22 Years – The CCBS Celebration Continues: Still Growing, Still Making a Difference

Cherokee Creek Boys School Turns 22 Years Old

Happy Birthday, Cherokee Creek!

As we continue celebrating 22 amazing years of Cherokee Creek Boys School, we’re filled with pride and gratitude.

This milestone is more than a birthday … it’s a chance to reflect on how our mission keeps evolving, thriving and transforming lives, just like the boys and families we serve.

Executive Director, David Lepere, who has been part of the Cherokee Creek journey for 18 of those 22 years, sees this anniversary not just as a marker of time, but as a celebration of heart, resilience and purpose.

“It’s amazing how one family’s vision, determination and dedication can be multiplied into so much good for so many. It’s a real-life miracle.” David shared. “In 22 years, we’ve helped more than 600 families. And we’re still learning every day.”

CLICK this LINK to learn more about CCBS Co-Founders, Beth and Ron, and their CCBS Story.

Our approach to growth is rooted in a holistic framework we call P.A.T.H.: Personal Enrichment, Academics, Therapy and Health & Recreation. It’s a balanced, whole-person model that helps boys and their families rediscover joy, healing and lasting transformation.

“When you work here,” David explains, “you have no choice but to keep growing. Students, parents and staff are constantly being invited to learn, reflect and stretch in new ways. That’s what makes this place so special.”

True to our core value of FUN, we keep adding new ways for boys to connect, play and grow outside the classroom. In addition to favorites like soccer, basketball, cross-country and disc golf, recent years have brought a wave of new extracurricular activities:

• Street hockey
• Bowling
• A fishing team
• Pickleball
• RC cars
• Orienteering
• Tennis
• And coming back this summer … Golf!

These aren’t just activities … they’re experiences that build confidence, cooperation and joy in a safe, structured environment.

Co-Founder, Beth Black, shared some additional thoughts on what’s helped Cherokee Creek remain strong and successful for over two decades. She points to two things in particular:

A Mission and Values That Never Waver

“We challenge boys and their families to discover what is real and true about themselves and the world around them.”

That simple statement remains our North Star, supported by three foundational pillars: Family, Nature, and being Boy-Friendly.

We’re also guided by the values of Truth, Wisdom, Love and Courage … and built on a foundation of Safety, Quality, Creativity, Fun and Self-Discovery for the entire family.

“These aren’t just words on paper … they’ve shaped every decision about our program, and our relationship with our students and families since day one.”

And it is The People. Always the People.

“Earlier in my career, I helped open Walt Disney World in Florida, and a quote of Walt Disney’s that stays with me to this day is this: ‘You can dream, design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make that dream a reality.’”

“I’m so grateful for David Lepere’s 18 years of leadership, for every person on the leadership team and for every member of the CCBS team who has carried the mission forward with heart and excellence. To everyone who’s been part of CCBS over the past 22 years … thank you. You’ve made an incredible difference, and you continue to do so.”

From humble beginnings to a vibrant, heart-centered community, the Cherokee Creek journey is still unfolding … with pride, passion and purpose.

We’re excited for what’s ahead … and more committed than ever to helping boys and families rediscover hope, joy and what’s real and true.