Parent Testimonial: Finding Courage and Friendship at 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!
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.