The Vision
Riverside is transforming its property in Big Rock, IL, into an epic landscape of adventure and imagination. We believe this landscape will inspire and guide the young to discover their creative gifts, delve into great stories, and grow through their relationship with Jesus and others via what we call Fellowships of Creative Endeavor.
Owning a large country property is a great blessing, allowing us to craft a unique experience to help boys grow in virtue, imagination, friendship, and faith. We are building something together that will last and serve many families.
Our Mission
Riverside’s mission is to inspire the young to discover their heroic calling through meaningful work, focusing on:
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Creative Arts (storytelling focus)
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Outdoor adventure
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Craftsmanship
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Friendship
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Faith
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Other essential experiences for boys growing into men.
Deep Roots Capital Campaign
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Last year, we launched "Deep Roots," our first capital campaign, and are now planning the ultimate landscape of adventure and imagination. We invite contributions through donations, ideas, or volunteering.
Deep Roots is a vision for building culture and restoring in the young a great vision for their heroic role in life's epic story. We have immediate needs for next year and grand ideas to make The Riverside Club, "THE Destination," for families.
We hope that you can attend Night at the Oscars, on April 11. This will be an epic evening in Old Hollywood, with great food and drinks, glamorous attire, and a good old-fashioned Trivia Challenge.
The Deck
The wrap-around back deck offers picturesque views of Long Lake and sunset, ideal for indoor and outdoor gatherings, special events, and building fellowship. Improvements will ensure safety and allow us to host families and adults.
Widen Drive and Parking
Widening the long, narrow driveway will allow for two-way traffic and the addition of parking spaces along the widening and the circle drive. This will accommodate daily staff/carpool use and parking for small events (80-100 people).
Front Patio/Accessibility
We must add ADA-compliant accessibility ramps to the front and back of the clubhouse. The front will feature a tiered patio with access to the Third Year classroom, serving as a beautiful commons for parents to socialize and a gathering place. The back ramp will improve daily access to the downstairs lounge and patio for all, including those with disabilities.
Classroom Renovations
To create larger classrooms and space for apprentices' supplies, we will remove existing classroom-wing bathrooms. Specifically, the Third Year room’s walk-in closet and master bathroom will be renovated to become the classroom for the Chiron Fourth Year Program (ages 13-15). This simple renovation is vital for Riverside’s growth.
Immediate Property Improvement Needs
Three-Season Room Conversion
Converting this room to an all-seasons space by adding secure windows will allow it to retain heat in winter. The renovation will provide a warm place for boys to prepare for adventures and enter the house. Its proximity to the back patio will also benefit social gatherings and events (it already acts as a homebase for food/drink supplies).
Next Step Improvement Needs
New Dock/Gazebo
The gazebo vision is a larger structure with new wood and stone, including seating. The dock will be demolished and rebuilt to be twice its current size, featuring steps, railings, a potential slide, and a diving board. This will make the lake more accessible for water activities and complement the deck/patio for good weather events.
Silver Maple Stage
We will build a permanent, weather-resistant, multi-tiered deck stage under the large Silver Maple tree. A dedicated sound and light tower will be placed just north of the stage. This spot, discovered during our All Hallows Fest, will be a memorable, beautiful setting for a variety of entertainments and young actors and their families for years to come.
Forest Cultivation
We will begin culling the forest, including clearing invasive species, creating paths and spaces for play and camping, and planting hardwood and pine trees. This project, requiring equipment and hand tools, is part of a larger plan for a walking path that circumnavigates the property, enabling activities like pilgrimage walks, and cross-country running/skiing.
Tree Care
The property’s arboretum is perfect for naturalist studies, but many trees are unhealthy due to overcrowding. We plan to hire an arborist for advice on pruning and removal to create an even more beautiful garden of trees with symmetry and beautiful vistas, including spots to rest, gather, and contemplate nature, and above all, a woodland walk.
Fireplace Transformation
To match our vision for a Montana Lodge-style gathering area and suit Riverside's masculine ethos, the current marble fireplace will be transformed into a rugged stone and railroad tie fireplace. This aesthetic improvement will provide a warm, beautiful hearth for deep conversations, though it is not an immediate need.
Small Items, Big Impact
Zip Line
Treehouse
Beach
Tree Swings
Woodchip Path
Golf Grass
Tree Decks
Obstacle Course
Boat House
Grand Vision Capital Campaign Goals
Event Barn
This signature building is the most important improvement, serving as a creative commons. It will host cultural events, theatrical productions, and other programs. The barn will include new classrooms to expand our offerings, a commercial kitchen for on-site food service, and a sound and film studio. This will be a grand place for families, Journeymen, and others, and will serve as a new revenue stream through rental fees.
Golf Simulator/Cinema
An enclosed shed, finished with heating and electricity, will allow the new Golf Team to practice during cold weather months. It will also be a place for boys to watch films or for community gatherings.