About Us:
Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our camp and retreat programming focuses on building loving relationships and communities of radical acceptance.
Wanakee's mission:
Love, accept, challenge and provide opportunities for growth to all God's people within our "Beautiful Spiritual Place in the Hills."
Help individuals interact with one another, build relationships and to grow in their Christian faith through experiences within a Christian community.
Send participants forth into the world to celebrate and share God's love.
Our History
The Farmhouse in 1962
Before Wanakee's first summer camp in 1962, New Hampshire Methodists held camp events at rented sites. Meanwhile, some inspired leaders who cared for children and youth searched New Hampshire for a camp site.
The inspiration for the name Wanakee, a Native American term translated “beautiful spiritual place in the hills” came from Harold E. Perkins, then a student in religious education and theology at Boston University. He also served as the first chairperson of the New Hampshire Conference Camp and Conference Committee.
Meet The Staff
Rev. Evan McElreath
Evan McElreath began serving as Wanakee’s Executive Director in January 2024. A Provisional Elder in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Evan's journey in faith and passion for serving others have led him to this incredible opportunity at Wanakee. With a camp director's certification from the American Camp Association, he has worked for and attended camps in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia. Most recently he served as the Pastor of Faith UMC in South Burlington, Vermont. Evan has also served in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The 2018 Wanakee Summer Staff
Wanakee summer staff members are hand-picked, background checked, and rigorously trained to provide service, leadership, and hospitality.
Staff receive extensive training on proper camper safety, leadership, and spiritual growth. We screen and hire staff from New England and around the world in order to create the best team possible and ensure the safest camping experience for your child.
Board And committees
The 2018 Wanakee Board of Directors
Wanakee’s Board and Committees are made up of people who love children, camping, and the outdoors. These volunteer service positions develop and utilize member’s professional talents and leadership skills on a mission-driven team.
The members of the board of directors are responsible for ensuring Wanakee’s mission is realized, including establishing goals and policies and providing resources that enables Wanakee’s ministry to function. The Board creates the vision for Wanakee’s future, make decisions in support of that vision, and advocates on behalf of Wanakee in their churches, communities, and professions.
The Program, Finance and Communications Committees are made up volunteers who assist in developing the camp programs, financials, and marketing and communication materials.
Directions to Wanakee
Wanakee is located at 75 Upper New Hampton Road, Meredith, NH 03253-9516, off Route 104 between Interstate 93 and Meredith, NH.
Take Exit 23 off I-93.
Go east toward Meredith.
In about 4 miles, a Wanakee sign
In about 4 miles, a Wanakee sign directs you to turn south onto Upper New Hampton Rd.
Go about 1 mile, and you are at your favorite place... Wanakee!