The mission of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their families. This is accomplished through weekend retreats, as well as community stroke education and awareness events for the public.
History
In September of 2001, Marylee Nunley's husband John suffered a stroke at the age of 55, an event that changed their lives forever. Following the stroke, John couldn't speak, walk, or understand much of what was going on around him. As most stroke survivors know, the road to recovery can be quite challenging. The Nunleys were no exception.
About two years after the stroke, Marylee read an article about a camp for stroke survivors who had aphasia. After reading that story, she knew that she was meant to pursue the dream of having a similar camp in her community. Her family has had a lifelong love of camping, so planning and executing the camp wasn't particularly frightening. With the help and support of countless individuals, they were able to realize their dream. The first Stroke Camp was held in September of 2004.
As a result of the success of that first camp, the dream to hold a single camp in Illinois has now grown to include non-profit status and a national network of stroke camps for stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crafts, games, educational sessions, resources, pampering, friendship, good food, hiking/walking, discussion groups, informal chat with experts, Wii, entertainment, relaxation, and more! Outdoor activities will vary by retreat center/facility and time of year, but may include fishing, boating, rock climbing, and swimming. The entire weekend is carefully planned for stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members. Activities are modified so everyone can participate. Volunteers will support and assist you throughout the weekend.
The three day weekend retreats are designed specifically for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their family members. Adaptations are made to the best of our ability so that everyone can participate. Survivors are encouraged to attend with a caregiver. At camp, caregivers are asked to assist their survivor with daily routines as is necessary. Our volunteers are available to provide a helping hand, but will not provide skilled nursing care. As long as the caregiver is able to assist the survivor with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, medication administration, etc), you are welcome to register for camp. The number of handicapped rooms varies by facility and are assigned based on greatest need. Please be sure to provide adequate information on the registration form about the level of disability to aid in our room assignments.
Camp is designed for both the survivor and caregiver. However, it is not uncommon for a more independent survivor to attend without their caregiver. Survivors attending alone need to be able to independently perform all activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, medication administration, etc).
Stroke Camp has a no pets policy. Service animals are welcomed, but we must know in advance, and you need to provide the paperwork documenting that your pet is a service animal. Therapy/companion dogs/cats are not permitted. We appreciate your understanding in regards to this matter.
The three day weekend retreat is $150 per person for most of the retreats. A few camps cost more, and some are less if the sponsor chooses to supplement the registration fee. The registration form for each retreat will have the registration fee listed on it. We thank our sponsors for the financial support that makes Stroke Camp possible!
Yes, we ask that individuals needing assistance with the registration fees call our office at 309-688-5450 to discuss your needs.
Yes! Donations designated for our "scholarship" fund can be made through the Donate button on our website or by mailing a check. Thanks to donations received throughout the year, we have never turned anyone away from camp due to inability to pay the full camper fee.
No! With few exceptions, the majority of camps are held at conference and retreat centers and campers stay in hotel style rooms with private or nearby bathrooms. More information will be provided to you about the lodging for your specific camp when you register. On a few occasions, volunteers may be asked to stay in bunk style lodging when necessary.
You can register online or print a form to mail to us. Camp listings are frequently updated, so check back periodically!
Find a CampWe are happy to begin discussions about camp sponsorship with a hospital in your area. Once the hospital expresses interest in providing a camp, please connect them with us.
Please email [email protected] with your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number to be added to our quarterly newsletter.
Check with your local hospital/stroke center to find information on a stroke support group. Here are links with stroke support group information:
American Stroke Association & National Stroke Association are great places find local support groups. There are also many online support groups that you can find through a simple internet search as well as through social media outlets.
Testimonials
Survivors Say
"It’s a great opportunity to engage in the stroke community. It helped me to meet new people who understand my struggles."
"My wife can remind herself that she’s not the "Lone Ranger""
Caregivers Say
"The validation of what my husband is going through and encouragement he gets. I love hearing him say "They get it.""
"Being able to relate with others who understand me. The friendships I make."
"The ability to let go of concerns and just visit with others; let our fun come out"
"Getting my Dad away for the weekend to meet new people like him"
Volunteers Say
"I will be a better therapist because of Stroke Camp."
"It is truly the most valuable thing to experience so that we can better understand survivors and caregivers’ experiences to better serve them."
"It gives me insight I don’t always get in a session. It helps provide more purpose to my career and motivation to be better."
"Fantastic, loved it, will be coming back
"I gathered from the caregiver group that a lot of them just wanted to talk and want someone to listen. That group meant the most to me. Best experience ever! I want to attend more camps!"
"Every camp I get a better idea of what survivors go through. I have a little more empathy and compassion than I did on day one of camp. I think attending camp will make me slow down at work when caring for stroke patients, slow down and focus on the patient rather than trying to meet corporate metrics."
"I have a greater understanding of life outside the treatment room and I can take and I can take more of these things into consideration when planning activities and goals."
"I will place more emphasis on care for the caregivers of my patients. They equally require support."
"This has truly refreshed my passion for my job and patients. I have so much knowledge and compassion to take back to my job. This has helped me to better understand the journey of stroke survivors so that I can pass it along to future patients/survivors."
"Going to Stroke Camp gives the WHOLE perspective of a person – not just seeing them as a diagnosis or patient."
"Camp reignites my passion for my career; I love being able to help others, connect with others, and share laughter and tears."
"This experience is always amazing and helps to fill my bucket and elevate my care when I return to work."
Staff
Larry Schaer
Doug Pinter
Marylee Nunley
Jan Jahnel
Kyle Wilhelm
Reagan Lindgren - Office Assistant
Brittiny Jackson - Executive Assistant
Tiffiny Conley - Bookkeeper
Board of Directors
Robin Jones
Marylee Nunley
Terry Peterson
Deb Rossman
Julie Russell
Larry Schaer
Chuck Schram
Deb Schram
Advisory Board
John & Marylee Nunley
John and Marylee are the founders of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp. John, who is a stroke survivor since 2001, worked as a computer programmer at a Top Fortune 100 Company. Even though he can't read or write, John has overcome his aphasia enough to do public speaking about Stroke Camp. Marylee is the Executive Director of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp. Marylee's professional experience includes over 30 years managing different aspects of small business. In 2005 she was named one of the 25 Women in Leadership in Central Illinois.
Larry Schaer
Larry was an integral part of creating a system that allowed Stroke Camp to go into communities that created an opportunity to expand beyond Central Illinois. Larry identifies and secures Stroke Camp and stroke education sponsors as well as works closely with the Stroke Camp processes. Larry has 40 years experience in employee relations, organizational development, and business consulting.
Jan Jahnel, RN, CNRN
Jan is a retired Stroke Coordinator for the INI Stroke Center and INI Stroke Network at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL. Jan has over 20 years of neuroscience nursing experience. She joined the staff at United Stroke Alliance in 2021 on a part-time basis. Her commitment and dedication to stroke prevention, treatment and life after stroke has been an important part of Stroke Camp and United Stroke Alliance. She is the facilitator of our Youth Education on Stroke (YES) program.
Georgia Morris
Georgia, a founding participant with her late husband Larry who spent 18 years as a caregiver and is a dedicated volunteer traveling the country to numerous Stroke Camps per year. She is an integral part of the stocking and loading of our vans for camps.
Boyd Schenck
Boyd has made his career in financing for over 30 years and is employed by Peoria Community Bank. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Management from Illinois State University. He has participated in both leadership and in service for many faith-based organizations in the Peoria area, and is a volunteer teacher for Junior Achievement.
Katie Lemkemann
An APN at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Katie is a true cheerleader and also volunteers for our fundraising Trivia Nights and Bingo.
Cheri Roberts
Stroke Camp Volunteer Staff and former caregiver for her father after his stroke. Cheri also manages our Bingo fundraising efforts and volunteers for our Trivia Night Fundraisers.
Katie Dixon
Katie is an RN who has worked many areas of healthcare at OSF Saint Frances Hospital. She has attended many of our local support groups and also assists with our fundraising efforts and Bingo.
Nick Voelker
Nick is a CPA and works for Total Income Tax here in Peoria. He has been a big supporter providing accounting services and tax advice for United Stroke Alliance for many years. He is the father of three and enjoys his “side hustle” of renting blow up houses for parties.
Pat O’Neil
Pat is the owner of Squeegee Squad located in Washington, Illinois. He is the proud father of two sons and has been a supporter of United Stroke Alliance for many years by attending and supporting fundraisers.
Laura Fredricks, RN
Laura works at the Pain Clinic for OSF Saint Francis Healthcare. She enjoys traveling and has been an active participant in our recent fundraisers.
Popi Langley, RN
Popi works in the palliative care arena for OSF Saint Frances Medical Center. In addition to her role on the Advisory Board, Popi helps with fundraising.
Marylee and John Nunley Service Award
The United Stroke Alliance Board of Directors is calling for nominations for the Marylee and John Nunley Service Award.
Helping You Help Your Loved Ones
When a loved one has a stroke, your entire life can be turned upside down. Thankfully, we have resources available to you that can help ease the burden.
Stroke Camp Shop
Another great way to support Stroke Camp is by purchasing Stroke Camp gear! There are great wearables for sale along with books, DVDs, and calendars.
We appreciate your support!
