Legacy of Leadership

In 1926, among the fragrant pines and rocky ledges at the edge of Damariscotta Lake, young Don Kennedy brought a powerful idea to life – to foster the highest ideals of courage, perseverance and loyalty among young men through a summer camp experience. For more than three quarters of a century Kieve has bestowed on hundreds of campers each summer its own legacy of leadership born of his idea.

The power of Uncle Don and Aunt Harriet’s idea is stronger than ever at Kieve. It continues to influence generations of families from around the globe, just as it has the Kennedy family. Dick Kennedy followed in his father’s footsteps in 1959, and, with Nancy, went on to break new trails for the next three decades. In 1973 Kieve became an independent non-profit organization. This status encouraged the development of new programs based on the ideals of the Boys’ Camp, and enabled Kieve to become the highly acclaimed, year-round educational institution it is today.

Henry Kennedy, the third generation of family leadership, accepted the helm in 1990 with BJ as his first mate. For the past fifteen years he has focused on refining programs and assuring Kieve’s long-term financial strength. In 2003 the Kennedy family completed the transfer of Kieve’s core land and buildings to Kieve ownership. Thanks to the vision of the Kennedys and the many friends and advisors who have brought their talents and gifts to the organization since 1926, Kieve faces the future with strength, excitement, and hope.

Uncle Don & Aunt Harriet Kennedy; Dick & Nancy Kennedy; Henry & BJ Kennedy