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News
August 6, 20260

From Dugan’s Desk: Baseball, Fishing, and End of July Fun

From Dugan’s Desk: Baseball, Fishing, and End of July Fun

Hey all!

I apologize for not sharing a highlight last week. As they often do at the end of July, things got chaotic. I hope everyone had a fantastic Week 6!

Here are some things you may have missed …

For starters, some of my fellow counselors and I took a wonderful group of campers up to Portland last Tuesday night for our annual Teen/Tween Sea Dogs game. It was a chilly one, but the rain missed us, thankfully. Our campers enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet along the right field foul line, as well as some wizardry in celebration of Harry Potter Night at the ballpark. A few of our campers received balls from players, with one particular camper, PJ, giving one to a fellow fan. What a young man. Well done.

In Captain Donna’s fishing class last week, Gracyn and Caroline reeled in a couple of fish with the help of the woman herself and Captain Lux. There is no better feeling than reeling in a catch after a day on the water. Our kids love all of Captain Donna’s classes, and rightfully so. Way to go, guys!

(Gracyn and Caroline with their catches! Well done! Photo taken by Captain Donna) This past Sunday marked our annual Reid Sacco Family Regatta, led by none other than Captain Nolan himself. Families had a blast sailing the open waters in celebration of one of KBIA’s most spectacular features: its waterfront.

 

Keep on keeping on, sailors!

Lastly, the 12th Annual Tommy McNamara Charitable Foundation Wiffleball Tournament was held on Saturday. As I mentioned at the beginning of the summer, I play in the tournament each year, which celebrates the lasting legacy of Tommy Mac through his favorite backyard activity. David “Rocky” Sweetser, to whom my reflections are dedicated this summer, was the face of the tournament alongside the McNamara family. This was our second year without Rocky, and it was an honor to play in memory of a man who gave us all so much. To Rocky and the McNamara family, we love you so very much.

For my shoutout this week, it goes to none other than Daas, left, one of our beloved Bundle counselors and a king of Movie Night. Daas might be the most humble, loud guy you will ever meet. You know Daas is around because you can hear him laughing and playing games with his campers. Yet, what always amazes me about him is that he does the little things in silence. Picking up after others, making sure a camper having a rough day feels safe and appreciated, etc. He is the role model of all role models. A stand-up man with a smile for the ages. We love you, Daas.

(Left, Daas with Tim Beals himself at last year’s August awards.)

That is all I have for this week’s reflection. Thank you all for reading my writeups each week; I do them for you. 

Much love, Dugan

News
July 29, 20260

Ready, Set, Sail — Regatta Sunday is here

KBIA Families,

This Sunday, Aug. 2, KBIA Sailing is hosting the annual Reid Sacco Regatta. The regatta is held each summer in honor of Reid Sacco, a sailing instructor at KBIA whom we lost to sarcoma in April 2005. Reid was just 20 years old.

Reid embodied the very spirit of KBIA, bringing the best of summer to every camper and member of our community. The regatta is a wonderful way to celebrate Reid’s legacy with participants of all ages and sailing abilities. The Sacco family also graciously provides treats and awards for the sailors each year.

The skippers’ meeting will begin at 12 p.m., and the first race will start at 12:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will conclude the day around 4 p.m. Registration is free; please preregister here.

You may learn more about Reid’s life, or find ways to support the Adolescent and Youth Cancer Alliance, on the Reid Sacco Foundation website.

I hope to see you all there … as a sailor or a spectator!

Best, 

Nolan Byron 
Race Program Director & Lead Sailing Instructor

News
July 22, 20260

From Dugan’s Desk: Awards, Celebrations and Smiles

Hello, KBIA family!
It is hard to believe we have reached the second half of camp already. This might be the quickest summer I have ever known. Let us soak in these last weeks together!
For starters, last Friday marked our July awards. Instructors gave out a variety of ribbons to campers across all classes for their achievements so far this summer. We are so proud of every one of you, and cannot wait to see what our campers accomplish over the next month. Well done, everyone!

This past Saturday night was our annual Seaside Celebration, which brings parents and families to campus for a night of cocktails, live music, raffles, auctions, and reflections. Despite the poor weather earlier in the day, attendance was amazing. Thank you to Mimi Fox, Todd Eveleth, our wonderful caterers, and all involved in making it a special night for all! 
Last week, KBIA continued its adult sailing classes after hours, offering parents the chance to learn the ways of the water as their children do each day. Griffin and Nolan, our wonderful instructors for the course, showcased their expertise brilliantly, eventually getting the parents on the water under their own sails. It is never too late to learn something new. Cheers to trying new things!

This week, I want to shout out Anu Rawlings, who you may find working in the office and running Tween Nights. Anu is the former director of the pool, a role her sister, Camilla, now holds alongside Zoe. I have never known KBIA without Anu, and our community truly does not realize how lucky we are to have her on campus. Anu was my swim teacher and is now a coworker of min
e. A bittersweet feeling that can only be found at KBIA. Next time you see her, say hello :).
That is all I have for now. To our KBIA families and campers, thank you for a wonderful Week 4 field with awards, celebrations, and smiles. It is the campers and their families that keep KBIA a place of magic. Much love to all!
Best,
Dugan
News
July 20, 20260

Class availability for Week 9

Week 9, here we come! These classes have some availability next week, Aug. 17-21.  Browse the list below and find the perfect way to close out at great Summer 2026!

Program Instance Days and Times Open Link to Register
Art Electives Comic Book Design (ages 9+) TuTh 9-11a 5 REGISTER HERE
Art Electives Fashion Design (ages 9+) TuTh 2-3p 1 REGISTER HERE
Art Electives Mixed Media (ages 9+) TuTh 1-2p 6 REGISTER HERE
Art Electives Printmaking (ages 9+) TuTh 12-1p 6 REGISTER HERE
Art Electives Recycle Art (ages 9+) TuTh 11a-12p 7 REGISTER HERE
Basketball FUNdamentals (ages 7+) F 9-10a 1 REGISTER HERE
Basketball FUNdamentals (ages 7+) M 2-3p 9 REGISTER HERE
Basketball FUNdamentals (ages 7+) M 9-10a 2 REGISTER HERE
Basketball FUNdamentals (ages 7+) W 2-3p 8 REGISTER HERE
Basketball FUNdamentals (ages 7+) W 9-10a 4 REGISTER HERE
Beach & Lawn Games Ages 5-8 TuTh 10-11a 5 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – AM Reading AM Reading Bundle (ages 7-8) M-F 9a-12p 1 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – AM Reading AM Reading Bundle (ages 9-10) M-F 9a-12p 3 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – AM Swimming AM Swimming Bundle (ages 7-8) M-F 9a-12p 3 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – AM Swimming AM Swimming Bundle (ages 9-10) M-F 9a-12p 1 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – Creative Creative Minds Bundle (ages 7-12) M-F 10a-1p 1 REGISTER HERE
Bundle – Sports Sports Bundle (ages 9-12) M-F 9a-12p 3 REGISTER HERE
CIT Age 13 only MTh 9-10a 20 REGISTER HERE
CIT Age 14 only MTh 10-11a 23 REGISTER HERE
CIT Tennis Ages 13-14 W 2-2:30p 11 REGISTER HERE
Creative Arts Ages 6-8 MWF 1-2p 10 REGISTER HERE
Creative Arts Ages 7-8 MWF 11a-12p 4 REGISTER HERE
Creative Arts Ages 9-10 MWF 10-11a 4 REGISTER HERE
Creative Arts Art Exploration (ages 4-5) MWF 2-3p 7 REGISTER HERE
Drama Beginner (ages 5-8) M-F 1-2p 10 REGISTER HERE
Drama Drama (ages 7+) M-F 2-3p 6 REGISTER HERE
Golf Ages 7-10 MTuW 8-9a 3 REGISTER HERE
Jewelry Beading Jewelry (ages 7+) WF 1-2p 4 REGISTER HERE
Jewelry Textile Jewelry (ages 7+) WF 2-3p 5 REGISTER HERE
Kayaking Ages 7+ MTu 2-3p 1 REGISTER HERE
Kayaking Ages 7+ MTu 4-5p 4 REGISTER HERE
Kayaking Ages 7+ WTh 4-5p 2 REGISTER HERE
Kayaking Ages 9+ MTu 1-2p 5 REGISTER HERE
KBIA Adventures Half day (AM) (ages 5-12) M-F 8a-12p 7 REGISTER HERE
Leathercraft Ages 7+ F 8-9:30a 8 REGISTER HERE
Leathercraft Ages 7+ M 8-9:30a 7 REGISTER HERE
Leathercraft Ages 7+ W 8-9:30a 9 REGISTER HERE
Marine Biology Ages 5-8 F 12-2p 11 REGISTER HERE
Marine Biology Ages 5-8 Tu 9-11a 5 REGISTER HERE
Marine Biology Ages 7-11 M 8-10a 11 REGISTER HERE
Marine Biology Ages 7-11 W 10a-12p 8 REGISTER HERE
Movie Night G rated (ages 5-10) M 6-8p 24 REGISTER HERE
Movie Night PG rated (ages 7-12) W 6-8p 26 REGISTER HERE
Music Songwriting (ages 7-12) MWF 11a-12p 4 REGISTER HERE
Music Ukulele (ages 5-8) MWF 9-10a 6 REGISTER HERE
Music Ukulele (ages 7-10) MWF 10-11a 4 REGISTER HERE
Nature Ages 4-5 M-F 1-2p 7 REGISTER HERE
Nature Ages 6-8 M-F 2-3p 5 REGISTER HERE
Painting Events Family Paint Night (adults and children ages 5+) Th 5:30-7p 24 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Diving Diving (ages 5-8) M-F 10-10:30a 2 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Diving Diving (ages 5-8) M-F 11-11:30a 5 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Diving Diving (ages 5-8) M-F 12:30-1p 3 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Diving Diving (ages 9+) M-F 1-1:30p 3 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Diving Diving (ages 9+) M-F 10:30-11a 5 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Parent/child Swim Parent/child swim (ages 2-4) M-F 10:30-11a 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swim Team Swim team (ages 9+) M-F 2:30-3:30p 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 3-4) M-F 10-10:30a 2 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 3-4) M-F 2-2:30p 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 3-4) M-F 9-9:30a 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 3-4) M-F 9:30-10a 9 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 5-6) M-F 1-1:30p 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 5-6) M-F 11:30a-12p 5 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 5-6) M-F 2-2:30p 7 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 5-6) M-F 8:30-9a 1 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 7-8) M-F 10-10:30a 1 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 7-8) M-F 10:30-11a 3 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 7-8) M-F 12:30-1p 12 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 7-8) M-F 8:30-9a 3 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 9+) M-F 1:30-2p 12 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 9+) M-F 4:30-5p 8 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 9+) M-F 9-9:30a 3 REGISTER HERE
Pool – Swimming Swimming (ages 9+) M-F 9:30-10a 11 REGISTER HERE
Powerboating Ocean Explorers (ages 9+) M 1-3p 1 REGISTER HERE
Powerboating Ocean Explorers (ages 9+) M 3-5p 1 REGISTER HERE
Race Program Ages 9+ MTuW 1-4p 4 REGISTER HERE
Reading Ages 5-6 M-F 11a-12p 7 REGISTER HERE
Reading Ages 7-8 M-F 10-11a 6 REGISTER HERE
Reading Ages 9-10 M-F 9-10a 3 REGISTER HERE
Reading Beachcomber Book Club (ages 7-8) M-F 1-2p 10 REGISTER HERE
Reading Titles and Tidepools (ages 5-6) M-F 2-3p 7 REGISTER HERE
Reading Toddlers and Tales (ages 2-4) M-F 4-4:30p 7 REGISTER HERE
Reading Word Wizards (ages 9+) M-F 3-4p 7 REGISTER HERE
Sailing Gollywobblers (ages 7-8) MTuW 2:30-4:30p 2 REGISTER HERE
Sailing Topsails (ages 9-10) MTuW 4:30-6:30p 5 REGISTER HERE
Sand Castle Building Ages 7+ W 10-11:30a 9 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 11+ TuTh 3-4p 11 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 4-5 TuTh 2-3p 8 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 5-6 TuTh 9-10a 2 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 6-8 TuTh 1-2p 9 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 7-8 TuTh 11a-12p 2 REGISTER HERE
Sculpture Ages 9-10 TuTh 10-11a 2 REGISTER HERE
Stand-up Paddleboarding Ages 9+ MTu 2-3p 4 REGISTER HERE
Stand-up Paddleboarding Ages 9+ MTu 4-5p 7 REGISTER HERE
Stand-up Paddleboarding Ages 9+ WTh 4-5p 6 REGISTER HERE
Surfing Ages 9+ Th 10-11:30a 3 REGISTER HERE
Surfing Ages 9+ Tu 10-11:30a 2 REGISTER HERE
Surfing Ages 9+ W 10-11:30a 3 REGISTER HERE
Teen Night Ages 13-14 Th 6-8p 11 REGISTER HERE
Tennis Advanced stroke development (ages 9+) M-F 12-1p 1 REGISTER HERE
Tennis Game play (ages 9+) M-F 2-2:30p 3 REGISTER HERE
Tennis Match play (ages 9+) M-F 1-2p 1 REGISTER HERE
Tennis Stroke development (ages 7-10) M-F 12-12:30p 1 REGISTER HERE
Tennis Stroke development (ages 7-10) M-F 2-2:30p 9 REGISTER HERE
Tween Night Ages 11-12 Tu 6-8p 6 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Exploring woodworking (ages 7-11) F 9:30-11a 4 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Exploring woodworking (ages 7-11) M 9:30-11a 3 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Exploring woodworking (ages 7-11) W 9:30-11a 1 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Intro to woodworking (ages 7-10) Th 8-9:30a 4 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Intro to woodworking (ages 7-10) Tu 8-9:30a 7 REGISTER HERE
Woodworking Models and sculptures (ages 9+) TuTh 9:30-11a 6 REGISTER HERE
Yoga Adults F 7-8a 14 REGISTER HERE
Yoga Adults W 7-8a 14 REGISTER HERE
News
July 8, 20260

New: the KBIA Lunch Card!

🥨 New this summer: the KBIA Lunch Card! 🥪

Parents can pre-load a $25 card for kids to use at the Snack Shack on more “lunchy” items, such as our new SunButter & Strawberry Jelly Sandwich from Madeline’s Pantry, and hummus and pretzels — not just candy runs. Our Snack Shack staff will keep track of purchases, and parents can also choose to limit kids to two items per day.

Easy for parents, fun for kids and a little more fuel for full KBIA days!

 

News
July 8, 20260

From Dugan’s Desk: Fiery fashion and dance

Hello everyone!

Happy Week 3 and post-Fourth of July! This is Dugan coming to you with a delivery of highlights from Week 2, which was full of bubbling temperatures and patriotic shenanigans.

To begin with, who saw our new merchandise drop last week?! Amazing! New designs, shirts, water bottles, crewnecks, umbrellas…you name it! I, for one, need to get my hands on one of the new caps. KBIA Fashion Week? I think so.

(Left: Audrey modelling one of our new crewnecks and umbrellas. Right, Macyn and Andrew repping some of the new hats, as well as a crewneck and water bottle.)

 

Last Thursday, our creative art queen, Liz Winter, led the first of three Family Paint Nights. From 5:30-7 PM in the Art Loft, families explored painting, mixed media, and drawing under the teaching of Liz herself. Not a bad way to pass a Thursday night, ay? If you missed it, do not fret. There are two more Family Paint Nights on July 16 and August 20. Sign up and make some masterpieces! (Below, Liz and the families during Family Paint Night on Thursday.)

That afternoon, temperatures at camp soared into gross terrain. Hydration, shade and relaxation were key to getting through the end of the week. Emily Gannon from the Adventures Program let campers go swimming in the cove (with life preservers, of course- safety first!). A great way to cool down on a hot summer’s day! (Left, the Adventures kids swimming in the cove during the heatwave on Thursday.)

 

This week, I want to shout out Hayley Brown, who has been a tremendous new addition to our staff family this summer. Hayley teaches Drama and Play in a Week, as well as two new classes: Pop Dance Trends and Musical Theater Dance. She is the most energetic, hip teacher around with a laugh as contagious as the fun had at KBIA. Hayley is also a personal trainer at Quest Fitness in Kennebunk, where she specializes in dance and movement. We are so honored to have her in our family. If you see a conga line passing through camp, chances are Hayley is at the front. (Below, Hayley getting the kids moving during a dance class. What a woman.)

What a summer it has been so far. Onwards and upwards, everyone!

Best, Dugan

News
July 8, 20260

SAILING JULY NEWSLETTER: Change in race dates

Dear KBIA Sailing families, 
It is hard to believe Week 3 is already here. The start to sailing at KBIA has been great – we are thrilled to see so many sailors on our docks each day! 
Some logistics as we head into the next few weeks. 
New England Sailing MIRC dates have changed in the last week due to shifting schedules of other programs. Additionally, the Laser Clinic originally scheduled for July 16 at KBIA will now be hosted at UNH, which is best for Diana Weidenbacker who will run the event. Diana will be in touch about a new date best suited for UNH, and KBIA will attend then. 
KBIA’s first MIRC will be hosted on July 15, rather than July 29. We still plan to host a MIRC on August 12. If further dates change, those will be communicated as soon as possible. 
There is still availability in our Race Program classes, and we strongly encourage anyone interested to reach out to Nolan about enrolling their child. Additionally, if you are interested in booking a private lesson, please contact Jamie or Nolan. 
As always, we are always happy to answer any questions or concerns. We look forward to the rest of July, and (fingers crossed) more sunny days! 

Nolan Byron 

Race Program Director & Lead Sailing Instructor 
Jamie LaMent 
Waterfront Director 

Week 1: Fish, Teeth and New Beginnings

Hello everyone!

This is John Dugan reporting to you live from my bedroom after a stellar beginning to Week 2. I hope everyone had a fantastic first week at camp.

For those of you who may not know me, allow me to introduce myself. I am the 23-year-old assistant supervisor of the Adventures Program and help in other areas as well. Your children may know me as just “Dugan” or by my full name, never John. I have no idea why. The origin of said monikers is one of legend. Anyways, whether it be movie night, teen/tween night, beach games, basketball, sand creations, sandcastle building, sea fleas, paddleboarding, etc., I have done it all.

(Left: Me as a camper receiving an award at KBIA with the legendary Martin Lodish himself standing behind me. Right: Me in July 2025 handing out awards alongside Emily Gannon. Too many icons.)

KBIA has been a part of my life since I was four years old. It was where I learned to swim, met some of my closest summer friends, and lived the ultimate dream…a summer on the beach. My mom went to KBIA. I went to KBIA. My children will go to KBIA. It is in the Dugan blood as it is with so many families.

Two summers ago, our lovely Communications Coordinator Laura Snyder Smith and I had an idea: a weekly highlights blog. So, each week, I set aside some time to touch upon the happenings of our community. After a hiatus last summer, I am proud to return to my duty reporting on the magic that KBIA has to offer.

Enough chit chat. Let’s get into it.

On Opening Day last Monday, our Assistant Director Tim Beals introduced a new device to his arsenal that just about anyone on campus can hear. That’s right, a megaphone! Whether it be calling out to CITs hard at work or sharing his thoughts with the world, we can all expect Tim to put the horn to good use. I hear he has a whistle now, too. Watch out, eardrums. (Tim with his megaphone. Get back to work, everyone!)

 

The same day, Brooke lost one of her top teeth at camp. A brave camper, she put the tooth in a bag and showed us all how to spit a chiclet like a champion. She told me the Tooth Fairy was more than fair, too. I am sure the money was put to good use at the Snack Shack. (Brooke with her tooth! Darcy in the back admiring the feat.)

For the first week, Joey Tomasetti, who has been a close friend of mine since we were young children, helped out in the office alongside Katie, Darcy, and Lorraine. You may know him as “Kayak Joey” or “Paddleboard Joey” for his waterfront escapades, but for the first week, he became one of “the office ladies.” A true gentleman. (Left: Joey receiving an award as a camper. Right: Joey as one of the “office ladies” alongside Katie, Darcy, and Lorraine.)

For KBIA veterans like myself, the return of a certain beverage to the Snack Shack brought tears of joy. That’s right, Izze sparkling juice is back!

KBIA alums Razz Oppenheimer and Ella Beals showcased the new menu and pricing last week. Bring your money and candy cards, everyone! (Ella Beals and Razz Oppenheimer showing off the new Snack Shack menus. Come on down!)

On Friday, TJ caught his very first fish during a boat trip with Captain Donna! I hear he reeled it in like a pro. Well done, TJ! (Wesley and TJ with the beast itself! Photo by Captain Donna.)

  Also on Friday, waterfront directors Jamie LaMent and Nolan Byron hosted an office hour where families were welcome to stop in and ask any questions they had about sailing and waterfront. Two wonderful people with tremendous pride in their work. Just look at them. Legends! (Jamie LaMent and Nolan Byron. Just two guys being dudes.)

I want to give three special shoutouts to celebrate the opening of camp.

To Brian and Jeff, KBIA’s amazing maintenance crew, we love you guys. I have never known KBIA without Brian, who has seen me grow from a wild child in free swim to a faculty member alongside him. Jeff might as well be Steve McQueen because he truly is the “King of Cool”. No one pulls off a visor like Jeff. Both men are the reason our pool is clean, our trash and recycling is taken care of, and our campus is fresh each week. If you see Brian or Jeff, please thank them for all that they do. Two of the kindest, hardest-working men you will ever meet.

And last, but certainly not least, I want to dedicate my weekly reflections this season to the late David “Rocky” Sweetser, who we lost last summer. For those who never met Rocky, he was the greatest friend, advocate, and personality all rolled into one. When people ask me about my childhood at KBIA, one of the images that always pops into mind is that of Rocky running the grills at the awards each summer. Always smiling, always there to talk if you needed him. A jolly presence who wished nothing but to give back to a place that had given him so much. (The man himself, David “Rocky” Sweetser.)
With the recent dedication of our new rowboat, “D Sweets”, it is hard to believe we have started a summer at KBIA without Rocky by our side. I will miss seeing him at the Tommy McNamara Charitable Foundation Wiffle Ball Tournament, sitting on the porch at the Sweetser home, and giving hugs to all who needed one. Rocky, you are loved and missed. We should live every summer to the fullest in honor of the man who gave his heart to the Kennebunks.

Like I always say, there are far too many highlights each week to count. These are just a few that demonstrate the sense of community and summer fun unique to KBIA. Parents, thank your children for being the reason we come to camp. Children, thank your parents for being the reason you are at camp. And eat your veggies. Always.

See you next week, campers!

Best,
Dugan

June 30, 20260

From Dugan’s Desk: Fish, Teeth and New Beginnings

News
June 26, 20260

KBIA launches ‘D Sweets’

KBIA launches “D Sweets” in loving memory of David Sweetser

On Saturday night at KBIA, family, friends, board members, staff, volunteers and generations of KBIA families gathered for a deeply meaningful boat launching in memory of David “D Sweets” Sweetser — a larger-than-life two-time board member, devoted volunteer, generous supporter and beloved friend whose thumbprint can be found on just about everything at KBIA.

The new boat, lovingly named D Sweets, was launched in David’s honor as a lasting tribute to a man who gave so much of his time, talent and treasure to the place he loved so deeply. For the crowd that gathered on the lawn, the moment embodied all that David was to KBIA: joyful, generous, steady, spirited and always ready to help make something better.

David understood what so many KBIA families know in their hearts — that KBIA is one of the most special places in the world. It is where children learn to swim, sail, craft, build, play, make friends and grow up by the sea. As Kelley shared, “We just made the most wonderful memories here, and KBIA is magical.” She spoke of how her dad recognized how much she and Katie loved 

KBIA, and how he wanted not only his family, but every child, to have the chance to be the best they could be.  “I wish calm seas and sunny, sunny days ahead for everyone and a wonderful summer.”

Katie’s words captured the heart of the evening. “People say their parent’s legacy lives on through their kids, and it lives on here at KBIA and it lives on in all of us here,” she said. “My Dad was light, he was love and he was happiness. I can’t wait to watch from the office kids having the best time on this boat. I will be able to watch him live on and live the KBIA dream.”

Mimi also remembered David’s kindness and constant presence, sharing that he was always there, always responsive and always willing to help. “He was just incredibly kind and such a wonderful presence,” she said. “He made an impact on so many.”

Andy Harrington, who served on the KBIA board with David during the 100th anniversary, remembered him as someone who gave in every possible way. “Volunteers at KBIA come in many different ways,” Andy said. “Some give time, some give talent and some give treasure. Dave was the trifecta — he gave it all.” He recalled David’s smile filling a room, his ability to motivate people to come together, and his unmistakable way of simply getting things done, whether that was behind the KBIA grills or leading the new pool campaign.

As D Sweets takes to the water, it carries with it David’s love, laughter, generosity and belief in this magical place by the sea. May it bring joy to generations of KBIA kids and remind us all of the incredible legacy of a man who helped make KBIA what it is today.

 

News
June 25, 20260

Let’s talk sailing!

 

KBIA SAILING & WATERFRONT FAMILIES: This Friday, June 26, directors Jamie LaMent and Nolan Byron will be hosting a drop-in “office hours” session to answer any questions you may have about classes, your child’s sailing interests / ability, etc. Anytime between 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., please stop by the sailing office on the Strong Cottage porch. 
 
The first week of KBIA is busy, and questions often arise about waterfront classes. Jamie and Nolan will be happily waiting to answer questions, address concerns or lend a helping hand!