Camp WeHaKee: Broadening Experience in a Growing World
by Bob and Maggie Braun, Directors of Camp WeHaKee
Camp WeHaKee girls canoe along the Chippewa River.
The unique and inclusive nature of Camp WeHaKee begins in its name. The namesake is a young girl of Sioux and French descent named Mary WeHaKee who was entrusted by her mother to Alberta Duffy, OP, in the 1840s to ensure she was raised in a loving and accepting environment. In 1923, David O’Leary, OP, created a camp for girls and chose the name WeHaKee to honor this young woman who captured the hearts of the Sisters nearly 70 years earlier.
Selecting the name of Camp WeHaKee established a legacy that embraces an inclusive community reflecting the needs of a broadening world. Initially the camp served girls from Sinsinawa Dominican Catholic schools in the Chicago area. As word spread among the inaugural campers to friends and neighbors, girls from beyond this circle began to attend WeHaKee. Soon after, girls from as far away as Mexico ventured north to the original site on Green Bay near Marinette, WI.
The growth continued through the 1950s until the camp relocated to its current site along the Chippewa River in northwest Wisconsin. Additional cabins were added and a lakeside chapel constructed to accommodate residential and spiritual needs. The program expanded to include activities allowing girls opportunities to explore talents and gifts in a supportive community.
A greater international influence emerged at WeHaKee through the encouragement of second- and third-generation campers from Mexico to attend the camp that their mothers and grandmothers enjoyed. Counselors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America were invited to expand the diversity of the staff. Growth occurred through the renovation of the cabins and shower houses along with the addition of a pool, doctor’s residence, and pavement throughout camp to reduce erosion.
Auntie Camp, introduced in the mid-1990s, brought Sisters and their nieces and grandnieces to WeHaKee. It has since expanded to include Sisters from other Dominican congregations as well as Sinsinawa Dominican lay employees (or their female spouses). Family Camp was added in 2007, allowing families (yes, including men and boys!) to attend.
The diversity of the camper population reflects our greater world. Visitors comment on the diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic blend of campers. Most recently campers from France, Belgium, Spain, Russia, and Colombia have joined us.
WeHaKee has always been open and welcoming to girls of all faiths and backgrounds. Thirty-five percent of our campers come from backgrounds other than Catholicism. They are drawn to Camp WeHaKee by the intentional and practical application of universal values―the same Gospel values embraced by the Dominicans of Sinsinawa. Camp WeHaKee weaves the following values through its program:
- Community―Relationships built on respect;
- Compassion―Relationships that care for individuals;
- Justice―Relationships that recognize the dignity and uniqueness in all God’s creatures;
- Truth―Relationships that embrace honesty; and
- Peace―Relationships that create an environment blessed by God.
This inclusive, receptive, and focused approach provides a vibrant and respectful atmosphere among campers and staff, fostering understanding and acceptance. When girls depart camp, they share these attitudes and perspectives in their home communities and have a deeper understanding of themselves and a greater acceptance of their faith.
The magic of WeHaKee will emerge for the 87th summer this year. We invite you to arrange a visit. Word-of-mouth is most effective in bringing in new campers. If you or someone you know might benefit from a WeHaKee experience, contact us via phone at (800) 582-2267, via e-mail at Camp@CampWeHaKee.com, or visit us online at www.CampWeHaKee.com.