For 70 years, generations of campers, staff and friends have travelled to the shores of Koshlong Lake...
...to discover nature, appreciate outdoor life, build skills and make lifelong friends beneath the open sky at YMCA Wanakita.
Now, as we celebrate 70 years, we're bringing camp to the city for the largest reunion in Wanakita's history.
Join us!
Get Involved
Take what you need. Eat what you take.
Remember the clang of the bell or the bench slams and laughter as campers filtered into the dining hall?
You sat down at your table and after your meal start song, you dug into pizza rolls or mac and cheese and a cup of gutwash. Maybe you had some fried granola on your overnight.
We've got you covered. Beneath the Open Sky will feature a variety of food stations featuring some of your favourite camp foods.
Songs around the campfire
Remember the cool nights, warm flames and the smell of campfire as you made your way to your bench at All Camp Campfire? You sat arm-in-arm with new friends for silly skits, repeat-after-me-songs, and joined in for your favourite song that will forever remind you of this time, this year, this place.
We'll do it again! At Beneath the Open Sky you will enjoy a campfire featuring performances from some notable alumni throughout the decades and together we'll sing once again.
Stock up at the Tuck Shop
Remember getting your favourite Wanakita hat or shirt? Or how that first bite of your chocolate bar tasted as you walked away from Tuck?
The Tuck Shop will be open at Beneath the Open Sky with some one-of-a-kind YMCA Wanakita items for purchase. Yes, there will be chocolate bars too!
Support Wanakita for future generations
Remember the pride you felt when learning how to solo a canoe? Or the cheers you heard during your first performance? Or the priceless experience of being part of a community that worked together? How about the friends you made along the way?
We want to ensure the next generation of campers have these same life-changing experiences. At Beneath the Open Sky, you will have the opportunity to bid on some fantastic silent and live auction items to support camp's greatest needs now and into the future.
Accommodations
Joining us from out of town? A block of rooms have been reserved for event attendees on their overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the YMCA Wanakita 70th Anniversary Reunion?
Attendees will include alumni staff and campers, current staff and volunteers, donors, partners and friends of YMCA Wanakita and the YMCA.
Although this event is open to all ages, please note that event activities are primarily geared towards an adult audience and alcohol will be available for purchase.
What's included in my ticket?
Tickets are $100 per person and include:
- Camp dinner and dessert at food stations, including non-alcoholic drinks
- Cash bar
- Silent and Live Auction
- Access to the Tuck Shop
- Songs and performances around the campfire
- Lots of opportunity to reconnect with old friends
- Music and dancing
- And a few other surprises we have tucked up our sleeves!
Are there any event sponsorship opportunities?
We're appreciative of the individuals, businesses and partners that would like to sponsor the 70th Anniversary to help commemorate this important milestone and build a strong foundation for the next generation of campers at YMCA Wanakita.
There are a variety of sponsorship packages available and we would welcome an opportunity to speak with you further.
Please contact:
Paul Haddad
Vice President, Philanthropy
How do I contribute a silent or live auction to the event?
If you are interested in contributing a silent or live auction item, please contact us at wanakita70@ymcahbb.ca.
When will the event be held?
The event will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 5:30pm at Carmen's Banquet Centre, 1520 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton, Ontario.
Is there parking at the event?
Yes, Carmen's has lots of parking on site.
Are there hotel accommodations close by?
Yes, a block of rooms have been reserved at C Hotel by Carmen's and the Marriott Courtyard in Hamilton. Please see the Accommodations section above for booking information.
Are there shuttles from the preferred hotels to the event?
No. C Hotel is next Carmen's and is just a short walk across the parking lot. The Courtyard is a seven-minute drive. Uber and taxis will also be available.
How much are tickets?
Each ticket is $100. Proceeds will offset the costs of the event and be directed to YMCA Wanakita.
Are tickets limited?
Yes. The number of tickets for sale are capped by the venue's capacity, so we encourage you to buy your tickets early.
I've purchased a ticket. Where is it?
You will receive your ticket with QR code by email. To check-in at the event you can either print the ticket or show the ticket on your mobile device.
Is there a reduced ticket price for students or children?
Unfortunately there are not any reduced ticket prices for students or children.
Will there be a bar?
Yes, we will have a cash bar at the event. Please drink responsibly. Uber and taxis will be available.
Is it a plated meal?
No, we've opted for a less formal approach so that everyone can spend as much time as possible chatting, reminiscing, and catching up. There will be camp-inspired food stations so that you can eat at your leisure, and there will be ample seating.
Can I purchase YMCA gear at the event?
Yes, we will have a Tuck Shop where you can purchase a few special items of Wanakita wear.
What if the cost of the event is prohibitive for me and I would still like to attend. Is there support available?
We understand that the cost may be prohibitive to some people who may like to attend. Please reach out to us at wanakita70@ymcahbb.ca.
I would like to purchase a ticket for a Wanakita alumni where the ticket cost is prohibitive for them to attend. How can I do this?
If you would like to help someone to attend the 70th celebration who may not otherwise be able to do so because the cost is prohibitive, please contact us at wanakita70@ymcahbb.ca
May I volunteer at the event?
Absoslutely! If you'd like to volunteer we have several different roles available. Please contact us at wanakita70@ymcahbb.ca.
How do I reserve seats at the event?
Though there won't be reserved seating at the Reunion, we will have tables where you can congregate with friends and enjoy your meal.
