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