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IEVEVOL. 94 NO. 2AVUSNEWSKieve Wavus Education / A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONFALL 2020Do the Hard Things: A Perspective on 2020 from Damariscotta LakeThis summer has been unlike anyother since Dick Kennedy hired me asa Camp Kieve counselor in the springof 1983. With no summer camps, wehad to re-imagine ourselves and findnew ways to fulfill our mission ofempowering others this year.This started locally in March whenwe volunteered our Kieve campus tobe the hub of the Lincoln County FoodInitiative. We continue to prepare,package, and transport 1,500 meals perweek to our neighbors in need, and wewill continue to do so at least until April2021. We hope that the LCFI continuesbeyond April through the generosity ofthe KWE network that will enable us tocontinue our support.We’ve also redesigned The LeadershipSchool this school year, hiring 19 driveneducators who gave up their August toquarantine, get Covid tested, and thendove into a 125-hour, 10-day intensivetraining. Those educators began serving17 Maine schools after Labor Day andwill teach their students for 30 weeksas opposed to the 10-week placementsCan you find Charlie Richardson and Dick &Nancy Kennedy in this 1983 photo?in years past. Our social-emotionallearning experts are invaluable resourcesfor their schools and are fosteringconnections between kids that havebeen absent since the Coronavirus.Hopefully you got to read ourcommunity-wide letter in June, andthe action steps announced in Julyhighlighting how KWE will approachdiversity, equity, and inclusivity goingforward. Our DEI Task Force will holdus accountable to our plan, and ourcommitment to self-improvement andhistory of mobilizing to support anycommunity in need will ensure we dothis work well and are better for it.Legendary first night game of Simon Says!We published Kindness and Respectin August, a project I began years agoin an attempt to bring our approachto educating the whole person to thewritten page. This collaborative effortwas fittingly dedicated to Dick Kennedy,who believed that, “all children are atpromise and that we do the greatest goodwhen we teach the teacher.”ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:Letter from Henry Kennedy . . . . . . 2The Leadership School . . . . . . . . . . 5Annie & CharlieThe book has already sold over 1,000copies and has inspired EASEL, ournew consulting service that leans onour experiential approach to socialemotional learning in order to supportschools and organizations. It hasbeen amazing to see the enthusiasmfor spreading a little KWE magic tocommunities who would not haveexperienced it otherwise.Shortly after the Covid-19 crisisbegan, I penned a letter to each of thecampers from my first Kieve cabins backin the early ’80s. It was like enteringa time machine as I flipped throughthe old Annuals, and I was quicklyreminded that many of my ‘kids’ nowhave campers of their own, many ofwhom cannot wait to return to KieveCONTINUED NEXT PAGERolling Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Stories from the Porch. . . . . . . . . . . 7KWE Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11FALL 2020Alumni Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Letter fromthe ExecutiveDirectorEver since the second week ofMarch, 2020 has been surreal.None of us have experiencedanything like this in all of our days.At Kieve and Wavus, we thrive oncoming together, building relationships,celebrating the peaceful beauty allaround us, giving one another hugswhen the chips are down, and sharingthe many gifts of this life. We buildcharacter, confidence, and resilienceby pushing people out of their comfortzones and helping them work togetherto solve problems. But this year, theworld changed and our campuses didnot open. Every one of us needed todraw on our strengths – and sense ofhumor – to navigate this Covid life andto persevere.Instead of commiserating about ourplight, we started thinking about otherways to fulfill our mission. We alsotook the opportunity to take care of ourcampuses and our beloved lake. In thisnewsletter you’ll see some of the manyways that Kieve Wavus continues tolead by example: Using our kitchens and employeesto prepare and deliver food to ourneighbors in need Purchasing and protecting moreDamariscotta Lake land Planning a solar array that will supplynearly all of our electricity Imbedding 19 amazing educators inMaine schools Writing a book about socialemotional learning and trainingteachers to use itOne silver lining from closing ourcampuses is the opportunity to growgrass and other plants in places where2K I E V E WAV U S N E W Sthousands of little feet have trampledthe ground for nearly a century, stabilizeour fragile land, and further protectDamariscotta Lake. Many crittersalso appreciate the peace and quiet:foxes regularly stroll through campusand we even saw a moose pass by theKieve sign! Another silver lining wasthe opportunity to paddle the Allagashwith Beej and a bunch of my old Kieveand Colby mates, complete with asunset concert each night. Who knewthat a flute could call in the loons?!We look to 2021 with great optimism.Applications for our summer campsare way ahead of historical trends(we WILL be open!), our emergingleaders are learning and growing, andour donors are being extraordinarilygenerous as we make it through thetough times together. We can hardlywait for you and all the kids to returnto this place that we all love to the core.Hang in there Sincerely,Henry R. Kennedy,Executive DirectorHenry & BJ Kennedy on the AllagashCONTINUED FROM PAGE1and Wavus in 2021. I found myselfreflecting on the magic of this placeand marveling at the loyalty that peoplefeel for Kieve and Wavus. It spansgenerations, for those of us fortunateenough to spend time here. But why?To me, it’s because our programsare hard. Whether you’re an 8-yearold leaving home for the first time ora 16-year-old facing 22 days and over200 miles on the Appalachian Trail,every Kieve and Wavus camper andcounselor has to find the courage to facesomething challenging in their summerwith us. It begs another question - whyuse your summer months of freedom todo something so difficult?It turns out that we don’t valuedoing what is easy. We value adversityand being challenged. We know howincredible it feels to be empowered andpersevere through the thing that isn’tfun. We know it reveals our characterand we recognize that we are better forthose hard experiences.I think that this pandemic hasrevealed the character of this place, andthat KWE’s mission of empoweringothers isn’t limited to our summercamps. We can reinvent ourselves inthe face of unprecedented challengesand feel accomplished doing so.I hope if you have lost touch withus over the years, that you reconnect,and that if you missed us during thisextraordinary time, that you find a wayto get back here as soon as you can.Next year will bring its own challenges,and if 2020 is any indication, we will bebetter for them.Charlie Richardson
Diversity, Equity andInclusion at KWEIn June, Kieve Wavus Education shareda letter in support of social justice andblack lives. In the letter, we sought waysto learn from one another to help builda more equitable and inclusive society.In July, we hosted a Zoom call for ourcommunity to share their experiencesand ideas for how we can improve ourwork around social justice and diversity,equity, and inclusion. That forum andcountless personal conversations withmembers from across KWE led us toshare action steps in August that webelieve are important, attainable, and inline with the spirit of our mission:To empower people to contributepositively to society by promoting thevalues of kindness, respect for others, andenvironmental stewardship through yearround experiential programs, camps foryouth and adults, and guidance frominspirational role models.Our first action step introduced ourDEI Task Force. This group of KWEstakeholders appointed Simon Ponceand Kristin Valdmanis as their leaders,and agreed to serve for at least the nextthree years:TrusteesBill KnowltonLibby SchroederKristin ValdmanisEmployeesNeil D’Acierno - TLSKate Kaplan - WavusSam Kaplan - KieveKieve & Wavus ParentsClaude RwaganjeJames BlueAlumsDylan Alles – WavusBrad Geismar - KieveCarolyn ‘Griff ’ Griffiths - TLSAubrie Howard - TLSExternalSimon PonceEquity, Inclusivity &Diversity ConsultantAndrew BevanDiversity, Equity &Inclusivity FacilitatorNew Canaan Country SchoolThe task force has already met virtuallyon several occasions, evolving our actionsteps and providing guidance to KWEleadership. This Task Force will presentat our Fall and Spring Trustee weekends,and they are committed to being a safespace for feedback and information, aswell as supporting future DEI work atKWE.To date the task force has accomplishedmuch of the following and is lookingforward to reporting our progress infuture versions of this newsletter:1. Research, identify and maintainprogram-specific data points measuringdiversity at Kieve, Wavus, TheLeadership School, and KWE Retreats2. Create and maintain a permanent spacefor people of color and other minoritygroups in the KWE community toorganically share their experiences3. A d d r e s s t h e a p p r o p r i a t i o n o findigenous peoples and cultures atWavus4. Set future goals that are achievableand mission-aligned, and hold KWEleadership accountable to these5. Collaborate with KWE leadershipregarding DEI communication;particularly through our newsletters,social media, marketing, and crisis/incident managementThe following actions have also beenimplemented:1. KWE Educators completed theirannual DEI advocacy and safe spacestraining; the next is scheduled for ourSummer Camp Staff during their Juneorientation2. We continue serving diverse schoolsand organizations through KWERetreats and TLS, specifically throughour Educator in Residence programthis fall and winter3. Our program leaders are intentionallynetworking to attract campers and staffof color to our summer camps, andEducators of color to teach at TLSThe following are updates to our longterm objectives:2021-20221. Assess all data collected in 20202021 to establish new action steps inconsultation with the KWE DEI TaskForce2. Explore utilizing the KWE network toexpand TLS programs to more raciallydiverse schools; in Maine, and in otherstates3. R e s e a r c h a n d i n c l u d e l a n dacknowledgement and brief indigenoushistories in summer camp Trip Notes,ensuring campers can learn about theFirst Nations communities whereverwe explore; include the same in theKWE Nature Curriculum that willeducate our campers and studentsabout the land our campuses live onLong Term1. Continue to self-assess and set newgoals in consultation with the KWEDEI Task Force2. Create outreach opportunities forpeople of color in Maine, particularlychildren, focusing on educatingthrough our experiential approach tosocial-emotional learning3. Develop our service and stewardshipprograms, intentionally serving diversecommunities and educating about theindigenous histories of the land weinteract withWe fully believe that our work iswithin our mission, that it is tangibleand achievable, and that it will evolveappropriately in the future.This summer without camp and fallwithout a TLS residential program hasbeen, for us, a time for reflection. We feelproud of our history and we recognizethat work around diversity, equity, andinclusivity is always imperfect and nevercomplete. We are eager to continueserving our communities and improvingas we go. Change requires a communityeffor t; it requires our collectivetime, treasure, trust, and steadfastcommitment.We hope we can count on you forsupport.With love,Henry Kennedy, Charlie Richardson,Kate Kaplan, Sam Kennedy, Sam Kaplan,and the Kieve Wavus Education Board ofTrusteesFALL 20203
WAVUS WILLOWSIf you have been to Wavus, or havebeen in the presence of a Wavus woman,you’ve probably heard all about the Raysof the Totem - the 13 values we holddear and a tradition since the 1920s. Forthe past few years, the counselor staffhas added an unofficial ray: the willowtree. Our willow reminds us that there isstrength in flexibility. The willow weathersthe winds of the changing seasons becauseits strong roots allow its branches to bendwith the winds rather than bear downagainst them.The winds of change are blowing strongin 2020! In the span of a few months,I said a virtual goodbye to my middleschoolers after seven years of teaching atMcDonogh, moved to Maine, welcomedbaby Natalie into the world with Sam,and took on the role of Wavus Director.My Wavus roots go back to 2010when I pulled up to Jewell Lodge formy first summer as a counselor. I fellin love with Wavus from the start. MyOD day was always “Survivor.” I usuallyspent morning and afternoon teachingpottery in Andrews and twice had to berescued from the roof of the Jewell byScott Henry. Alien invasion day needsan authentic alien landing, right? Scottnever asked questions, he just showedup with the ladder. I spent two glorioussummers as a counselor and three in thetrip shed. For the past five years, I havebeen in camp buzzing around with myscheduling binders, calling out dustywindow sills during Cabin Inspections,and greeting every Wavus camper as theircar pulls up on Parents Day. Now, after12 years with KWE, I step into the role ofWavus Director. I owe the strength of myroots to two Wavus women: Sara Taylorand Kirstie Truluck.Sara Taylor ran a tight shed - trip shed,that is. In any given hour, you could findSara Taylor hoisting canoes onto a trailer,teaching girls how to load their packs,4K I E V E WAV U S N E W SBy Kate Kaplanrunning through maps with counselors,or comforting a homesick 8-year old.There was no nook or cranny in the northMaine woods you could get yourself intowithout Sara Taylor being able to fishyou out. She was inexhaustible. Whenyou worked with Sara, you met the fooddelivery truck at 5 AM and you stayed inthe trip shed until the last counselors left.When she got a call from the woods, yougrabbed a gazetteer, hopped in the van,and said, “where to?” We wanted to giveour very best when we were around herbecause we saw her doing the same for allof us. Sara Taylor solidified the standardfor our tripping program and I owe mywork ethic to her.Kate, Sam, and Natalie KaplanKirstie Truluck and I met in 2010.It was my first summer as a counselorand her first summer as a Wavus mom.That summer, she entrusted me withher daughter, Merrill, who happened tobe in my Junior Wavus cabin. In 2015,Kirstie came back to us as Director. Kirstieis tough as nails and also wonderfullyspontaneous - the perfect recipe for acamp director. A pie to the face, a fullyclothed cannonball, free-range time, andthe infamous Jello food fight of 2019;Kirstie is a staunch believer in Wavusmagic and she sprinkled it around forall of us to enjoy for years to come. Sheis my willow, standing firmly groundedin her roots but finding joy in all of theopportunities that come by. I am sograteful for everything she has done toprepare me for this role at Wavus.Wavus is no stranger to the winds ofchange, but our roots are nearly 100years old and we’re stronger than everthanks to the amazing people who havegone before us. Wavus has always had thegood fortune of being both young andold. We benefit from traditions goingback to the 1920s, but our merger withKieve in 2006 also opened the door fornew traditions. The addition of LongVoyage and Maine Trails, a new Wavussong, Sunday Sparks Campfires, and apenchant for choreographed dancingon tables - it’s been a wild ride, and ourability to welcome change as growth hasmade us ready for whatever the rest of2020 brings us and beyond!Although COVID-19 took summer2020 away from us, it wasn’t hard tofind Wavus folks thriving and findingways to make the most out of a newsituation. Campers organized smallreunions and Zoom chats to stay intouch. Our Diversity, Equity, andInclusion Committee began the work ofexamining some of our Wavus traditionsto make sure they align with our valuesas an organization. To keep the counselorstaff connected, we borrowed from ourpast and revived “Pine Whispers” as astaff newsletter to share stories, photos,and art. Our counselors are signing their2021 contracts in droves and are eager toget back to “their kids.”It’s always the best summer ever atWavus, but after a year away, I thinknext summer will rival all the rest. We’llbe thinking about our willow tree as weprepare and we can’t wait to see you backon Wavus Point!
THE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL AND EASELBy Charlie Richardsonto build the trust and confidenceSince 1926, whether our summerthe effects of COVID on-campus use,necessary for them to try, fail, and trycamps or a Kennedy Learning Centerhas inspired us to start EASEL.again.retreat, every Kieve Wavus EducationEASEL is an acronym from theThat process is what gets kids toprogram has included an experientialsubtitle of our book - Kindness andtruly achieve, and EASEL is our wayelement. Just being on our incredibleRespect; an experiential approach to socialof teaching that approach beyond thecampuses allows for more meaningfulemotional learning - and, convenientlyconfines of our campus programs. Wereflection and opportunities for socialenough, an easel is a tool that holdsknow that we can help strengthen theemotional growth.an artist’s work from blank image toquality of teaching in any community byOur programs, and our summer campsfinished product. The metaphor is fittinglistening to what that community valuesin particular, organically promote theto the work we do and is reflective of theand helping teachers to find creativepersonal growth of the people they serve.effects that our philosophy of teachingsolutions for teaching core curricularIf you look at our thousands of alumni,has on the people we work with.content. We know that weor at the tens of thousandscan help administrators meetof Maine kids who havethe social-emotional needs ofexperienced The Leadershiptheir teachers, and as a result,School, or at the adults whobe stronger leaders for theircome here for retreats, youschools. And we fully believewill find people who are morethat any organization caneffective in their day to daybenefit from working with uslives because of their timeto better understand how tospent at KWE.leverage the strengths of eachThe Leadership Schoolindividual to create a morelooks different this yearproductive team.because we cannot bringAt the core, EASELstudents to our campus forovernight programs. COVID Our 2020 Educators in Residence after two weeks of quarantine and two enhances each individual’sweeks of training in the KWE bubble!self-awareness, selfhas forced us to change, andWe have naturally started our EASELmanagement, social awareness,we are fortunate that benefactors havework with our EIR schools, runningrelationship skills, and responsiblemade it possible for the Educator inprofessional development seminars, bothResidence program to happen, virtualdecision-making. It is gratifying thaton Zoom and with masks on in person,the schools we have already served haveschool or not, and for it to go furtherand we have quickly found that ourshared glowing feedback, and whetherand deeper into school communitiesapproach is valued and supports morethan ever before. Our 19 Educators,a community-wide audit, a seminareffective classroom teaching.social-emotional learning experts in theirin person or on Zoom, an instituteWith well over 1,000 copies ofat Kieve, or sessions of individual orown rights, are currently placed in 17Kindness and Respect sold, and with oursmall group coaching, we are excitedMaine schools, providing mentorshipdecades of experience working withand a teaching resource that is invaluableto continue finding creative ways toschools, we know that we can helpfor those schools.share what makes the KWE approach toeducators learn to prioritize a student’seducation so unique.We don’t know when the pandemicsocial and emotional well-being over thewill allow us to have local students backWe hope you reach out to me, at cjr@content they must teach
diversity at Kieve, Wavus, The Leadership School, and KWE Retreats 2. Create and maintain a permanent space for people of color and other minority groups in the KWE community to organically share their experiences 3. Address the appropriation of indigenous peoples and
