Evan Mcelreath - Executive Director
Rev. Evan McElreath
Evan McElreath joined Wanakee as Executive Director in January 2024. In his role, Evan is eager to expand the connection of the church through Camp and Retreat Ministries. 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.
Evan pursued his Bachelor of Arts in religious studies, with a minor in non-profit management, at Appalachian State University. During this time, he discovered his passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. Continuing his education, Evan earned his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, deepening his understanding of spirituality and fueling his desire to create meaningful connections within communities.
With a camp director's certification from the American Camp Association, Evan's involvement with Camp and Retreat Ministries has profoundly shaped his life. He has worked for and attended camps in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia, carrying the transformative power of these environments with him wherever he goes.
Previously serving as the Pastor of Faith UMC in South Burlington, Vermont, Evan has also served in Connecticut and Massachusetts. These diverse communities have taught him invaluable lessons about leadership, compassion, and the importance of building inclusive and welcoming spaces.
Joining Wanakee as the Executive Director is a dream come true for Evan. He is excited to embark on this journey with the entire Wanakee community and looks forward to creating something truly extraordinary together.
Leslie Drew - Assistant Director
Leslie Drew
Leslie has been involved with Wanakee since she was 10 as a camper, counselor, program staff, and most recently the volunteer director of Leader in Training (LIT). Wanakee has always been her favorite place and she is thrilled to return to camp in this new role!
Leslie has spent the last 2 years working as a middle school special educator in Colchester, Vermont. She lives in Burlington, Vermont with her partner and excitable (read: naughty) golden doodle, Pemi. When she isn’t teaching or trying to convince Pemi to let go of her shoe, Leslie enjoys cooking, playing board games, and laying in her hammock.
Ray Carpenter - Bookkeeper
Ray Carpenter
Ray joined our year-round staff in December 2021, but has a long and storied history at Wanakee. After growing up at St. Paul’s UMC in Manchester, he joined Wanakee’s summer staff as a counselor and assistant administrator in the 1980s, spent time at camp as a summer volunteer through the 2010s, and served on our Board of Directors (including as Chair) multiple times.
Ray’s first job was at Numerica Savings Bank, where he started in the mailroom as a high schooler and eventually became an Assistant Vice President. After a particularly meaningful week volunteering at Wanakee crystalized his desire to pursue a different path, he decided to pursue a Master’s in School Counseling and went on to work for 29 years as a School Counselor (as well as a stint as an Interim Assistant Principal) before retiring in June 2021.
Ray has a BS in Business Administration from UNH and an M.Ed. from Notre Dame College, and has been a resident of Meredith and neighbor of camp for over 20 years.
The Wanakee Summer Staff
Wanakee 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.