WONDERS

Wanake has been a place where campers grow in their relationship with God as they discover the wonders of His creation. Now, the Wanake Observatory gives campers even more access to part of God’s creation – “The Heavens.”  Planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, nebulas, and more are now even more accessible to our human eyes at camp with the use of the new telescope, whose home is in the observatory located beyond Savage Retreat Center at the end of the playing field – the flattest place at the “beautiful, spiritual place among the hills.” 

Two new programs will look to the stars and all of God’s creation this summer. The Art and Science of God’s Creation and Nature Exploration Camp are programs for grades 4-6, featuring many opportunities to explore God’s World. Night Camp, a longtime Wanake favorite, will explore the skies each night. The observatory will not be lonely this summer!

So far, more than 200 campers have registered for another summer of adventures in God’s beautiful creation. Wanake is looking forward to welcoming campers for a great summer 2024. Camp for adults with developmental disabilities is back, and new this year are Bike, Fishing, and Art camps!

The first of Wanake’s spring workdays was very productive with a number of projects completed, including new curtains sewed, flower beds weeded, a porch replaced, and continuing work on the new pines hill shower house. 

Already this year, 31 women attended Wanake’s women’s retreat, and 20 families are registered for family and adult events coming up this spring, summer, and fall.

I am sad to report that two Wanake alumni died recently. The Rev William “Bill” McDonald, active at Wanake in the 1960s and 1970s died on December 6, 2023 at age 82.  Karen Keen, active at Wanake from the 2000s-2023, died January 27, 2024 at age 74.  It was Bill’s vision for a decentralized Woods Camp in the early 70s that led to this area being developed, serving campers even today.  Karen served with joy and consistency in the kitchen for nearly two decades. Both Bill and Karen shared themselves with Wanake and the many campers and guests in powerful ways to share the Love of Jesus.  Wanake is grateful for their service.

Wanake dedicated the new observatory and resident telescope on Saturday, April 6, 2024, with joy and gratitude. It was a celebration of the legacy of lives lived to the glory of God and the future opportunities to share God’s love with future Wanake campers. It was a day and a project filled with love.

Join me in prayer and preparation of hearts and the site at Wanake for the summer program ministry, sharing God’s creation filled with love.  I hope to see you at Wanake soon!

Peace and Joy in the Risen Savior Jesus,

Julie Schar Lautt, Director

“How beautiful is the green earth. 

The stars in the heavens above. 

But what would the whole world be worth,

if we did not fill it with love, with love,

if we did not fill it with love.”