Greetings, Camp community!  Spring has always been my favorite season, as the days grow longer, flowers emerge and summer fun awaits us just around the corner.  I also love spring because it brings the excitement of the May Board meeting on Kiniya’s campus. We gather with the Directors and Year-Round Team to report on committee accomplishments, advance our short- and long-term Board goals, and support Marnie, Matt and the Team as they prepare to deliver another “Best Summer Ever.”

This year’s May Board meeting commenced with a presentation about philanthropy which gave rise to new ideas and topics for potential exploration.  We continued throughout Friday afternoon and Saturday with robust discussions about strategic priorities; financial stewardship and recent market volatility; summer programming and environmental impacts; protecting our Camps against risk; and our steadfast commitment to being a Camp and community of inclusion and belonging.  I convey my sincerest thanks to Marnie and the Kiniya team for their gracious hospitality, and to our entire team – Directors, Year-Round Team and Board members – for an engaging weekend of productivity, fellowship and fun.

As summer approaches, I reflect on how quickly this year has moved and how many changes we’ve witnessed across our national and global communities.  As State Department and financial industry professionals, my husband and I have been directly affected by change and uncertainty, as have friends and colleagues across many different sectors and communities.  In the face of uncertainty, I remind myself to focus on the things – the good things – of which I am certain.

I am certain that, in fewer than 20 days, Camp Dudley and Camp Kiniya will be brimming with laughter and joy, as old friends are reunited and new friendships are made.  I am sure that the countdown to Camp’s opening day is bringing a buzz of excitement to many households, as the clothing gets labeled and the trunks get packed. (Celeste has already started her packing list, and she doesn’t go to Camp until 2nd session!)  I am confident that Matt, Marnie and our excellent Leaders and Staff will nurture and care for our campers, delivering high-quality sports, arts, outdoor and spirituality programs through which our Campers will learn leadership, stewardship and character.  I am positive that the talented members of the Dudley-Kiniya Board of Trustees and Camp Dudley Foundation Board are committed to dedicating their time and expertise in support of Camp’s Mission.  I am assured that living our motto – The Other Fellow First – will always guide us in the right direction.

Looking forward to Summer 2025 – celebrating 20 years of Camp Kiniya and Camp Dudley being together, and another amazing summer of community, fellowship and fun.