WeHaKee Featured Alumna: Hilary O’Connor Anderson
At WeHaKee Camp for Girls, we are so proud of the fact that our campers and staff come from all over the world to create a community together in Winter, WI. We are even prouder and always impressed by what those WeHaKee women do in their own communities, and how their time at camp brings a little bit of WeHaKee wisdom out into the rest of the world!
A couple of times a month, we would like to feature a WeHaKee Alumna so you can share in the pride and joy of your camp community!
Our Featured WeHaKee Woman is Hilary O’Connor Anderson! Hilary’s impact on the camp community began in the 1960s, and includes a commemorative artwork for the 50th anniversary of camp that still hangs in the dining hall today!
Hilary is an active member in the camp community today, contributing greatly to the 2020 #bringwehakeecamp virtual camp events with stories of her many roles at camp. We are so lucky to have her as a WeHaKee alum.
In Hilary’s own words, more about camp and how it impacts her life today…
I attended We-Ha-Kee from the early 60’s until 1980. I believe I starteand as a camper the first or second-year We-Ha-Kee moved to Winter. I was a camper, a CIT, the Stable Manager and K-Aide Counselor, and finally a counselor.
I am now living in Manassas, Virginia (near Washington D.C.) with my husband John. We have two boys who are grown now (23 and 29). I am currently teaching 4th grade at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School in Woodbridge, Virginia. This year I am celebrating my 40th year of teaching!
We-Ha-Kee had a HUGE impact on my life. It taught me to appreciate my faith and to celebrate God’s beauty. I learned leadership skills and how to respect and accept others. It taught me all the skills I needed to be an effective teacher.
My favorite memories of We-Ha-Kee were going to Mass each week and singing songs by the campfire. I loved Council Fires and the plays in Lauerwood. I loved learning to ride horses and shoot a bow an arrow. I loved walking through the woods each day. I remember lying on the dock and looking for shooting stars. I also remember the good friends I made.
My favorite activities were riding, swimming, archery, fishing, skiing, and camp craft as well as arts and crafts and trampoline. I loved everything (especially Trading Post time)!
If I met a camper who wanted to attend We-Ha-Kee I would say “Go to We-Ha-Kee, you will develop lifelong friends and have great memories to share with your family.”
I want current campers to know that We-Ha-Kee is your home away from home. The skills and friendships you learn now will last in your heart forever!
We are lucky to have Hilary as a part of our community! Connect with Hilary and alumnae like her in our WeHaKee Alumnae Facebook group.
