APOPKA, Fla. - Dozens of people who called Camp Wewa their summer home in the past gathered in Apopka on Saturday to support its future.
What You Need To Know
- Apopka block lit up Saturday to support 70-acre summer attraction
- Former campers share memories and hope for its future
- PREVIOUS: Apopka Seeking $1M Grant to Help Save Camp Wewa from Development
- PREVIOUS: YMCA Plans to Sell Camp Wewa; Apopka Considers Buying It
A couple weeks back, we reported that the Central Florida YMCA needs to sell Camp Wewa, after suffering big financial losses from the effects of COVID-19 and that the city of Apopka is trying to buy it.
The city hosted a Friends of Camp Wewa fundraiser that raised thousands of dollars toward that cause.
One block of Apopka lit up with music to support the 70-acre summer attraction everyone here says means the world.
“It’s really just an honor to see that people who’ve been here from the 60s and 70s, and also people like me who were at the camp the last 10 years," said Jordan Gerber, who would have been a camp counselor during Summer 2020.
“Whenever I step onto the ground of Camp Wewa, or drive by on South Binion, I remember that feeling," said former Camp Wewa Counselor Abby Sprinkle. "It’s so important to preserve that.”
Sprinkle described the feeling this Friends of Wewa fundraiser brought on, as soon as she took a look around.
“I don’t know all of them, and it’s so beautiful to see camp has brought people from so many generations and lifestyles and generations together. That’s just a really awesome thing," said Sprinkle.
“Camp Wewa is a tool that can make the world a better place," said former Camp Wewa director Jeff Earnshaw. “There’s a certain thing where you have your arms around your neighbor, you’re singing the songs, and you can’t help but look at each other in the eyes, and it’s that connection with people while you’re singing it. It’s like you’re sharing that moment, and it just brings it all back to really what was special about camp.”
People said this fundraiser, which felt much more like a reunion, sparks new hope that they hope is strong enough to keep the old flame of Camp Wewa burning.
“I really hope Apopka is able to secure the purchase, and I hope the Y is able to do the right thing with preserving Wewa," said Sprinkle.
Overall, the event raised close to $15,000 toward saving the camp.
Apopka city leaders are waiting on an appraisal of the campgrounds before they can move forward with plans to purchase Camp Wewa.