Second Century Campaign Raises $1.5M So Far

Creating a camp community that truly thrives doesn’t just happen – it’s made possible by careful planning, strong leadership, and a network of supporters committed to a shared vision. All those elements are crucial to Kabeyun’s Second Century Campaign, which has raised $1.53 million so far thanks to the generosity of our community.

“This is a grassroots effort,” said Doug Latham, who chairs Kabeyun’s Porter Foundation board of trustees. “It’s been so successful because people have given freely of their time and talents.”

While some camps have professional fundraisers on staff, Kabeyun has largely relied on its trustees and other volunteers to propel the Second Century Campaign. They’ve already had an enormous impact in a campaign that continues for five more months.

“The success of this campaign will make a difference for every boy, every day at Kabeyun, both this summer and for years to come,” said director Ken Robbins, “and none of it would have been possible without the volunteer leadership we’ve seen.”

The groundwork was laid during a strategic planning retreat in spring 2022, which helped camp’s trustees and leadership team identify what became the campaign’s three priorities: rebuilding the waterfront and racket courts, enhancing the tuition assistance program, and investing in the health of camp’s forest and shoreline.

Then came research, cost estimates, and goal-setting. Ken learned that rebuilding camp’s docks, both below and above water, would cost just under a million dollars, a lofty sum for a small camp.

“We felt a $1.5 million goal was a stretch, looking at standard metrics for fundraising,” Doug recalled. “It was a significant reach for us, and it’s thrilling how people have risen to the occasion.”

More than 300 donors have contributed so far, with gifts ranging from $10 to $150,000.

The funds are already having an impact. In addition to moving money into the tuition assistance fund, Kabeyun is pursuing construction permits for the waterfront, researching options for the courts, and planning to break ground on a Nature Shack this spring to support camper involvement in the forestry and shoreline initiative.

Overall, camp’s leadership is “staggered by the response, and so grateful,” Doug said. “The financial gifts are really important, but so are the gifts of time and skills. They’re critical to camp’s philosophy. They all add up to something greater than a dollar figure.”

The Second Century Campaign continues until early September! Contributions of all amounts are welcome and appreciated. We encourage every member of our community to take part in this historic campaign and celebrate with us on September 7. See page 7 for details.