Cast of Characters (Episode #3): Q & A with Stephen Kyne

What is your name?

Stephen Kyne

How many years have you been at Kingswood / what was your first year at Kingswood?

5 Years (2016)(Not including 2020)

How would you describe your role at Kingswood?

I’m a Cabin Counselor, usually for Seniors, most recently working with the Guides and CITs. In terms of activities, I’m one of the senior instructors of soccer and fitness, I instruct waterskiing, lead some hikes, and I’ve assisted on various clinics from golf to cricket to kayaking to paddle boarding to rugby. In 2017 I introduced Kingswood to Gaelic Football, making Kingswood (as far as I can tell from my research), the only sleep-away camp in the country to offer Gaelic Football as an activity. I’ve been very proud to watch it grow into one of the more popular offerings at camp in recent years.

What is your favorite camp memory?

This is really tough, if I spent some time I’m sure I could come up with many, but I’ll give the first two that came to mind.

Back in 2018 I was very lucky in that my brother and my best friend both happened to be in America for different reasons but at the same time, and both were able to make time to come and visit camp for the same few days. The day after their arrival was the Friday of clinics, and they were able to join in my Senior Gaelic Football clinic (which I remember being a very strong group) and I just thought it was the coolest thing seeing these two guys amongst all these great kids playing the game like they had been for years, despite only being introduced to it a few days beforehand. Just those whole few days, and the two guys falling in love with the camp so fast made me really proud that I can now share a little bit of Kingswood with them.

Then other memory that comes to mind is actually also from 2018, just a few days later, during Bow and Arrow songfest. I was the Head Coach of the Arrows, and we had picked a very small obscure Irish song for our Alma Mater, which I knew was a risk because naturally people tend to react better to songs that they know. I remember watching the team singing the song, and once they hit the crescendo, absolutely nailing it, with so much passion, I really felt a rush of pride on a level that I’m not sure I had felt before.

What makes Kingswood special to you?

So many things, it’s hard to summarize. As someone who came to the camp as a Counselor, the trust the Wipflers place in the staff, and the flexibility that’s offered, both to the kids and the staff, go such a long way to creating the incredible atmosphere that permeates throughout the grounds.

Recently I remembered an interview I did for another camp before interviewing for Kingswood, and I went back and checked the rejection email that they sent. Being rejected from that camp was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me. And I think it says a lot that on that camp’s website, they boast a 40% staff return rate, whereas at Kingswood, we stand I believe around 90%. That right there is the family and community that is Kingswood. And for those 10% (and the same absolutely goes for new campers), you’re adopted into the family so quickly and openly, it really feels like a place that wants you to be there.

I think I’ve really struggled to answer this question because I’d probably need to plan it like an essay and need about a 10,000 word count.

What is your favorite place on campus?

The Council Circle

What is your favorite A-block offering?

The annual U.S. vs. The World Soccer Match

If you were a camper, how would you spend your B-Block?

Most definitely on the waterfront, cooling off after an action-packed A-Block. Either skiing or tubing followed by some nice relaxed swimming in the crib, sounds like a great afternoon.

What is your favorite Kingswood hike / trip?

Franconia Ridge Loop