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What is The Leadership School?

It is a residential 5-day, 4-night program designed to help young people learn how to make responsible decisions free from peer pressure. These include critical and personal decisions about drugs, alcohol, relationships and aspirations.

Why does Kieve sponsor The Leadership School?
We believe in helping parents and schools educate young people. We are a non-profit organization that has been doing this work since 1926 with thousands of youngsters from around the country. We want to offer the same opportunities to young people from the State of Maine.

What's a typical day's schedule?
It is highly structured from rising time (7:30 am) until bedtime (9:00 pm). There are five hour-long classes, two recreational periods, three large healthy meals, three snacks each day, and a planned evening activity for all. The program is school, in a different setting.

What kind of classes are taught?
Students participate in five classes each day. The classes are: Decisions, Relationships, Communication Skills, Adventure, and Solo class. Our classes are student centered and delivered using the experiential education model.

What are the rules?
The rules of attending The Leadership School at Kieve's facility are simple. They have to do with treating each other and all the facilities with the utmost respect; being safe; not using drugs or alcohol and not smoking; prompt attendance. The complete rules are listed in the consent form parents are asked to sign after reading it over with their child.

What is the legal relationship between Kieve and the school, and between Kieve and the parents?
The school contracts with Kieve to run the program. Parents must consent to their child's participation and do so by signing an application form on behalf of their child. As usual, parents are expected to cover any medical expenses that arise from simple accidents.

What should a student bring to a Leadership School program?
Bring what you would expect for a five-day stay at camp.

What does the program cost?
The Leadership School tries very hard to keep the cost of our programs affordable. Towards that end, Kieve raises money from alumni and friends. The remaining cost of each program is paid by the participants.

How long has Kieve been doing these programs?
Since 1981.

What happens in case of a medical emergency?
The Leadership School staff have excellent emergency medical skills. In the event of a medical issue, parents are contacted immediately; before parents are contacted, however, Kieve makes any medical decisions that must be made to assure the safety of the child. Kieve is served by the Central Lincoln County Emergency Rescue Team; the nearest hospital is 12 minutes away in Damariscotta.

What kind of facilities does Kieve have?
Comfortable, heated cabins with plumbing, various classroom spaces, an extensive ropes course, ball fields, a heated dining hall, a heated main lodge, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, and a waterfront with canoes (weather permitting).

Who might I contact for their impressions of The Leadership School?