Volunteer Opportunities at Chautauqua Wawasee

Volunteer Opportunities at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Volunteer Opportunities at Chautauqua-Wawasee

Chautauqua-Wawasee is a volunteer-driven organization, and we are always looking for passionate individuals to get involved and make a difference in our community. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are ready to take on a larger commitment, there are many ways to contribute to our mission and help support our events and programs.

We offer flexible volunteer roles ranging from short-term tasks to long-term responsibilities, and training will be provided for all positions. Some roles are specific to individual events, while others span the full year. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities at Chautauqua Wawasee that are available, and we’d love to have you join us! (Scroll to the bottom of this post to find our volunteer sign-up form.)

Program-Related Roles

  • Program Champion: Take responsibility for organizing and leading a program or event, including coordinating logistics and volunteers. The Marketing Team will handle advertising and promotion.
    • Possible Champion Needs: Historical Cruises, Digging Through History, Waterfowl Festival
  • Program Co-Champion: Assist a Program Champion by providing support as needed.
    • Possible Co-Champion Needs: Art Festival, Pawasee, Patriotic Speaker
  • Identify New Programs: Help create and implement new programs that meet community needs.
  • Feedback Analyst: Collect and transcribe attendee feedback from programs (e.g., satisfaction, location, and event sources) and summarize it for the Program Champion.
  • Greeters: Welcome attendees as they arrive at programs (task rotates among a team, specific to individual events).
  • Program Setup/Teardown: Help set up tables, chairs, and materials before a program and clean up afterward.
  • Program Ticket Taker/Check-In: Manage sign-ins or collect tickets at the door for ticketed events (task is specific to individual events).

Financial Management Roles

  • Financial Analysis: Perform monthly variance analysis of financial results versus the annual plan.
  • Investment Manager: Manage the organization’s excess funds through CD purchases and rollovers.
  • Grant Writing: Identify relevant grant opportunities and submit applications to secure funding.

Marketing and Communications Roles

  • Fundraising: Help organize and implement fundraising campaigns for Chautauqua-Wawasee.
  • Write Articles: Create articles to promote CHQW and its programs.
  • Write Press Releases: Work with the Marketing Team to craft press releases and send them to media contacts.
  • Marketing Calendar: Maintain the comprehensive marketing calendar, requiring proficiency with MS Excel and pivot table skills.

Community Outreach Champions

  • Milford, Warsaw, Goshen, Elkhart: Become a Community Outreach Champion for one of these areas to help spread the word about our programs and mission.

Other Volunteer Needs

  • Wawasee Neighborhood Outreach: Help build a contact list of Wawasee community members and establish communication channels to improve outreach and engagement.
  • Volunteer Manager: Organize and coordinate volunteers, working with Program Champions to ensure proper staffing for events and programs.
  • Data Clean-Up: Analyze, organize, and clean up our stakeholder database in MS Excel.
  • CHQW Evangelist: Meet with organizations to promote the Chautauqua-Wawasee mission and recruit new supporters.
  • Appreciation/Fun Manager: Plan and implement ways to thank and recognize stakeholders, including attendees, partners, and funders.
  • Board of Directors: Board members are selected from individuals who have volunteered and served on committees.

Interested in Volunteering?

We appreciate your time and dedication and want to help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity! Whether you’re looking to assist with a single event or take on a larger role, we have a variety of ways for you to get involved.

To sign up, simply click HERE to complete our Volunteer Form. Once submitted, a member of our team will reach out to you.

 

Note: Training and a Coach will be provided for all volunteer roles to ensure you are supported every step of the way.

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Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse

Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse

Celebrate Archaeology Month This September: Three Free History Programs in Syracuse

In celebration of Archaeology Month, Chautauqua-Wawasee invites you to enjoy three free, engaging programs that bring history to life. From the cultural renewal of the Miami Tribe to the earliest inhabitants of Northern Indiana and the leadership of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals, these events offer a unique chance to learn, connect, and experience history firsthand.

Program 1: Revitalization of the Miami Culture – Indiana and Beyond

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
Location: Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Ruddell Pavilion, 11586 N State Route 13, Syracuse, Indiana
Cost: Free admission

Chautauqua-Wawasee will host “Bringing History Alive” with a special program on the Revitalization of the Miami Culture: Indiana and Beyond.

Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, will discuss contemporary revitalization of Myaamia culture and review ancient Tribal history of Myaamiaki neehi Myaamionki (Miami People and Miami Land), including the Tribe’s removal to and establishment in Oklahoma. His focus will be on the present era of revitalization, including the Tribal processes and reasoning that underlie Myaamia strategies for cultural renewal. Logan will also highlight contemporary Miami art and the artists who are significant contributors to this revitalization.

Two regionally famous Myaamia artists will also be present:

  • Dani Tippmann – Beadwork

  • Katrina Mitten – Fine Basketry

Both artists will share samples of their work and be available for dialogue with attendees before and after the presentation.

Programs 2 and 3: Digging Through History

Chautauqua-Wawasee and the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum invite you to the fifth annual free two-evening series, Digging Through History, where history truly comes alive. Both events take place at the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana.

Thursday, September 11 – The Pre-History of Northern Indiana


Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Presented by: Bryan Warder (Vice President) and Pat Mooney (Past President) of the Indiana Archeological Society

Discover the story of Indiana’s earliest inhabitants — people who lived here thousands of years ago and left behind remarkable stone implements. Bryan and Pat will display prehistoric artifacts and explain how they were used.

Special Feature: Bring any artifacts you’ve found for free identification and dating by Pat and Bryan.

Friday, September 12 – The Life and Times of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals


Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Presented by: Mike Judson

Explore the life of Potawatomi Chief Five Medals — a prominent leader during the frontier wars of the 1790s and the War of 1812. Learn how Chief Five Medals:

  • Signed six treaties

  • Met Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

  • Advocated for agriculture and defended his people’s homeland

Mike will also share original artifacts and reproduction items from the era.

Event Details for Digging Through History Events

Dates: Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12

Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM each night

Location: Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, Indiana

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Why Attend?
These engaging programs are perfect for history lovers, students, families, and anyone curious about the people who once called Northern Indiana home. Bring your kids, neighbor kids, and grandkids to experience history in a hands-on, fun, and interactive way.

Presented with support from:
Indiana Historical Society, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, and Visitors Commission.

More Information:
Follow the Chautauqua-Wawasee Facebook page or call (574) 377-7543.

 

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A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse

A Patriotic Day to Remember in Syracuse

Sunday, June 29th, was truly unforgettable as Chautauqua-Wawasee hosted a powerful Patriotic Speakers program and proudly co-sponsored the spectacular Patriotic Pops Concert at Oakwood Resort.

Teddy and Edith Roosevelt reenactors at 2025 Patriotic Speakers event, on stage and greeting attendees.

Teddy and Edith Come to Life

A Historical Performance with Heart

The day began at Wawasee High School, where 172 guests stepped back in time with Teddy and Edith Roosevelt: In Their Own Words. Larry and Julia Marple portrayed the Roosevelts, truly bringing the historical couple to life with humor, insight, and heart.

A Moment to Remember

A crowd-favorite moment came when Teddy and Edith Roosevelt stepped down from the stage to meet Theodore Yoder, the youngest attendee. After sharing the origin story of the famous teddy bear, Teddy personally presented Theodore with one of his own. The boy’s grin lit up the auditorium, perfectly capturing the heart of Roosevelt’s legacy and the spirit of the event.

📸Thanks to the support of volunteers like Sheila Miller, we captured several wonderful moments from the performance.

Scenes from Patriotic Pops 2025 concert, including orchestra under a tent, face painting, and board member, Mary Moretto, celebrating with flags.

A Record-Breaking Concert on the Lake

Music, Flags, and a Whole Lot of Spirit

Later that evening, the celebration continued lakeside at the Patriotic Pops Concert. Despite the summer heat, a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,800 guests filled the lawn at Oakwood Resort, with over 50 boats cheering and honking from the water.

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, led by the energetic Caleb Young, delivered a vibrant performance filled with emotion and joy. Teddy Roosevelt, portrayed again by Larry Marple, returned to the stage to open the concert with a booming “Bully!” and a call for everyone to wave their flags.

A Night of Family Fun and Community Pride

Families enjoyed glow necklaces, free flags, face painting, and balloon art throughout the evening. The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 presented a moving tribute during the playing of the National Anthem.

From movie themes like Superman and Jaws (complete with audience participation) to patriotic classics like Armed Forces Salute and Sing Out America, the music filled the air with celebration and community spirit.

A Personal Touch to Close the Night

As the evening came to a close, conductor Caleb Young stepped into the audience, shaking hands and personally thanking more than 25 guests — offering a heartfelt conclusion to a truly remarkable day.

📸 Photo credit: Larry Baumgardt, who beautifully captured the spirit of the Pops Concert.

Large crowd seated on lawn chairs waving flags during Patriotic Pops 2025 event in front of Oakwood Resort.

Want to see more pictures of the event? Take a look at all of the festive photos on our Facebook Page!

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Free Wednesday Evening Plein Air Paint Outs

Learn all about Plein Air painting with Dave Broerman.

Free Wednesday Evening Paint Outs at Lake Wawasee | 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Dates:
July 2, 9, 16, 23

Are you a beginner landscape painter eager to try Plein Air painting? Or a seasoned artist looking to paint alongside others in the beauty of nature? Join artist David Broerman and fellow creatives for a series of relaxed, social painting sessions around Lake Wawasee and Syracuse.

🖼️ Meet-Up Location:
Wawasee Fine Arts Gallery at South Shore Social
Meet at 5:00 PM before heading to the evening’s painting location.

🎨 What to Expect:

  • David Broerman will assist beginners and offer helpful tips

  • A limited amount of Plein Air painting equipment will be available to borrow

  • All sessions are FREE and open to the public

Join Us for an Incredible Summer of Plein Air Art!
Whether you’re interested in a custom painting, a live art experience, or getting your hands dirty in a hands-on workshop, the 2025 Summer Plein Air Events have something for everyone.

Questions?
Email: northernindianapleinair@gmail.com

Follow Chautauqua-Wawasee and NIPAA on Facebook
Stay up to date with event announcements, artist highlights, and more!

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Ann Strong Inducted into Chautauqua-Wawasee Emeritus Board

Ann Strong Inducted into Chautauqua-Wawasee’s Emeritus Board

Chautauqua-Wawasee proudly announces the induction of long-time Lake Wawasee resident Ann Strong into the organization’s Emeritus Board. Ann’s leadership, vision, and years of service have been central to the development and growth of Chautauqua-Wawasee since its founding in 2011.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Board President Mark Knecht and Board Member Larry Lane recently presented Ann with a clock, symbolizing the time, dedication, and commitment she has given to Chautauqua-Wawasee. Her induction into the Emeritus Board is a fitting tribute to the lasting impact she has made on the organization and the Syracuse community.

Ann’s Vision for Chautauqua-Wawasee

After visiting the Chautauqua Institution in New York, which was founded in 1874 as a Methodist church camp and built on four foundational pillars (arts, education, religion, and recreation), Ann envisioned bringing a similar organization to Syracuse, based at Oakwood Park.

Oakwood Park’s History and Transition

With the philanthropic commitment of Howard Brembeck, in 1993 the Oakwood Foundation received Oakwood Park’s hotel and other properties, continuing Oakwood Park’s tradition as a recreational, cultural, and spiritual retreat center. However, after the Foundation fell upon difficult financial times and entered receivership, a new chapter began.

The Founding of Chautauqua-Wawasee

It was during this period that the Oakwood Park tradition found new life with the creation of Chautauqua-Wawasee. In 2008, Ann set in motion three years of dedicated planning with the support of the receiver. Her vision became a reality in 2011, when Chautauqua-Wawasee officially launched its first programs for the community.

Ann’s Continuing Impact

Ann served as the founder and chairman of Chautauqua-Wawasee beginning in 2011. Following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation in 2014, she continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, contributing her leadership and guidance to the organization’s development.

In 2014, following the organization’s merger with the Oakwood Foundation, Chautauqua-Wawasee expanded its programming and outreach with the support of Ian Rolland and the Rex Parent family. Their contributions helped strengthen Chautauqua-Wawasee’s mission to make Syracuse and the surrounding region a wonderful place to visit, live, work, and raise a family.

Today, the organization remains committed to the four pillars that shaped Ann’s original vision, offering programs throughout the year that promote the arts, encourage education, strengthen faith, and support recreation in the community.

Chautauqua-Wawasee has an exciting lineup of programs planned for 2025, continuing our tradition of celebrating arts, education, faith, and recreation. We invite you to explore all of this year’s events HERE, and why not consider joining us as a volunteer to help bring these experiences to life?  Sign up to volunteer, HERE. 

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Thank you to our 2024 Donors

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Donors!

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Old Fashioned Hymn Sing Draws Crowd at Oakwood Chapel

🕊️ First Chautauqua Old Fashioned Hymn Sing Draws a Crowd

Palm Sunday evening was the perfect setting for a heartfelt gathering, as more than 50 people attended Chautauqua-Wawasee’s first Old Fashioned Hymn Sing held at the historic chapel at Oakwood Resort.

Mary Moretto, who organized the event, reflected on its success:

“We had no idea how many people might attend, and didn’t know whether the chapel was the right size—maybe it’s too big or too small. For this year, it was the perfect size. Next year, we’ll need a larger venue.”

First ever Chautauqua-Wawasee Old Fashioned Hymn sing was a huge hit!

Led by Elaine Pearson, participants were invited to call out their favorite hymns by name or page number. Pianist Jamie Culbertson beautifully responded to the spontaneous requests, while Dane Penrod of Oakwood led the male voices in song.

Dane shared his experience:

“There was something truly beautiful — and deeply moving — about lifting our voices together in song to praise our Heavenly Father. In a world that often feels so busy and loud, tonight felt like a gentle pause… a return to simple joy and shared faith.”

Attendees echoed the sentiment with enthusiasm and warmth. Some said, “We should get together weekly or monthly,” while another commented, “One hour wasn’t enough!” One joyful attendee even joked, “I think we’re ready to go on tour.”

As the event came to a close, it was clear that something special had taken place.

Audience at the Old Fashioned Hymn Sing

Mary Moretto added:

“We received so many favorable comments and encouragement. It really meets a community need.”

Plans are already underway to bring this meaningful evening of music and worship back next year… Possibly sooner!

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Exciting News: Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Calendar of Events is Here!

Exciting News: Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2025 Calendar of Events is Here!

We are thrilled to unveil our incredible lineup of programs for 2025! This year, Chautauqua-Wawasee has a mix of cherished favorites and exciting new events to engage, inspire, and bring our community together. From arts and culture to history and nature, there’s something for everyone!

✨ Highlights of 2025 ✨

  • New programs like the Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing (April 13), Stained Glass Workshop (September 4, 11, 18), and the Syracuse Ghost Tour (October 18) are sure to become instant favorites!
  • Beloved classics such as the Wawasee Fine Arts Festival (May 24), Taps Across the Water (May 25), and the Old-Fashioned Christmas (November 29) are back to bring joy and tradition.
  • Family-friendly events like the Pawawsee Dog Parade (June 7) and the Patriotic Speakers-Teddy and Edith Roosevelt (June 29) promise fun for all ages.

🗓️ Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in Syracuse, Indiana, for these unforgettable experiences!

We cannot wait to see everyone again and create lasting memories together. Be sure to check out the full calendar above for all dates, times, and program details. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Follow us on Facebook or call 574-377-7543 for more information.

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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Sponsors

As the 2024 Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration draws near, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who make this cherished community event possible. Their support helps bring the magic of the holiday season to life in our beautiful lakeside town, and we are so grateful for their generosity.

A big thank you to:

  • Bass Audiology
  • Beyond Landscaping, Inc.
  • Crossroads Bank
  • Dockside Gifts & Apparel
  • Harkless Foundation
  • Jasper Plastics
  • Jeff & Carrie Herdrich
  • Kiwanis Club of Wawasee
  • Kiyomi Japanese restaurant
  • Lakeland Youth Center
  • Leading Edge Countertops
  • Main Channel Marina
  • Myra & Howard Brembeck Foundation
  • Oakwood Resort
  • Pat’s Chicago Dogs
  • Sands Accounting Inc.
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce
  • Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum
  • Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware
  • The Papers, Inc.
  • Town of Syracuse (Parks Dept)
  • Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation
  • Wawasee Boat Company
  • Woman of Today
  • WPOA

Your support, whether through financial contributions, resources, or volunteer efforts, helps create a warm and festive atmosphere that brings our community together. Thanks to your involvement, the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration will continue to be a beloved tradition for years to come—one that families and friends of all ages can enjoy.

As we prepare for the season’s festivities, we are reminded of the power of community. You are all essential in making this event a success, and we truly couldn’t do it without you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us celebrate this magical time of year!

Wishing you all a joyful and blessed holiday season. We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration! 🎄✨

With gratitude,
The Chautauqua Wawasee Team

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Volunteers Needed for Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas 2024
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Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers!

Old Fashioned Christmas Seeking Volunteers

Chautauqua’s annual Old Fashioned Christmas will return bigger than ever on November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

This extravagant event features Santa, 50-foot tree lighting, musical groups, caroling, live reindeer, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a family photo booth, six live characters such as Frosty, Grinch, Gingerbread Man, all done with the goal of keeping Christ in Christmas with a reading from Luke at the historic chapel, live nativity…and much more! Last
year, more than 1000 people attended this free community event! Read more about it HERE.

Sixty volunteers and performers are needed to make this event the best of its kind in all of northern Indiana.

Due to its growth in 2024, Chautauqua is looking for volunteers who want to join in the fun of putting on this community program. This year’s event starts at 5:30 with Christmas music prior to the tree lighting at 6:00 and ends at 8:00. Help is needed for decorating trees, staffing booths, welcoming guests, handing out free gifts, directing cars for parking and more.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Kip Schumm at 574-518-0678.

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