On September 7 and 8, about 300 members of the Kabeyun community gathered 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, camp’s largest capital campaign ever.
Filled with moments of laughter, nostalgia, and reflection, the weekend was, more than anything, suffused with joyful connectedness across decades and generations.
In addition to 80+ years of all-camp photos displayed in the office, several happenings invited folks to reflect on Kabeyun’s first century and camp’s role in shaping lives and communities. An exhibit of historical photos and objects in the Lodge inspired reminiscences and conversations among alumni and their guests. Two new Kabeyun history books were for sale throughout the weekend, and guests had a chance to speak with a radio producer who’s creating an audio project about camp.
On Saturday, following a casual lunch and a play swim, everyone gathered in Big Cove for a group photo taken from the air, as well as photos of alumni by decade. Chatter filled the air during this social hour and as everyone headed into an enormous tent on the Junior Ballfield for a celebratory dinner. The banquet featured delicious food and wine, a cake decorated with iconic Kabeyun images, and centerpieces made of native plants that have since been planted around camp to encourage a healthy forest.
There was much to celebrate: not just Kabeyun’s longevity, but the success of the Second Century Campaign, and the remarkable contributions of many people who helped camp reach this milestone. Director Ken Robbins began his remarks by thanking every current and former camper, family, staff member, Family Camper, and trustee.
“No matter how many summers you spend here, no matter how many roles you play here, Kabeyun is one hundred years old today because of you,” Ken said. “I – we – thank every one of you not just for this past hundred years but for making possible the next hundred as well.”
Together with Doug Latham, who recently completed 18 years leading Kabeyun’s Porter Foundation Board of Trustees, Ken presented honorary gifts to Bill Ricker and Bill French, two men who have dedicated much of their lives and their life’s work to Kabeyun as trustees and former Assistant Directors, among other roles. Unfortunately, Bill French was not able to attend due to his health and was honored in absentia.
Finally, Ken and Doug shared the exciting news that the Second Century Campaign had raised $1.7 million, surpassing camp’s initial goal, thanks to the broad and generous support of the Kabeyun community.
On Sunday morning, about 150 folks returned to Kabeyun for a light breakfast in the dining hall before ending the weekend with a Pine Point gathering. For more than an hour, people stood one by one to share their recollections of how they first came to Kabeyun and the impacts it has had in their lives. In their comments, speakers also honored members of Kabeyun’s extended family who were not at the event, some living and some who’ve passed. The quiet and reflective gathering was a fitting end to a tremendous weekend.
In all, the centennial celebration was a time for the Kabeyun community to connect, reflect, and re-energize. Fueled by this joyful vitality, camp heads into its second century stronger than ever.
Kabeyun extends special thanks to Camps Brookwoods and Deer Run for providing overnight accomodations for many of our guests and to the Kabeyun volunteers and staff members who worked tirelessly to make the centennial celebration run so smoothly!