This is Chautauqua. Community events for the whole family hosted in Syracuse Indiana and Lake Wawasee.

connect. renew. discover. learn.

The ChautauquaWawasee is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program of events focused on Art, Education, Faith, and Recreation. Our goal to to provide unique programs that enrich the individual, families and community.

Art


We celebrate, encourage and study the arts and believe they are integral to all of learning. Learn More

Education


A cornerstone principal of Chautauqua is the belief in consistence self-improvement through lifelong learning. Learn More

Faith


At Chautauqua, religious faith is perceived, interpreted and experienced as central to the understanding and expression of our social and cultural values. Learn More

Recreation


We believe the recreation experience and a healthy lifestyle are essential to the Chautauqua experience and fuller life overall. Learn More

Our goal is to “raise the bar” continually by improving the quality of programs, authors, and presenters.  Your support enables us to grow and carry out our mission of providing valuable programs related to education, arts, faith and recreation.  Our vision is for Chautauqua-Wawasee to be cited as one reason a business and/or people choose to move and live in Syracuse, Kosciusko County, and Indiana.  We promise to use all gifts wisely and responsibly toward this vision.

We are a non-profit corporation 501-(c)(3).  Consult with your tax advisor.  Donations may be tax-deductible.

Mail Donations to:

Oakwood Foundation Inc. 

Chautauqua-Wawasee
702 E. Lake View Rd
Syracuse, IN 46567

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recent news & articles

During WACF’s Earth Day event in May, we focused on the Monarch butterfly with the help of Cindy Gackenheimer of Flutterby Gardens from Claypool and Kay Pylant from Leesburg.  We want to inform you of a few future events that are a must if you are serious about growing a garden that attracts pollinators. Cindy […]

  During April, we hosted a three-part series on the past, present and future of Religion presented by Dr. Michael Spath, executive director of the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace. These well-attended presentations were held in the Jennings Auditorium at the Greencroft Community in Goshen – the first time we hosted an event outside […]

Reading List for April Faith Series. On April 13, 20 and 27, Chautauqua-Wawasee is hosting Michael Spath who will lead a three-part series consisting of: Religion Before Adam and Eve The Creation of Modern Religion: Where Our Faith and Values Were Born Religion Present & Future: What It Means to be Human.   John E. […]

event calendar

2025: The Best Year Yet with Chautauqua-Wawasee Programs! Chautauqua-Wawasee offers an incredible lineup of programs throughout 2025, providing enriching experiences rooted in the Four Chautauqua Pillars: Arts, Education, Faith, and Recreation. With something for everyone, the year kicks off with the Ball State Singers in February, setting the stage for a year filled with cultural […]

Volunteers Needed for Chautauqua Wawasee Old Fashioned Christmas 2024

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 […]

Humble Gumption: Cam Shriver’s Insight on Myaamia Survival and History By: Dave Berry, Chautauqua Wawasee On a brisk September morning, about 40 people attended Cam Shriver’s presentation on the survival of the Myaamia people hosted by Chautauqua Wawasee. Cam is a Senior Research Associate in the Myaamia Center at Miami University (Ohio). His research focuses […]

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  • 702 E. Lake View Rd, Syracuse, IN 46567