2007 A Year Dreams Became Reality

Sunnyhill Honored with Variety Stellar Performance Award

Wearing that dress shirt, he could have busted his buttons. Instead though, Camp Director Rob Darroch was standing tall in his traditional tartan plaid kilt while next to him on the stage of the Chase Park Plaza, Executive Director Vicky Presnell was grinning from ear to ear.  It was a proud moment for everyone associated with Sunnyhill Adventures as the camp was given the Stellar Performance Award by Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis.

The mission of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis is to serve children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region. To meet their needs Variety provides medical equipment, transportation, resource referrals and ongoing development programs.

In addition, Variety helps to support 90 partner agencies in their mission to benefit children. One of those partner agencies is Sunnyhill.

This year, Sunnyhill was one of only 7 agencies honored with the distinction of receiving the Stellar Performance Award. After receiving a grant application earlier this year, representatives from Variety visited Sunnyhill Adventures to take a tour of the camp and see our new lodge---Pfeifer’s Place. Pfeifer’s Place has given Sunnyhill Adventures the ability to increase programming for children by 8 weeks each summer.

Sunnyhill was given the Stellar Performance Award at the Champions for Children Summit, the annual Variety allocation luncheon, held November 13. A grant for $6,000 to provide for camper scholarships also was awarded to Sunnyhill. 

Historically, the luncheon is held near the Thanksgiving holiday to reflect a time of thankfulness for the corporate, foundation and individual donors and volunteers that support Variety.

Vicky Presnell, executive director of Sunnyhill is thankful for the award from Variety and the people that made it possible.

“We are thankful for our staff and that their hard work is being recognized, and we’re thankful for the recognition the award gives Sunnyhill because it means more people will know about Sunnyhill’s award winning programs.

A group of about 20 board members, administrators and staff attended the luncheon.

Sunnyhill Adventures Cuts the Ribbon

More Camping Opportunities Ahead

Another chapter in the history of the Council for Extended Care and Sunnyhill Adventures has been written.  Board members cut the ribbon on Pfeifer’s Place, the new 48 bed lodge at Sunnyhill on June 7th. 

It was a project which began as a dream and took more than 10 years to become a reality.  Now, however, the new lodge will open the door to new programming, new campers, and more new ideas.

The new facility at Sunnyhill Adventures is a significant expansion.  In years past, Sunnyhill was limited in the number of children that could attend camp during the summer months. Standards set by the American Camp Association, require separate facilities for adult and children campers.  Sunnyhill’s popularity with adults with developmental disabilities required a full 8 weeks of programming and relegated camping for children to two weeks during the summer.

Now, however, the whole summer has opened up for children. Eight more weeks of programming now is available for the younger set.  Since Sunnyhill features inclusive programming, this means a world of possibilities for children of all abilities.  Already, the number of campers enrolling at Sunnyhill has exceeded expectations for this first summer.

The official opening was celebrated with friends and supporters of the CEC, and the ribbon was cut by the lodge’s namesake, Richard “Dutch” Pfeifer, who has been on the board of the agency for more than 20 years and formerly served as its president for over a decade.  Refreshments, music and tours of the new building followed.

The completion of the project came right on time.  Counselors and staff from Annie’s Hope arrived on June 8th.  Children served by the organization arrived the following Monday.  The new partnership with Annie’s Hope is a reflection of the new direction programs at Sunnyhill are taking, making the most of the facilities at camp to serve children and adults of all abilities.  Sunnyhill is reaching out to other organizations to provide facilities for special camps, school field trips, youth group events, church retreats and corporate team building.

Sunnyhill Adventures Hosts Annie's Hope

There were stories, games, ice cream, mud and most of all laughter—laughter that was new again, a release, part of the recovery, a remedy for too many tears.  During the week of June 11-15, Sunnyhill Adventures was converted to a new place of healing, Camp Courage.

Camp Courage is a program operated by Annie’s Hope.  The nonprofit organization provides bereavement services for children who have lost a significant person in their lives, and their families. 

The organization was founded in response to a need recognized by a pediatric nurse, and a life that inspired her to give others hope.  Founder Becky Byrne remembers the determination of a young lady who never let go of tomorrow.

Annette (Annie) was 13 when she was first diagnosed with leukemia.  During her illness several severe complications created a “long hard road,” for the teenager, Byrne said.  She suffered from a persistent fungal infection, liver failure and kidney failure. She began dialysis and then had a kidney transplant. She also underwent a bone marrow transplant.

“Through it all she remained optimistic and considered each day a gift.  She looked for the goodness in each day and made plans for her future,” Byrne said.

She finally turned the corner and her leukemia went in remission.  She reached that landmark 5 year point and was pronounced cured.  At 21, she was engaged and enrolled in college, when a sudden massive infection took her life.  Her family was devastated.

Byrne realized there were no services to help this family cope with their grief, only the example of Annie’s hope.  It was the beginning of an idea, and the St. Louis Bereavement Center for Young People was established in 1998.  The organization later became Annie’s Hope.  Annie’s Hope provides services like support groups for children, teens and the adults in their lives, weekend retreats for teens, school support and education, a library and other resources, and then Camp Courage.

This year Sunnyhill Adventures became the backdrop for the week long event. Byrne said Camp Courage attracts the most children and teenagers because it addresses the needs of children who might not otherwise receive services.

“It draws the most kids because it is non-threatening. Support groups are scary. This reaches kids that would often say no, to a support group,” she said.

There were support groups for the children, however, during their stay and lots and lots of activities to help them get their thoughts and feelings out as well as expend energy and have some fun. 

Part of the group was the first to stay in Sunnyhill’s new cabin. In all 115 children and 50 staff spent the week.  And directors Vicky and Rob as well as members of the staff “bent over backwards” to make their stay comfortable, Becky said.

The children loved the camp, she said.

“The kids had a great time. The Alpine tower, swing, fishing and paddle boats were all a big hit,” Byrne said.

Annie’s Hope has already scheduled more events at Sunnyhill Adventures this summer, said Vicky Presnell, executive director. 

“We are pleased to provide our facilities for Annie’s Hope and the good work they do. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership in the future,” she said.