A New Chapter at Camp Wawona

How volunteers revived a beloved retreat for a new generation in Yosemite National Park.

In October, 76 Maranatha volunteers completed renovation work at Camp Wawona, repairing and upgrading several buildings and recreational facilities at this Seventh-day Adventist retreat in Yosemite National Park in California. The project marked Maranatha’s first time working at the camp.

Since the Church purchased the land in 1931, Camp Wawona has served generations of young people and families. However, after years of uninterrupted programs, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a nearby wildfire, and other factors left the camp without a regular summer program for several years. Due to lack of use and the overall age of the camp, many of the buildings were in desperate need of repair. 

When Brian Simmons became camp director in early 2025, he faced a long list of repairs before the camp was operational. Through a connection with longtime Maranatha volunteer Cathie Clark, and at the urging of a Wawona board member, he asked Maranatha for help tackling the multiple renovations.

During the project, volunteers renovated the lodge, installing new electrical systems and 10 windows, replaced drywall, and updated the women’s bathroom with three showers and sinks. Teams also installed new siding and windows on the camp headquarters building, repaired a storage structure, re-sided the camp shop, and painted eight A-frame cabins. At the amphitheater, volunteers replaced seating and stage decking, milling lumber for the work on-site.

Work that might have taken Brian’s small staff months to accomplish was completed in a matter of weeks. Yet for Brian, these renovations represent more than repairs on physical facilities. They’re an avenue for reaching people’s hearts. 

“At the end of the day, the buildings aren’t what matters; the people matter,” said Brian. “That doesn’t mean the buildings aren’t important, because we need a place where people can be dry and warm and have a context to meet together. Having the volunteers here is a validation of the ministry that’s happening [at the camp].” 

The camp has been running programs for the last couple of summers, but Maranatha’s renovation project has launched a new chapter for them. With renewed facilities and new possibilities, the camp is ready for another summer of programs in 2027. They have already requested that Maranatha return for another project next year to continue the trajectory of restoring the camp and continuing its long legacy of service. 

Each year, Maranatha works with organizations in the United States and Canada to provide volunteer labor for various construction or renovation projects at summer camps and retreat centers, schools, and churches. Work ranges from renovations of existing buildings to new construction, and saves thousands of dollars in labor costs.