A Summer for the Books - 2025 Reflections

As we move into fall and settle into new routines, we’ve been taking some time to reflect on what an incredible summer it was. Camp may be quiet now and asleep for the winter, but the energy, laughter, and memories of Summer 2025 are still fresh in our minds. Our year-round team — each playing a different part in making Kippewa what it is — wanted to share a few reflections from the season. From first-day nerves and new friendships to the little rhythms that make camp life so special, here’s a look back at Summer 2025 through our eyes.

Ginger

One of the unique things about summer at camp is the way time passes. Our days are so busy and full that they often feel much longer than 24 hours — and yet, when we look up at the end of camp, it’s hard to believe how quickly it all flew by.

When I take a moment to pause and reflect on Summer 2025, I think about the smiles and laughter, the bunk meetings, the tears, the individual accomplishments, and the moments of group bonding and friendship that grew throughout the summer.

A few things that stand out from this year:

• Campers working through homesickness at the start of the session, only to end the summer with the most tears of all saying goodbye.

• Girls who thought they didn’t like each other sitting down to talk, realizing it was all a big misunderstanding, and becoming close friends.

• Counselors discovering how much they love working with kids — and deciding to pursue teaching as a career.

• Campers striving to earn their “Mighty” awards and cheering one another along the way.

My list could go on and on. There’s really no way to encapsulate everything that takes place in a summer, but I am thrilled with the successes and joys of 2025. It’s definitely a year to look back on with a smile — and I already can’t wait to see everyone next year!

Jackie

With summer weather still hanging around, it’s easy to stay in a summer state of mind! When I think back on 2025, I can’t help but feel amazed by how much KPT has grown. With so many familiar faces around camp, our community felt stronger than ever, rooted in the traditions we’ve been building together.

One of my favorite parts of every summer is getting to really know our girls and watching them grow in confidence and friendships. It’s the best feeling to see someone try something new, step outside their comfort zone, or take on a leadership role in their bunk. Those little moments add up and remind me how special this place really is. Seeing how much our campers grow from one summer to the next is such a joy.

It’s also been awesome to watch our KPT traditions come to life and take shape as our own. From silly campfire songs and bunk cheers to birthday celebrations and camp-wide evening activities, each tradition adds to what makes KPT feel like home. These shared moments are what make our time together so meaningful and what keep that KPT spirit going strong.

Every summer adds something new to our story, and 2025 was no exception. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together next summer!

Eva

One of the many secrets of camp life that doesn’t get enough credit is the daily schedule. It’s much more than what we are doing next — it gives us rhythm, predictability, and structure.

When I reflect on the summer, the first thing that comes to me is that rhythm. I’ll typically start each morning by getting some work done in the office before our first wake-up song, and then I’ll slowly make my way down to the red chairs in front of the lodge. From there, it’s game on — what will the day bring? What’s the back-up plan? Did you hear about what happened last night? And for me, it’s always: what’s for lunch, dinner, etc.? Yes, the gift and challenge of menu creation!

It does change — a food item could be out of stock and not arrive (just like at home in the grocery store), which is why I always give a disclaimer before sharing. One of my important learnings from this summer was realizing that what’s one person’s favorite meal is another’s least favorite. Not everyone will be happy every meal — and that’s okay. Your favorite meal will appear in the coming days.

But what doesn’t change is that camp comes together three times a day to eat, along with the dancing and singing that fill the lodge at Kippewa, and all the special traditions at Kippewa Point and Kippewa Equestrian. Those three times a day are our cornerstone — they fuel us physically and keep that ever-important rhythm going.

Meal times at home aren’t the same — they don’t always come with the rhythm. So create your own rhythms this year. And one more thought on menus — your girls care, they have opinions! Bring them into the discussion when it comes to your family menu planning.

Clayton

Howdy y’all!

At Kippewa Point, I get to oversee and help execute all of the special events — think Color War, Gold Rush, Granny Bingo.

This summer, one of the most exciting things to witness was the enthusiasm from our returning campers. Their energy around events like Campfire Karaoke, Kippy-Ween, and MTV Night helped ease the nerves of our new campers — and got everyone pumped to participate.

Being a newer camp, it’s been amazing to watch some of our activities evolve into real traditions.

Sydney

This past camp season reminded me how different and unique each summer truly is. My days were filled with all kinds of random tasks — from coordinating travel and staff activities to helping with events or simply jumping in wherever I was needed.

Some of my favorite moments were when I could step away from logistics and join in the fun — walking through activities, laughing with campers, and feeling the buzz of camp life all around me.

No two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly what makes it all so special.

Piper

There were so many things that made Summer 2025 unforgettable, but one of the biggest reasons it felt so magical was our incredible counselors. These amazing young women traveled from all over the world to spend their summer in Maine.

I have the very fun  job of hiring many of them. Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours on video calls and at hiring fairs, trying to describe the indescribable: what it’s really like to work at camp.

But nothing could have prepared me for how proud I’d be of this year’s team. They embraced every challenge and every joy that camp life brings. They created a warm, supportive community where our campers could truly shine.

Whether it was dressing up in an inflatable banana costume or laughing through an overnight pouring with rain on Spirit Island, they did it all — and always with energy.

I saw them arrive, nervous and unsure, many jet-lagged from flights across the world. And I saw those nerves melt away as they formed the most beautiful friendships, grew into incredible role models and made this little corner of Maine their summer home.

Mary Paige

Looking back on the Equestrian program this summer, what stands out most to me is the balance of learning and connection. Our lesson horses carried riders through new challenges, teaching patience, confidence, and partnership with every ride.

At the same time, our retraining horses reminded us of the beauty of second chances — showing growth and trust with each passing week.

As Equestrian Director, I loved watching riders connect with our horses and seeing the horses themselves develop new skills. It was a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from them.

The beautiful weather gave us endless opportunities to be outdoors, and the barn truly became a place where both riders and horses thrived.

Some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones: grooming in the sunshine, evening turnouts, or watching a camper discover new confidence in the saddle.

Beyond horsemanship, the season was about connection — with the animals, with each other, and with the experience of caring for something greater than ourselves.

It was truly a season of growth, gratitude, and memories that will last well beyond the barn.

Steve

May 15 – August 31st.: One hundred and nine days. My eighteenth Kippewa summer…

109 sunrises.
327 meals shared with friends.
23 days of pre-camp prep.
8 rental vehicles.
4 dock systems set up.
8 professional counselor trainings.
10 days of staff orientation.
3 distinct camp programs.
8 sessions.
24 campfires.
6 beach trips.
6 Color Wars.
1 Olympic Games.
2 carnivals.
2 fireworks displays.
2 tennis tournaments.
2 polar bear swims.
2 Ice Maiden visits.
2 play productions.
7 lobster dinners.
14 Family Camp families.
1 rental group.
2 new buildings built.
7 buildings repainted.
2 roofs replaced.
1 bunk porch addition.
62 buildings cleaned.
113 acres maintained.
15 days of post-camp shutdown.
189 co-workers experiencing personal growth.
716 campers’ lives enriched.
109 sunsets.
3 deep breaths.
1 huge smile.
And countless memories of Summer 2025.

Final Thoughts

Each summer at Kippewa brings something a little different — new faces, new stories, and new memories that stick with us long after the last campers head home.

Thanks to everyone — campers, counselors, and staff — who helped make Summer 2025 one to remember. We’re already counting down the days until we’re all back at the lake together again.