Camp’s Centennial Brings Joyful, Historic Successes

Kabeyun is sailing into its second century strengthened by remarkable demonstrations of loyalty and love from members of our community during camp’s centennial year.

On September 7 and 8, approximately 300 people returned to Kabeyun to participate in an historic event: the final and largest of several observances of camp’s centennial. This capstone celebration marked not only Kabeyun’s 100th anniversary, but the culmination of the Second Century Campaign and the publication of two historical books about camp.

Filled with moments of laughter, nostalgia, and reflection, the weekend was, more than anything, suffused with a sense of joyful connectedness across decades and generations. Highlights included a Pine Point gathering, a play swim, group photos by decades, a social hour in Big Cove, and an evening banquet where Bill Ricker and Bill French were honored for their long and outstanding service to camp.

The banquet also marked the official conclusion of the most ambitious and successful capital campaign in Kabeyun history. More than 350 individuals and families together contributed $1.8 million to the Second Century Campaign, with gifts ranging from $10 in cash mailed by a camper to multiple, multi-year gifts of $100K and above.

“Now we’re starting to work with various vendors and designers to plan out the big projects that are funded by the campaign,” said Ken Robbins. These include rebuilding all of camp’s docks, both above and below water, as well as courts for tennis and badminton, and in the future, pickleball.

“We’re going to take our time evaluating bids and considering designs,” Ken said. “These are solutions for the next 50 to 100 years, and we want to get them right.”

In addition to the waterfront and courts, Second Century Campaign contributions are being used for long-term support of tuition assistance and to invest in Kabeyun’s forest and shoreline, including the construction of a new Nature Shack that was completed in June 2024.

There’s much more about the centennial inside, including celebration photos and a Report of Giving to the Second Century Campaign.