2026 Octobe Newsletter
October at Wanakee
Fall has brought colorful views, time with camp friends, and plenty of reasons to be outside. Here’s a look at our recent Senior High Retreat and what’s coming up at Wanakee!
"This is peak life. Just being here."
Ten teens joined us for our Senior High Fall Retreat to reconnect with camp friends and enjoy a fall weekend at Wanakee. Together, we carved pumpkins, baked plenty of treats, made pizzas, and ziplined through the trees surrounded by fall color. There was time to hang out at the waterfront, and a brave few even got up early for a sunrise canoe paddle.
Our senior high campers call Wanakee their “home away from home.” We’re grateful for the friendships and sense of belonging that campers carry with them beyond the summer.
Next Up: Winter Retreat | February 19-21
Missed the fall retreat—or already ready to come back? Join us February 19–21 for our Senior High Winter Retreat!
We’ll stay in the Log Cabin, play games, sip hot cocoa in front of the fire, and head outside for sledding on the hill. Weather permitting, we may even take a walk to the island. Come reconnect with camp friends and enjoy Wanakee in a different season.
This Saturday: Lend a Hand or Come for Apple Butter!
Work Day | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Help us get Wanakee ready for winter! Projects will include closing cabins and latrines, splitting wood, moving benches, storing and securing canoes, and taking down nine-square. We’ll also have repair and building projects to tackle around camp.
Have a wood splitter you’d be willing to bring for the day? Please let us know!
Apple Butter Family Fun Day | Noon–3 p.m.
You don’t have to join the work crew to join the fun! Come for lunch, spend some time at camp, and enjoy a fall afternoon with the Wanakee community.
The apple butter is scheduled to come off the fire at 1 p.m., and we’ll be serving it on warm biscuits. Join us for the whole afternoon or stop by in time for a taste!
Caring for Pemigewasset Lake
We’re grateful to the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church’s Creation Care program for supporting the Pemigewasset Lake Preservation Association (PLPA) with a $1,000 donation.
The PLPA works to protect the health and beauty of Pemigewasset Lake, including recent efforts to mitigate milfoil. This support will help care for the lake that means so much to our campers, staff, and community.
Pictured here are PLPA Secretary Donna Girard, PLPA President Kristin Kirby, Wanakee Executive Director Ryan Culby, PLPA Information Officer Pam Cormier, and PLPA Treasurer Michael Kilfoyle.
Thank you to both organizations for helping care for this special part of Wanakee!
A Little Fall Color from Camp
From the waterfront to the trails, here are a few glimpses of Wanakee in it's fall colors. We hope to see you here soon!
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