Big Red Farmhouse

On this bonus episode, we speak with Evan McElreath, Wanakee’s new Executive Director! Evan shares with us how he got involved in camping, his journey to New England, and his reflections on the power of a camp community.

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

In honor of Father’s Day, we have recorded a bonus episode where we speak with our dads, Kevin Drew, Steven Luke and David Richards!  

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today’s episode, we speak with Phil Polhemus. He shares with us the origins of the Wanakee Song, his advice for pastors, and many lessons he's learned from 7 decades of camping. 

 Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

On today’s episode, we speak with Kat and Dan Read.  They share reflections on their many years as staff members and volunteers and give a history of Survival camp. 

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

On today’s episode, we hear from James Tresner, Wanakee’s Executive Director, who shares his thoughts on his first five years of service in the role.  

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

On today’s episode, we speak with Sarah Evans and Gillian Armstrong. They share reflections on their many years of friendship and give advice to future staff. 

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

In honor of Mother’s Day, we have recorded a bonus episode where we speak with our moms, Susan Drew, Melissa Luke, and Susan Richards!  

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today’s episode, we speak with Frank Gulinello, retired pastor and longtime Wanakee volunteer. He shares stories with us about his many years as a director of bike camp, pioneer camp, and work camp. 

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today’s episode, we speak with Sarah and Clement Sprout who tell us about their own Wanakee histories, share stories with us about their time on staff and discuss how Wanakee is a part of their family life.  

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

On today’s episode, we speak with Marilyn Ives, who has been involved with Wanakee’s ministry since the 1960s. Among other stories, Marilyn shares with us how Swim Adventure, a program that ran for 30 years, got its start and what sustained it over the years. 

Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. 

Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.