Blue Valley Recreation News

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 - [Performing Arts]

Carolyn Unruh was honored by the Kansas Recreation & Park Association (KRPA) for her outstanding dedication and service to Blue Valley Recreation.

Performing arts professional Carolyn Unruh was awarded the Distinguished Service Award on January 28 at the annual Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) Conference and Trade Show in Topeka, Kan. The award was given to Unruh for her character, unwavering leadership, and 21 years of service to youth participating in Blue Valley Recreation Commission Camp Center Stage (CCS), a summer performing arts camp for youth ages 3-16.
 
In 1989, Unruh, a vocal music teacher at Overland Trail Middle School, approached Blue Valley Recreation about starting a six-week summer theater camp. Since that time, nearly 12,000 young people have been impacted by their participation in over 75 different productions. Unruh supervises 50 part-time staff and motivates both staff and campers alike with her warmth, creativity and humor.
 
Unruh emphasizes the development of “off-stage” character, believing that it determines the quality and success of the “on-stage” performances of campers. During the session, campers raise money for a chosen charity by doing chores, holding bake sales and car-washes, and other creative outlets. Unruh added the “Benevolent Giving” aspect of CCS in 1997; approximately $106,000 has been raised for various worthy causes since that time. Whether cultivating generosity or encouraging personal responsibility and self-determination, Unruh deeply enriches the lives of campers by teaching values and principles that remain with them the rest of their lives.
 
Catherine Niedt, Program Coordinator for Blue Valley Recreation, affirmed “Carolyn’s passion and dedication to this program reflect her personal life standards and commitment to serving others. One of her greatest rewards is seeing campers return the following summer.”
 
 
Hours of Operation

Activity Center
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday - Friday, 6am-9pm
Saturday, 7am-7pm
Sunday, noon-7pm
913.685.6000
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099

Recreation Complex Office (Sports)
9701 W. 137th Street
Monday - Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6030
For weather cancellations
call 913.685.6099
 

Administrative Offices
6545 W. 151st Street
Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
913.685.6000

Vision Statement:

"Enriching Lives, Strengthening a Spirit of Community"

Mission Statement:

"We will champion community and personal growth through dynamic lifelong recreation experiences."