Koshlong Current: Spring 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Season!
Spring has arrived on Koshlong Lake, and with it comes the excitement of a new camp season. We’re delighted to welcome campers and families, both returning and new to YMCA Wanakita for Summer 2026.
Camp is a place where friendships grow, confidence builds, and young people discover more about themselves and the world around them. Our staff are already preparing to create a season filled with fun, learning, and meaningful outdoor experiences, all grounded in care, safety, and community.
This year also marks a special milestone with the opening of the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre. Wayne began the Student Counsellor program at Wanakita in the 1970’s and dedicated his career to the YMCA. He went on to serve as Camp Director at Wanakita, Director at YMCA Camp Chief Hector, and later as CEO of YMCA Calgary and YMCA Canada.
This new space honours Wayne’s legacy and reflects our deep commitment to youth development. Leadership has always been woven into camp life at Wanakita, and this Centre will strengthen how we support campers and staff as they grow as leaders, mentors, and thoughtful community members.
Thank you for being part of the Wanakita family. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for an unforgettable 2026 camp season!
Andy Gruppe
VP, Overnight Camp & Outdoor Education
Handy Helper’s Corner: Supplying Water to YMCA Wanakita
One of the most overlooked aspects of YMCA Wanakita’s infrastructure is our water systems. It takes a dedicated effort to ensure that a safe and consistent source of fresh water is available at every tap at Wanakita.
Let's go behind the scenes of the Wanakita Water Works.
Student Counsellor Program Impact: Building Resilience
At YMCA Wanakita, we don't just see leadership growth, we measure it. In 2025, Student Counsellors completed the Resilience Scale for Children™ at the start and end of each session. Resilience increased overall, moving from developing to growing range.
A Trip That Changed More Than the View
When Westmount Secondary School teacher Emma Beesley first started planning an end-of-year trip for her outdoor education students, she knew she wanted something transformative—something that would give her students more than just a day away from the classroom.
For Emma, the choice was clear: YMCA Wanakita’s Outdoor Centre.
Still Marked on the Calendar: John and Anne‑Marie Wilson’s 15 years at YMCA Wanakita's Work Weekend
For John and Anne‑Marie Wilson, YMCA Wanakita isn’t just a camp—it’s been a steady presence in their family’s life for more than 30 years.
Their connection began with a winter family weekend. “We first started going to Wanakita probably about 30 years ago when friends of ours had a sort of family weekend,” Anne‑Marie says.
YMCA Wanakita's Spring Campaign: Help Everyone Experience the Magic of Camp
This spring, you can help ensure Wanakita continues to be a place where people grow, belong, and become leaders.
Our Spring Campaign supports two vital priorities:
- The Camper Assistance Fund
The completion of the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre, a new home for leadership development, staff training, and the Student Counsellor program.
As you see the Leadership Centre’s progress through our video walkthrough, we invite you to celebrate what’s already been built and consider making a gift. Your support helps shape the leaders of tomorrow and keeps Wanakita strong for generations to come.
Who's New at YMCA Wanakita
Meet Bennett Siaroff, our new Outdoor Centre Assistant Director, and Mike Anderson, Wanakita's new Maintenance Director.
Finding Inspiration in the Night Sky: Meet Wanakita's 2026 T-shirt Design Contest Winner
For four summers, 10-year-old Julian and his family have made their annual journey to YMCA Wanakita’s Family Camp—a place that’s become a blend of tradition, adventure, and connection.
From the archery field, to beach days, and evenings around the fire, Wanakita has shaped some of Julian’s favourite memories. But in 2026, the camp became the source of something even more special: his winning design for the Wanakita T‑shirt design contest.
YMCA Wanakita, a branch of YMCA Hamilton| Burlington| Brantford, is a year-round camp for children and youth, families, school groups and anyone else wanting to breathe fresh air and explore their limits. The YMCA endeavours to make YMCA programs and services a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, gender expression and identity.
