We are thrilled to announce that Hazel Banisky has joined our full-time staff as a Program Director of Camp Wapo!

Hazel’s Camp Wapo story started in 1st grade as a Seeds camper. In those early years she watched her older brother serve as a counselor and worship coordinator, saw how it shaped him and his faith, and decided – at age eight – “I’m going to work at camp someday!” Year after year, from elementary to high school, she returned to Wapo as a camper… she had found her home!

In 2021 Hazel joined summer staff as a weeklong counselor, serving four summers: two as a counselor, two as worship coordinator (just like her brother!), and most recently in a dual role as worship coordinator and program coordinator, stepping into a deeper leadership role.

Over the years Hazel has made lifelong friendships and memories here, and she can’t wait to help others do the same. Just as importantly, camp has been central to her own faith journey – she felt God’s presence as a camper and even more deeply during her summers on staff. She’s eager to walk alongside counselors in their faith development so they can walk alongside campers in theirs.

We can’t wait to see how God will continue to use Hazel and her gifts to bring this place of ministry into the lives of the future generations of children. Get used to seeing this friendly face around and never feel shy to say, “Hey” because Hazel has the gift of gab and will say “Hey” right back!