2026 August Newsletter
Celebrating Summer 2026 at Wanakee
After another meaningful summer at camp, we’re grateful for the campers, families, volunteers, staff, donors, and friends who made Wanakee such a special place this year. As we look back on a season full of adventure, we’re also excited to share what is coming up this fall.
What’s Coming Up
Fall Family Camp Weekend
September 25-27
Make Wanakee part of your family’s fall tradition! Fall Family Camp Weekend is a chance to step away from busy routines and enjoy a weekend of fresh air, friendship, and your favorite Wanakee activities.
Spend time hiking, boating, making crafts, gathering around campfires, playing games, and taking in the fall colors. Families will also be part of our apple butter-making tradition, from stirring the kettles to enjoying the finished product.
Your weekend includes three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday as well as lodging in the Rec Hall--though you are welcome to bring a tent instead! Whether your family has been coming to Wanakee for years or is visiting for the first time, we hope you will join us for a weekend of connection, fun, and lasting memories.
Adults: $100 per person
Teens ages 13–16: $65 per person
Children age 12 and under: $50 per person
Apple Butter Family Fun Day
Saturday, September 26 - 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Families, alumni, friends, and community members of every age are invited to camp for a cozy day of fall fun. Gather around the campfire as we boil and can apple butter together, take a hike, play games, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy favorite camp activities.
No Apple Butter Day would be complete without a taste of the finished product! Enjoy fresh apple butter on a warm biscuit, and take home a jar of your own with a donation of any size.
This event is free to attend. An optional lunch is available for $6 per person.
Senior High Fall Retreat
October 9–11
High school campers: come back to camp, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a fall weekend designed especially for you! Stay in Wanakee’s iconic Farmhouse and spend time with the people that make camp feel like home.
The weekend will include stargazing, campfires, s’mores, waterfront time, games, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy being together. It is a chance to take a break from school, deepen friendships, and experience the fun, faith, and community of Wanakee in the fall.
Three meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday are included.
Cost: $135
Fall Work Day
Saturday, October 24, 9:00-3:00
Help us get Wanakee ready for the winter season! We will spend the day caring for camp, tackling needed projects, and preparing our 227 acres for the months ahead.
There is a place for every volunteer, regardless of experience or skill level. Projects may include clearing brush, light carpentry, putting away equipment, closing cabins, and other work that helps keep camp safe, welcoming, and ready for the next season.
Invite your family, friends, church, youth group, or team to join you. Volunteers ages 17 and under must attend with an adult. Coffee, light snacks, and lunch will be provided. We work rain or shine, so please come prepared for the weather and wear sturdy clothes you can work in.
Our Campers Say…
This summer was made possible by so many people sharing their time, energy, care, and camp spirit. We are deeply thankful to every camper, family, staff member, volunteer, donor, church, and supporter who helped make Summer 2026 meaningful. Your support makes a real difference! When asked what she would tell a friend about her time at camp, one of our campers said:
The staff was so kind and welcoming and I met so many amazing people. All of the activities were so fun and inclusive. I loved being able to hang out with my friends and I made so many new friends. I am so grateful for the supportive staff and counselors. The atmosphere is so kind here and I will always consider Wanakee a second home. All week I have been accepted for who I truly am and grown in my faith along the way. The way that Wanakee makes you feel is such a cherished special feeling and I hope everyone gets to feel that at least once. THANK YOU WANAKEE!
Celebrating Wanakee's 65th Birthday
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Wanakee Wilderness 5K & Homecoming BBQ! It was a wonderful day of celebration as we marked Wanakee's 65th birthday with campers, alumni, families, friends, volunteers, and supporters from across the Wanakee community.
We are grateful to everyone who ran or walked the race, volunteered, sponsored the event, participated in the silent auction, shared stories, enjoyed the BBQ, and helped make the day such a success. Together, we raised more than $10,000 to support Wanakee and the campers we serve.
We were also honored to present the Polhemus Award for Volunteer Service to Dave Bovee and David Richards in recognition of their decades of faithful service to Wanakee. Their generosity, commitment, and love for camp have made a lasting difference for generations of campers and families.
During the celebration, we also held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Wanakee’s new Health Lodge. We are deeply thankful to the generous families whose support made this dream a reality, as well as our dedicated 2026 nurses, who provided compassionate care for campers and staff in this new space throughout the summer.
Click the link below to see race results and photos from the day.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Wanakee Wilderness 5K & Homecoming BBQ would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors.
Thank you to our individual sponsors:
Carol and Dave Bovee, in memory of John Richards
David and Sue Richards, in memory of John Richards
Mara Bovee, in honor of Dave Bovee and David Richards
Nicole Richards, in honor of the Richards and Bovee families
Phil and Rita Polhemus
Ray Carpenter and Beth Evans
Thank you to our corporate and community sponsors:
Brandin Earthworks
Chadwick & Trefethen
The Logan Company
Meredith Village Savings Bank
SOS Alarms
The Wanakee Board of Directors
A very special thanks to Trinity United Methodist Church in Weirs Beach for generously matching donations dollar for dollar from NEUMC congregations. We are also grateful for the churches that participated:
Bow Mills United Methodist Church
Elmore United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church, Laconia-Gilford
First United Methodist Church, Littleton
Main Street United Methodist Church, Nashua
North Salem United Methodist Church
Plymouth United Methodist Church
Trinity United Methodist Church, Colebrook
Book Your Stay at Wanakee
Can't get enough of camp? Our cozy log cabin space is available year round! Located around the corner from main camp, it's the perfect getaway for a youth group or family gathering. Take advantage of our hiking trails in the spring and fall, relax by the fireplace in the winter--there's something to enjoy in every season. The log cabin can accommodate up to 20 people in 3 large bedrooms, and has a kitchen fully equipped for meal preparation. Learn more and book your stay on our website or take a virtual tour.
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,
Ryan and Leslie