News

News

2016 LAUNCH! Maritime Festival Newsletter

News from the Beach
May 31, 2016
Let the Festivities Begin!
 
 

 
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This June 17-18-19, the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first LAUNCH! A Maritime Festival, and KBIA is thrilled to be a part of the festivities.
 
KBIA will host a Cove Walk from 4 to 6pm on Saturday, June 18th, exploring what has been lurking at the bottom of the Cove during the long winter. A wonderful family activity, reservations can be made thru the front office at 207-967-2180; cost is $10 per family.
 
We also encourage KBIA members to participate in the first ever “River Lights” boat parade at 8:30pm on Saturday, June 18th – sure to be an event to remember!
 
For a more detailed schedule of all the festivities check out their webpage: www.launchfestme.com
 
 
 
News

2016 May Newsletter

News from the Beach
May 16, 2016
Spring is in the air
 
 

 
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 Take charge of your summer plans
 
We have been happy to hear from many of you as summer planning gets underway, and expect an increase in registrations as school winds down.  Just a friendly reminder that participants are signed up on a first-come, first-serve basis, and classes can fill up quickly. Because we want to serve you the best way we can, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. We have added a weekly schedule on our website to make things easier, check it out here.  Cheers to summer!
 
 
 
Paint the Beach 2016
 
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On July 23rd, Heartwood College of Art and KBIA will partner for a spectacular event at the annual Seaside Celebration cocktail party for members. This will be the third collaboration that Heartwood and KBIA have shared. Paintings done by respected regional artists who love to paint Kennebunk Beach will offer works for sale for $400 each. Pieces measure 12″ x 16″ or 14″ x 14″.
 
Some of the artists include Anne Allaire, Peter Hoff, Brandy Cressey, Cheryl Dahn, Wendy Webster Good, Dewitt Hardy Mel Zeoli, Berri Kramer, Susan Wilder, Norma Johnsen and more.
 
Come support both organizations and take home a little bit of Kennebunk Beach.
 
 
 
Save The Date
Upcoming KBIA Events
 
Cove Walk
June 18
 
A fun activity for the whole family, join us for our first Cove Walk of the season.  We will host our first Cove Walk on June 18th, 4 to 6 PM, as part of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundle Chamber of Commerce LAUNCH! Maritime Festival, celebrating the community’s rich maritime history. Call 207-967-2180 for reservations. 
 
Day at the Beach 5K/1K Road Race
July 10
 
Come run with us on a certified course that begins and ends at beautiful Kennebunk Beach. The course winds through a shaded, beachside neighborhood and finishes alongside the Atlantic. Post-race snacks and beverages are provided. Trophies are awarded to first-and second-place winners in several age categories. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 150 pre-registered participants.
 
 
Seaside Celebration
July 23
 
Enjoy cocktails by the cove and catch up with friends at our annual Seaside Celebration.  This year we will also hold an art sale featuring regional artists’ work of our very own Kennebunk Beach. Cocktails and art by the beach, it doesn’t get much better!
 
 
 
 
 
Welcoming New Staff
 
Please join us in welcoming Aimee Vlachos, who joins our team as the Events Coordinator.  During the school year, Aimee is a college professor at nearby UNE, and will be busy this summer ensuring the many events at KBIA are running smoothly. With a lengthy background in event management including working as an event coordinator for the Olympics, NASCAR Racing Circuit, and the Orlando Magic basketball team, we think she will enjoy her time here at KBIA. Her oldest son attends KBIA and she is excited to be part of the KBIA team.
 
 
News

2016 April Newsletter

News from the Beach
April 1, 2016
Leading the way to summer
 
 

 
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Check out our 2016 Registration Guide
 
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Have you seen it yet? If not, our new 2016   Registration Guide should be in your mailbox soon! It’s 28 pages full of class information and schedules, as well as the dates for this summer’s Cove Walks, Open Sailing/Kayaking sessions, 5K/1K Road Race, Cove Swim, Reid Sacco Family Regatta and even a MIRC sailing competition.
 
Learn all about our new and expanded offerings — Starfish with the option to add tennis, an additional drama class, expanded lap swim, parent-child swim class, match play tennis, teen obstacle course, sailing trips, and family sailing trips — and find the schedules for all your usual KBIA favorites as well. The Registration Guide is available online in its entirety and also broken down by age and week.  With over 50 classes being offered, there are many options to explore. For a complete list of class descriptions be sure to visit our website.
 
Need another copy for yourself or a friend? (Week 1 classes require no membership June 27-July 1, so spread the word!) Just let us know!
 
Registration officially opens Monday, April 4…we look forward to hearing from you!
 
 
Registrations can be mailed to PO Box 707, Kennebunk, ME 04043, e-mailed to [email protected], or faxed to 207-510-8058.
 
 
 
KBIA Countdown:
86 Days until summer
 
 
KBIA opens for its 106th season on June 27th, and below are some other dates to remember this summer:
 
June 20:      KBIA office opens
July 6:         MIRC sailing race, hosted by KBIA
July 10:       KBIA 25th Annual Day at the Beach 5K/1K Road Race
July 23:       July Watersports, Awards & BBQ
July 23:       KBIA Seaside Celebration
August 5:    New England Youth Laser Championships
August 6:    Sixth Annual Reid Sacco Family Regatta
August 20:  August Watersports, Awards & BBQ
 
 
News

“Help Wanted” at KBIA 2016

 

2017 Employment Openings:

SEASONAL FACULTY/STAFF: Openings will be posted as they become available.  Current openings for 2017 include Tennis, Nature, and Marine Biology.  Job Descriptions available upon request — interested candidates should send letter of interest to [email protected].



SEASONAL COUNSELOR POSITIONS: Please fill out an application when it is posted by late January.  Do not delay as it is likely that very few, if any, counselor positions will still be available after all applications that were received on time are processed (March 15th is the deadline to be considered “on time”).

Please be sure to fill out this application in its entirety and return by mail to Martin Lodish, Executive Director, P.O. Box 707, Kennebunk, ME 04043 or send it electronically to [email protected]. If you send it electronically, please also mail a copy.

 

Junior & Senior Counselors

Junior & Senior Counselors gain experience in leadership by assisting staff in the instruction of various classes, helping with administrative functions and working at KBIA community events. Counselors assist with safety on the KBIA campus, beach, and playground. In addition, Counselors support KBIA’s mission through service learning projects, including helping maintain the Cove and Mother’s Beach. Senior Counselors are eligible for a greater range of opportunities and responsibilities, which includes assisting in the teaching of classes, mentoring and organizing social events. Counselors receive compensation based on age, experience, and certifications. Weekly schedules are provided allowing Counselors the flexibility to make the most of their summer by pursuing additional employment and other activities if desired. However, last-minute scheduling adjustments are sometimes necessary, and we ask Counselors to support such changes.  Junior and Senior Counselors must complete a Counselor Application.

Please note: Every effort will be made to accommodate areas of interest but assignments cannot be guaranteed. Due to the nature of some classes, applicants with advanced certifications will be given preference. There is limited Counselor space available. Applicants with CIT or Counselor experience at KBIA, and those able to participate for four or more consecutive weeks, will be given preference. Applications are reviewed as they’re received, applying quickly is advised. Applications received after May 15 may not receive a response and it is likely that some or all of the positions will be filled by March 15 which is the deadline for applications considered for the initial hiring.

Counselor Job Description

KBIA Counselors assist in the planning, teaching, coordinating and carrying out of daily camp programs, classes and activities. Counselors are expected to act as role models and guide campers in their personal growth and life skills.

Job Functions: Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their classes and in their activities at KBIA. Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers; assist campers to develop effective communication and relationship skills and respect for each other as well as their surroundings and the environment.

  • Ensure campers are properly supervised at all times.
  • Enforce safety guidelines at all times.

Participate in the development and implementation of program and class activities for campers.

  • Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
  • Actively participate in all classes as assigned.

Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.

  • Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision.
  • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to supervisors.

Act as a role model to campers and staff in both attitude and behavior.

  • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
  • Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Be a proper representative of KBIA when interacting with parents or community members.

  • Provide parents appropriate feedback and information as needed for their children to have a successful KBIA experience.
  • Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public to ensure a positive image of KBIA.

Other Job Duties:

  • Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from the KBIA Campus or during scheduled classes or activities off of KBIA property.
  • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to interact with wide age range.
  • Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner at all times.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skill in designated program areas.

Age Requirements KBIA recognizes that the developmental stage of a person is keyed not only to age, but also the stage of schooling.  Therefore, we grant exceptions for those with summer birthdays; please contact the Executive Director for more information.

Employment Statement: KBIA employs young men and young women staring at age 15 when they typically have completed their first year of high school. KBIA expects parents of employees to support the values that KBIA has promoted for over 100 years. KBIA will contact parents of employees under the age of 18 when an issue arises that requires the Executive Director’s involvement.  Examples are failure to show up for work, significantly underperforming, and safety issues.  It is the hope of KBIA that by communicating directly with the family of employees under the age of 18 that positive growth can result by the employee and that the family supports any necessary actions.  KBIA will only contact parents of its employees over the age of 18 with the consent of the employee.

Age as of June 15

Eligible role at KBIA

13 CIT
14 CIT
15 Jr. Counselor
16 Jr. Counselor
17 Jr. Counselor
18 Sr. Counselor

For more information about the Counselor and CIT Program please click here.

Additional Requirements

  • Jr./Sr. Counselors: Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid and CPR either through the Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
  • Jr./Sr. Counselors: Mandatory attendance at Orientation Weekend, June 20-21.
  • Junior Counselors under the age of 16 must have a Maine State Work Permit. To request this form, please contact:

Kennebunk Superintendent of Schools 87 Fletcher Street Kennebunk, ME 04043 (207) 985-1100

  • Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. and supply required documentation.
News

Season’s Greetings

News from the Beach
December 3, 2015
Season’s Greetings

 
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It’s the most wonderful time of year…other than summers at KBIA of course! With the holidays in full swing, we are reminded of what this time of year is really all about.  At KBIA, we have so much for which to be thankful: a beautiful seaside location, 105 years of tradition, and our incredible KBIA family.  Each of us – staff, counselors, children, board members, volunteers, and donors – are a part of this loyal community that continues to support and help KBIA carry out our mission at the beach.  We are grateful for every single one of you, and wish you good health, happiness, and peace this holiday season.  
 
 
 
The joyful gift of a KBIA experience
 

 

What better gift to give, than the experience of KBIA? No donation is too small, and all contributions go towards scholarships for children who otherwise would not be able to learn to sail, make crafts, go island exploring, play tennis, learn to swim…among the many amazing summer activities at KBIA.  And not only do they have access to classes, but they are forming friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.  Each year we have traditionally offered 20 to 25 children the opportunity to experience a KBIA summer — free of charge and discreetly issued.  Donating to our scholarship fund is donating an invaluable experience to a child who will forever cherish their time spent at KBIA.  Please consider a year-end donation so that KBIA can continue to provide “summers of experience” here at the beach!  

 
For information on donating toward the cause this holiday season, visit the “Support Us” page on our website.
 
 

 
 
Give the gift of KBIA
KBIA merchandise available by mail
 
20% off normal prices (plus tax, as applicable, and shipping)
 
During this holiday season, we are offering up our most popular merchandise on sale for holiday gift-giving. We are now accepting orders via e-mail and will ship packages via mail just in time for the holidays.
 
This is your opportunity to stock up on our exclusive KBIA merchandise that will keep you warm — and dreaming of warm summer days ahead. We have fleece jackets, sweatshirts and sweatpants, as well as signature bags, caps, visors, coffee mugs and more! Visa and Mastercard will be accepted; shipping rates start at $5.95 and will depend on how we have to package your merchandise. To place an order, e-mail [email protected] with your complete contact information and order requests. We will follow up to confirm your order.
 
Deadline to order is December 16th.
 
Standard shipping rates apply from Dec 3 – Dec 15.
Express shipping rates apply on orders shipping out on Dec 16.
 
Here is what we have currently in stock — while supplies last!
 

 
 
KBIA CLOTHING:
Perfect for the colder months, these cotton sweatshirts/sweatpants and fleece jackets will keep you warm all winter long:
 
 
Regular Price
Sale Price
 
Youth size
Adult size
Youth size
Adult size
Hooded Sweatshirt:
$32.00
$32.00
$25.60
$25.60
Zip/Hooded Sweatshirt:
$40.00
$45.00
$32.00
$36.00
Fleece Jacket:
$34.00
$38.00
$27.20
$30.40
Sweatpants:
$22.00
$27.00
$17.60
$21.60
 
 
 
 
 
Wishing for summer? Stock up on cotton t-shirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, polo shirts, and shorts for another summer down at the beach:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regular Price
Sale Price
 
Youth size
Adult size
Youth size
Adult size
T-shirt:
$10.00
$11.00
$8.00
$8.80
Distressed T-shirt:
$14.00
$16.00
$11.20
$12.80
Long Sleeve Shirt:
$15.00
$15.00
$12.00
$12.00
Long Sleeve Burgee Shirt:
$17.00
$18.00
$13.60
$14.40
Polo Shirt:
$25.00
———
$20.00
———
Shorts:
$35.00
$45.00
$28.00
$36.00
 
 
 
 
 
And last but not least, the perfect stocking stuffers for the whole family:
 
 
 
 
 
KBIA ACCESSORIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Regular Price
Sale Price
 
One size
One size
Hat:
$17.00
$13.60
Visor:
$15.00
$12.00
KBIA Jute Tote:
$18.00
$14.40
“Diner style” mug:
$10.00
$8.00
KBIA 100th Anniversary book:
$45.00
$36.00
KBIA Canvas Burgee:
$75.00
$60.00
KBIA Golf balls (sleeve of 3):
$10.00
$8.00
KBIA Magnet:
$3.00
$2.40
 
 
 
 
 
 
Happy gift giving! 
 
 
News

On This Day…Our 105th Birthday

News from the Beach
November 9, 2015
On This Day…Our 105th Birthday!
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Today we celebrate KBIA’s 105th birthday – founded on the ninth day of November in 1910, a Certificate of Incorporation was signed by the “officers of a Village Improvement corporation organized at a meeting duly called and held therefor at the house of Walter L. Dane, in Kennebunk” — thereafter known as Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association — and filed with the State of Maine.  As stated in the official documents, “the purposes of said corporation are for the purpose of the improvement of Kennebunk Beach and vicinity…”  And so, with all formalities in place, our beloved KBIA was born. 
 
In 1960, KBIA added activities for children, and started a summer enrichment program that is what we know today.  Over the last fifty plus years KBIA has aquired buildings and land, built docks, playgrounds, and swimming pools.  An ample menu of activities has grown steadily, taught and overseen by knowledgable and enthusiastic staff.  And hundreds and hundreds of children and members have come through KBIA every summer making new friends, learning new skills, and making memories to last a lifetime.  
 
On this day, our 105th birthday, we also want to wish all of our dedicated members, volunteers, donors, and staff a “Happy KBIA Birthday” too…if not for you we could not celebrate such a momentous occasion.
 
 
 
In lieu of birthday gifts…Donate!
 
We love birthdays, and what better way to celebrate than donating to scholarships that help KBIA continue to offer great programs.  Since the very beginning of KBIA history, volunteers and donors have been at the forefront, continually improving KBIA and offering this magical experience to the community.  We are so appreciative of this generosity, and we are still working towards our goal to increase scholarships at KBIA.
 
Please consider a celebratory donation to our cause so that KBIA can continue to provide “summers of experience” here at the beach!
 
Donation checks can be mailed to:
KBIA
P.O. Box 707
Kennebunk, ME 04043
 
For information on donating toward the cause, visit the “Support Us” page on our website.
 
 
2015 Membership Directory
Check Your Mailbox!
 
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Hot off the press and arriving in mailboxes, the 2015 Membership Directory includes a listing of current board members, all the winners of the July & August Awards, 100th Anniversary Capital Campaign Donors, Membership Donors, and KBIA Members and Staff. 
 
Please let us know if you have not yet received a Membership Directory in the mail and we will be sure to send a copy right away.  If you would like to request another copy, and you were a member in 2015, please contact us to have one sent to you. 
 
We will also have a supply at the KBIA offices when we open for the season next June…anyone else ready for an official countdown to opening day!?
News

Falling into Autumn

News from the Beach
October 19, 2015
Falling into Autumn

 
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Autumn is upon us, the hot summer days fading into fond memories that will surely keep us warm during the upcoming winter months.  As we reflect on our 105th season at the beach, we know we have much for which to be thankful.  The KBIA community has so much to offer, and we thank all of you for offering so much to KBIA. 
 
During the off-season months, we are still here, working diligently towards next season.  Board members have gathered together and planned out the 2016 summer schedule.  The 2015 Membership Directory is currently at the printer and will be on its way to your mailbox soon! 
 
We still want to hear from you! At the end of August, many of you shared your preference for holding the July & August award ceremonies earlier in the day.  We love hearing your feedback!  If you have any comments or suggestions for how we can better serve the KBIA community, we invited you to send them to Executive Director Martin Lodish.  
 
 
 
2016 Calendar of Events
Save the dates … and please join us!
 
Jan 30            Membership Letter mailed and posted online
Jan 30            Staff & Counselor applications posted online
Mar 31            Registration Guide mailed and posted online
Jun 20            KBIA Office opens
Jun 25-26       Staff & Counselor Orientation Weekend
Jun 27            Season Opening Day
Jun 27-Jul 1   Membership Fee-Free Week
Jul 10             KBIA 25th Annual Day at the Beach 5K / 1K Road Race
Jul 23             July Watersports, Awards & BBQ
Jul 23             KBIA Seaside Celebration
Aug 6             Reid Sacco Family Regatta
Aug 20           August Watersports, Awards & BBQ
 
 
Don’t Let KBIA News Get Spammed!
 
It’s true, no one likes spam, and thankfully some e-mail service providers have become more and more aggressive with their spam filters – as they should.  But this also means that some of KBIA’s newsletters could be sent to your spam folder. 
 
It is always a good idea to periodically check your spam or junk folder to ensure you are receiving the e-mails you do want – like ours!  If you find a KBIA e-mail that has been marked as spam, click on the “Not Spam” button (look in your toolbar and internet options, as well as your e-mail settings).  Another way to ensure KBIA emails are getting to you is to add the following e-mail addresses to your contacts/address book:  [email protected].
 
And thanks for keeping up with us!
 
 
 
News

2015 See you next summer!

News from the Beach
August 24, 2015
See you next summer!

 
 
 
 
“KBIA is an association of people who yearly answer the siren song of Kennebunk Beach, a place where the sky stretches overhead like a pale blue blanket, and the ocean crawls in over the sand and retreats leaving just a hint of its memory … scarlet-hued sunsets, double rainbows, periwinkles and insatiable seagulls.”
 
~ “Remembering 100 Year at the Beach”
 
 
 
KBIA by the numbers 
 
Closing out our 105th season at KBIA has us reflecting on another banner year down at the beach.  With open arms we welcomed back many familiar faces and were graced with the fortune of welcoming many new friends this summer.  KBIA served 766 people this season, the previous high being 691 in 2014!  During our bonus Week 9, we are happy to report serving 254 people, a wonderful way to end our final week. 
 

Weekly we offered more than 55 various programs, and we also hosted a MIRC sailing competition, our 24th annual 5K/1K road race and the sixth annual Reid Sacco Family Regatta, plus weekly sold-out movie nights, bonfires on the beach, teen and tween nights, and two celebratory awards/barbecues.

 
 
 
Extend the gift of “summer”
 
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Please help us keep the spirit of summer alive for children who are unable to attend KBIA without assistance.  For every $500 donated to the KBIA scholarship fund, we are able to invite a child to attend KBIA for a four week scholarship!  The impact of a summer spent swimming, sailing, and just “being a kid” has a lasting impression. All donations — large, small and/or online are greatly appreciated.
 
 
 
 
 
At the Helm
New and Departing Board Members 
 
KBIA is fortunate to have the tireless dedication of its volunteer Board of Directors working behind the scenes and meeting quarterly to help steer the organization.  At August’s annual membership meeting our Board of directors bid a fond farewell to departing members M M Shore Tornga, Diane Gregg Harrington, and James McGuckin, and we welcomed new member Leigh Griswold Boudreau.  Thank you all!
 
 
OFFICERS 2015-2016
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Shannon Beer Belanger, President
Pierre Monaghan, Vice President
David Keating, Treasurer
Kirsten Oppenheimer, Secretary
John Bauman
Susan Rundquist Palmer
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian Campbell
David Sweetser
Courtney Finnegan Sepic
Donna Smyth-Wilson
Julie Wolfson Stockman
Chad Walier
Leigh Griswold Boudreau
 
 
 
Congratulations to our August award-winners
 
Always a bittersweet ending to a season, we concluded our 2015 season with KBIA’s biannual BBQ & Awards ceremony on Aug. 22. All children received participation ribbons, some received KBIA “wedges” or plaques for those who exemplify the KBIA spirit in attitude and accomplishment, while a select few earned their way into KBIA history. For these top honors, winners’ names are engraved on our traditional “silver ware,” which are on display in the office for all to see. Those winners were:

 

Hartley Lord Cup for Seamanship:  Nick Reszetnik
Eagle Rock Yacht Club Officer’s Cup:  Quin O’Hara
Eagle Rock Yacht Club Hartley Lord Cup:  Peter Cole Mitchell
Eagle Rock Yacht Club Friendship Cup:  Max Hanson
Sisters Gerold and Vincent Art Award:  Chloe Shea
Feldman Art Award:  Maizey Wilner
Keepers of the Cove:  Joey Birdsall
Griswold Tray:  Colin Blais
Jane Wydra Award:  Sarah Quinn
President’s Cup:  Abi Cotton
Waterhouse Cup:  Taylor Mullen
Calder Cup:  Katherine Cotton and Brial Dill
 
 
 
Coming soon to KBIA members!
 
“Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold”
 
When thinking of KBIA, these song lyrics ring true in all our hearts…it is a special community where you make new friends each year, while reuniting with friends made in summers past.  We come from all over the country, all over the world and join together during summers at KBIA.  To help us keep in touch year-round, we publish a Membership Directory every fall with families’ names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mails. Following tradition, it also includes a listing of winners’ names from our July and August awards ceremonies.  Members will receive the booklet in the mail as soon as it is available.
 
 
 
 
Thoughts? Comments? Questions?
Please share your thoughts
 
As we pack up our summer momentos and head towards a new season, we like to reflect on the adventures of the past nine weeks of warm, sunny days down at the beach.  What did you and your family like most at KBIA? What can we improve on next year? In the spirit of open dialogue, we want to know how we may serve our members even better in the future. We invite you to gather your thoughts and send them to Executive Director Martin Lodish.