What kind of bird are YOU?Were taking stock of – and restocking the Camp Wardrobe Dept. for the upcoming season. Taking suggestions for new additions !Photos by @aimeemazzenga and @jonnymendez__

March 21, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

TheCampADVENTURING IN NATURE Book & art set- for those creatively inclined.A rainy day distraction for campers of all ages- when campers retreat inside to sketch, craft, tackle puzzles & hit up the board games.We made this by assembling favorites from our mass collection of vintage game & creative activity books that weve been hoarding for years. (The cover is a remake of a 1940 Campfire Girls guide).GAMES, CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES INSIDE:Crossword /Make A birdhouse kit /Leaf project /Flowers & nations matching /Decorate the objects /Paint the vases /Finish the drawing games / Flower Identification games /Mazes /Tongue twister /Puzzles /Tree climber quiz /Boat race game /Design a cabin /Decorate a cottage /Identify the bird species /DIY puzzles /Shield & arrow match game /Name the hook /Coloring mystery game /Connect the dots games /Identify the shop signs /Learn sign language /Dot block game /Trapper box game /Cattle marking ID game /Identify insect game /Identify the leaf game /Pencil puzzle /3-D cut out game /Learn wildflowers /Finger puppet tutorial /Lessons from Smokey Bear /Letter game / Paper doll dogs /Wisconsin map /Coloring pages Board games /ALL IN THE DEETS: Includes: activity book of 1920s-1950s camp activities & art set.Art set includes: wood slider storage box with 12 colored pencils, wooden pencil sharpener & a rulerBook measures8.5″ x 11″ & has 84 pages Wooden storage box measures 8″ x 1.5″ x 1″* Not for sale individually, throwing it in as a gift with the art pencil kit (sharing these books for free in an effort to educate and inspire).Some photos by @jessica.eileen.drogosz

March 20, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Pick your poison.Time to restock the souvenir machine.> What should we add this season?Weve been digging up the history of roadside America. Long before theFederal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (construction of the modern Interstate system) roadside America was dotted withsouvenirshops hocking local-themed souvenirs and mementos for the weary traveler.Every landmark, point-of-interest, and motel had one.Our own Route 12 Iron Brigade Memorial Highway passing through Elkhorn and Sugar Creek to camp was no exception.In homage to the sorts oftchotchkessold here nearly a century ago at the original prohibition-era Wandawega Hotel,we retro-fitted our vintage cigg machine to dispense the same nostalgic and oddmementosof our grandparents childhoods.We found a bunch of souvenir makers that have been supplying Wisconsin tourists for over 90 yearsto help us stock it with simple American favorites.Next time youre here, make a pitstop by the Camp Lodge to take home anoveltyreminder of your stay.(Weve now converted our old Metro delivery van to the beer truck).For our fellow detail freaks: every little thing is dispensed with a certificate of authenticity in each box that reminds folks our motto:NOT NEW, NOT IMPROVED.Camp Wandawega Since 1925

March 18, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

The things we miss. Last night was my work company party.Also, Charlies school science fair. .We learned the properties of jello,The physics of parachutes. And the science of color & taste.We did not learn how to stop time from flying by so damn fast. Toddler to 12 overnight. Im not OK.

March 17, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Country Mouse, City Mouse.If youve met us, you know that we love restoring broken down things, Including cars. (The downside is that when you really need them to run, you can bet they wont).Like the time @WSJ sent a photographer to follow us from home in Chicago to camp, to shoot a story about creative connections. (Our little old lady 72 Mercedes broke down-halfway up to camp. But still loved her – she was an early garage find fixer-upper)STORY EXCERPT:”Culture on the Lake- Where Creatives Connect”Before visiting the Camp Wandawega resort in Elkhorn, Wis., husband-and-wife proprietors David Hernandez and Tereasa Surratt insist you review their Manifesto of Low Expectations. For those who are comfortable sharing their shower with toads, Wandawega is a revelation: a lakeside camp completely adorned with vintage furnishings and curios from the 1920s through the 1960s. The place has hosted its share of celebrities, artists, chefs and tech-industry leaders. When David and I started dating, he brought me out here and it was in a pretty sad state. Buying and rehabbing Wandawega has given us the opportunity to provide cultural and creative retreats for not-for-profits and charities50% of the retreats we do pro bono. Thats been the biggest reward.When folks come, were the ones kicking back with them, having a beer on the patio. We couldnt imagine ever being some proper, fancy hotels.ABOUT THE SERIES:A sculptor who employs his artistic talents to run a boutique hotel; a sneaker designer who takes his wares from blueprint to performance; a premium watchmaker who still adds a handmade touch. These are the kinds of cutting-edge craftsman creating luxury in todays America. To bring them to you, we sent renowned photographer Ryan Plettan entrepreneur in his own righton the road in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Through his images and words, Plett will capture stories of our countrys greatest innovators and craftspeople here on ViewFinders, presented by WSJ Custom Studios and Mercedes-Benz.

March 14, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Were knee deep in ordering new staff shirts, jackets & gear for the upcoming season. So although this wardrobe will not be it, Coming across this fashion mag shoot we did here reminded me of how hardy the production crews are that film here.(You wouldnt know by looking at the spread in @elegantmagazine that it was raining & freezing the whole damn day )Were not the obvious choice for this kind of thing. But weve learned that those who have the grit to make the hike up the hill without taking off their stilettos get rewarded. Or break an ankle. Either way, its an adventure – and were here for it.PHOTOGRAPHER: @bekahwriedtHMUA : @finemakeupartSTYLIST: @brandonfreinMODELS: @serenityane @scaffidsASST: @abiv.01

March 12, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Were exploring new chef partners for the Wandawega Dining hall!Were casting a wide net for chefs to come do mini takeovers of our original circa 1925 24 seat Wandawega supper club. ( old shots and menus we found here in the attic)(To serve as guest chefs, catering for pre booked custom dinners for camper groups of 15-24)Its been so fun to start research this with our new in house expert (we cant wait to introduce her to you soon ;)Stay tuned. .Photos by @bobcoscarelli @afterthequake @yesjonwes

March 11, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Today we have a very special book to add to the Artist cabin bookshelf. We love to celebrate heritage- embracing the old while making room for the new.So were excited to tuck this new book into the stacks of our Nat Geos in the library.Chris Brown of @refueled.magazine launched his artist in residency book today SURF Camp Wandawega (its a limited edition – available to purchase on his profile line).Youll also find it in the lodge library, treehouse library, and the bookshelves in the hillhouse, bunkhouse and lakeview cabin.Shot by @stevenvisneauphotography (First two pics here of our artist cabin library by @bobcoscarelli )

March 10, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY to all the hard working ladies out there !!We havent had the chance to meet most of our followers on here, So folks wouldnt know that I have a day job in advertising (and that Wandawega is my midnight oil- side hustle & heart)Heres the something you probably dont know about the AdWorld: 80% of the creative briefs that we get in this industry are targeted towards women. But there are not enough women in the advertising award show jury rooms to judge the work.This year, Ive been invited to join forces with a bunch of powerhouse ladies I admire to judge the The Gerety Awards. This show exists to put the female perspective on the work and fill the female gap in the jury room. I cant wait to see what wins under the the female lens- honored join this an all-women jury. Thanks to my girls at @vavoomstudios for the new work headshot Geretyawards.com

March 8, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt

Do you think you could play Home On The Range on a one inch harmonica ??The tiniest instrument in our little store is called the Campfire Companion – and is built exactly like a grown up harmonica (hand assembled with screws) It has 4 holes, that lets you play 8 notes so you can play lots of songs.It comes keychain or belt loop ready with a 4 inch ball chain & brass Mouth Organ tag. (Thats what they used to call them you cant make this up) Comes with a little songbook with five old school campfire songs:NATIONAL ANTHEMAMERICA THE BEAUTIFULGEORGIAIVE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROADHOME ON THE RANGESWEATING THE DETAILS: SIZE: 1″ long Harmonica plays a full octave in the key of C Arrives in our linen drawstring bag with mini song book….Photos of charliegirl by @jessica.eileen.drogosz

March 7, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt