The Story Behind an Overnight Trip to Smith Mountain Lake

At BRC, life is about creating experiences that honor personhood, well-being, and adventure—even for residents needing higher levels of care. This year, thanks to the generosity of donors and the innovation grant process, BRC team members made history by organizing an overnight trip to Smith Mountain Lake. This groundbreaking event brought residents and team members together for a unique experience filled with joy, relaxation, and connection.

The trip was the realization of a longheld dream for Assisted Living Life Enrichment Specialist, Karyn Posey, who wanted to create an opportunity for residents to reconnect with the world beyond BRC. Inspired by her love of travel and her grandmother’s challenges with aging, Karyn sought to make travel accessible and meaningful for nursing residents. “It feels unfair that residents feel like they don’t have the option to travel anymore,” she explains. “This was about giving them an experience they thought might no longer be possible.”

Planning such a trip required careful coordination, from ensuring medical needs were met to selecting a location that offered adventure, tranquility, and accessibility. The team went above and beyond, with Clinical Coordinator Lauren Reeves, the nurse on the trip, meticulously organizing medication records and emergency plans. Team
members with boating licenses volunteered to drive a pontoon boat, ensuring residents could enjoy the water both days of the trip safely. Kayla Meuiner, Household Coordinator, also supported the trip, reflecting on the effort involved: “The prep work was more challenging than the trip itself, but it was worth every moment.”

The trip was filled with unforgettable experiences. Residents and team members sang along to early 90s country hits while cruising the lake, their voices blending with the waves of the water. Bill Hevener joked that his favorite part was “getting on the boat” and his least favorite was “getting off.” Earle Fike described the lake as “an amazingly beautiful place,” adding that he enjoyed the view, the wind, and the peacefulness of the trip. Evenings were spent around a campfire with s’mores, while mornings began with quiet conversations in the kitchen over coffee. Some residents even cast their fishing lines from the dock, relishing in the serene moments by the water.

For Karyn, the trip was about more than just a getaway; it was an innovative approach to enhancing well-being and connection. “We showed that residents in higher levels of care can still experience the joys of travel,” she says. “It’s about giving them the freedom to relax and feel at home, even in a new setting.”

The impact of the trip extended far beyond the lake. Families expressed heartfelt gratitude, and residents who initially hesitated to participate now eagerly anticipate the next adventure. “One resident keeps saying, ‘I never thought I’d get to do this,’” Lauren shares. “Residents are still people who deeply value memories and experiences. Since starting at BRC, I’ve always said it’s just different—living life with residents isn’t something you typically experience at a long-term care facility. For me, it’s about being part of something bigger.”

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of donors. Karyn emphasizes how their support brought the dream to life. “From renting the house and boat to ensuring every need was met, your contributions created moments that are truly priceless,” she says. Jeff Lambert, BRC’s Vice President of Health Services, echoed this sentiment, praising the innovation grant program for enabling such transformative experiences: “To have donor support and a donor base that is excited to fund programming and help us truly live alongside our residents is phenomenal. For our teammates to have the opportunity to apply for grants and go through that process is such a valuable learning experience.”

As the team reflects on the trip’s success, Karyn has her thinking cap on for the next adventure. She notes that while Smith Mountain Lake was a perfect location, the team is open to exploring other recommendations that offer similar opportunities. The trip to Smith Mountain Lake was more than just an outing—it was a meaningful experience that celebrated life, community, and the endless potential of dreaming big. As Jeff put it, “It takes a village to make something like this happen, and seeing people work together so selflessly for our residents is a beautiful thing. I don’t think I could pick a single [best] moment; the entire moment itself is something beautiful to reflect on.” The memories made on this trip will undoubtedly inspire future endeavors and continue to enrich the lives of BRC residents and team members alike.