Usually there are between 16 and 20 different offerings, ranging from the everyday favorites like sailing, tennis, pottery, archery, fishing, and waterskiing, to the more unusual and occasional – 'canoe battle royale' and lumberjacking. Boys raise their hands for the activities that they are most interested in, and with help and guidance from counselors, set their course for the morning or afternoon ahead. There are no limits to which activities he can select – all boys, at all ages and all abilities, can choose from Kabeyun's entire lineup of options.
On 85–86 acres at the south end of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton Bay, New Hampshire; nearly a mile of shorefront; two large sandy coves with beaches.
Cabins
Youngest three cabin groups (up to ~age 11): 6 boys; other nine cabins: 10 boys; each cabin overseen by three counselors.
Campers
Up to 114 boys ages 8–16 accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Ages
8–16
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Fishing
Waterskiing
Wakeboarding
Windsurfing
Land Sports
Tennis
Archery
Arts & Creative
Pottery
Photography
Music
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Rock climbing
Clues to fit
Cabin life — structure and belonging
The cabin group is a bit like a family unit at camp. Boys are organized by age and grade level and each group becomes a 'band of brothers', living and playing together. They learn what it takes to live in community with others who may or may not share the same perspectives and backgrounds – truly one of the most lasting aspects of our four- or eight-week program. The youngest three cabin groups, up to about eleven years old, are made up of six boys; the other nine cabins have ten boys. Regardless of the number of campers, each cabin is overseen by three counselors.
Cross-generational relationships — building friendships across ages
A key focus of Kabeyun centers on the development of meaningful relationships with campers and counselors ranging in age from 8 to 75+. Our activities, trips, meals, and free time provide many opportunities for boys of different ages to mix. This creates space for campers to learn from one another and encourages friendships among guys of varying ages. Time and time again, we hear Kabeyun campers, staff, and alumni refer to camp as 'home,' a byproduct of the strong sense of family and fellowship that we strive to maintain.
Trips are a big part of the Kabeyun program – every day, as many as 30 or even 40 campers are out of camp, off on adventures. Our trips focus on wilderness and backcountry exploration and wilderness skills. Like all of the daily activities, trips are available to any boy who chooses to go. We offer beginner (green – no experience necessary!), intermediate (blue – some experience needed), and advanced (black – experience, ability, and specific skills required) trips ranging from half-day and full-day outings to three, and even four and five day expeditions.
Extended trips — 5-day adventures to Baxter State Park and whitewater
Traversing the Knife's Edge. Spotting a moose and her calf. Exploring ice caves and cliff jumps. Those are just a few of the memorable moments campers and counselors savored on a five-day adventure in Baxter State Park last July, one of two extended trips Kabeyun offered in 2024. In all, approximately 200 campers took at least one out-of-camp trip last summer. Kabeyun offered an average of 75 trips per session, appealing to campers of all ages and skill levels in hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and fishing, as well as a few photography outings.
Does Kabeyun have color wars? No! What little we know of this phenomenon we recognize as divisive and exclusive, and running, therefore, counter to fundamental Kabeyun values.
"Nick's three summers with you were extremely important to him. Then he surprised all of us by running for student council this fall – becoming Vice-President – and showing the kind of leadership ability that I believe Kabeyun helped to foster."
"He came home a foot taller physically and emotionally. What a wonderful gem Kabeyun is!"
"Camp was everything I had hoped it would be for Jake. He is more confident, self-reliant, and a little more easy-going than before, and he's talking about going for the whole summer next year."
Every day, boys can choose from an array of activities or focus on one discipline to develop a specific skill set. Our days are divided into four activity periods, with 15-20 activities offered each period. At breakfast and lunch, campers choose their activities for the upcoming periods. All activities are available to all boys, regardless of their age or experience. Counselors are actively involved throughout the selection process, helping boys plan and encouraging them to take on new challenges.
Every day, we spend time publicly acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of individual campers. After each meal, counselors announce successes large and small and the entire camp community applauds for their fellow campers. We've found this long-standing Kabeyun tradition builds boys' self-confidence through achievement and encourages them to continue striving for the goals they have set for themselves.
