For many Apopkans, Camp Wewa holds a special place in their hearts and brings back childhood and teenage memories of sitting around a campfire and having a good time.
Camp Wewa has been in operation since 1947 and was previously owned by the Central Florida YMCA before the COVID-19 Pandemic created financial difficulties that prompted the sale of the property. With developers interested in purchasing the property, the City of Apopka swooped in to purchase the camp after receiving feedback from the community.
The city spent $4.7 million to purchase the property in July 2021.
At the Apopka City Council Budget Workshop Monday, Radley Williams, parks and recreation director, presented the financial state of Camp Wewa, among other venues and parks in the City. The Camp has not been faring well financially and has incurred revenue losses of 80% within the past budget year.
City Commissioner Kyle Becker didn’t hesitate to point out the money lost and what was expected when the Camp was purchased.
“…When we purchased the property, there was an understanding that we were going to try and get as close to the center as possible,” Becker said. “[To] pay for itself.”
Williams said that the projected revenue for 2024 is about “$220,000.” As of right now, the revenue being generated comes from “summer camp programming” and “facility rentals and retreats.”
Becker recognizes that Camp Wewa has the potential to be profitable, as evidenced by groups that enjoy nature trails, the boy scouts and girl scouts, and events like the Jingle Mingle.
“Why couldn’t we do some larger scale for revenue-driving purposes?” Becker asked. “…Haunted Woods for Halloween or Winter Wonderland and decorate the cabins for Christmas.”
Williams said that during Easter, they organized an event that charged $10 per vehicle but acknowledged that more events can be held throughout the year. He agreed with Becker’s suggestion of doing events for the holidays.
“…Those are all options that we can continue to work towards to get and grow the revenue at that property,” Williams said.
City Commissioner Nick Nesta laid out two paths he believes could be taken to increase revenue. The overarching message he conveyed was that they had to create a plan to reduce the amount of money lost by not efficiently utilizing the Camp.
“We either want a small venue that is just locals only or a world-class event center that we need to spend a lot more on to get to that caliber…” Nesta said. “…This is being run as if it is just a park…”
Williams said that the current timeline to break even on the purchase of Camp Wewa would take five years to get halfway to that goal.
Nesta, in response, said that each year it gets more expensive and that improvements have yet to be seen.
Becker said that the “general fund unreserved balance” grew by “$9 million year over year.” He said that having that “surplus of money” could possibly help the development of Camp Wewa get “to the finish line.”
Williams said that the facilities and amenities, like the dining hall and high ropes course, need to be revitalized or be periodically maintained. He said that it would cost “$150,000” to “rebuild the high ropes course with a different methodology.”
Mayor Bryan Nelson said that overnight camps should be considered as an addition to Camp Wewa because they are a “big moneymaker.” He said that his idea should be discussed further, with Williams agreeing to workshop with the City Council.
City Commissioner Diane Velazquez asked if there was a plan for “the new budget year.” She asked if Williams had developed any plans to do something new with Camp Wewa on top of the already established programs.
Williams said that they will have a day and night summer program and that they are interested in adding archery classes and offering canoe rentals. The challenge he said they face is determining whether they want “park-style” or “retreat-rental” amenities.
Nesta said that they have to figure out whether they want Camp Wewa to be an “event space that’s for private events and high-end vacations” or “community-based,” where locals can come and enjoy the pool and kayaks.
“…You know, s’mores at night with community,” Nesta said. “We need to dictate what that is going to be, and then we need to fund it one way.”
Becker said that they could include sponsored cabins during holiday events and that the funds can go to “operational costs” and a “charity of choice.” He said that making Camp Wewa the place to be in the summer for Apopka’s young residents and giving the businesses and organizations the opportunity to contribute to events would help with profitability.
“We should have a backlog, a waiting list, of people that are so encouraged and jazzed up to come to Camp Wewa every summer…” Becker said. “…That’s going to drive up a tremendous amount of revenue.”
Nesta proposed for the City Council to meet with Williams and workshop a plan that would move things forward and lighten his load by creating a sense of direction. Williams agreed and said that his goal is to be aligned with “the wishes of the Council.”
