History

The Wavus Camps operated as a brother/sister camp, Wawanock for Girls and Damariscotta Camp for boys, from 1922 to 1976. The camp was closed in 1976 and was privately purchased. The property lay dormant until 1992. At this time, the 95-acre property was put up for sale and threatened with development. A group of former campers and local conservationists formed The Wavus Foundation with the intention of purchasing the property for "safe keeping". After reconnecting with over 2,000 former campers, this grassroots effort was accomplished. New programs based on Wavus traditions and the Wavus Medal Program have since rekindled the spirit of Wavus.

For the past ten years Wavus camps has operated both as a resident and day camp. Infrastructure development and facility renovation, including the building of the new 200-seat Jewell Lodge dining hall and conference center, have prepared the way for the newly formed Kieve-Wavus Education, Inc. to continue facility upgrades in preparation for a girls camp in 2006.

"Wavus Camp for Girls will serve as a catalyst for individual growth and personal stewardship of the environment," adds Suse Wicks, Director of the new girls' camp. "Together, both organizations will benefit from sharing generations of loyal camp families that have treasured the beauty of Damariscotta Lake." Katie Moulton, former Wilderness Tripping Director and long-standing Kieve leader, emphasized the importance of the girls' wilderness tripping program and that it will be an ideal teacher of values and life skills.

Wavus Camp for Girls opened in 2006 at The Wavus Camps in Jefferson, four miles north of Kieve's campus on Damariscotta Lake. The two campuses comprise over five miles of pristine lake frontage. During the two 3 ½ week sessions, (simultaneous with the dates of the Kieve Boys' Camp) girls aged 8-16 will make friends, develop individual skills and learn the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship, based on the original spirit of both camps.

Mission
Kieve-Wavus educates and empowers young people and adults to contribute positively to society. We foster spiritual, intellectual, social and physical growth in order to increase self-confidence, raise personal aspirations, and generate enthusiasm for life-long learning. Working at our spectacular camps on Damariscotta Lake, in the wilderness, in schools, and in communities, we promote the values of teamwork, kindness, respect and environmental stewardship.

Wavus (wă-vus)
A revered legendary chief, who with his people inhabited the Point long ago.