Passing The Torch

There was a notable passing of the torch this summer as Kabeyun entered its second century. Doug Latham finished an exemplary 19 years of service leading the Porter Foundation Board of Trustees and Steve Bernstein took over that job.

Since 1973, Porter Foundation trustees have helped steer Kabeyun by supporting the director’s day-to-day work serving campers and their families. Doug led the board for more than a third of that time.

“Kabeyun has benefitted tremendously from Doug’s leadership during some significant moments in camp’s 100-year history,” said Ken Robbins, citing capital investment projects including construction of the health center and improving drainage on the junior ballfield, plus a director transition, Covid interruption, and camp’s centennial.

“With the centennial, we reached a real high point in demonstrated commitment to Kabeyun,” said Doug. “The success of the capital campaign and the celebration weekend, these were really capstone, valedictory moments for all of us.”

Overall, though, Doug said he’s most proud of “maintaining a steady course that has enabled camp to thrive.” With his signature calm, measured demeanor and level-headedness, he excelled at helping the board discharge its duties in a constructive way.

“The folks on the board have a variety of personalities and experiences,” said Steve. “Something Doug does so well is synthesize all that variety, letting everyone have a say but keeping us in tune and on track.”

Steve, Ken, and others are grateful Doug will continue to contribute as a trustee for two more years.

“I first met Doug when he was my counselor in the Wolves in 1980. Now he’s counseling me in this transition on the board,” Steve noted.

In addition to the leadership change, the board recently welcomed two new members, Dan Levin and Andrew von Mayrhauser. Both were campers and counselors in the 1980s and 90s and have sons who attended camp in the past decade. Dan is a trial and litigation partner at Munger, Tolles & Olson in Los Angeles and Andy is a teacher and dean at the Head-Royce School in Oakland, CA.