CAMP DIRECTOR

Julie Lautt is the Camp Director at Wanake.  Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Julie grew up in Ohio and spent seven years growing up living at Wanake as the daughter of Wanake director, David Schar.

Julie has spent all but a handful of years living at a United Methodist Church camp in Ohio, Iowa and Upstate New York.  Julie has worked in Christian camp and retreat ministry within the United Methodist Church for over 25 years, serving as a full-time site director since 1992:  serving as director of Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center in the North Central New York Annual Conference for 11 years and here at Wanake since March of 2003. Julie lives on site with her husband, Steve, and their three children:  Tabitha, Dylan and Bethany.  Wanake is a spiritual home for Julie.  It was the first place Julie was a camper and is where she first met Jesus as Lord and Savior.

SITE MANAGER

Justin Miller is the Site Manager at Wanake, growing up in Brewster, Ohio graduated from Fairless High School, then traveling the world while serving in the United States Navy.

Justin brings to Wanake expertise along with his experience in heavy equipment, maintenance, and of construction operations. Justin enjoys playing bass guitar in his congregation’s praise band, carpentry, furniture making, and raising chickens. Justin’s vision for the stewardship of Wanake’s resources includes: Strengthening Wanake’s volunteer work force. Justin lives at Wanake with his wife Kari, daughters Marlie and Rubie.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of GUEST SERVICES

Amy Ecklund is the Assistant Director at Wanake. She grew up in Wisconsin and has spent many years working in Lutheran camps across the country.
 
Amy brings a wealth of experience working with summer staff, running challenge courses and rock climbing programs, and working in Outdoor Education and retreat groups. Amy is excited to work with Guest Groups from booking them to hosting them to seeing them return. Amy loves getting to spend time with her nieces and nephews and spending time in the mountains whenever she can.

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Joel Jarvis assists with operational services and coordinates fund development efforts.  Joel processes Wanake income and expenditures as well as helping with mowing when possible!

Joel is a longtime alumnus going back to the 70s as a summer staff counselor, lifeguard, Outpost Director and served as Wanake Interim director from 1976-1977. Joel’s career spanned over 40 years as a professional camp director at various camps in the United States. He and his wife, Sandi, have three grown sons; two in Maryland and one in Arizona. Seven grandchildren keep them busy. Sandi, too, is a Wanake alumnus and assists with baking as time permits.  Joel’s greatest dream was met when he and Sandi moved back from Wisconsin in 2020 and he was hired, part-time, to be a part of the Wanake team.

My child loved her counselor and the friends she made the most. She loved that her counselor prayed with them daily and sang to them.

Camper Parent

I enjoyed Morning Watch because we got a chance to listen to God speak to us.

Camper

When I became a counselor I found that working as a team of two taught me how to be in positive, healthy relationships with others.

Summer Staff Member

I took another look at Bible stories I’ve read before, looking at them from a different point of view.

Camper

At home, I don’t really connect with God, but now I am going to try my hardest to do so. Wanake makes me a better person. I love it.

Camper

I am constantly in awe of the real-world skills working at camp taught me, and so many of them apply to me daily!

Summer Staff Member

My daughter loved everything! I think the frog pond, making friends, and singing songs ranked pretty high because she kept returning to those experiences.

Camper Parent

I did feel challenged this week at Wanake to be my best and become a better person because I tried lots of things I probably wouldn’t have.

Camper

I am constantly in awe of the real-world skills working at camp taught me, and so many of them apply to me daily!

Summer Staff Member

Real friends aren’t measured in years, they’re measured in connection and happiness - making you feel like your best self.

Camper

The best part of camp was my child being able to have pure fun, encouraging kindness, and making new friends. She also said the food was delicious!

Camper Parent

When I became a counselor I found that working as a team of two taught me how to be positive,
healthy relationships with others.

Summer Staff Member

I feel that living without electricity, running water, and mattresses made me realize how grateful I am for the things I have, but also know I can live without them.

Camper

I am coming back to camp next summer because these weeks here have been some of the best in my entire life!

Camper