Koshlong Current - Spring/Summer 2025
22-05-2025
Andy's Message
Welcome to the 2025 Season at YMCA Wanakita!
We are thrilled to welcome you to another incredible year at YMCA Wanakita! Whether you’re a returning camper, a first-time visitor, or a dedicated staff member, the 2025 season promises to be filled with adventure, connection, and unforgettable memories.
If you love lots and lots of snow, crisp winter air, and outdoor adventure, this past winter was one for the books. With some of the best winter conditions in recent memory, our cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and lake ice activities were nothing short of spectacular. Camp was alive with the energy of winter enthusiasts enjoying everything Wanakita has to offer during the colder months.
We are happy to report that our Kids' and Family Camp programs, along with our dedicated summer staff team, are as full and vibrant as ever! Outside of the summer months, our Outdoor Centre continues to welcome schools and groups, ensuring that the spirit of Wanakita thrives all year long.
If you've ever wondered what camp is like beyond the summer season, we invite you to experience it firsthand. Our weekend programs, including Women and Family Weekends, provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Wanakita in a new way. If you have a group of folks that want to come together, give us a call and we’ll customize a weekend just for you!
At Wanakita, we believe that camp should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our alumni and donor community, sponsorship opportunities are available to help support campers and students in need. If cost is ever a concern for your group or a camper you know, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to make sure everyone has the time of their life.
As we look ahead to another unforgettable year at YMCA Wanakita, we encourage you to embrace the adventure, connect with nature, and become part of our incredible community.
Whether you’re here for summer camp, a seasonal retreat, or a school program, we’re ready to make your Wanakita experience one to remember.
See you at camp!
Andy Gruppe,
VP, Overnight Camp & Outdoor Education
Camper Story - 25 Years of Corey's Place
There’s a place at YMCA Wanakita like no other. Sitting along the shore of Koshlong Lake in between Kids Camp and Family Camp, is a reflective walking sanctuary as well as an area for the performing arts. It was built in honour of a Family Camper who loved to perform.
Corey’s place was built 25 years ago in honour of Corey Buffo, a young family camper whose short life was filled with memories of Wanakita.
“The first time Corey went to Family Camp was in August 1991, and we returned each season after that—we made many close friends during those years,” says Brian Buffo, Corey’s dad.
Who's New at YMCA Wanakita
Meet Ashley and Daniel, new team members who are bringing fresh energy and experience to strengthen alumni ties and enhance outdoor programs!
Remembering Wayne Perkins
For Wayne, the YMCA was more than just an organization; it was a way of life. Known for signing off his voicemail messages with "Have a great YMCA day," Wayne embodied the YMCA's core values in everything he did. From his early years as a camper to his role as CEO of YMCA Calgary and later President and CEO of YMCA Canada, Wayne’s leadership style remained consistently humble and service oriented.
“He always did what was right,” said his wife, reflecting on Wayne’s guiding principles. His dedication to community and compassionate approach often meant making difficult decisions. His empathy and deep sense of responsibility were characteristics that set him apart, making him a respected figure within and outside the YMCA.
Wayne passed away on January 11, 2025.
Read about Wayne's legacy
Alumni Spotlight - John Cuddie
John Cuddie is a Y kid through and through.
“I was probably seven or eight doing the gym and swim program at the Hamilton Y, where I grew up. I went every Saturday morning , and I eventually became a Y leader.”
He started attending Camp Chippewa, a day camp run by the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford—or just Hamilton at that time, and when the opportunity to go to YMCA Wanakita, the Hamilton YMCA’s overnight camp in Haliburton, Ontario, it felt like the natural next step in his Y story.
Meet 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.
Thanks to every camper who participated!
Click the button to read more about Olivia and checkout the other t-shirt designs!
Calling All Educators!
Are you an educator looking for an unforgettable outdoor learning experience for your students?
Our Outdoor Centre provides hands-on learning, leadership-building activities, and nature-based programming that leaves a lasting impact.
If affordability is a concern, don’t hesitate to reach out to Director of our Outdoor Centre, Sandra Dabrowski. Thanks to our wonderful camp community, sponsorship opportunities are available to ensure that every student has the chance to experience YMCA Wanakita.
