From Inspiration to Digital Creation: Meet YMCA Wanakita's 2025 T-shirt design contest winner

Twelve-year-old Olivia Hagan has a special place in her heart for Camp Wanakita—and it shows in her art.

A long-time camper and creative spirit, Olivia recently channeled her favourite camp memories into a vibrant and personal design inspired by her experiences at Wanakita. The first image that comes to mind when she thinks about camp? Canoes.

“One time in the canoe, my foot fell asleep, and I couldn’t feel it anymore,” she laughed.

For her design, Olivia included Wanakita’s signature colourful characters—iconic figures that campers of all ages will instantly recognize. While she initially set out to replicate the image from the camp’s current T-shirts, Olivia decided to reimagine the characters in her own style, bringing a fresh and playful perspective to the artwork. The entire design took her just 45 minutes to complete.

The Hagan family has been part of the Wanakita community since 2017, regularly attending Family Camp. Olivia experienced her first Overnight Kid’s Camp last summer, embracing the independence that comes with it.

“I liked not being inside all the time. At camp, I can go swimming or make crafts whenever I want. I love arts and crafts—and archery too!”

One of Olivia’s favourite memories is last year’s Olympic themed dinner.

“All of my friends dressed up in the colours of the Olympic rings—there were five of us. I was the black ring, so I wore a black morph suit. It was funny.”

When Olivia thinks about Wanakita, she remembers days filled with excitement and a little bit of chaos. She talks about feeling afraid that time there was a swarm of wasps or how happy she felt when they pulled into Family Camp and saw a new set of playground equipment.

Now looking ahead to another summer on the East side of camp, Olivia is eager to reconnect with her friends and soak in more camp traditions.

“It’s more fun there. My friends and I are usually so busy we don’t get to talk much, but at camp, we have a whole week together.”

YMCA Wanakita continues to be a family tradition for the Hagans. Olivia, along with her sisters and parents, are making memories that will last a lifetime—through the buildings, the land, the lake, and now, through Olivia’s art.

#ShineOn #YMCAWanakita #YMCACamps

There were a number of other participants who also did an incredible job capturing the spirit of YMCA Wanakita with their t-shirt designs. Check out our honourable mentions below!