Camp Friend Receives Regional Honor

By Whitney Strang, Director of Development

Former camper and counselor, Kiel Peregrin, is among those recognized in the St. Louis Business Journal’s 2022 class of 40 Under 40 honorees.

As a key part of the management team at Bethesda, a leading provider of senior care in St. Louis, Kiel led critical decisions to protect residents and staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees operations of the organization as well as environmental services and facilities management and clinical process and application components.

Prior to being included on the 40 Under 40, he was one of 56 individuals invited to participate in the 2020 Leadership St. Louis Class.  The program explored issues such as economic development, racial equity, education, criminal justice, and poverty within the St. Louis region.

Kiel has also been an active part of the Camp Ondessonk community since his time as a camper from 1996 until 2000.  For the next five summers, he worked as part of the summer staff in the Rock Adventure Program and various other roles.  Two years ago, he joined Camp’s Finance Committee, providing a calm and steady presence while Camp struggled financially through the summer of 2020 without campers.  Additionally, Kiel is a Lifetime Lodge member and a generous supporter of the Gala and other Camp events.

Heepwah, Kiel!