Peoria-Area Community Impact Guide 2022-2023

CAMP BIG SKY To provide education, training and skills development to children and adults with disabilities through participation in accessible outdoor activities.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 56 Farmington, IL 61531 Physical Address: 17185 E. McCord Road Fairview, IL 61432 Phone: (309) 258-6002 Email: exec@campbigsky.org Website : campbigsky.org Facebook : @CampBigSkyIL

STAFF: Amanda Atchley, Executive Director Brad Guidi, Volunteer Mission Director Steve Rees, Operations Manager Jessica Buescher, Education Coordinator Colette Rees, Admin Assistant

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mike Lied, President Karla Kane, Vice President

John Meister, Treasurer Dawn Weber, Secretary Kristen Berchtold Seth Colvin Cameron Guidi Zach Maher Don Rulis Ken Silverthorn Lori Warden

Our Life Skills Education program teaches high school special education students the important skill sets required to live independently in the community through participation in engaging outdoor/indoor activities. Our Adult Volunteer Education program teaches participants how to be great volunteers, enabling them to become engaged and contributing members of their community learning job skills. DID YOU KNOW? A productive company retreat - Let Camp Big Sky be your next offsite team building experience. Plan an out-of-office gathering for your company’s employees at our Learning Center & Lodge that provides an environment where your team can learn to really work together through a whole host of activities. Unplug for a company retreat, blending business conversations with outdoor activities and teambuilding events. Visit Us – Family Overnight Accommoda tions as well as group rentals available. Have a birthday party at Camp Big Sky, and let us handle the mess. Your child’s two-hour party will begin in the Lodge and end in your chosen activity area of Fishing, Boat Rides, Hayrack Ride, Archery, Basketball and Lawn Games.

VISION The amazing place where people of all ages and abilities enjoy the outdoors. In everything we do, we believe in the value of every person and their ability to thrive. WHAT WE DO Camp Big Sky is a very unique place that provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and their families, friends and caregivers to access, discover, learn and enjoy the outdoors-all at no cost to the campers or their families. There’s no place like Camp Big Sky in the region. Located in a beautiful natural setting, the camp provides a safe and nonrestrictive environment where people with disabilities can experience new educational and outdoor activities, as well as many lifelong memories. With more than 2,400 visitors annually from 15 counties in Illinois, Camp Big Sky gives people with disabilities the chance to do all kinds of things like fishing, boating, kite f lying, studying nature, hayrack rides, hiking, archery, and even overnight camping – often for the very first time in their lives.

HOW TO HELP There are several ways you can help Camp Big Sky give children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoor activities we take for granted: Donate : Every dollar you contribute allows us to continue our core organizational value of providing all day services at no cost to those we serve. Sponsor : We host an annual fishing tournament May 21, golf scramble September 16, and Kickin’ It Up dinner July 8, with sponsorship opportunities available for each. Volunteer : From construction and camper support services to fundrais ing and governance, there are lots of ways you can help with your time. For more opportunities visit our web site www.campbigsky.org or contact Amanda Atchley at (309) 258-6002 or exec@campbigsky.org

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