QUESTION:We just got asked in an episode coming out soonWhats the part you enjoy most about running a camp?ANSWER:Anybody who runs a small business will tell you that its about getting to try anything. You get to treat it like a creative lab. A place where you make things with interesting people who make cool shit. Wandawega is an experimental place where it doesnt matter if things we try fail. Because its just about making things & having fun in the process. A recent example was working with a handful of folks who came out of the woodwork to participate in a couple of programs weve been fostering: Artist in residence content creators program :@prezpipe @nathanbobey @erikengstromphoto They worked on their own creative projects and also threw down on one of ours: the launch of SummerOfHamms.com ….@hammsthebeer hammsthebeer
August 17, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
Is This Wisconsin Resort the Real Land of Sky Blue Waters? a new feature by @milwaukeemag just out about our SummerOfHamms.com collab lline with @hammsthebeer Camp Wandawega and Hamms team up for the retro-themed rebrand of the classic Midwestern beer.Hamms x Camp Wandawega Summer of 66 collection featuring items like beer accessories, apparel and lake essentials, all influenced by the 1950s and 1960s launched in late July on the Hamms website. If it felt like it could have lived here (then), it became part of the collection, says Surratt.Turns out the beer brand had a story there all along: Holland found a photo taken in the 1970s of a Hamms beer can in a cabinet at Camp Wandawega. And he happened to have vacationed at Camp Wandawega before working at Hamms on his guest towel was a Hamms matchbook, in fact.But first he had to convince Surratt. He wrote a letter to her a proposal pitch, if you will on a 1930s typewriter, stating why he felt the beer brands Land of Sky Blue Waters slogan was a perfect fit with Camp Wandawegas camp-y vibe.Thanks @kristineahansen for the story !
August 16, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
Afterglow This last weekend.These two gorgeous grooms. They did it right.Once again, this old joint was overtaken with people celebrating others whove found their forever person.Its not lost on us that a hundred years ago this kind of love was not acknowledged (let alone celebrated around here). Were seeing so many more hearts & minds around here opening as years pass. So now its the morning afterall of the friends & family have left, the caterers packed up- and the last guest pulled out of the gates-It was back as it started – the first two people in to set up where the last two people out.just Chris & Blake again- so committed to leaving this place intact – that they were still hauling gear & resetting the camp on the way to their honeymoonAs soon as they stepped off the grounds- the flash flood warnings starting coming through – we had to prep for heavy constant rain & severe thunderstorms that would pummel camp for the next two days. But Mother Nature waited for these two- gifting them with 48 hours of her best sun show. The morning after that-We woke up to her storm aftermath The beach has been washed out (again) The gravel hillside road looks like river cut through it. The drainage is full, one basement leaking- its raining inside the lodge backroom again. We lost another ancient old tree that was all but taken down by gusts.ButTheres something about the morning after here. Seeing 2 people wake up to the first day of their lives getting to finally call their other my husband / wifeBearing witness to this helps us recommit ourselves too- to keeping this place standing to host the big life moments So we now sit in both the aftermath & the afterglow of what has gone down here in recent days.Its all so worth it.It always has been.If you need us, well be digging out.@chrishorsman & @trueblake, thanks for showing us all what true HAPPY looks like & how to spread it. @cassierosch (With last two pics here by @rebecca_ferguson – A guest who also happens to be moviestar . who stayed in our little log cabin- Charlie and I have been singing along to her character in the greatest showman for years-
August 15, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
How the #$&*! we forget that is was NATIONAL SMORES DAY?I guess everyday here is N.S.D. anyway so we think its never too late.In Honor of this special (belated) day, we present to youThe Ranger Station reporting for duty.1940s tear drop trailer converted to the ultimate dispensary for all things marshmallows / grahams / sticks. BYOC (chocolate) cause the raccoons freaking love itCOUNTRY LIVING:These s’mores are most definitely extra-fancy. There’s something extra fun about making the toffee from scratch, and then using it it make the chocolate squares, and while it takes a little time, it’s easy enough to do even several days ahead of time. This recipe comes from Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, WI, where they mark each graham cracker with a “W” to make it even more special. Want to do the same? You can pick up a vintage branding iron on Etsy.36 servings / PREP: 20 mins / TIME: 1 hr 35 minsINGREDIENTS:* 6 tbsp. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for baking sheet* 1/2 c. sugar* 2 tsp. light corn syrup* 1 tsp. kosher salt* 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract* 10 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped* 10 oz. milk chocolate, chopped* 3/4 c. smoked almonds, roughly chopped* Smores-size marshmallows & graham 1Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with foil; butter foil. Heat butter, sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until dark golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Pour onto one prepared baking sheet; cool. Once cool, break into 1/2-inch pieces. 2Melt chocolates in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) a pot of boiling water. Add almonds and toffee pieces and stir to combine. Spread into an even layer on second prepared baking sheet; cool slightly, then score into 2-inch squares. Cool completely, then break into squares. 3Heat grill to medium-high. Skewer a marshmallow with sticks and heat over the flame, rotating, until golden and charred, 2 to 3 minutes. Place on a graham cracker with a chocolate square; top with another graham cracker and eat immediately. Repeat with remaining ingredients.Photos: @evantsheehan @thecraighensel @aimeemazzenga
August 14, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
dont let press articles fool you. Before booking, we ask folks to please finish the mandatory reading pamphlet : the M.o.L.E. Wandawega Manifesto Of Low Expectations. (Google it- Weve been using it to guide campers over for 18 years now.)The first line reads: For many, this is a new definition of hellAnd is followed by the Definition of RUSTIC:Rural, related to the country. Simple. Lacking in social graces or polish (plainness and sturdiness) ie: heavy rustic boots.Our M.o.L.E. Is our camp bible-It prepares you to prepare yourself accordingly. Because if we were being reviewed on the standard hotel 5-star rating guide, they *may designate us one half of one star. (If thats even possible).But that fragment is a bright & happy piece of a star – that tries to be the best version of itself it can be – and tries to not disappoint. People who find their way to us get that, and tend to be pretty low maintenance folks.Our well water doesnt have all the extra softening filters. Most rooms here dont have air conditioning, and none have door keys. No concierge to light your grill or cleaning service to freshen your room.Thats just the beginning. We arent for everyone. We realized that the people whove been coming here for the last 98 years have one simple thing in common – they have the ability to tap into that part of themselves that is Un-fancy. Its that unpretentious part in us that makes them more accepting. At the end of the day, its that part of all of us that connects us.Outtakes from @taylorhallobrien shoot for @theworldofinteriors –
August 13, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
These are indeed the good old days. So many of these ahead. ..BTS with @willandbear, @roamwithdrake @cabinlove @ethanabitz @strawburry17 @lady_bro @francessimonephotog @tarynhyland @Amanda.arends
August 11, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
Were here for the creatives.Photographers. Filmmakers. Painters. Sculptors. Designers. Writers. Chefs.Artists who create in all mediums. In their studios.In their kitchens.In their woods. In our woods.Makers of all ilk.More often these days – the hybrids find their way to us. photographer/adventure-taking chefs like @roamwithdrake – an open fire cook. Hes walking sunshine & a damn joy to be around.Drake came with the @willandbear pack last week. And we cant wait to have him – them all – back as soon as possible.He just shared a few camp views – like passing the mashed potatoes at dinner – we had to share.
August 9, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
The things that matter. .More love.More joy.More opportunities.- this is what were here for.Thankful for partners like @tanjababich who created the @lakeaffectchicago with the purpose of giving deserving kids from underserved communities more. @jessica.eileen.drogosz
August 8, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
GUESS whos here? .More to come, but a little BTS of whats been happening here this past week like sifting at a stack of Polaroids from 1972, Dylan on our loudspeaker playing through a 8 track.@willandbear have spent the last few days with us hosting a creative camp with a bunch of their rad friends: @cabinlove @ethanabitz @strawburry17 @lady_bro @francessimonephotog @tarynhyland @Amanda.arends Highlights Open Fire cooking by @roamwithdrake ceramics wall hanging class by @janelle_gramling yoga by @her_healthandhealing.Love your crew, @alexanderknorr @lozyjane
August 7, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
I never get myself something on this day, figured it about was time. The best birthday gift is one that you get to share with other folks – by that measure, this present (first pic) is the best ever. (Cant wait to share what this new addition to camp is going to be for yall).While Im not exactly thrilled to be turning a year older, it sure beats the hell out of the alternative – and Ive been lucky enough to get 25 trips around the sun with this guy, 12 with this little lady (and 15 of them with the furry gray old man).Bracing myself with lots of firsts happening all at once now and the coming year (beyond this being the first time ever taking / posting a selfie).After 24+ years with Ogilvy, I finally made the choice to take the leap out of the ad world and start working directly with brands instead. All these years of the side hustle have turned into something bigger than I could have imagined, so Ive taken on clients with some of my dream brands – pinching myself that the first couple projects and product partnerships are already deep in the works – cant wait to share!Thankful to friends for a little impromptu gathering last night to celebrate all the firsts. Thankful for the loves in these photos who are my heart. And toasting all the Leos out there marking another trip around the sunkeep chasing those dreams. Turns out, they actually can be caught eventually. Even at 51. .#nevertoolate ..Pics by friends@thiswildidea @thayerandco @kathryngamblephoto @bobcoscarelli And- Charliegirl
August 6, 2023 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram
