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LETTER FROM SAM KENNEDY
In 1996, my grandfather Dick assembled a book chronicling the first 70 years of Kieve. In the introduction, he asked (and then answered):
Why do some educational institutions breathe fire while others fold? The answer always lies in the importance of the mission and dedication of the personnel and alumni to that mission. Kieve’s mission has always been clear and forceful — to improve the chances that young people will contribute to the commonwealth. That mission will never grow out of date but it will always need redefinition.
This summer will be this organization’s 100th. Thanks to those who came before us, Kieve, now Kieve Wavus Education, has proven remarkably resilient. We’ve weathered multiple economic downturns, a world war, oil shocks, 9/11, a global pandemic, and the digital revolution. This year, we’ll reflect on our history, inviting stories from our past to illustrate KWE’s evolution from a small boys camp to a broad educational nonprofit that includes Wavus and The Leadership School.
I’m fortunate to represent the fourth generation of my family to steward this place. My great-grandfather, Uncle Don Kennedy, was the visionary. He came to Nobleboro, Maine as a recent college grad determined to build a camp in the image of his favorite childhood place, Camp Pasquaney. Early Kieve annuals emphasize the camp’s rugged simplicity and the escape it offered from busy city life, but Uncle Don and the first campers seemed already aware that Kieve could become something more profound. On the heels of World War II and toward the end of his tenure at Kieve, Don wrote in the 1946 Kieve annual (slightly paraphrased):
Almost to a man, the old boys of Kieve volunteered for the war. Nine made the ultimate sacrifice. On the sanctity of those who fought and lived, and those who fought and died, I pledge:
To do our utmost to instill into our young sons a true love of their fellow human beings, no matter who they are or where they’re from; to help them appreciate the soul in each and every individual.
To make our campers strong of body and of character so that they may be prepared to pursue the fight for peace with vigor and the initiative to strike down evil.
To keep our campers ever mindful that they’re to leave Kieve and go out into the world to cultivate esteem, trust, sympathy, and understanding of other peoples.
Around Closing Embers last summer, Wavus Camp Director Kate Kaplan voiced very similar aspirations for our campers to Uncle Don’s, albeit in 2025 vernacular:
When the starry Maine sky wins out on that final evening, and we can no longer see the faces of our cabinmates beside us, we’re reminded of the responsibility we have to take these dirt-covered, sap-stained camp memories — these lessons of love, courage, perseverance, humility, and compassion — out into the world beyond this fire pit. A Wavus camper will lead with a steadfast commitment to getting there together. The view from the top is only as sweet as what we did to help those beside us make the trek!
As we round our centennial milestone this summer and look ahead to KWE’s next chapter, I’m also careening toward a personal milestone. Having worn many KWE hats over the years, I’m utterly giddy to assume a new role with the organization: camp dad. My daughter Stella will soon roam Wavus Point’s paths, and her siblings, Marty and Maeve, won’t be far behind. I can’t wait to meet the friends they make, hear tales of the adventures they have, and see camp through their eyes.
A belief in the potential of young people, what they can become, and what they can accomplish together has defined this place since its beginning. All of us here feel a responsibility to help those who pass through our camps and programs realize that potential. Much has changed on these peninsulas on Damariscotta Lake (and in the world) since 1946, but our purpose hasn’t: We empower young people with kindness and respect, guiding them to believe in themselves and others.
I’m excited to see so many of you back on campus in August to celebrate the 100th.
Gratefully,
Sam Kennedy
President & Chief Executive Officer