Save Camp Wewa
Donation protected
FINAL UPDATE: Camp Wewa has been saved! The City of Apopka completed the purchase of Camp Wewa from the Central Florida YMCA on August 30, 2021. Thank you to everyone that supported the efforts to Save Wewa. The Friends of Wewa will continue to support Camp Wewa. We are closing this GoFundMe Campaign, but you can continue to support Camp Wewa by contributing to the Friends of Wewa Fund directly through the Central Florida Foundation at: https://cff.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2650
After more than 70 years, the Central Florida YMCA is selling Camp Wewa because of financial difficulties brought on by Covid-19. The most likely buyer of the Camp Wewa property is a developer, who will cut down the trees, demolish the buildings, clear the land, and construct a residential subdivision. In all likelihood Camp Wewa's majestic oak trees, cabins, campfire circles, climbing wall, swimming pool, mud pits, Raggers Point, Chapel, and other peaceful places will be replaced by streets, sidewalks, and houses.
Upon hearing the news of the prospective sale of Camp Wewa, a group of former Camp Wewa Directors rallied together with other Wewa camper and staff alumni to build support to Save Wewa. The newly formed Friends of Wewa, Inc. is led by people who have personally experienced the life-changing impact of Camp Wewa. Our primary purpose is to Save Camp Wewa from being destroyed and to preserve the natural environment for use by the community. In addition to preserving the natural environment of Camp Wewa, we are also committed to promoting the continued use of Camp Wewa for resident camping, outdoor education, team building activities, overnight retreats, and other outdoor recreational activities that serve youth and the community. We cannot accept that such a powerful force for good can be destroyed, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect it.
Fortunately the Central Florida YMCA made a call to the City of Apopka before signing a contract with the developer, and the City responded to Camp Wewa's likely demise by jumping into action to try to purchase Camp Wewa and preserve it as a natural area that can continue to serve the community through recreational and environmental activities and programs. Unfortunately the City of Apopka is limited in what it can pay for Camp Wewa, and it is very likely that additional funds will be required to complete the purchase and ensure the preservations of Wewa.
Additionally, the City of Apopka has identified several capital improvements that will be required for the City to operate Camp Wewa if it is able to complete the purchase. We have banded together generations of former campers, counselors, directors, parents, students, participants, and supporters with one purpose - to Save Camp Wewa in order to ensure that it will continue to impact lives and serve the community for generations to come.
We don't want to say "Goodnight" or "Goodbye".
Friends of Wewa, Inc. is committed to providing transparency on what we are raising funds for and how the funds will be used. Friends of Wewa, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation that has been founded exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes and will be applying for 501(c)(3) charitable status, but has not yet applied for or obtained that status, so donations are not tax-deductible at this time.
Any funds raised through this effort will be used by the Friends of Wewa, Inc. as follows:
First: To be used to support the purchase of Camp Wewa with funds provided by the City of Apopka or some other entity that will ensure that it will be preserved as a natural area for the community's use.
Second: Any money not used towards the purchase of Camp Wewa will be used to assist with capital improvements that have been identified as needed for Camp Wewa's continued operation, as well as potential program enhancements, all of which will allow Camp Wewa to continue its operations.
Third: If the Central Florida YMCA moves forward with the sale of Camp Wewa to a developer or other entity that plans to destroy the camp and develop it for some other purpose, then we will utilize the funds to take efforts to prevent that destruction and development.
Finally: Any remaining funds that may be raised will be utilized either to improve Camp Wewa in additional ways or utilized to provide scholarships for campers and other participants to attend and participate in Camp Wewa's programs and activities or promote resident camping to spread the "Spirit of Wewa" where it is needed.
If you would like to make a larger donation to Friends of Wewa to support our effort to Save Camp Wewa, you can check out and join the Save Wewa Friends of Wewa Facebook Group and learn about other ways you can show your support.
Camp Wewa is not simply a recreational site or an environmental treasure. By its very nature it changes lives and makes the world a better place. A Nobel Peace Prize winner and former head of the International Council of the YMCA, John R. Mott, was among the original donors that allowed the YMCA to purchase Camp Wewa in 1950. His belief was that youth camping programs build better people and, in turn, build a better world. For the past 70 years Camp Wewa has proven him right.
We have been receiving numerous testimonials from generations of Wewa alumni sharing the impact that Camp Wewa has had on their lives.
Here are some examples:
"Camp Wewa holds some of my dearest memories. From my first summer in the Apache cabin to becoming a counselor 9 years later, Camp Wewa memories make up a huge part of my fabric. I still have a box of Camp Wewa mementos! The sense of community and family every camper takes with him or her can still be felt today. I’m friends with girls I met there when I was 7 years old! I’ve even connected with my first counselor via Facebook (she’s from and lives Down Under). As the teens say, IYKYK (for us older people, that means, “If you know, you know.”). And if you don’t know, then help us preserve it so you can find out! Please take the survey below and let’s work together to save Camp Wewa!"
"I spent a large chunk of my years running around Wewa’s woods and it has a significant impact on who I am and am continuing to be in this lifetime. I love you all and if we have memories together, I have not forgotten them and will never. Long live Camp Wewa!"
"I am from the UK, and I had the privilege to come over to work at wewa for two summers. To say it changed my life would be an understatement. The experiences I had, the people I met, the campers I worked with, and the programs I helped to make happen all have shaped me to the person that I am today. I have made long lasting friendships and memories to this very day. I was also honoured to receive the spirit of wewa award in my time at camp, and to this day I still try to do my best to spread the wewa values to the people I meet.
Wewa brings inspiration on a local, national, and international level. I'll never forget my time there, and the memories I made. From line dance to fishing, evening games to dining hall cheers, they are the all the moments that will stick with me and others alike.
It's goodnight and not goodbye"
"Camp Wewa made me a leader, with both the opportunity to grow and develop these skills and the practical application— over almost 15 years— from a camper to a Senior Counselor. The benefit of these summers can’t be quantified and I have no statistics to share of how Camp Wewa preserved my childhood, but I cannot overstate how my overall well being (behavioral, social, emotional, and academic) was improved as a result. As a counselor, I watched this same intervention strategy used by many a parent who believed their child to be at-risk, or likely to succumb to the pressures of their peers to experiment with drugs or alcohol or growing up too soon. Camp Wewa is a place that reminds kids, during their formative years, that it’s okay to be a kid a little while longer.
I remember writing college essays about the benefit of a mentor in a child’s life— thanks to Camp Wewa, I can’t count the number of positive influences in my life. It’s impossible to articulate the intangible ways that the loss of Wewa would be a tragedy for generations to come, so I’ll summarize the truth that is present in my life: I am a better Mother, wife, businesswoman, and Central Florida resident because of Camp Wewa."
"As a counselor told me a few years back, "If magic exists anywhere in this world, it would be right here, at Wewa." Never have I heard truer words spoken. . . . The people I've met and the lessons I've learned here have entirely shaped my life, and I don't know who or where I'd be without it. It was all I thought about (and still think about) during the school year, was just getting to summer so I could spend a week or two at camp every summer. I grew up going to Wewa with some of the most amazing role models I could have possibly met. I fell in love with Wewa ten years ago and I have never wanted to leave since. My dream job as a kid (and still now, of course) was to be a counselor at Wewa and spend the entire summer there, being able to be like the counselors that so wonderfully shaped my perspective of the world. I grew up idolizing people like Rich and Chance and at some points, would go "what would (insert counselor/key staff member here) do?" when faced with troublesome situations. Wewa never left me, and it never will. It quite literally means the world to me, and I am sure that fact will never change. "
"I spent 9 summers at Wewa and it literally changed my life! I made so many amazing friends, many that I’m still close with to this day. Wewa was always there for me. It was my home away from home! There were a couple summers I think I only missed 1 or 2 weeks of the summer. I would beg my mom to let me go for the entire time. . . I always dreamed that my kids would have the same experience and get to enjoy this life changing place! So many great memories and great people I miss to this day!"
"I’m not sure the path I’d have wandered without my time as a Wewa camper & staff. I am forever indebted to the people who walked and talked to me during these times."
"I can go back and post so many photos about camp! It was the best job I ever had and I dont think you will find anything like it. This is a place where kids can come and have the best time of their life. I have seen kids open up, sing songs, drop the cool kid act, cry with happiness, and even made a life long best friend. This place changes people for the better. "
"From camper to counselor and everything in between. So happy I was able to spend 10 insane and amazing summers at Wewa. Shoutout to all the incredible people I’ve met along the way, I wouldn’t be who I am now without this place."
"This news is really hard. While the YMCA owns Camp Wewa it doesn’t feel like it’s theirs to sell. Wewa belongs to every starfish it has ever thrown back. Every kid that was so nervous, scared and upset that their parents dropped them off at camp but ended up loving it and coming back for years. To every back girls cabin I’ve ever had, and those few front girls ones. And to that one summer when I had a girls cabin in Lakota. (Why did we do that again?)
Wewa belongs to every twilight bead recipient. Every Spirit of Wewa Award Winner. Every person that has ever made a wish boat wish and had it come true. Every kid that FINALLY got up on water skis or to to the top of Goliath. Wewa belongs to every person that has ever tried something new and loved it and those who hated it. To every kid that felt they weren’t good enough and learned they were.
Wewa belongs to every teenager that traded their summer at the beach to facilitate safe fun 24/7 for a measly $150 a week. To every nurse who donated their time and talent to ease the pain of scraped knees, bee stings, and often more. To every office worker and maintenance staff that kept things running behind the scenes. Often thankless.
Wewa belongs to every life guard, team building instructor, and key staffer. Wewa belongs to every person that has ever been annoyed by a Pawnee cheer or gotten a “CIT point.” Everyone that has ever been “blow darted” or pranked. It belongs to every person who has ever sprinted, sang, or danced in the rain. It belongs to every kid who never felt heard, or loved, or listened to before. It belongs to every voice that has ever sang mhmmm I want to linger here.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever fallen in love there. Whether with another or with themselves. Wewa belongs to every soul who has ever gotten to know God in its chapel walls, trails, and countless retreats. To every ragger that has ever set a goal, memorized the creed, and challenged themselves. And to every kid that has learned how to love and respect nature on its grounds.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever said, “this one time at camp,” or had to explain what “WEWA” is. It belongs to every kid who felt Wendy’s was God’s gift to this earth after a week of camp food.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever learned to live care, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. To every Washoe girl that has taken an Apache girl under her wing. And to every camper that has looked up to their counselors even in their 20s and 30s.
Wewa belongs to every parent that has thanked a counselor and listened to the constant ramblings of “what happened this week?” To every mom, dad, grandparent, and friend who maybe never set foot on camp grounds but sent a letter or package that someone was so excited to receive.
Wewa even belongs to the people that hated it and never came back. To the one summer campers that while they claim “it wasn’t for them,” still tell the stories of their 5 days at camp.
Wewa belongs to every song, every cheer, every friendship bracelet, campfire and memory.
I can’t even begin to even encompass the lives and friendships this place has given me and so many others."
Please donate to Save Camp Wewa.
Thank you.
After more than 70 years, the Central Florida YMCA is selling Camp Wewa because of financial difficulties brought on by Covid-19. The most likely buyer of the Camp Wewa property is a developer, who will cut down the trees, demolish the buildings, clear the land, and construct a residential subdivision. In all likelihood Camp Wewa's majestic oak trees, cabins, campfire circles, climbing wall, swimming pool, mud pits, Raggers Point, Chapel, and other peaceful places will be replaced by streets, sidewalks, and houses.
Upon hearing the news of the prospective sale of Camp Wewa, a group of former Camp Wewa Directors rallied together with other Wewa camper and staff alumni to build support to Save Wewa. The newly formed Friends of Wewa, Inc. is led by people who have personally experienced the life-changing impact of Camp Wewa. Our primary purpose is to Save Camp Wewa from being destroyed and to preserve the natural environment for use by the community. In addition to preserving the natural environment of Camp Wewa, we are also committed to promoting the continued use of Camp Wewa for resident camping, outdoor education, team building activities, overnight retreats, and other outdoor recreational activities that serve youth and the community. We cannot accept that such a powerful force for good can be destroyed, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect it.
Fortunately the Central Florida YMCA made a call to the City of Apopka before signing a contract with the developer, and the City responded to Camp Wewa's likely demise by jumping into action to try to purchase Camp Wewa and preserve it as a natural area that can continue to serve the community through recreational and environmental activities and programs. Unfortunately the City of Apopka is limited in what it can pay for Camp Wewa, and it is very likely that additional funds will be required to complete the purchase and ensure the preservations of Wewa.
Additionally, the City of Apopka has identified several capital improvements that will be required for the City to operate Camp Wewa if it is able to complete the purchase. We have banded together generations of former campers, counselors, directors, parents, students, participants, and supporters with one purpose - to Save Camp Wewa in order to ensure that it will continue to impact lives and serve the community for generations to come.
We don't want to say "Goodnight" or "Goodbye".
Friends of Wewa, Inc. is committed to providing transparency on what we are raising funds for and how the funds will be used. Friends of Wewa, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation that has been founded exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes and will be applying for 501(c)(3) charitable status, but has not yet applied for or obtained that status, so donations are not tax-deductible at this time.
Any funds raised through this effort will be used by the Friends of Wewa, Inc. as follows:
First: To be used to support the purchase of Camp Wewa with funds provided by the City of Apopka or some other entity that will ensure that it will be preserved as a natural area for the community's use.
Second: Any money not used towards the purchase of Camp Wewa will be used to assist with capital improvements that have been identified as needed for Camp Wewa's continued operation, as well as potential program enhancements, all of which will allow Camp Wewa to continue its operations.
Third: If the Central Florida YMCA moves forward with the sale of Camp Wewa to a developer or other entity that plans to destroy the camp and develop it for some other purpose, then we will utilize the funds to take efforts to prevent that destruction and development.
Finally: Any remaining funds that may be raised will be utilized either to improve Camp Wewa in additional ways or utilized to provide scholarships for campers and other participants to attend and participate in Camp Wewa's programs and activities or promote resident camping to spread the "Spirit of Wewa" where it is needed.
If you would like to make a larger donation to Friends of Wewa to support our effort to Save Camp Wewa, you can check out and join the Save Wewa Friends of Wewa Facebook Group and learn about other ways you can show your support.
Camp Wewa is not simply a recreational site or an environmental treasure. By its very nature it changes lives and makes the world a better place. A Nobel Peace Prize winner and former head of the International Council of the YMCA, John R. Mott, was among the original donors that allowed the YMCA to purchase Camp Wewa in 1950. His belief was that youth camping programs build better people and, in turn, build a better world. For the past 70 years Camp Wewa has proven him right.
We have been receiving numerous testimonials from generations of Wewa alumni sharing the impact that Camp Wewa has had on their lives.
Here are some examples:
"Camp Wewa holds some of my dearest memories. From my first summer in the Apache cabin to becoming a counselor 9 years later, Camp Wewa memories make up a huge part of my fabric. I still have a box of Camp Wewa mementos! The sense of community and family every camper takes with him or her can still be felt today. I’m friends with girls I met there when I was 7 years old! I’ve even connected with my first counselor via Facebook (she’s from and lives Down Under). As the teens say, IYKYK (for us older people, that means, “If you know, you know.”). And if you don’t know, then help us preserve it so you can find out! Please take the survey below and let’s work together to save Camp Wewa!"
"I spent a large chunk of my years running around Wewa’s woods and it has a significant impact on who I am and am continuing to be in this lifetime. I love you all and if we have memories together, I have not forgotten them and will never. Long live Camp Wewa!"
"I am from the UK, and I had the privilege to come over to work at wewa for two summers. To say it changed my life would be an understatement. The experiences I had, the people I met, the campers I worked with, and the programs I helped to make happen all have shaped me to the person that I am today. I have made long lasting friendships and memories to this very day. I was also honoured to receive the spirit of wewa award in my time at camp, and to this day I still try to do my best to spread the wewa values to the people I meet.
Wewa brings inspiration on a local, national, and international level. I'll never forget my time there, and the memories I made. From line dance to fishing, evening games to dining hall cheers, they are the all the moments that will stick with me and others alike.
It's goodnight and not goodbye"
"Camp Wewa made me a leader, with both the opportunity to grow and develop these skills and the practical application— over almost 15 years— from a camper to a Senior Counselor. The benefit of these summers can’t be quantified and I have no statistics to share of how Camp Wewa preserved my childhood, but I cannot overstate how my overall well being (behavioral, social, emotional, and academic) was improved as a result. As a counselor, I watched this same intervention strategy used by many a parent who believed their child to be at-risk, or likely to succumb to the pressures of their peers to experiment with drugs or alcohol or growing up too soon. Camp Wewa is a place that reminds kids, during their formative years, that it’s okay to be a kid a little while longer.
I remember writing college essays about the benefit of a mentor in a child’s life— thanks to Camp Wewa, I can’t count the number of positive influences in my life. It’s impossible to articulate the intangible ways that the loss of Wewa would be a tragedy for generations to come, so I’ll summarize the truth that is present in my life: I am a better Mother, wife, businesswoman, and Central Florida resident because of Camp Wewa."
"As a counselor told me a few years back, "If magic exists anywhere in this world, it would be right here, at Wewa." Never have I heard truer words spoken. . . . The people I've met and the lessons I've learned here have entirely shaped my life, and I don't know who or where I'd be without it. It was all I thought about (and still think about) during the school year, was just getting to summer so I could spend a week or two at camp every summer. I grew up going to Wewa with some of the most amazing role models I could have possibly met. I fell in love with Wewa ten years ago and I have never wanted to leave since. My dream job as a kid (and still now, of course) was to be a counselor at Wewa and spend the entire summer there, being able to be like the counselors that so wonderfully shaped my perspective of the world. I grew up idolizing people like Rich and Chance and at some points, would go "what would (insert counselor/key staff member here) do?" when faced with troublesome situations. Wewa never left me, and it never will. It quite literally means the world to me, and I am sure that fact will never change. "
"I spent 9 summers at Wewa and it literally changed my life! I made so many amazing friends, many that I’m still close with to this day. Wewa was always there for me. It was my home away from home! There were a couple summers I think I only missed 1 or 2 weeks of the summer. I would beg my mom to let me go for the entire time. . . I always dreamed that my kids would have the same experience and get to enjoy this life changing place! So many great memories and great people I miss to this day!"
"I’m not sure the path I’d have wandered without my time as a Wewa camper & staff. I am forever indebted to the people who walked and talked to me during these times."
"I can go back and post so many photos about camp! It was the best job I ever had and I dont think you will find anything like it. This is a place where kids can come and have the best time of their life. I have seen kids open up, sing songs, drop the cool kid act, cry with happiness, and even made a life long best friend. This place changes people for the better. "
"From camper to counselor and everything in between. So happy I was able to spend 10 insane and amazing summers at Wewa. Shoutout to all the incredible people I’ve met along the way, I wouldn’t be who I am now without this place."
"This news is really hard. While the YMCA owns Camp Wewa it doesn’t feel like it’s theirs to sell. Wewa belongs to every starfish it has ever thrown back. Every kid that was so nervous, scared and upset that their parents dropped them off at camp but ended up loving it and coming back for years. To every back girls cabin I’ve ever had, and those few front girls ones. And to that one summer when I had a girls cabin in Lakota. (Why did we do that again?)
Wewa belongs to every twilight bead recipient. Every Spirit of Wewa Award Winner. Every person that has ever made a wish boat wish and had it come true. Every kid that FINALLY got up on water skis or to to the top of Goliath. Wewa belongs to every person that has ever tried something new and loved it and those who hated it. To every kid that felt they weren’t good enough and learned they were.
Wewa belongs to every teenager that traded their summer at the beach to facilitate safe fun 24/7 for a measly $150 a week. To every nurse who donated their time and talent to ease the pain of scraped knees, bee stings, and often more. To every office worker and maintenance staff that kept things running behind the scenes. Often thankless.
Wewa belongs to every life guard, team building instructor, and key staffer. Wewa belongs to every person that has ever been annoyed by a Pawnee cheer or gotten a “CIT point.” Everyone that has ever been “blow darted” or pranked. It belongs to every person who has ever sprinted, sang, or danced in the rain. It belongs to every kid who never felt heard, or loved, or listened to before. It belongs to every voice that has ever sang mhmmm I want to linger here.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever fallen in love there. Whether with another or with themselves. Wewa belongs to every soul who has ever gotten to know God in its chapel walls, trails, and countless retreats. To every ragger that has ever set a goal, memorized the creed, and challenged themselves. And to every kid that has learned how to love and respect nature on its grounds.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever said, “this one time at camp,” or had to explain what “WEWA” is. It belongs to every kid who felt Wendy’s was God’s gift to this earth after a week of camp food.
Wewa belongs to every person who has ever learned to live care, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. To every Washoe girl that has taken an Apache girl under her wing. And to every camper that has looked up to their counselors even in their 20s and 30s.
Wewa belongs to every parent that has thanked a counselor and listened to the constant ramblings of “what happened this week?” To every mom, dad, grandparent, and friend who maybe never set foot on camp grounds but sent a letter or package that someone was so excited to receive.
Wewa even belongs to the people that hated it and never came back. To the one summer campers that while they claim “it wasn’t for them,” still tell the stories of their 5 days at camp.
Wewa belongs to every song, every cheer, every friendship bracelet, campfire and memory.
I can’t even begin to even encompass the lives and friendships this place has given me and so many others."
Please donate to Save Camp Wewa.
Thank you.
Fundraising team (4)
W. Jeff Earnshaw
Organizer
Apopka, FL
Collin Mcleod
Team member
Wendy Brown
Team member
M McLin
Team member