BY MARIA CHILDS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
This summer marks an exciting new chapter for Kansas 4-H at Rock Springs Ranch as the Stoneybrook area opens its doors to youth and adult groups looking for a space that encourages growth, connection, and positive experiences. Construction on this area of Rock Springs Ranch began in spring and is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.
The Stoneybrook community features renovated cabins and a modernized bathhouse, providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for all visitors. This summer, the space will be available for rental groups seeking opportunities to engage in activities that promote healthy habits, community service, and personal development.
Looking ahead, this area of Rock Springs Ranch will become the Teen Leadership Community during summer camp. This community aims to empower Kansas teens with leadership skills and meaningful experiences that build confidence and foster civic engagement.
“Stoneybrook has long been part of our legacy,” said President/CEO Mindy Weixelman. “The idea for a teen leadership community came from camper surveys where 4-H teens shared how much they love summer camp but they also wanted a space just to call their own. At Rock Springs Ranch, youth and adults practice leadership everyday. Outside of the summer camp season, Stoneybrook will be open to other groups to enjoy. We are already accepting reservations for fall. We are grateful for the support of our donors and excited to see how this space can inspire and nurture growth for youth and adults alike.”
From its earliest days, Rock Springs Ranch was built through the generosity of people who believed in the power of community and youth development. The Stoneybrook housing community is another lasting symbol of that vision.
The Sunderland Foundation and Capitol Federal Foundation played a key role in renovating the bathhouse in this area, creating a comfortable and functional space that also serves as a severe weather shelter.
Thanks to a significant leadership gift from the Patterson Family Foundation, the Counselors in Training (CIT) and Leaders in Training (LIT) programs were launched in 2022 and have been growing since. As part of launching the program, the Patterson Family Foundation also provided camperships to Kansas teens to participate, removing financial barriers and opening the door for more teens to engage in this life-changing leadership opportunity.
The restoration of eight cabins with modern amenities, including air conditioning, preserves a treasured part of Kansas 4-H’s heritage while offering a safe and inviting home-away-from-home for visitors.
PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP BEHIND THE COMMUNITY
“Our family has seen firsthand how Kansas 4-H builds confidence and life skills. Supporting Stoneybrook means empowering today’s youth to gain experiences that strengthen Kansas communities, just like 4-H did for ours,” said Roger McClellan, a generous donor of the Kansas 4-H Foundation.