By Rick Wolcott*

“Offering places, programs and role models away from daily routines and distractions for all who seek God to experience life change, a new friend, time with God and a lot of fun.” This is the vision statement for Wanake Camp & Retreat Center, an East Ohio Conference ministry named for the first syllables of three Native American words meaning “a beautiful, spiritual place among the hills.”

On Saturday, September 12, campers from across the decades gathered to celebrate 80 years of life-changing ministry at Camp Wanake.

“I’ve been coming to Camp Wanake since the 1940s, so I’ve seen a lot of things change over the years. But the heart of it is still here,” said Don Tallentire. “I’ve made lifelong friends here, and it’s always been a place where I could grow in my faith and just enjoy being with good people. At 90 years old, I’m thankful I can still be a part of it.”

What is now a 250-acre camp and retreat center of The United Methodist Church was birthed as a vision by members of the Brethren Church who bought the 80 acres of the Virgil Camp farm and apple orchard between Beach City and Brewster in 1943. The first summer program at Camp Wanake was held in 1945 and the camp’s official grand opening was celebrated in 1946.

“Every person who has come to Camp Wanake carries a story. It may be the story of making a lifelong friend, discovering courage on a trail, singing beside a fire, answering a call to ministry or realizing under the stars that God is near. Together, these stories proclaim, ‘God has been faithful here.’ And that story inspires us,” said Ohio Episcopal Area Bishop Hee-Soo Jung.

Camp Wanake Director Julie Lautt shared that camp and retreat ministries are as important today as they’ve ever been.

“One-fourth to one-half of the children attending camp do not have a church home and/or are not in regular attendance or involvement in a church family.  Camp is a place where the Good News is new news and a relationship with God and the church can begin,” she said. “Campers’ lives are changed in powerful ways as they experience the love, acceptance and belonging of a community with Jesus in the center. And families are impacted as the children and teens bring their experience with God home. Many start and maintain Bible reading, prayer and conversation that is vital to building a relationship with God and others.”

Ben Wilde, East Ohio Conference director of Camps Operations and Programs, said that camp is an outdoor laboratory where everyone who comes can experience God’s creation first-hand.

“We see the impact of camp in so many ways. Children and adults alike grow closer to God, develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Creation, and discover more about themselves and who they are as beloved children of God,” he said. “Camp also creates leaders. Many of our alumni have gone on to serve as leaders in the church, their communities and the field of environmental conservation. For some, camp even becomes a place where they begin discerning their call and discovering their vocational direction.”

Ohio Episcopal Area Executive Director of Connectional Ministries Rev. Karen Cook is thankful for the many decades of faithful ministry offered by Wanake staff and volunteers.

“Camp Wanake has helped people disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with God, creation, community, and their God-given purpose. Every campfire conversation, every worship service, every friendship formed and every life changed tells the story of God’s faithfulness. May we honor this legacy by ensuring future generations have the same opportunity to discover that they are beloved by God, their gifts matter and their presence makes a difference,” she said.

Tallentire looks forward to children and youth having the same opportunities he did so many years ago.

“My hope is that the younger generations keep coming here. Camp Wanake has meant a lot to me over the years, and I’d like to see that continue for a long time,” he said.

“For 80 years, Wanake has been a place where children encounter Christ, leaders are formed, strangers become friends and weary souls find renewal,” said Bishop Jung. “May the stories of those who came before us continue to inspire us. May the lives we live today become stories that inspire those who come after us.”

Learn more about EOC Camps & Retreat Ministries.

The Conference Communications team would like to share other stories that highlight ways that each of us is answering the call to reach out to our communities in creative ways. Please e-mail your ministry story to EOC Executive Director of Communications Rick Wolcott at wolcott@eocumc.com.

*Rick Wolcott is executive director of Communications for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.