YMCA Wanakita opens Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre
YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is proud to announce the official opening of the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre at YMCA Wanakita, marking a major milestone in the Y Saves Lives Campaign and a commitment to leadership development for young people.
Celebrated during Wanakita’s annual Strawberry Social, the ribbon cutting brought together alumni, donors, and community leaders to recognize the collective effort behind the project. The ceremony featured remarks from YMCA leadership and community representatives, followed by a ribbon cutting that included Wanakita alumni spanning multiple decades—reflecting the deep, generational impact of the camp experience.
The opening follows the project’s groundbreaking in December, when supporters first gathered to launch the vision for a dedicated leadership space at camp. In just a few months, that vision has been realized through strong community support and philanthropic investment. Named in honour of the founder of the Student Counsellor (SC) Program, Wayne Perkins, the Centre stands as both a tribute to his legacy and a space designed for the future.
“Wayne believed deeply in the potential of every young person at Wanakita,” said Andy Gruppe, Vice President of Overnight Camp and Outdoor Education. “This Centre brings that vision to life, providing a purpose‑built space where campers can develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that will shape their futures.”
The Leadership Centre will serve as the dedicated home of Wanakita’s Student Counsellor (SC) program, offering a modern, accessible environment designed for leadership training, group connection and hands-on learning. The new facility provides flexible gathering and learning spaces that support daily SC programming during the summer season and create new opportunities for student groups, outdoor education participants and visiting campers throughout the year.
"This is a milestone for both YMCA Wanakita and the Y Saves Lives Campaign, demonstrating the lasting impact philanthropy can have on individuals and communities," said Manny Figueiredo, President and CEO, YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford. "We are deeply grateful to our donors, Campaign Cabinet members, volunteers, partners and supporters whose generosity and leadership helped bring this vision to life. This centre will help inspire and develop young leaders for generations to come."
For donors like Robin Connor, a Wanakita alum, the project represents a meaningful opportunity to give back. “Wanakita had a lasting impact on my life,” said Connor. “Supporting the Leadership Centre ensures that future campers will have the same opportunities to grow, lead, and belong.”
Guests at the opening were invited to tour the new space and experience the next evolution of leadership learning at Wanakita.
The Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre now stands as both a lasting legacy and a foundation for future generations, ensuring that YMCA Wanakita continues to inspire young leaders for years to come.
Learn more about the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre | YMCA HBB
About YMCA Wanakita
YMCA Wanakita is more than a camp—it’s a place where children, young people, and families grow, connect, and build lifelong memories. For more than 70 years, Wanakita has provided transformative experiences in a natural setting, empowering participants to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. Learn more at www.ymcawanakita.ca
