their faith, especially through the elements of Christian community, and the love and compassion that’s shown with the staff and the other campers,” he said. “To be a part of that is such a blessing.”

~ Story and photos by Beth DiCocco, New England Conference Director of Communcations

Wanakee earns accreditation by the American Camp Association

Wanakee is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Wanakee is now accredited by the American Camp Association, the only nationwide organization that accredits all types of organized camps.

"It is truly wonderful to have our programs, facility and staff recognized for the commitment to camper safety and quality camping programs by the ACA New England Board of Directors," said Michael Moore, Wanakee's Director, in announcing the good news on November 14, 2014.

This accreditation was achieved through rigorous evaluation of the camp property, staff, operations, policies and procedures. Director Michael Moore, the staff, and volunteers gave much time and dedication to meet these requirements and to achieve this status.