The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Wild West camp for kids just south of town
Retired nurse hopes to touch hearts of needy kids with camp
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: February 28, 2008
Down Hickory Road, a few miles outside town in Milan sits a slice of the old Wild West.
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Ponies linger, the jail sits empty just next to the general store where baskets of ripe red apples and penny candy welcome visitors.
The mess hall table is set for some fine grub and plaid wool blankets in the bunkhouse promise a sound sleep after a long day on the range.
Now all Bonnie Bayley needs are some young cowpokes to complete the miniature Wild West scene she built adjoining the indoor riding arena on her 40- acre farm.
Bayley's dream is to fill the arena, cowboy-themed party rooms and gardens with needy children from around Southeast Michigan who would enjoy some basic riding, outdoor adventures, light-hearted crafts and old-fashioned fun during day camps, parties or school trips.
Star Meadow Farm was built with Bayley's personal funds, fueled with passion that is evident through her own interior design work and the lavish props and party favors she prepares.
Bayley retired from nursing after 26 years, and is in the process of obtaining a non-profit status for her project.
"I want to be able to bring terminally ill children here to give them a day or two of fun," she said. "I would like to be able to help entertain children with autism or other disabilities and low-income students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a farm or riding a pony."
She built an authentic bunkhouse to accommodate Milan High School students whom she would hire to work during a summer camp program. In the 1,000-square-foot multipurpose party room adjoining the indoor riding arena, she included a handicapped-accessible restroom and open area filled with pillows for reading and resting. There's a full-service kitchen (that resembles someone's well-equipped vacation lodge) and windows looking out onto fields, meadows and what will soon be a vegetable garden ready for little hands to work.
"The decorating has been the easy part, it's a joy and delight," said Bayley, a petite bundle of energy. "Now the hard part will be to get the non-profit status, which my accountant and I are working diligently on, and then get the word out to schools and agencies that work with disabled and challenged children."
In the meantime, Bayley planned a Valentine's Day luncheon for members of the Aid In Milan Activity Group that has been meeting for over a decade every Thursday.
She wrapped soaps she made in bright pink cellophane, tied little boxes holding jewelry with red ribbon and gave each guest a cheery mug packed full of thoughtful gifts.
She and her daughter, Kristin Ryeson, a social worker, baked corn bread, cooked up beans and rice and fed the group a taco buffet topped off with Bayley's hand-piped cupcakes.
"This is really good food and the party is a real treat," said Rick Creviston, who was among the visitors on Valentine's Day.
"I'm just so grateful for what I have I want to share it with the children and with people who are not as fortunate. The world is full of people who need some cheer and understanding," said Bayley.
Stacy Pierce has been working with Bayley for the last year. He started doing stalls and odd jobs on the property and last summer built the fence that surrounds the pasture.
"He is a knight in shining armor. I feel so fortunate to have him working here," said Bayley.
"Well, she is a very unique and wonderful person herself," said Pierce. "She has a huge heart and did all this from her own imagination and because she wants to help less fortunate children."
To help fund the charitable projects, she plans to hire out the facility for private children's parties or events. She can provide face painters, pony rides and catering.
Come spring, the garden will bloom at Star Meadow Farm and, with Bayley's passion behind the project, so too will the activities and enjoyment inside the four walls.
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