Phil Polhemus Award for Volunteer Commitment & Impact
Phil Polhemus
About the award
Periodically, Wanakee honors individuals for their commitment to Wanakee’s ministry. The Phil Polhemus Award recognizes one outstanding volunteer for their invaluable and selfless commitment to Wanakee’s programs and/or facilities by honoring an individual whose depth and/or length of commitment is truly exceptional.
Why the “Phil Polhemus Award”?
The Rev. Phil Polhemus first experienced Wanakee in 1967, and has remained its steadfast champion for five decades. Phil has worn nearly every hat at Wanakee, including Interim Site Director (2005), Maintenance Supervisor (2000-2007, 2016), volunteer event director, Co-Coordinator of the Wanakee Wilderness 5K (2014-present), Council Director for the New Hampshire Conference of the UMC (1989-1992), member of the Site Board, membership on nearly every committee, advocate in the congregations he served during his distinguished career as a United Methodist pastor, and more. His dedication to Wanakee is exceeded only by his love of its people.
The Phil Polhemus Award was created in 2016 by a vote of the Wanakee Board of Directors in honor of his (re-)retirement from Wanakee’s staff and in recognition of his boundless dedication to Wanakee’s mission.
We need your help! Nominate someone you admire for their service to Wanakee’s mission and help us recognize the efforts of hardworking individuals who stand out as an example of exceptional dedication to Wanakee.
How is the award given?
Phil Polhemus Award Recipients will be nominated periodically by the Wanakee Community and/or Board of Directors, and voted on by the Board of Directors.
To nominate someone
Write a brief narrative (at least two paragraphs) describing the efforts and contributions of the nominee. Be sure to include the full depth and breadth of their involvement at camp, including years of service (feel free to outline in list form).
The nominee must be 18 years or older.
Previous award winners are not eligible.
Email your nomination to mail@wanakee.org and be sure to include ‘Phil Polhemus Award’ in the subject line.
Upon acceptance of the award, recipients will receive an award and public recognition through Wanakee’s website and and other marketing publications. Stories will also be shared publicly and may be used in future newsletters and outgoing media, including press releases and email communications.
Criteria
Nominee has demonstrated dedication and commitment to Wanakee’s mission.
Nominee exemplifies an ethic of servant leadership.
Nominee has helped make Wanakee a more vibrant and vital community.
WANA BEAR
One of Phil’s passions is telling stories, both in person and in writing. Every year, he writes new tales from the life of Wana Bear (or is it Wanabear?) and his friends, including Hootie Owl, Amos Raccoon, and Rusty Squirrel. Here’s the latest installment;