350 Miles of Resilience, Hope and a Big Mission
On September 12, 2026, the Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS) cycling team crossed the finish line in Albany NY after five days, 350 miles and countless pedal strokes along the Erie Canalway Trail.
The cyclists were tired … they were a little sore … and they were definitely smiling. But the finish line represented much more than the end of a long bike ride.
It represented resilience, friendship, community and hope.
It represented the willingness to keep going when the road gets difficult.
And most importantly, it represented a shared commitment to raising awareness about adolescent mental health and helping boys and families who need support find a path forward.
This was the third annual BOTO’s Big Ride and once again, CCBS Executive Director, David LePere, led the team.
Every mile had a purpose.
And every dollar raised can help make a difference in the life of a boy and his family.
Why Ride 350 Miles for Teen Mental Health?
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, we know that sometimes a boy’s struggles can leave an entire family wondering …
What Do We Do Now?
For some boys, traditional school simply isn’t working. They may be struggling academically, socially or emotionally – or dealing with challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, depression, grief, school refusal or technology overuse.
And when a family has tried one solution after another, finding the right next step can feel overwhelming.
That is why Cherokee Creek Boys School exists.
CCBS is a nationally-accredited therapeutic boarding school serving boys ages 10 – 15 in grades 5 – 10.
We combine academics, therapy, character development, social interaction and outdoor adventure in a setting designed to help boys rediscover confidence, purpose and joy.
Our goal is simple but powerful:
To help boys and their families rediscover a sense of hope and optimism for their future.
BOTO’s Big Ride is an extension of that mission.
CCBS took the message beyond our campus and onto the road while raising funds for the CCBS Fire Keepers Scholarship Fund.
Giving Can Make a Difference …
for Everyone
One of the most meaningful parts of BOTO’s Big Ride is knowing that the miles can translate into opportunities for boys and families who need help.
The CCBS Fire Keepers Scholarship Fund helps families access the support their sons need at CCBS. A donation can help give a boy another educational option, provide access to therapy and academics and create opportunities for him to build confidence, resilience and a greater understanding of his own strengths.
But there is another reason giving matters.
- Research suggests that helping others can benefit the person doing the giving, too.
The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health has highlighted research on prosocial behavior – actions such as volunteering, sharing and charitable giving that are intended to help others.- Harvard professor Laura Kubzansky notes that some of the research suggests these actions may benefit the giver as much as, or even more than, the receiver.
- Another study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that people experienced greater emotional benefits from giving when they understood the positive impact their money was having.
The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health has highlighted research on That is especially meaningful when we think about the CCBS Fire Keepers Scholarship Fund. Because giving isn’t simply about transferring money from one person to another.
- It’s about connection, purpose and making a difference.
- It’s knowing that your gift might help a boy who needs a different educational environment.
- It might give a family another option when traditional school isn’t working.
- It might help a young person discover a strength he didn’t know he had.
- And it might give a family something incredibly important during a difficult season … HOPE.
A Mental Health Challenge We Can’t Ignore
The Need for Support is Real
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2023, four in ten U.S. high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while two in ten seriously considered attempting suicide. The CDC also emphasizes the importance of connection and strong relationships as protective factors for adolescent mental health.
And this isn’t a new concern.
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health, calling for stronger access to mental health services and support for children and families.
At CCBS, we see the importance of that support every day.
- Sometimes the first step toward healing is simply finding a place where a boy feels understood.
- A place where he can experience success again.
- A place where he can discover strengths he didn’t know he had.
A Place Where He Can Begin to Believe …
Maybe I Can Do This
David LePere
Three Rides. One Big Mission.
For CCBS Executive Director, David LePere, BOTO’s Big Ride has become a very personal journey.
David has led all three BOTO’s Big Rides and this year’s 350-mile ride brought another opportunity to challenge himself physically while supporting something he cares deeply about … the boys and families of Cherokee Creek.
CCBS staff member, Elijah Smith, also joined the ride. Elijah has now participated in two BOTO’s Big Rides and he says he loves his work at CCBS and is proud and excited to support a ride that helps make it possible for more boys and families to get the help they need.
For both David and Elijah, the ride is about much more than cycling.
It is about being part of a community that believes boys can grow, families can heal and difficult seasons can have a different ending.
David says the greatest challenge isn’t always the physical one.
“Reaching the end of our ride is like a mountain top experience for me. Before setting off, I was training for the physical challenge aspect of the ride, but in reality this is much more of a challenge in attitude and grit when the going got tough. For me, it was the enthusiasm of my friends who were also facing the same challenge that made the difference between finishing or not. I’m grateful to have been surrounded by such supportive friends!”
That message feels especially meaningful at CCBS … because boys don’t develop resilience by being told that life will always be easy.
They develop resilience by experiencing challenges, learning that they can get through difficult moments and discovering that they don’t have to do it alone.
That is true on a bike trail … and it is true in life.
The BOTO Lesson
Be Open To Outcome
Of course, no BOTO’s Big Ride would be complete without BOTO the Bear.
BOTO is the official mascot, greeter and blogger of Cherokee Creek Boys School. He can often be found welcoming students, families and visitors from the porch of the CCBS lodge.
But BOTO is much more than a friendly bear. His name stands for:
Be Open To Outcome
The phrase has become an important guiding principle at CCBS.
BOTO’s Story
BOTO’s story goes back more than 20 years, when CCBS founder Beth Black was thinking about a mascot that could represent the hopes and vision she had for the school.
Not long afterward, black bear paw prints appeared in the driveway near the lodge.
The team came to see the bear as a fitting symbol for qualities they wanted to encourage in boys: introspection, healing, wisdom, transformation and strength.
And BOTO was born. His message is simple:
Stay curious … Stay flexible
Be willing to discover that the path forward may look different than you expected
That message is particularly appropriate for a five-day, 350-mile bike ride.
- There are hills
- Weather changes.
- Tired legs
- Unexpected challenges
- Sometimes you need to go faster
- Sometimes you need to slow down
- Sometimes you need to ride together
- And sometimes you simply need to trust the people around you
That is BOTO.
And, in many ways, that is life.
The Power of a Team
One of the most beautiful parts of BOTO’s Big Ride is the community that develops along the way. This year’s team included CCBS staff, alumni parents, local cyclists and friends of Cherokee Creek.
- There was David.
- There was Elijah.
- There was Janine LePere, who served as the team’s SAG driver, making sure riders had everything they needed along the way.
- And there were friends and cyclists who joined because they believed in the mission.
One Team BOTO rider, Steve, captured the spirit of the experience:
“Fantastic ride! Great to make new friends. It’s fun to meet the challenges of a 5-day ride and bittersweet to reach the end and have to leave the trail and friends behind.”
The Erie Canalway Trail offered more than just miles.
It offered connection.
Riders shared stories, laughter and determination along the way, reminding us that resilience is rarely built in isolation.
We are stronger when we do hard things together.
The Ride Is Over
The Mission Continues
- The bikes may be back home.
- The jerseys may be in the laundry.
- The sore legs may finally be recovering.
- But the mission of BOTO’s Big Ride continues.
- Because somewhere, there is a family wondering what to do next.
- Somewhere, a boy may be struggling to believe that he can succeed.
And somewhere, a parent may simply be hoping to hear … there is another possibility.
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, we believe there is. CCBS believes …
- Boys can grow.
- Families can heal.
- Challenges can become opportunities for growth.
- Hope can return.
That is why we ride. That is why we give.
And that is why BOTO’s Big Ride matters.
Congratulations, Team BOTO!
- David … Elijah … and all the members of the BOTO Riding Team
- Janine, Team BOTO’s SAG driver
- CCBS alumni parents.
- Local cycling friends / supporters
- Every rider, supporter, cheerleader and donor
Congratulations on completing the third annual BOTO’s Big Ride!
- Three rides.
- Hundreds of miles.
- Countless conversations about adolescent mental health.
And one powerful reminder: We are stronger when we do hard things together.
The finish line in Albany marked the end of this year’s ride – but it is not the end of the journey.
There are still boys who need help. There are still families looking for hope.
And there are still ways for each of us to make a difference.
You Can Help Keep the Journey Going!
If BOTO’s Big Ride inspired you, consider making a gift to the CCBS Fire Keepers Scholarship Fund. Donations are made through Choose Mental Health and support the CCBS scholarship effort.
Give what you can. Every amount matters.
Because you never know when a gift today might help a boy discover something that changes the trajectory of his tomorrow.
- Thank you for believing in boys.
- Thank you for supporting families.
- Thank you for caring about adolescent mental health.
- And thank you for being part of the Cherokee Creek community.
Together, we can help more boys discover what is real and true about themselves – and the world around them.
BOTO says it best: Be Open To Outcome.
There may be more hope ahead than we can see right now.
If you believe your son may benefit from the CCBS program, we invite you to reach out and learn more.
There is hope. There CAN be a path forward.
Want to Keep Up with News from CCBS?
Our CCBS Blog is full of helpful resources and information … and a behind-the-scenes look at life on our CCBS campus.
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I love this so much and proud that I could contribute to such a wonderful place!
Thanks so much Jamie – your generosity is greatly appreciated and will make a difference!