Camp Kieve: What is it?

By Eric Qu

As we all know (or most of us), the annual visit to Camp Kieve is upon us! Be ready for a whole entire week of sleeping in cabins and having a fun time outdoors on thing like the tree-top adventures and other things, like solo, which is thinking by yourself.

Since 1981, The Leadership School at Kieve has been developing leaders and strengthening communities by challenging students, teachers, and parents to take positive risks, set meaningful goals, make healthy decisions, all while being supportive team members and strong leaders. Adolescents still face a world of challenging choices and conflicting messages: our approach to supporting them as they face the challenges of growing up remains the same, states the Kieve website.

Traditionally students visit for three to five days at one of the two Kieve-Wavus campuses on the shores of Damariscotta Lake in Maine. The day begins early and “student activities and classes focus on providing opportunities for students to make healthy decisions, practice positive risk taking, form and maintain healthy relationships, raise aspirations, and create physically and emotionally safer school climates,” according to the Kieve website.

Classes cover topics like communication skills, relationships, developing self, decision making, adventures, teambuilding and environmental stewardship.

A typical day starts early at 7:30 a.m. and includes a variety of activities during the day and evening. It’s lights out at 9:15 p.m. for seventh graders. Students sleep in cabins. Each has its own unique character and up to 16 bunks. Choice time every afternoon allows students to play sports, do arts & crafts, go on nature walks or explore the ropes courses.

Q: What do I bring? Personal items: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, towel, etc. Sleeping bag and pillow ( or sheets and blankets). Bring in a plastic bag to keep them clean and dry. Rain gear: unless there is thunder and lightening, we DO go outside. Cold weather gear: Gloves, hats, scarves, winter boots, etc Socks, socks, socks: It sounds silly, but if you get wet or cold, you are going to want warm feet. Clothing that can be layered. Sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts. It is easier to take off extra layers than to wish you had brought more! Closed toed shoes: This is a requirement to climb on our Ropes Course. Miscellaneous Gear: Sunscreen, Chapstick, water bottle, bug spray, cameras are allowed but not in the classroom, flashlights. You can leave your school books, pencils and rulers behind. But, you may want to bring reading material for at night. Medications must be in the original bottle, with the label indicating name and dose. All medications will go to the infirmary upon arrival and be divided into cabins for your cabin staff to distribute accordingly. Our nurse will be checking all medications and dosage instructions when you arrive. Also, she will be on duty to help out during the week. You might not want to bring electronics, they may get lost. If you need music to fall asleep you may bring an ipod or portable cd player with headphones, but they must be kept in the cabin.