Big Red Farmhouse

In honor of Father's Day, we have recorded a bonus episode where we speak with our dads, Kevin Drew, Steven Luke and David Richards! Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Phil Polhemus. He shares with us the origins of the Wanakee Song, his advice for pastors, and many lessons he's learned from 7 decades of camping. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Kat and Dan Read. They share reflections on their many years as staff members and volunteers and give a history of Survival camp. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we hear from James Tresner, Wanakee's Executive Director, who shares his thoughts on his first five years of service in the role. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Sarah Evans and Gillian Armstrong. They share reflections on their many years of friendship and give advice to future staff. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

In honor of Mother's Day, we have recorded a bonus episode where we speak with our moms, Susan Drew, Melissa Luke, and Susan Richards! Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Frank Gulinello, retired pastor and longtime Wanakee volunteer. He shares stories with us about his many years as a director of bike camp, pioneer camp, and work camp. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Sarah and Clement Sprout who tell us about their own Wanakee histories, share stories with us about their time on staff and discuss how Wanakee is a part of their family life. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we speak with Marilyn Ives, who has been involved with Wanakee's ministry since the 1960s. Among other stories, Marilyn shares with us how Swim Adventure, a program that ran for 30 years, got its start and what sustained it over the years. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, we hear from our first You N' Me pair: Mary Munroe and Olivia Murphy. Tune in to find out how they both first came to Wanakee, how their roles have changed throughout the years, and how camp has impacted them year round. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

On today's episode, you will hear from Jim Batten who is the only surviving founder of Wanakee. Tune in to find out the inspiration for Wanakee, how the name was decided, and what campers slept in that very first summer. Check out the original master plan and design of the hogans here: https://www.facebook.com/WanakeeNH/posts/10158651944368937 Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger. Additional music composed and performed by Luke Riedlinger.

We're excited to introduce the second season of Big Red Farmhouse. We will be releasing our first episode next Tuesday, April 6th. Gather around the campfire and join us, won't you? Music: “Fire on the Mountain” written by Randy Palmer and performed by Luke Riedlinger

On this bonus episode, you will hear the story, The Pew, by Winslow McRae, narrated by Rita Polhemus. We hope you feel the spirit of Christmas as you listen to this story. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

On today's episode, you will hear from Nate Tapp, Alison Kuhlman (Brinton), and Dayna Streufert (Tapp) who came to Wanakee all the way from Colorado. Tune in to find out whose favorite Wanakee tradition is Friday night pizza and allelus, who loves singing Kings and Queens to celebrate birthdays, and who loves singing Grace and Peace when saying goodbye. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Our guest today is Rev. Tom Getchell-Lacey, who may be best known for leading songs in the Dining Hall, including some TGL originals. Tune in to find out how Tom first came to Wanakee in the 80's and about his experience as one of the guinea pigs on the first ropes course at camp. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today on the show, James Buckley shares some memorable moments while acting as the camp gopher. Tune in to find out which camp nicknames others have tried to give him before he settled on “Fire James.” Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today on the show, Andrea Arulnayagam shares her first impressions of coming to Wanakee from England in 2008 along with what has kept her connected over the years. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today on the show, Virginia and JoAnn Fryer share some of their favorite memories throughout their time at Wanakee as campers, volunteers and Wild Wanakee Women. They tell us how living out their faith and practicing service at Wanakee has affected their professional lives. Listen in to find out how Wild Wanakee Women reach Monkey Island and which of these twins' favorite Wanakee tradition is singing. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

The summer of 2020 was certainly a strange one for many, including Wanakee staff. Ten individuals showed up at the beginning of summer on Upper New Hampton Rd, and in Part 2 of our Staff 2020 Special, we hear the rest of the staff share their Wanakee stories! Gather around the campfire and listen in to find out who the resident bat catcher was this summer and learn how you can make pancake tacos at home. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today on the show, we talked with Dan Attorri, longtime camper, staffer, volunteer and current board member. Dan discusses “night and day grilled cheese” and the power of Wanakee friendships that have followed him throughout his life. We would love for you to gather around the campfire and listen in. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the StoryTeller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today we talked to the permanent resident of Wanakee, (no, not Wanabear), executive director, and snowplow driver extraordinaire, James Tresner. He reminisces on finding a tire in the river, as well as who he really wanted to be in life. He also ranks the best mugs in the dining hall and makes an exciting announcement about a crowd favorite mug. You're sure to have a few laughs while listening to this one, so gather around the campfire and listen in. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the StoryTeller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

The summer of 2020 was certainly a strange one for many, including Wanakee staff. Ten individuals showed up at the beginning of summer on Upper New Hampton Rd, and in Part 1 of our Staff 2020 Special, three of them share their Wanakee stories! Gather around the campfire and listen in to find out who carries extra socks with them and who might want to brush up on recipe review before the next cookout? Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the Storyteller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today on the show we talk to Matt Mansur, someone who just “can't be kept away” from Wanakee. You may know him as “the whiniest camper”, the ropes course guy, or the song leader of Pizza Man; but regardless you are sure to learn something new about him and his time at Wanakee in today's episode. Gather around the campfire and listen in. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the StoryTeller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Today we talk with Ed Darling, someone whose time at camp dates back to our earliest years. You'll hear some of the most informative lessons Ed learned at camp, how many of his fellow staffers' belongings ended up on the front lawn, and about the greatest gift Wanakee has given him. This is one special Wanakee family, so we hope you will gather around the campfire and listen in. You can read more about The Wes and Edie Darling Memorial Fund here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/wanakee/a-hard-year-full-of-light-part-2-the-wes-and-edie-darling-memorial-fund/10100671919898975/ Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the StoryTeller and performed by Luke Riedlinger

Wanakee is one big family, and like any family we have lots of origin stories, legends, and legacies to tell. Join us as we start this adventure by meeting the three hosts of the show: Shannon Drew, Amelia Luke, and Nicole Richards. In this episode, they discuss their “You N' Me” beginnings, staff traditions old and new, and Amelia and Shannon even learn the origins of Hearty Stir Fry! We invite you to gather around the campfire and listen in. Intro music: “The Wanakee Song” written by Joshua the StoryTeller and performed by Luke Riedlinger