By Laura Kempthorne | Executive Director
Camp Wannakumbac Rejuvenation Project is Complete!!
Grand opening of new Dining Hall facility – 1965.
1964 - A master development plan for Camp Wannakumbac’s dining hall was developed. It was envisioned that the Camp would be developed to the point that organizations with ready access to funding could be attracted to use the facility for meetings, conferences, retreats, etc. In turn, these rental funds would allow camping and outdoor education experiences for young people to be offered at somewhat subsidized rates. Phase I of the plan called for the construction of a new dining hall facility, with an up-to-date institutional kitchen, and modern washroom facilities. The challenge was undertaken and completed in time for a beautiful new dining hall to be officially opened at Family Camp on the August long weekend of 1965. It boasted an open, spacious dining area designed to serve approximately 100 people. The modern new kitchen included both a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, with a large institutional gas range and grill. A pantry and staff bathroom, which doubled as a nursing and first aid centre, were included in the new facility. The new hall also incorporated an outdoor stage on the north end, with natural seating provided by the slope of the hill.
53 years later….
In 2015 a three-phase program to revitalize, rejuvenate and update energy efficiency to the dining hall building was developed.
Phase 1 - the propane furnace was upgraded to hydro electric panels and a new floor was installed.
Phase 2 – the exterior of the dining hall was upgraded and beautified plus a large deck surrounding the facility was built in memory of Darren Gusdal, manager of Camp Wannakumbac for 23 years. The deck included built in seating, lighting and an updates to the wheelchair ramp. High-energy efficient windows replaced the original 50-year-old windows.
Phase 3 – both female and male washrooms had flooring replaced, energy efficient toilets and sinks installed. Plumbing was also upgraded from cast iron pipes to PVC.
Brandon Area Community Foundation is pleased that we were able to grant $12,000.00 to help finish the Camp’s dining hall renovation.
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