K&E Families,
You know that feeling when you walk into camp and immediately sense something special?
That’s not just random luck or some coincidence.
That’s the result of people who’ve poured decades into creating something bigger than themselves.
For many decades now, Jacki and Bob have been part of the heart and soul of Kenwood & Evergreen. They’ve shaped not just summers, but entire generations of campers, so many of whom are reading this right now.
It’s a testament to their impact and the leadership of K&E’s legendary Directors that so many of you chose K&E for your family because you went here as kids.
Traditions that make your kids light up?
Moments of belonging they’ve felt?
Stories they’ve come home telling?
Jacki and Bob’s steady hands have been behind so much of it.
Honoring What’s Been Built
As we navigate this time of evolution at Evergreen, we’re honored to announce that both Jacki and Bob will continue as Kenwood & Evergreen Directors Emeritus.
Both will be at camp next summer continuing as mentors, advisors, and the keepers of everything that makes K&E special. They’re both genuinely excited about these new titles.
Jacki and Bob Games. Tri-State. The loudest cheerleaders. The biggest hugs. And they’ll continue doing just that. None of that will change.
Evergreen has always been led by remarkable women who understand that strength and compassion aren’t opposites. No, they’re partners.
At Evergreen, from Bernice to Judy to Phyllis to Jacki, each Director has honored what came before while making the experience uniquely their own.
Jacki and Bob have always led with 110%. The Jacki and Bob Games, the loudest cheerleaders at Tri-State, and the biggest hugs when campers and staff needed them.
This timeline is now all about creating a bridge between what’s been and what’s coming next.
So…What Is Coming Next?
Today, I’m pumped to introduce Sylvia van Meerten as Evergreen’s new Director.
Sylvia is one of my closest friends, someone I trust completely, and she has been a mentor to me over the years.
Trying to sum Sylvia’s work/life resume feels impossible, but here we go:
She’s a mom, business coach, and facilitator who runs ForumWithin, a company helping executives build the kind of peer groups where real trust and growth happen.
She’s a former therapist turned corporate leader who blends emotional depth with practical wisdom.
She’s got that camp background, growing up at Camp AGQ in Michigan and leading camps across the country. She completely understands the exact, almost indescribable, thing we’re all working to create.
And she’s got range. Facilitating boardroom discussions, training for MMA, or playing in a punk band. Yes, she’s that interesting.
Plus, Sylvia’s has the ability (which is super rare these days) to make every person she meets feel genuinely seen and understood.
She made a quick intro video. Check it out:
And you’ll hear more from Sylvia tomorrow. She’s going to be writing to camp families all year.
The Past and Future
Transitions in places that matter work by honoring the people who built the foundation.
The way to sustain what matters most is by bringing in someone who respects that legacy while adding their own spark.
Sylvia will be reaching out next week with her own message.
I can’t wait for you to hear her voice and sense the care, confidence, and joy she’s going to bring. I’m so excited for her to join Jacki and Ali in Evergreen this summer.
I can’t wait to have Jacki and Bob bringing their decades of knowledge and endless positivity to guiding what comes next.
Bob will also continue to support the K&E athletic program. He’ll bring his attention to detail and deep care for teamwork, sportsmanship, and tradition.
And you know that Scott will be at my side for years to come, providing continuity and mentorship.
The bridge between past and future is strong. It’s got all the stories, traditions, and love that families have invested here.
That’s what we’re building, and I couldn’t be more excited for this summer… which will be here before we know it.
We got this,
Jack
Jack Schott
[email protected]
585-451-5141 (text me)
114 Eagle Pond Rd, Wilmot, NH 03287
Camps Kenwood & Evergreen Snapshot
- Location: New England overnight summer camp
- Philosophy: Growth through community, independence, and belonging
- Structure: Unified camp mission with gender-specific campuses
- Outcomes: Confidence, leadership, friendship, identity growth
