Kieve Science and Wilderness for Girls Begins 12th Successful Season

June 11, 2003

In 1992, Camp Kieve in Nobleboro, Maine, responded to the research that girls could not "do" science, and though they were capable, were not confident in their abilities. Dick Kennedy and Sally Crissman began the innovative Science Camp, which initially started with 60 girls for 6 days from school districts in Maine. Kenndy recently received the 2003 Jefferson Award for Education and Literacy for this and other educational efforts.

Twelve years later, word has caught on and girls from all over want to be a part of it! Now serving six times as many participants, the summer program spans 10 weeks, offering opportunities for girls in grades 5 - 11. First year campers stay in cabins and engage in discovery with rockets, engineering, lake day, leadership adventure (with a low and high ropes course), and a visiting scientist day. Girls who are returning for a second summer focus on marine ecology, spend time aboard the Snowgoose (Kieve's 49 passenger boat), spend an overnight on an island, visit the Darling Marine Center owned by the University of Maine, and experience advanced challenges at Kieve on Damariscotta Lake.

The wilderness program has grown significantly, too, as each summer more girls want to return for another Kieve experience. 5, 7 and 13 day wilderness adventures for older girls are offered that include canoeing, camping, sea kayaking, white water rafting and backpacking. Some scientific discovery and exploration is also an essential element of these wilderness trips.

Currently, there are still a few spaces available in the August 11-16 session of the residential camp, for girls entering grades 5, 6 and 7. Kieve is also very interested in inviting more women scientists to their visiting scientist day, and encourage anyone interested to contact them. For more information or an application, log on to the website, www.kieve.org or call 207-563-5172.