If you’re one of the legions of campers for whom YMCA Wanakita holds special memories, we would like to invite you to stay in touch.
Do you remember the sand between your toes? The mist on Koshlong Lake at morning dip? The way your cabin smelled at the end of week two? The gut wash? The spatula speech? The swamp? Do you remember the campfires? We LOVE campfires!
While we can’t bring those days back exactly as they were, we can help you stay connected to the people, memories and spirit of YMCA Wanakita.
- Stay in touch with alumni from across the decades
- Receive updates about camp news and special alumni events
- Get invitations to gatherings and opportunities to reconnect at Wanakita
Share Stories
As a registered alumni you will receive electronic versions of the alumni newsletters, the Year Round Guide (so we can entice you back for Family Camp or Weekend Getaways), and notice of special events.
We’re always looking for camp memories to share with other alumni. If you have a story that you think would be of broad interest to alumni, please send it to:
Ashley Laing
Alumni Relations Development Officer
ashley.laing@ymcahbb.ca
Events and Reunions
Our big “all camp” reunion was held in celebration of YMCA Wanakita’s 70th anniversary in 2023. It was a fun-filled event held in Hamilton, where more than 500 attendees reconnected over camp memories. Of course a few new memories were created that night too! Signing up for communications is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on special occasion events like this.
Help send a kid to YMCA Wanakita
You can stay connected to camp by helping to pass on the experience to a new camper. Part of what makes your camp special, is that it is open to all children. We rely on donations to bring children from less fortunate backgrounds to YMCA Wanakita. If you’d like to help make that happen for a child, please make a gift online.
YMCA Wanakita Playlists
Let us take you back to your camp days. Check out our YMCA Wanakita camp song playlist, featuring all the songs you love sorted by decade.
1960's
1970's
1980's
1990's
2000's
2010's
Explore Wanakita Programs
Year Round Programs!
Please take a few minutes and leaf through the variety of program offerings we have for each of our four beautiful seasons on Koshlong Lake. YMCA Wanakita is about making new friends, renewing old friendships, taking on new challenges, appreciating nature and outdoor life and making memories that last a lifetime.
Summer Overnight Camp
YMCA Wanakita offers a variety of excellent summer overnight camp programs for children ages 7 - 16, with a balance of age-appropriate individual and group camp activities so every camper can participate to their full potential.
Summer Family Camp
We offer nine weeks of Family Camp in the summer. It's more than just a great family vacation - it's an opportunity to strengthen relationships and build meaningful memories.
Getaways
Interested in getting away from the city? We offer year-round programs such as New Year's Family Camp, Women's Wellness Weekends, Mother-Daughter Weekends, and Volunteer Work Weekends. Bring your family and friends for a getaway at camp.
March Break Day Camp
March 16 - 20, 2026 • 8:00am - 5:00pm
For ages 7 - 13
Wanakita is hosting a March Break Day Camp for local families, filled with all winter activities we have to offer! Please email the camp office for any questions you may have! Lunch is provided. No bus service provided.
Cost for the week is $385 (no HST) per camper.
Retreats & Site Rentals
Whether you are looking for an environmentally-focused escape, a fun outdoor experience for your group, or a more structured leadership retreat, we will help customize your experience.
Outdoor Education
YMCA Wanakita is an approved vendor, partnering with many school boards and post-secondary institutions to deliver curriculum-linked programming that meets OPHEA guidelines.
