2026 marks 50 years since the first girls’ section paddled out from Garden Island, a milestone made possible through the passion, leadership, and partnership of countless women and men in the Wabun community.
For more than half of Wabun’s 94-year history, girls’ sections have traveled the same northern rivers as boys’ sections, helping shape the culture, spirit, and tradition that make Wabun so special today.
From the pioneers of that first season to every woman who has led, paddled, mentored, worked behind the scenes, or sent a camper north… this milestone honors all who helped build and sustain Wabun’s legacy.
This year, we’re coming together to celebrate the past, reconnect as a community, and support the next generation of campers.
Reunite with friends and Wabun family in Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate this big milestone and support the future of Wabun!
When: April 18, 2026, 6:00 – 11:00 pm
Where: The Barn at 13753 County Line Road, Chagrin Falls, OH
Click here for More Event Details
Attire: Wabun chic (casual)! This event is being heald in a barn, and the flooring is not conducive to heels.
Cost and Details: Tickets are $50 each for general admission, and $25 for anyone under 25 years old.
Donations: When you purchase tickets you will have the opportunity to select an additional donation which will go toward the area of greatest need for Wabun.
Can’t attend? You can still celebrate this milestone by joining in our other events, sharing your pictures and stories, or giving a donation.
To give a donation, simply click the “Get Tickets” link and select “I’d just like to donate”!
Make your Travel Plans! We’ve Reserved a block of hotel rooms conveniently located for the event.
Click here for booking details!
Start Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
End Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Wabun Hotel Block
Residence Inn by Marriott
3628 Park East Drive, Beachwood, OH 44122
Last Day to Book: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Reunite on the water for a special anniversary trip celebrating the spirit of Wabun. Open to women alumni, family and friends ages 18+ (under 18? Become a camper this summer!). Mark your calendars!
When: July 30 – August 5, 2026
Where: Join a Temagami area trip on a classic route like Diamond, Wakimika, Obabika. In ultralight canoes and with plenty of padding in the itinerary, this trip is for everyone!
We’ll spend time swimming and reminiscing together or discovering why the Wabun campers in your life can’t stop talking about rock beavers, fish fiestas, and the Obabika Highway!
The trip will end on August 5th with a Wabun-style Paddle In to Garden Island just in time for the 2026 end-of-season festivities.
Who: Wabun Women Alumni and Friends. We have room for up to 8 people. Call your friends and don’t miss out on a spot!
Please contact Phoebe Knowles at phoebe.knowles@wabun.org for information on how to sign up.
(Interested in a Women Alumni & Friends Dumoine River Trip this summer? Please let Katherine Finnegan and Jo Moore know ASAP if you’d like to participate!)
Help us reach our Women of Wabun Campaign goal of $50,000.
You can contribute as a Wabun Woman or in honor of a Wabun Woman!
Invest in one of Wabun Foundation’s critical funding areas:
- Greatest need/Sustainability
- Access/Scholarships
- Infrastructure/Renewal and Upkeep
Make a donation in honor of a Woman of Wabun (WoW) in your life
Celebrating the Past. Supporting the Future.
Thank you for being part of this milestone year – and for helping carry Wabun’s mission forward for the next 50 years.
For questions and feedback, please reach out to the WoW Planning Committee Chairs: Women of Wabun Gift Campaign Chairs: Stephanie Sullivan, Chris Foster, and Margot Moses, Women of Wabun Event Committee Chair: Lila Cleminshaw, Women of Wabun Program Committee Chair: Jo Lekometros Moore or to Wabun Foundation Executive Director, Phoebe Knowles (phoebe.knowles@wabun.org).