We are proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Culby as our new Executive Director. Bringing over 12 years of leadership experience at both YMCA and United Methodist camps, Ryan holds a Bachelor’s in Recreation and a Master’s in Experiential Education, offering a blend of academic and practical experience.

With a career-long passion for bringing people together in the outdoors, Ryan understands the transformative power of the camp experience. He and his wife met at camp in the late 1990s, and they are now parents to two camp-loving children.

"Camp was a foundational factor in my own faith development,' Ryan shares. 'I am committed to ensuring others have those same life-changing opportunities." 

Ryan is also an active community volunteer and an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and paddling. Please join us in welcoming Ryan to Wanakee!

When a nervous first‑timer arrives at Wanakee, amazing things can happen. In this testimonial, one parent shares how their 10‑year‑old son arrived unsure but left full of confidence, joy, and camp spirit after a week in Sports & Games Camp. From learning new skills to making friends and passing the deep‑end test, his summer at Wanakee became a milestone in growth and independence. Registration for the upcoming season is now open!

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2025 was the first year my 10-year-old son attended Wanakee as an overnight camper. As we were packing up his bag the day before, his nerves got the better of him and he came to me and asked, "If I don't like it, can I come home?" 

He is a nervous and socially introverted kid by nature, so I showed him pictures of campers from the previous summer on Wanakee's social media accounts and said "some of these campers are first-timers as well. And look at all the things they are doing and how much fun they are having!" Even though he was still anxious and he didn't know anyone in his program, he agreed to head to camp on Sunday. And by the time we finished registration by 4:30pm, he almost forgot to say "goodbye" to me. I watched him walk across the field with his new friends to play some get-to-know you games, and he didn't look back. 

When he came home on Saturday, my husband and I couldn't believe how much he changed. It was like he matured a year in a week! He is normally a quiet kid who doesn't like to share much about his day during the school year, but camp was different. He wanted us to know EVERYTHING. He talked non-stop the whole ride home. He didn't leave a detail out, whether it was about his cabin, his favorite meal, his favorite activity, or the fact he was so proud he passed the deep-end test at the waterfront. 

Our once nervous, anxious first-time camper has asked repeatedly when he can sign up for 2026. He's ready and willing to make new friends and show all the first-timers the Wanakee ropes. 

When families come to Wanakee, something special happens — parents and children share in wonder, laughter, and simple joy together. Below, one parent reflects on her experience at You n’ Me Camp, a half‑week program designed for parents and young campers to discover the magic of camp side by side. Registration for the upcoming summer is now open — come make your own memories at Wanakee!

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My daughter and I shared our first experience camping together at Wanakee this July 2025. While I had done this program previously with my son, it was exciting to come back with my 6-year-old daughter and experience camp for the first time through her eyes. 

To her, everything was magical, exciting and new - whether it was searching for sticks in the woods for our fire circle, singing after meals, watching fireflies in the field at dusk, learning a new game, downtime arts and crafts, or building s'mores (especially s'mores!). But her favorite thing was riding in a canoe to go to Monkey Island in the middle of Lake Pemigewasset. She loved being on the water and traveling in a canoe for the first time. As a parent, it was a joy to witness her have new experiences she can't get at home, and I am grateful this program allowed me to experience this side-by-side with her. 

As a parent, my most enjoyable moments alternated between the quiet down-time we would have together in the Rec Hall at the end of every camp day, to sliding down the slip-and-slide with other parents and getting to feel like camp kids again ourselves. Our You n' Me volunteer directors made sure that both parents and kids were happy and fulfilled during our days together. 

We traveled as a family a lot this summer, but the half-week at Wanakee with my daughter remains one of my favorite memories from summer 2025. 

Volunteers are at the heart of our ministry at Wanakee. We are so grateful to have a broad network of talented individuals who help us put on high quality programming, care for the health and well-being of our campers, maintain our facilities, provide opportunities for spiritual growth, and so much more. If you are choosing to spend a day, a week, or a part of your summer with us, we are excited to see you!

There are lots of opportunities to get involved, from Spring and Fall work days, to year round committees, but to experience the magic of summer in it’s full swing, you’ll want to check out our Volunteer Page to learn about summer volunteering opportunities.

In order to provide a safe experience for our campers, we require all summer volunteers to complete the following paperwork and training before coming to camp. You can use this page as your checklist as you prepare to come to camp.

Scheduling a Time to Volunteer

As you think through how Wanakee will fit into your summer plans, a member of Wanakee’s Program Committee will help you find an opportunity that fits your skills and schedule. To connect with us, reach out to the office at mail@wanakee.org or fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.

Volunteer Training

Volunteer training is required for all summer volunteers and is offered in person and virtually. Save the date! This year’s in person training will be on Saturday, June 20th. If you are unable to attend in person, the training will be livestreamed and recorded.

Volunteer Paperwork

The following paperwork is required for all summer volunteers. Most paperwork can be completed in CampDoc, our registration software, as part of your health profile. Required documentation is outlined below.

• Health Form (required for all) - You will complete this in CampDoc after you register as a volunteer. See below for instructions. As part of your health profile, you will need to upload the following documents:

  • Your Immunization Record - Wanakee requires all participants upload evidence of the following required immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella; Hepatitis B;

    Polio; Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis; and Varicella. The Covid-19 vaccination is recommended.

  • Your most recent physical - A signed physical dated within 2 years of your week at camp is required for all volunteers.

• Yearly Application and Release (required for all) - This is also in CampDoc. It gives us permission to run your background check. You will need an ID handy when filling out this form.

• References (required for all) - All volunteers are required to send this reference check form to 3 personal and/or professional references.

• NH DCYF Central Registry Check (required ONLY for volunteers who have lived in New Hampshire within the last 7 years) - This form must be completed in person and signed by the Executive Director. This can be completed at volunteer training. If you are unable to attend volunteer training, please contact the office to make other arrangements.

• Driving Registry Check (required ONLY for volunteers who plan to drive a camp vehicle) - You can complete this form when you arrive. We will need to take a photocopy of your drivers license to complete this form.
  
  

Completing your Paperwork in CampDoc

To access the your paperwork, you will first need to register as a volunteer in CampDoc

Setting Up Your Username and Password on CampDoc

Create an account here: http://app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee. This short video demonstrates how to create an account.

New Users:

1. Click our link.

2. Click the Sign Up button.

3. In the Email box, type your email address in order to confirm.

4. In the Password box, type the password that you want to use.

5. Click the Continue button. 

6. Follow the instructions to create your profile. 

Returning Users

1. Click our link.

2. Log in with your username and password from last summer.

Setting Up Your User Profile

After you log in, you will be prompted to complete a “New Participant” page. Please enter YOUR NAME and information here.

Next, you will be prompted to fill out an “About You” page. Please enter YOUR OWN name and information here. 

To Register as a Volunteer

In order to access the application, you need to register as an applicant. Click the “Registration” tab on the left side of the screen and select the green “Register For A New Session” button.

On the “Grade Completed as of June 2026” page, select “Adult” from the dropdown menu.

On the “Select Sessions” page, scroll down to the section labeled “Volunteer” and select the week(s) you are volunteering at Wanakee.

On the “Protection Plan” page, select “Decline Protection Plan”. This page is for families of campers who wish to purchase insurance for their camp experience. 

On the “Donation” page, select “Continue”.

On the Confirmation page, please click the checkbox to affirm that you have read the Wanakee Camper Agreement” and click “Register” at the bottom of the screen to proceed to the application.

Filling In Your Paperwork

You will now see your paperwork under the “Health Profile” tab. All forms for campers, applicants, volunteers, and staff are found here. You can work through the forms seen on the right side of the screen in any order. When a form is complete, you will see a green check mark. Red circles indicate that there are still questions to complete in that section of the application.

Required questions will be marked with an * and outlined in red.  Keep in mind that our application saves your information as you complete the health forms, therefore you can return to app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee to make updates and/or continue filling out your participant’s health information. You can log in using the email address and password you previously created.

Additionally, CampDoc sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete information. These notifications will come from noreply@campdoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders. We don’t want you to miss important notices about Wanakee!

Please note that CampDoc supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari which provide improved security and performance for health information. 

If you have any questions about your paperwork, the volunteer experience, or how to prepare for your week at camp, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mail@wanakee.org. For more information about volunteering at Wanakee, visit wanakee.org/volunteer.

For additional assistance, you can navigate to support.campdoc.com or contact our Support Team at support@campdoc.com or 734-636-1000. We also encourage you to visit our Sign Up Support page for additional resources.

Thank you so much for vounteering at Wanakee! We can’t wait to see you at camp!

We are ringing in the new year with a big announcement: registration for our 2026 summer season is now open!

We can’t wait to welcome you back for another summer of laughter, friendship, and fun in our beautiful, spiritual place in the hills.

In 2026, we are once again partnering with CampDoc as our registration software. CampDoc offers an electronic health record system for camps. If you or your child came to camp in 2025, you will log into the same account to sign them up for camp this year. Our registration guide is below.

Registration Guide

Visit Wanakee’s unique Registration Page to access your account and sign up for camp at app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee.

Watch this short video to help you get started on registering your camper and completing your camper’s electronic health forms, or follow the steps below.

New Users - Setting Up Your Account

Click our link.

1. Click the Sign Up button.

2. In the Email box, type your email address in order to confirm.

3. In the Password box, type the password that you want to use.

4. Click the Continue button. 

5. Follow the instructions to create your profile. 

Returning Users - Logging In To CampDoc

1. Click our link.

2. Log in with your username and password from last summer.

Setting Up Your User Profile

After you log in, you will be prompted to complete a “New Participant” page. Please enter your CAMPER’S NAME and information here. If you will be registering multiple campers for Wanakee, start with one and you will be able to add the others afterward as a new participant with the “+ NEW PARTICIPANT” button on the left side of the screen, shown below. For mobile users, click the 3 stacked lines on the top left to find the “+ NEW PARTICIPANT” button.

Next, you will be prompted to fill out an “About You” page. Please enter YOUR OWN (the parent/guardian) name and information here. 

Filling in Your Camper’s Electronic Health Forms

After you’ve registered one or more campers for camp, you will be prompted to begin their health profile. This profile must be completed in its entirety before the participant arrives at Wanakee. No paper forms will be accepted in 2025.

Required questions will be marked with an * and outlined in red.  Upload any required documents to your CampDoc account.  If you're on a phone/tablet, you can take a picture to upload the document.

Keep in mind that our application saves your information as you complete the health forms, therefore you can return to app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee to make updates and/or continue filling out your participant’s health information. You can log in using the email address and password you previously created.

We’re excited to let you know that your participant’s health information will save from year-to-year, so once you complete it in CampDoc this season, you won’t have to start from scratch next year.

Additionally, CampDoc sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete health information, and your camp may also use the messaging feature to send out emails via CampDoc. These notifications will come from noreply@campdoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders. We don’t want you to miss important notices about Wanakee!

Registration Support

Please note that CampDoc supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari which provide improved security and performance for health information. 

For additional assistance, you can navigate to support.campdoc.com or contact our Support Team at support@campdoc.com or 734-636-1000. We also encourage you to visit our Sign Up Support page for additional resources.

Security Information

The security and privacy of your participant's health information is important to us. The CampDoc site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. You can find additional information about CampDoc privacy and security information at www.docnetwork.org/security.

We can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible summer! Head to CampDoc now to sign up, or browse our dates and rates to plan your next adventure.

Dear Wanakee Family,

As we move through this holy season of Christmas, I want to pause and simply say thank you.

Wanakee’s Outdoor Chapel

This season reminds us that God chose closeness. God chose to come near, to be present, and to share life with us. That spirit of presence is something I see reflected again and again at Wanakee. Through laughter, shared meals, quiet conversations, small groups, and time spent together in this beautiful spiritual place in the hills, a community is created where people feel known, welcomed, and cared for. These moments may seem simple, but they are holy, and they matter more than we often realize.

I am deeply thankful for all who are part of Wanakee’s life: campers, families, staff, volunteers, alumni, churches, and friends. Together, you create a sacred space where faith takes root, relationships deepen, and lives are gently shaped by grace. For campers, this means being known by name in a world that often feels rushed and anonymous. It means finding trusted adults who listen, peers who encourage, and space to grow in confidence, compassion, and creativity. In a world marked by constant noise, pressure, and comparison, Wanakee offers something rare: time to slow down, to belong, and to discover who they are. Your ongoing trust, encouragement, and prayer make this possible, and they do not go unnoticed.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, my hope is that you experience peace, joy, and rest, and that you are reminded that you are not alone. God is near, and grace is at work in ways that are quiet and profound.

Thank you for being part of Wanakee and for the many ways you help share this transformational closeness.

Grace and peace,

Evan

Rosie sharing some snow!

The McElreath Family

We are so excited to announce that the 2026 Summer Staff Application is now open! There are so many reasons to choose Wanakee this summer—from the the opportunity to learn new skills to the close-knit community to the adventure of spending your whole summer at camp. We can’t wait to start building our team.

This year, Wanakee’s staff application is built into our registration software, CampDoc. This guide serves as a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application process. If you are looking for more information about what it’s like to work at camp, please visit our employment page or reach out to us at mail@wanakee.org.

Application Guide

Setting Up Your Username and Password on CampDoc

Create an account here: http://app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee. This short video demonstrates how to create an account.

New Users:

1. Click our link.

2. Click the Sign Up button.

3. In the Email box, type your email address in order to confirm.

4. In the Password box, type the password that you want to use.

5. Click the Continue button. 

6. Follow the instructions to create your profile. 

Returning Users

1. Click our link.

2. Log in with your username and password from last summer.

Setting Up Your User Profile

After you log in, you will be prompted to complete a “New Participant” page. Please enter YOUR NAME and information here.

Next, you will be prompted to fill out an “About You” page. Please enter YOUR OWN name and information here. 

To Register as an Applicant

In order to access the application, you need to register as an applicant. Click the “Registration” tab on the left side of the screen and select the green “Register For A New Session” button.

On the “Grade Completed as of June 2026” page, select “Adult” from the dropdown menu EVEN IF you are currently in 12th grade.

On the “Select Sessions” page, select “New Staff Applicant” if you have never worked on Wanakee’s summer staff or worked on Wanakee’s summer staff before but did not join us for the 2025 season. Select “Returning Staff Applicant” ONLY if you worked at Wanakee in 2025.

On the “Protection Plan” page, select “Decline Protection Plan”. This page is for families of campers who wish to purchase insurance for their camp experience. 

On the “Donation” page, please do not make a donation. This page is for families who wish to donate to Wanakee’s Campership fund along with payments toward their child’s camp tuition. Please skip this step by selecting “Continue”.

On the Confirmation page, please click the checkbox to affirm that you have read the Wanakee Camper Agreement” and click “Register” at the bottom of the screen to proceed to the application.

Filling In Your Application

You will now see your Staff Application under the “Health Profile” tab in CampDoc. All forms for campers, applicants, volunteers, and staff are found here. You can work through the forms seen on the right side of the screen in any order. When a form is complete, you will see a green check mark. Red circles indicate that there are still questions to complete in that section of the application.

Required questions will be marked with an * and outlined in red.  Keep in mind that our application saves your information as you complete the health forms, therefore you can return to app.campdoc.com/register/wanakee to make updates and/or continue filling out your participant’s health information. You can log in using the email address and password you previously created.

Additionally, CampDoc sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete information. These notifications will come from noreply@campdoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders. We don’t want you to miss important notices about Wanakee!

Please note that CampDoc supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari which provide improved security and performance for health information. 

If you have any questions about the application process, summer staff experience, or responsibilities of summer staff members, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mail@wanakee.org. For more information bout working at Wanakee and to read our job descriptions for current openings, visit wanakee.org/employment.

For additional assistance, you can navigate to support.campdoc.com or contact our Support Team at support@campdoc.com or 734-636-1000. We also encourage you to visit our Sign Up Support page for additional resources.

We are excited to meet you and begin building our 2026 staff team! What are you waiting for?

Dear Wanakee Community,

During this season of gratitude, I wanted to reach out to say thank you.

Wanakee is more than just a beautiful spiritual place in the hills; it is a vibrant, interconnected community built on shared experiences. Every camper, staff member, volunteer, and community member plays an essential role in making Wanakee a place that feels like home for so many. 

Your commitment, whether through sending your children, volunteering your time, or making a gift, is what keeps the spirit of Wanakee alive and ready for future generations.

As you know, we are currently in a period of transition as we embark on the important search for our next Executive Director. The Board of Directors is committed to finding a leader who will honor Wanakee’s rich history while guiding us into an exciting new chapter.

While change often brings questions, I want to reassure you that we are focused on ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for all upcoming programs (keep your eyes peeled for a summer 2026 schedule coming soon!), and we are treating this transition as an opportunity for renewal and strengthened commitment to our mission.

If you know someone who would be a good fit for this role, please consider sharing the Executive Director job opening with them.

Whether you joined us this summer at Wanakee or you have cherished memories from decades ago, please know that we are grateful to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Grace and Peace,

Amelia Luke

Communications Committee Chair & Board Member

Wanakee

Our community is entering an important transition, and we are grateful to share the official posting from the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church announcing the search for Wanakee’s next Executive Director. This role is essential in supporting the people, programs, and spiritual life that make Wanakee a beloved place of connection and transformation.

This job posting was originally published on the Job Opportunities page on the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church website and is shared here for the benefit of the Wanakee community.

Executive Director – Camp & Retreat Ministries

The New England Conference of The United Methodist Church (NEAC) is seeking an Executive Director for Wanakee in Meredith, NH, to lead our vibrant Camp and Retreat Ministries. These sites are sacred spaces where lives are transformed through Christian community, outdoor adventure, and spiritual growth.

About the Role

As Executive Director, you will provide visionary leadership, operational excellence, and spiritual guidance for your site. You’ll work closely with staff, boards, volunteers, and the wider NEAC community to ensure each camp thrives as a place of hospitality, faith formation, and renewal.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Vision: Inspire staff and volunteers, articulate the mission, and engage in strategic planning.

• Program Oversight: Shape and evaluate spiritual formation, summer camps, retreats, and year-round programming.

• Community Engagement: Build partnerships with churches, donors, and local organizations; serve as a visible ambassador.

• Staff & Volunteer Development: Recruit, mentor, and empower teams to achieve excellence.

• Financial Stewardship: Manage budgets, fundraising, and donor relations with transparency and accountability.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure ACA accreditation, risk management, and adherence to state/federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Practicing and committed Christian with values aligned to the United Methodist Church.

• Degree in a related field and substantial experience managing staff.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and partnerships.

• Relevant certifications (ACA or equivalent) preferred.

• Intangible qualities: enthusiasm, emotional maturity, spiritual wholeness, and the ability to connect with diverse groups.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead one of NEAC’s beloved camp and retreat centers.

• A supportive network of peers across four sites.

• Continuing education and professional development.

• The chance to make a lasting impact on generations of campers, retreat guests, and communities.

Locations

Wanakee (Meredith, NH)

How to Apply

Send your resume, cover letter, and references to Nicole Hanlon, HR/Benefits Manager, at Nhanlon@neumc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

On behalf of the Wanakee Board of Directors, I am writing to share the news that Rev. Evan McElreath will be transitioning out of his role as our Executive Director over the next few months.

Evan and his wife, Katie, have made the decision to prioritize their family at this time. I know the entire Wanakee community will join me in supporting Evan’s choice and in wishing him, Katie, and Rosie God’s blessings in this next chapter of their lives.

Wanakee has been fortunate to have had Evan’s leadership over the past two summers. We are especially grateful for his efforts to increase the number of local clergy who have made Wanakee part of their summer ministry and for strengthening our relationships with many area churches. We know that many lives have been touched by his ministry here.

The Board’s priority is to ensure the operation of the camp transitions smoothly so that our ministry’s growth and success will continue. Leslie Drew, Wanakee’s Assistant Director, will be continuing in her role, and her knowledge, passion, and commitment will be instrumental during this time.

We will begin a search for the next Executive Director this week to lead Wanakee into its next chapter.

We will share more updates throughout this transition. For now, thank you for your continued support of our beloved camp and our important mission.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Dr. John Whitley
Chair, Wanakee Board of Directors

After a lively summer, we’re excited to share some highlights from 2025 and look ahead to what’s next at Wanakee.

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What’s Coming Up

Fall Work Day — Saturday, October 18

Join us for Work Day as we get camp ready for winter! Whether you’re handy with a hammer, good at clearing brush, or just eager to help, there’s a job for you. We’ll provide lunch and snacks, just bring your energy. Please RSVP on our website to help us plan meals.

Save the Date: Winter Youth Retreats are back!

Who says camp is just for the summer? Give your camper the opportunity to experience Wanakee in a whole new way. Sledding down the hill, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, snowshoeing at the lake, there is so much to do at camp when the weather gets cold. Save the date, registration opens in November!

• Sr. High (Grades 9-12): Feb. 6-8

• Jr. High (Grades 7-8): Feb. 13-15

• Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6): Feb. 27-Mar. 1

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Looking Back at Summer 2025

We’re grateful to everyone who made this summer special, whether you came to camp, volunteered, donated, or cheered us on from home. We’re especially excited to share some moments from our two new programs this summer! Project Green brought campers outdoors to work on environmental projects and learn about nature stewardship, while Wanakee: Unsolved challenged campers to work together solving mysteries and puzzles across camp.

Project Green campers building solar ovens.

Wanakee: Unsolved campers make a splash.

Thank You for Joining Us at the Wanakee Wilderness 5K & Homecoming BBQ

We closed out the season with our annual 5K and BBQ on August 16. Thanks to all who ran, volunteered, and donated—and especially to Adam and Mike for cooking a fantastic chicken BBQ! Here’s some moments from the day:

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Stay Connected

Thank you for being part of the Wanakee community! Visit wanakee.org and follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.

Grace and peace,

Evan and Leslie

On Saturday, August 16, hundreds of campers, families, alumni, and friends returned to Wanakee for our annual Wilderness 5k and Homecoming BBQ—a beloved tradition marking the close of another fruitful summer season. Participants enjoyed a full day of activities that captured the spirit of camp: swimming and splashing at the waterfront (and getting to enjoy our brand-new docks installed earlier this summer!), exploring the trails, and sharing stories over a delicious homemade lunch.

The day began with our annual Wanakee Wilderness 5K run, a silent auction, and the much-anticipated luncheon, all of which together raised about $10,000 to support Wanakee’s operating budget for the coming year. We’re so grateful to everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, and helped make this day such a meaningful celebration of our shared community, especially the 2025 Wanakee summer staff. Everyone’s support ensures that Wanakee continues to be a place of growth and laughter for generations of campers.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome everyone back next summer for an especially meaningful milestone, Wanakee’s 65th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration on August 15, 2026! Mark your calendars and plan to join us as we mark Wanakee’s history, celebrate our community, and look forward to the next 65 years of ministry and memories on Upper New Hampton Road.

Earlier this month, Wanakee joined hundreds of New Hampshire nonprofits for NH Gives—a powerful 24-hour fundraising event celebrating generosity across our state. Between June 11–12, 2025, 642 organizations came together to inspire giving and community spirit. Thanks to your incredible support, Wanakee raised $43,560 to fund our brand-new dock system at the waterfront!

Because of you and the help of a generous matching donor, this project will enhance safety, accessibility, and joy for every camper who dips their toes in our beloved Lake Pemigewasset. From canoeing to stargazing, from picnic tables to campfires, your generosity continues to make Wanakee’s mission possible. You didn’t just help us replace our aging docks; you helped launch countless new adventures filled with laughter, growth, and grace.

We’re deeply grateful for the many friends, families, and alumni who shared, gave, and cheered us on throughout NH Gives. Together, we’re building a stronger future for generations of campers to come. Thank you for being part of Wanakee’s story, and for helping us build the future starting at the water’s edge.

Your generosity during NH Gives reminds us how powerful our community can be when we come together with purpose and love. But the spirit of giving doesn’t have to stop there! If you’d like to continue supporting Wanakee’s mission year-round, visit www.wanakee.org/donate to make a one-time or recurring gift. Every donation—big or small—helps us keep camp safe, joyful, and full of life for generations to come.

The featured story focuses on the community building and growth that happens both at Wanakee and at Aldersgate camp in Rhode Island.

Wanakee is thrilled to share that we are featured in the 2025 issue of focus, the alumni magazine of the Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH). The article, titled “Songs. Prayers. S’mores.” highlights Wanakee’s vibrant ministry and lasting impact through the voices of three community members who share a deep connection to both Wanakee and BUSTH: Kim Macdonald, member of Wanakee’s Board of Directors; Rev. Jen Savoy (STH’21), local pastor and volunteer camp director; and Rev. Eungil Cho (STH’19), local pastor and volunteer camp chaplain.

Through their reflections, readers gain a glimpse of how Wanakee continues to nurture faith, leadership, and growth, values deeply rooted in both our Methodist heritage and our dedication to nurturing an intentional community. We’re honored to be recognized in this publication and grateful for the ongoing partnerships that help Wanakee’s ministry flourish year after year.

Read the full article in focus magazine to learn more about how the Wanakee spirit continues to inspire and connect our community.

After a long winter, we’re finally enjoying warmer days at Wanakee! These signs of spring remind us that in just over two months, we’ll be welcoming our first campers of the season, and we can’t wait to see familiar faces and new friends alike. There’s so much to look forward to, and we’re grateful to share these updates and opportunities with you as we step into spring together.

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Gratitude for Generous Support

We are thrilled to announce that Wanakee has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the United Methodist Camping and Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) and a $3,500 grant from the Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction (GLRCA) to support our campership fund. These generous gifts help ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of camp, regardless of financial need. Any family can apply for a campership when registering for camp—please reach out to the office for support with this process. We are deeply grateful for the support of these organizations and the impact they make on our community!

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Upcoming Event: Spring Work Day – May 17

Join us on Saturday, May 17th from 9 AM to 3 PM for Wanakee’s annual Spring Work Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers of all ages and skill levels to help prepare camp for the summer season. Projects include carpentry, brush clearing, painting, cleaning, and more. Youth 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine, we’d love to have you—bring your family, friends, or a group! Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to help us plan meals. Your helping hands make a real difference!

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First Ever Camper Council Meeting

We’re excited to launch our brand new Camper Council! Our inaugural meeting will be held over Zoom on Wednesday, May 14th from 7:00-8:00 PM. This virtual meeting will be a space for campers to share ideas, provide feedback, and help shape the future of Wanakee. Caregivers, please register your camper here to receive the Zoom invitation. We encourage all campers interested in leadership and making their voices heard to join us. 

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Program Spotlight: Family Camp

Looking for a unique way to spend quality time with your loved ones this summer? Join us for Family Camp, a half-week program open to all ages! Enjoy classic camp activities like boating, swimming, campfires, and arts and crafts together with other families. Choose from accommodations in our rec hall, rustic cabins, or bring a tent from home for an authentic camping experience.

• Dates: July 23–26, 2025

• Cost: $445 (ages 4–adult), $175 (ages 3 and under)

• Who: All ages welcome (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Reconnect, relax, and make memories that last a lifetime!

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We can’t wait to see you at camp this summer! Be sure to follow us on social media and check our website for the latest updates, registration info, and more.

Grace and peace,

Evan and Leslie

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Wanakee | 603-279-7950 | mail@wanakee.org | www.wanakee.org 

Dear Wanakee Family,

Until last summer, if someone said Alleluia, I would hum “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia” in my head, creating a mini moment of Easter. Because of Wanakee, when someone says it now, I now immediately hear “Praise ye the Lord!” which creates a mini moment of camp. Whether you are singing a Charles Wesley hymn or a camp classic today, we hope you are having a Happy Easter!

At Wanakee, we witness the spirit of resurrection every summer in the growth of young leaders, the deepening of faith, and the joy that fills this beautiful spiritual place in the hills. In sharing, learning, and praying together, our small group programs build relationships that last a lifetime. This is where lives are transformed and faith is made real. God continues to do new things here and we are filled with hope and anticipation for the camp season ahead of us. We can’t wait to welcome you back to this sacred place.

May the joy of Easter and the peace of the risen Christ be with you today and always!

Grace and Peace,

Evan

Hello, everyone! I am Evan McElreath, and I am beyond thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Wanakee. Let me tell you a little bit about myself and why I am so excited to be joining this incredible community.

Evan McElreath

First and foremost, I am a Provisional Elder in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. I am looking forward to expanding the connection of our church through Camp and Retreat Ministries. My journey in faith and my love for serving others have led me to this amazing opportunity at Wanakee.

I had the privilege of attending Appalachian State University where I pursued my Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, with a minor in non-profit management. It was during my time there that I truly discovered my passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. Continuing my education, I attended the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where I earned my Master of Divinity. This experience deepened my understanding of spirituality and further ignited my desire to create meaningful connections within communities.

My involvement with Camp and Retreat Ministries has had a profound impact on my life. I am proud to hold a camp director's certification from the American Camp Association, and I have had the privilege of working for, and attending camps, in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and I carry the transformative power of these environments with me wherever I go.

Currently, I am serving as the Pastor of Faith UMC in South Burlington, Vermont, and I have previously served in Connecticut and Massachusetts. These diverse communities have taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, compassion, and the importance of building inclusive and welcoming spaces.

Before relocating to New England, while living in Georgia, I had the honor of serving as the Director of Youth and Mission for Rome First UMC. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as the Chaplain to the Atlanta Beltline. Through these roles, I have developed a deep commitment to adolescent development while creating communities that offer radical hospitality and acceptance.

On a more personal note, my wife Katie and I are originally from North Carolina. We come to camp with our adorable cat, June. Katie, having worked at a summer camp herself, is excited for this new adventure, while June is excited for us to have more boxes to explore as we pack.

Joining Wanakee as the Executive Director is a dream come true for me. I am bursting with enthusiasm and passion for the transformative experiences that await us! Together, we will embrace growth, foster connection, and create a future filled with unforgettable memories.

I cannot express how excited I am to embark on this journey with all of you at Wanakee! Let's create something truly extraordinary together!

Dear Friends,

You make summer camp at Wanakee possible, and summer camp at Wanakee changes lives.

Don’t take my word for it – here’s what parents are saying:

Campers sharing their talents in the Outdoor Chapel.

“Because of Wanakee, my camper learned what it means to be loved (that was his answer when I asked him).”

“Because of Wanakee, my camper found herself, her confidence, grew in her faith and kindness, felt loved and accepted…I could go on forever!”

“Because of Wanakee, my child has a deep sense of home and belonging. Because of Wanakee, my child feels accepted.”

It was not a given that Wanakee would bounce back from our 2020 closure. Many camps and retreat centers remained closed last summer, some permanently. In 2022, you and other donors, supporters, and volunteers like you empowered Wanakee to not only resume our programming at close to full scale, but to continue investing in our facility and our future. Our rebound is not complete, but your strength, dedication, and shared purpose lights our path forward.

For making all of that possible, and for continuing to demonstrate your belief in the power of the Wanakee mission and experience through your prayers, gifts of time, and financial support, I am deeply grateful. I know we can count on you today and for years to come, and invite you to start by making a year-end donation to launch us into 2023.

I wish you peace, health, and hope this Christmas season, and look forward to welcoming you home to camp soon.

Grace and Peace,

James B. Tresner

Executive Director

Carolyn Capern, "Mama Sue" Rudolf, and Katii Capern after a week of Footnotes

In 1997, our family moved from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Dover, NH. There was a LOT of newness to get used to, but we quickly found our church home at St. John’s United Methodist Church. It wasn’t long before we heard about Wanakee from fans and families!  So off went our young daughters, Carolyn and Katii, to their first camps - an awesome experience that kept on being awesome with each passing year. 

It was always a big day when the Wanakee summer camp schedule arrived — the girls would spend hours trying to decide which ones to attend. Junior High Ropes. Choose Your Own Adventure. And the absolute must for both of them – Footnotes!

Year after year, Wanakee was the highlight of our daughters’ summers. They made friends and memories, learned new skills, and soaked up the positive atmosphere, fresh air, and campfire recipes (from hearty stir fry to tin foil babies to s’mores). Every summer, going to Wanakee was going home.

The Footnotes crew from St. John’s UMC in Dover, NH

Girls grow older, and suddenly it was senior year, a bittersweet experience for each of them that marked the end of a wonderful era. But then Katii signed up for Leaders In Training, counseled for two summers, volunteered for Senior High Camp, and even directed a musical theater camp — with Dad providing the musical accompaniment. Carolyn, meanwhile, has stayed in touch with many special Wanakee friends, loves returning to walk around camp as often as she is in New Hampshire, and has become an annual donor herself.   

Carolyn, now 32, says, “My weeks at Wanakee kept me grounded throughout my most formative years – not just because of the fun times and the great people, but also because it was a place where I felt fully like myself. It has been many years since I’ve been a camper, but whenever I need to go to a peaceful place in my mind, it still looks like Wanakee.”

Mike Capern playing guitar at Wanakee

Katii, 29, says, “I will never forget the feeling I’d get when our car turned onto Upper New Hampton Road. It was the good kind of nervousness that I’m so grateful I experienced as a kid, because it shaped me into who I am. To this day, I cite Wanakee as an anchor and my favorite place in the world, full of grace and peace. The friends, memories, and lessons that came into my life as a camper, staff member, and volunteer stay with me.” 

Those years at Wanakee were precious years for our daughters, providing special memories and a strong foundation for two young women growing up.  It makes sense to us to continue to support Wanakee with monthly giving, both for the practical benefit that a fixed, known amount offers camp administrators, but also as an enduring thank you from our grateful family. We hope others will see fit to become regular donors as well, and  that many children will find their Wanakee experiences to be equally meaningful and memorable for decades to come. 

James Tresner (Executive Director), Carrie Way (2022 Award Recipient), Rev. Phil Polhemus, Regina Bowler (2022 Award Recipient), Kevin Drew (Chair, Wanakee Board of Directors)

To the Wanakee Community,

On behalf of the Wanakee Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce Regina Bowler and Carrie Way as the 2022 recipients of the Phil Polhemus Award for Volunteer Commitment and Impact. The honor and award were given at the Wanakee Wilderness 5K held this past Saturday, August 20th, 2022.

Periodically, Wanakee honors individuals for their commitment to Wanakee’s ministry. The Phil Polhemus Award was created in 2017 and it recognizes outstanding volunteers for their invaluable and selfless commitment to Wanakee’s programs and/or facilities by honoring individuals whose depth and/or length of commitment is truly exceptional.

Carrie and Regina have been involved with Wanakee’s ministries for more than three decades after being introduced to Wanakee in the 1980s through the Pastor of their local congregation, First United Methodist Church (Littleton NH). Regina served on summer staff for three summers, and Carrie and Regina have long been foundational members of our volunteer nursing team; Carrie since 1988 and Regina since 2000. 

Both Carrie and Regina have served on Wanakee’s Board of Directors and assisted in recruiting and coordinating volunteer nurses. They continue to help prepare and maintain the health office, train the summer staff on health office procedures, and assist during work days including cooking for the masses. Regina has served as an event director for Treasure Hunters, and Carrie directs our semi-annual women's retreat, Wild Wanakee Women.

Regina and Carrie bring a high level of professionalism to the health office, and they also bring humor and a warm spirit to campers, staff, and other volunteers. For both of them, Wanakee is a place for family - their children have grown deep Wanakee roots of their own, serving as staff, volunteers, and/or supporters. Carrie and Regina’s level of dedication to Wanakee’s ministry and their longevity of service make them ideal candidates for the Phil Polhemus Award for Volunteer Commitment and Impact.

Please join me in thanking Regina and Carrie for their years of service!

Grace and Peace,

Nicole M. Richards

Executive Committee, Wanakee Board of Directors