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.”