Ryan Culby - Executive Director
Ryan Culby
Ryan Culby joined Wanakee as Executive Director in March of 2026. He brings a passion for creating outdoor experiences that bring people together to share in fun, faith, fellowship and community. He also brings more than 25 years of professional camp experience.
Ryan grew up on a family fruit farm in Michigan, got his BS in Recreation from MSU, and later a MS in Experiential Education from MNSU. He met his wife at a Christian summer camp in the 90’s and they have two active, camp-loving teens.
New Hampshire has always called to Ryan. Right out of high school he took off hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Following college, he started his summer camp career in the Lakes Region. In his free time, he can be found hiking, climbing or paddling with his family.
Leslie Drew - Assistant Director
Leslie Drew
Leslie has been involved with Wanakee since she was 10 as a camper, counselor, program staff, and most recently the volunteer director of Leader in Training (LIT). Wanakee has always been her favorite place and she is thrilled to return to camp in this new role!
Leslie has spent the last 2 years working as a middle school special educator in Colchester, Vermont. She lives in Burlington, Vermont with her partner and excitable (read: naughty) golden doodle, Pemi. When she isn’t teaching or trying to convince Pemi to let go of her shoe, Leslie enjoys cooking, playing board games, and laying in her hammock.
The Wanakee Summer Staff
Wanakee staff members are hand-picked, background checked, and rigorously trained to provide service, leadership, and hospitality.
Staff receive extensive training on proper camper safety, leadership, and spiritual growth. We screen and hire staff from New England and around the world in order to create the best team possible and ensure the safest camping experience for your child.