An open letter to Wanakita Alumni & Friends

Good morning, Wanakita!

It’s hard to put into words the impact that spending summers at YMCA Wanakita had on Ryan and me.

On the surface, camp taught us swimming, camping, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, archery, and crafts. We can tie slip knots, belay a fellow climber, and build a campfire in soggy conditions. We know how to navigate through 100km of forest and lakes with nothing but a map and compass. We gained the confidence to act, sing and dance in front of large crowds. These hard skills have definitely come in handy throughout life.

Jess and her 2nd Year SCs performing at Coffee House (2007)

Ryan launching his kayak at West Beach (2011)

Go a little deeper, and you realize that camp was the first time that we (and likely every other camper) had tried any of these activities. It requires & encourages curiosity, teamwork, leadership, courage, resilience, independence, resourcefulness, empathy and a positive outlook. These soft skills, in our opinion, make a “camp kid” stand out from a crowd.

 

Counsellors & Campers on trial during Kangaroo Court (2016)

Ryan and his 1:1 special needs camper at craft time (2011)

Many of you can also agree that when you find “your people” from camp, those relationships are unlike any other. It’s a bond that outlasts time and distance. We are lucky to have met each other at Wanakita and still consider many camp friends our closest! Like Andy always said… “It’s not the buildings, the land or the lake, but the people.”

 

Wanakita family at Jess & Ryan’s wedding (2021)

Ryan and I have talked for years about giving back and finally decided this was the year. We couldn’t think of a better way to honour our time at Wanakita than by sending someone in need to have the same experience.

Our goal is to raise $2,400 by Christmas (what a nice gift!). That is enough money to cover the cost of camp, taxes and GoFundMe fee for one camper’s two-week session (either J/I or Senior). We’re asking anyone who has been positively affected by Wanakita - maybe you attended? Maybe your partner did? Maybe you just read this letter and felt moved? - to consider donating to help us on our mission.

We really appreciate you taking the time to read this, and consider donating and/or sharing on your social media with other camp alumni. As we always say… better now for the knowing of you!

Love,

Jess & Ryan