Families celebrate together, laugh and cry together, and care for one another. For many of us, the CHS Family is an extension of our own. Here are a few pages from our own CHS Scrapbook.

November 24, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: ZooMobile

We had a wild time on the Sioux Falls campus last week! Our friend Elizabeth from the Great Plains Zoo brought ZooMobile to Loving School. She taught the kids all about the clever ways animals protect themselves in the wild—and the best part? She didn't come alone!

Our students loved meeting the hedgehog and bearded dragon, but the real highlight came when she announced that everyone could pet the turtle—even staff joined in on the excitement!

Scrapbook: Working on Santa’s List

Santa’s busy making a list and checking it twice—and our elves are jumping into action! Assistant Director of Development and Events Theresa Schreiner put on her cheetah-print Santa hat and sorted through a box of toys that were recently donated to BHCH, checking off each gift with holiday cheer. The Foundation team is working hard to make sure St. Nick has everything he needs for the big day!

November 17, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: Open Gym

Eight Augustana University students visited SFCH for open gym and spent the afternoon playing a variety of games with the kids. We still aren’t sure who had more fun—the Augie students or our CHS kiddos.

“I asked the kids if they had fun, they all yelled in the gym a resounding ‘yes’,” said Volunteer Coordinator Faron Lais. “There was so much laughter, so many smiles and lots of sweaty kids!”

Froggy the Snow Chef:

The SFCH Dining crew celebrated the season’s first snowfall by creating their own version of Frosty the Snowman. Everyone, meet Froggy the Snow Chef! Rumor has it that once the Dining Hall team tied his magic apron on, he began to hop around!

Dakota String Quartet:

Music has a powerful way of lifting spirits and creating a sense of peace. Last week, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s Dakota String Quartet visited Shelter and performed for clients and staff. Beautiful notes floated through the halls, and a sense of calm settled over the rotonda area.

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No, It’s…

A giant crane made an appearance on the Sioux Falls campus last week. Our HVAC contractor removed two rooftop units and installed new ones, giving our VanDemark building a much-needed upgrade.

November 10, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: A Year with Hazel

The 3^rd and 4^th graders at SFCH Loving School have been learning all about calves, dairy farms and where milk comes from, thanks to the Discover Dairy program. Through the program, our students were able to “adopt” a dairy calf named Hazel and will follow her growth throughout the school year.

Last week, Discover Dairy hosted a competition for America’s Favorite Calf. Voters across the country chose from 83 calves, and the winner’s classroom received a special calf care package.

Although our sweet Hazel didn’t win, she’ll always be number one in our hearts! Thank you to everyone who voted.

Scrapbook: Miss Railroad Junction

We had royalty on the SFCH campus last weekend! Miss Railroad Junction, Jensine Matson, stopped by to read to the kiddos. The story, “Personal Space Camp,” teaches children about personal space through an outer space adventure.

Jensine is passionate about raising awareness about childhood trauma. Through her platform, Speaker Power, her goal is to end childhood trauma, advocate for those in need, increase education and inspire real change. So far, she has reached more than 600 children across South Dakota.

Scrapbook: Hoops and Teamwork

The girls’ basketball team from Rapid City Stevens High School visited our Rockerville campus last weekend. The coach and five seniors hosted a basketball camp for the kiddos, teaching them how to dribble, pass, handle the ball and shoot layups. Once everyone got the hang of the basics, they practiced drills and ended with a few friendly games.

The team also modeled positive traits, showing great teamwork and encouraging the kids whenever someone missed a basket or dropped a pass.

“The kids had so much fun and were really paying attention to what the players and coach were saying,” said Abby Sharp, Events and Volunteer Specialist. “I even noticed some of the shyer kids really connect with the seniors and participate freely.”

November 3, 2025

CHS Scrapbook: From Miss to Mrs

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Specialist Alayna Basham has some exciting news to share! On October 18, she married her best friend and fiancé, Cody. The couple flew to Hawaii, where they tied the knot on the Big Island in Kailua-Kona, overlooking the beautiful ocean. Congratulations, Alayna!

Enjoy a few photos from their special day

CHS Scrapbook: Sammons Financial

Assistant Director of Development and Events Ashley Neeley and Outreach Advocate JaeLynn Garry attended last week’s Nonprofit Fair hosted by Sammons Financial.

“The overall consensus was that their employees knew about us and our mission, which was so wonderful to hear,” said Ashley. “People are excited about the Gift Wrap Booth and are hoping to snag a shift to be part of it again this year!”

CHS Scrapbook: Monster Mash Moments

Spooky shenanigans were in full swing on all campuses last week. Staff from Shelter joined the Sioux Falls Vern Eide Trunk or Treat for the fifth year in a row! The theme this year was “Welcome to Jurassic Park!”

Assistant Program Supervisor Gwen Betz and her children dressed up in some truly T-rific costumes and handed out candy to little monsters and mini-superheroes. Click here to see more monster mash moments!

On Halloween, Gwen and her kids teamed up with Crisis Advocate Crystal Moore and headed to Terry Redlin Elementary School to host another Trunk or Treat!

Employees from Koch Hazard decorated and donated 30 pumpkins to our Sioux Falls campus. You can find their creepy smiles in the dining hall.

SFCH kiddos stopped by the Admin building for trick or treating last week. Many staff members dressed up to help make it extra special for the kiddos.

Everyone was creative with their costumes this year!

Meet our new Finance Department! Gru and the Minions took over on Thursday morning. From now on, everyone will be paid in bananas!

The Van Demark Upstairs team channeled their inner emotions this Halloween, dressing up as characters from "Inside Out."

Our Rapid City campus crew didn't dissapoint when it came to their costumes. Check out these fun spooky fits!

On Halloween, community members gathered in Rockerville to host a fun Trunk or Treat for the kiddos!