Do Everything in Love!
A Director's Note
Wanake’s campers joyfully sang the theme verse - “Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16:14 - all summer as we explored our “Faith Alive” in the world! Wanake welcomed 366 campers who enjoyed a wonderful week of camp with Jesus at the center. Of these 366 campers, 346 reported that they grew in their faith (That is more than 94%!); 28 rededicated their lives to Jesus; and 30 campers made first-time commitments to Christ at camp. Praise God!
Tuesday morning worship on Vesper Hill was a highlight each week as campers and staff prayed for each other, and staff members shared how their faith is alive today! It was a joy to sing praise to God together in this very special worship space that for 78 years has been and continues to be a place of worship!
Cookouts in the Home-in-the-Woods, making new friends, and swimming in the pool were top activities along with games, visiting the animals, and gaga ball. Campers reported that Wanake’s counselors and the food were favorites. Many campers simply said their favorite part of camp was “everything!”
The greatest needs for Wanake’s summer camp ministry are encouraging campers to register for camp and young adults to apply for summer staff positions.
In addition to summer camp, by the end of 2024, Wanake will have hosted 80 groups for a total of 3,000+ guests. Praise God for this opportunity to impact lives with God’s love!
Wanake continues to celebrate the contributions of alumni in the past and the present. Wanake is sad to report the deaths of the following alumni, and we will miss them dearly:
· Randy Beamish (August 26, 1949 – June 3, 2024), summer staff in 1970 and a strong supporter of Wanake;
· Bill (William) Housel (January 24, 1941 – September 15, 2024), family camp participant and volunteer summer program assistant; and
· Peggy Malone (December 31, 1950 – July 15, 2024), long-time summer staff, volunteer and friend of Wanake. Peggy led music often and always had a song on her lips!
As Wanake closes the year and moves into 2025, we are 2 years from the celebration of 80 years of ministry in 2026! Consider how you might join the celebration and help secure the future of Wanake for the next generations of campers to experience their faith coming alive!
Peace and Joy in Jesus,
Julie Schar Lautt
Julie Schar Lautt, Director
“We’ve got Christian lives to live
We’ve got Jesus’ love to give
We’ve got nothing to hide
Because in Christ we all find LOVE.”
