YWCA Wanakita is paying homage to a key figure from its history, recently announcing a $2.6 million investment in a
new leadership centre that camp figureheads say will open next summer.
The building has been branded the Wayne Perkins Leadership Centre, in honour of the man who spearheaded Wanakita’s popular student counsellor program half a century ago. The two-year initiative teaches campers essential life and leadership skills via outdoor education, teamwork and mentorship – helping to create the next generation of leaders, says Andy Gruppe, vice president of overnight camp and outdoor education at Wanakita.
Gruppe said Perkins was Wanakita’s camp director in the mid-to-late 1970s and would go on to serve as CEO of YWCA Canada from 2008-2010. Perkins passed away in January. “He was pretty instrumental in making this
place everything it is today,” Gruppe said.
“He was a special person, he helped turn Wanakita into a four-season facility, was a leader in the camp and the community and obviously left a significant mark in terms of establishing a more formalized leadership program for campers before they become staff.”
The 4,080 sq. ft. space will replace nine already-demolished buildings that housed Wanakita’s leadership operations. There will be a main meeting space, dorms for summer camp goers, and an Indigenous learning library. In the winter, the space will be used for snowshoeing lessons. It will be able to accommodate up to 58 people.
Gruppe said the leadership program has become one of Wanakita’s most popular. The first year is open to youth as soon as they turn 15 and is focused on improving multiple outdoors skillsets, particularly water-based such as lifeguarding and paddling. The second year is about building communication and leadership skills that youth can utilize in later life.
Most of Wanakita’s summer staff are graduates of the program, Gruppe said.
County-based Rodco Enterprises is handling the build, with footings for the foundation now installed. Gruppe said the facility has to be finished by June, in time for Wanakita’s busy summer season.
Gruppe said Wanakita sees approximately 10,000 visitors per year. In the shoulder seasons, the camp operates as an outdoors centre, opening its grounds for school groups and private bookings.
Gruppe said Wanakita’s administration is committed to the camp’s long-term success, investing close to $10 million in camp upgrades since 2013. This latest addition is the largest spend since the COVID-19 pandemic, Gruppe confirmed.
“We’re a big place – we have 143 buildings and two separate camps on the property. It takes a lot of ongoing
investment and upgrades to keep the place going,” he said.
Wanakita is seeking donors to assist with future investments. For more information, visit ymcaahbb.ca/wayne-perkins leadership-centre.
