2022 Adventure Unlimited Trailmarks Annual Report

TRAILMARKS

Annual Report 2022

2022 Metaphysical Theme

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

– Philippians 2:2

A Message from Gina Lindquist-Bailey,

Executive Director

Thank you for supporting and championing the work of Adventure Unlimited. This foundation has been palpable as we prayed about challenges and celebrated successes.

With each of these shifts, we’re grateful for the strong foundation to build on and the fresh ideas that come with new insights.

Our goal in 2022 was to deepen our practice and articulation of God’s goodness and efficacy, grounded in our metaphysical theme (p. 2). As God guided, human opinion fell away, and we witnessed healings and gratitude in participant experiences.

The past year was punctuated by many highlights and changes, which are setting the stage for Adventure Unlimited’s next phase of growth. After nearly 20 years of service, ranch director Alison Peticolas moved on to a new adventure. Her experienced successors, Aaron and K.C. Morris, look forward to welcoming all to the A/U Ranches! In addition, I will be passing the baton to Michael Brown this summer, as he steps into the executive director role.

Inside Trailmarks, you’ll read about some highlights of the year:

• Returned to more traditional operations while continuing to offer new programs, including Ignite (a new college-aged DiscoveryBound Outreach initiative)

• Strong support and wise management resulted in a 17th straight year meeting budget

• Dedicated the new Hub (office) at the A/U Ranches during a reunion for former trustees

We hope you jump into this annual report to hear the good going on, and how you helped make it possible.

With love and gratitude,

“Right before the program started I found it difficult to incorporate CS into my daily activities and be consistent in my practice. However, once the program started I found the inspiration to make it a point to begin my day with gratitude and make the time to incorporate prayer into my daily work.”

– DiscoveryBound Outreach Ignite participant

“Camp deepens my relationship with God every year.”

–A/U Ranches youth camper

WHO WE ARE

Adventure Unlimited serves the broader Christian Science community through A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound programs. We offer secular programming at the A/U Ranches through the 100 Elk Outdoor Center.

Our Mission

Opening Windows to God

Our Vision

To inspire a love for God and a willingness to turn to Him in prayer.

Our Purpose

To provide recreational adventure, leadership, service, education and community activities that foster spiritual growth and healing in an environment where Christian Science is lived.

Our Structure

2022 IN REVIEW

Key Results

Supporting Participants

After each program, we ask participants to rate its impact in providing them with the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God.

Scale: 1 (not at all) to 5 (highly) Insight

20% of programs scored 4.5+ (up from 2021), while 19% of programs missed the target by more than 5%

Nurturing Stakeholders

14 Goal 4.19

Ac tual 4.16

“I’m very grateful for the amazing, loving and caring staff. I had a great time down at [the] corral making new friends and riding horses... At my old Sunday School... it was just me. [We] found an amazing church that has kids in it. I love it there. And then after finding this Christian Science church I got to go to A/U Ranches with lots of Christian Science kids. And it’s great.”

– A/U Ranches youth camper

After each program or connection point, we ask stakeholders to rate the level at which their interactions with Adventure Unlimited made them feel loved and valued.

Scale: 1 (not at all) to 5 (highly)

Insight

Sixty-seven years after its founding in 1955 by John “Cap” and Marianne Andrews, Adventure Unlimited is still committed to turning to God first for reaching every goal. We prayerfully and collectively select a metaphysical theme annually to center our decision-making. This year’s theme from Philippians (see p. 2) guided our work on our annual key results. 23 0

58% of programs scored 4.5+ and three programs hit a perfect score of 5, while 12% of programs missed the target (down from 2021) by more than 5%

“I always come back inspired to be better and do better in my practice of loving God and loving each other.”

Ac tual 4.42

14 Goal 4.49

5

– DB Outreach participant, All-Ages Stone Mountain, GA, weekend

2022 IN REVIEW

Serving Our Participants

Adventure Unlimited’s staff directs its primary focus on our participants, who deserve the very best we have to offer. All of our work and prayer go into providing opportunities for a deeper relationship with God, while loving and valuing each individual. By the numbers, here’s how we did it in FY2022.

Who served A/U Ranches & DiscoveryBound participants

130 SEASONAL STAFF

How many were served

6,230

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS

Who supported them

1,017

TOTAL DONORS

How much financial assistance was awarded

$271,091 A/U RANCHES CAMPERSHIPS*

38 FULL-TIME STAFF 408 VOLUNTEERS

98

NEW DONORS

215 DONORS WHO HAVE GIVEN FOR 20+ YEARS

$135,333 DISCOVERYBOUND SCHOLARSHIPS

*does not include aid awarded by The Campership Fund, a separate organization from Adventure Unlimited

2022 IN REVIEW

Advancing Capital Resources

One of Adventure Unlimited’s greatest resources is the A/U Ranches. On this 1,600-acre mountain property in Buena Vista, CO – the site of camp, Bible Study and secular 100 Elk Outdoor Center programming – our facilities team and skilled contractors completed several new projects in FY2022.

“I wanted to throw out my gratitude for the new Hub – and particularly the collaborative environment it creates. ... having simple conversations is so much easier with this type of office space. Walking ... up the stairs and having an issue resolved has been greatly improved with the new environment.”

Solar System

WATCH | The facilities team installed a 24-kW solar system in the spring, which has already produced more than 3,900 kW. Steve Murray, facilities director, talks about it while standing beneath it in June.

WATCH | Grateful staff and alumni dedicated a new Hub administrative building on August 20, the result of years of planning, funding and constructing. In addition to providing a gracious space to welcome guests, it’s a central location for full-time staff to work in spaces that are both more private and collaborative. Here’s a look at the new Hub.

Wyly Lodge Laundry

WATCH | Five washer/dryer stacks were installed over the first half of the year to help with seasonal staff laundry requirements. Take a tour in this video from August.

RV Pads

The facilities crew built six RV pads just north of Wyly Lodge; the project will be complete when the electrical is finished in spring 2023.

The Hub

– A/U Ranches staff member

A/U Ranches

Located in a beautiful 1,600-acre facility in Buena Vista, CO, the A/U Ranches ran Youth Camp based in Christian Science for a 68th summer in 2022. Additionally, adult and family programs for Christian Scientists and their friends and family members of all faiths, as well as programming through the onsite secular 100 Elk Outdoor Center, brought nearly year-round offerings to the Adventure Unlimited community.

The longstanding service of several staff members in A/U Ranches leadership roles came to a natural close in FY2022, leaving the community feeling both deeply grateful for their contributions and excited for the new adventures ahead. The transition to new ranch/camp directors wrapped up at the end of the fiscal year; and with this hand-off, the spiritual depth of Christian Science programming will continue uninterrupted in 2023.

YOUTH CAMP

A reduction of cohort-based programming during summer Youth Camp restored a familiar feeling of freedom and connection for campers in 2022. Gratefully, cases of COVID-19 early in the six-week program (consisting of three two-week sessions) were quickly healed. Youth Camp is offered to those in 2nd grade through high school.

Of the 218 campers, 63% received financial assistance, and 55 attended for the first time. The total number of campers represents a 15% decrease from FY2021; one factor was the need to limit Sky Valley corral campers (2nd-8th grade) because of lower numbers of horses and staff. Cancellations resulting from COVID-19 cases prior to arrival also contributed to the drop.

“You know, I learned so much about God at camp.”

– A/U Ranches youth camper, as told to his grandparents

Healing and Love in the Herd

What didn’t abate was the inspiring effect of being in an atmosphere where Christian Science is lived each day (see comment and video on this page).

WATCH | Corral staff member Brianna witnessed quick healings of horses at the A/U Ranches last summer. She also was inspired by how her campers connected with the horses they rode. She talks about a healing of her staff horse from a previous summer that continues to support her today.

ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Adults looking to adventure outdoors in an uplifting atmosphere joined A/U Ranches programs designed for adults and families in 2022. Family Camp drew a full capacity of 137 participants over three one-week sessions, with respondents noting an appreciation for improvements in programming for their very young children. Additionally, families filled Christmas Camp to capacity over the one-week program.

“Over the past two years of the pandemic my faith has really been challenged. At the first flag ceremony I felt the presence of the Christ, and the embrace of love warmed me and melted away so much fear, doubt, anxiety.”

Alumni Reflect on Camp and Taking it Home

In August, the Mountaineering Reunion ran in conjunction with Mini Camp, where more than two dozen mountain alumni (of the 64 total participants) reconnected and explored together. Adult Bible Study and Spring and Fall Service programs reached those looking for a different kind of adventure.

– Spring Service Weekend participant

WATCH | Wendy Jones, Melvin Andrews, Christopher Webb and National Alumni Board member (and Mountaineering Reunion committee chair) Holly Valentine remember what the A/U Ranches meant to them as youth campers and how it’s lifting them up today.

We were grateful to continue offering financial support for adults to attend our programs; 23% of participants received camperships.

100 ELK OUTDOOR CENTER

Spring and fall at the A/U Ranches are seasons of secular programming through 100 Elk, leveraging the value of our mountain facility for the community. The 1,888 participants served in FY2022 came from schools in Colorado and New Mexico, which provided outdoor education curriculum to their students. New staff – a new director and second lead instructor – came on board to lead the programs, bringing with them valuable experience.

“I saw a student on the zipline platform move from tears to joy as she jumped off the platform.”

Horses and Open Hearts

Staff at 100 Elk look for ways to serve all schools, regardless of their funding. So when an opportunity arose to help Sopris Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Glenwood Springs, CO, they moved on it.

Over the last six years, Sopris has offered the horsemanship component of 100 Elk’s outdoor education at an extra cost to students able to afford the fee. 100 Elk was able to direct more than $1,600 in grant funding to enable all students to enjoy the horsemanship program.

For the third summer, 100 Elk ran outdoor adventure activities for local elementary, middle and high school students. Two one-week sessions of Youth Adventure Day Camp followed the secular programming model of 100 Elk and were open to all participants, running concurrently with A/U Ranches Youth Camp.

– Teacher with a school participating at 100 Elk

Feedback from the 37 students, 11 parents and 3 teachers included a highlight “that every camper got to horseback ride. Thank you for your generosity.” Others wrote, “The kids are all ecstatic. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” and “This will be a trip to put in the books.”

To help schools with limited resources participate, 100 Elk received and distributed $13,700 in grant funding in FY2022.

One of the Sopris students was a 5th-grader described as “legally blind and deaf, and on the autism spectrum,” and who required the use of a wheelchair. This student was thrilled to ride for more than 45 minutes in the corral under the direction of an experienced equine therapy staff member and team of supporters.

DiscoveryBound

Many people who practice Christian Science are also seeking a way outside of church to engage socially with like-minded individuals. DiscoveryBound (DB) offers programming that meets that need for all ages around the country. Through short virtual activities, in-person day or multi-day events, and one- and four-year teen programs, DB brought inspiring experiences to more than 3,600 people in FY2022.

DiscoveryBound is a year-round program for individuals of all ages to experience Christian Science in action. We offer fellowship through inspiring recreational, leadership and service opportunities on local, national and international levels.

OUTREACH

With its broad reach to all ages of participants and flexible event format – from evening activities to multi-day trips – DiscoveryBound Outreach responded to a widespread need for making in-person connections in FY2022. The total number of events Outreach offered increased by 33%, and attendance increased by 11% over FY2021; significantly, the number of events and attendees specifically for in-person programming nearly doubled.

This trend also appeared in programs for 20s/30s adults, as interest dropped in virtual activities and rose to an all-time high for in-person events.

Addressing a previous gap in program offerings, Outreach launched Ignite in FY2022 for 18- to 22-year-old adults. The successful nine-week pilot program, involving virtual get-togethers and an in-person retreat, ran with nine participants and will continue with new groups in FY2023.

“I loved getting to meet everyone in person and connect with fellow Christian Science students for the first time in a long time.”

– DB Outreach Ignite participant

Support for Practicing Christian Science

WATCH | Participating in DB Outreach 20s/30s weekend events has helped solidify Vince Lomascolo’s practice of Christian Science. He shares about the friendships and healings that have come into his life through his involvement in this program.

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

DiscoveryBound’s servant leadership program served 130 teens in eight classes, each led by two adults, in FY2022. With the support of these class leaders, CS practitioners and individual mentors, teens in the National Leadership Council (NLC) were exposed to the importance of service to others through the lens of Christian Science.

“Working and volunteering with children taught me the unwavering joy and love others express and feel from God.”

Part of this exposure comes from summer experiences like adventure and service trips. In addition to three domestic trips, one of the thirdyear classes went on NLC’s first international service trip since 2019, to Mexico. Trips and other waymarks provide context for what teens gain from the program. For instance, several teens earned Congressional Medals (seven Gold, 11 Silver and 18 Bronze), completed 957 community service hours and had 30 published submissions to the CS Publishing Society.

The Program that “Changed Everything for Me”

WATCH | Many NLC participants continue to feel the effects of the program after they graduate. Sofia Minich (2022A class) talks about some of the blessings she experienced and skills she gained while in NLC, and how they’re continuing to support her now.

– DB NLC teen, on her service trip to Mexico

COMPASS

Designed for 10th- to 12th-grade students who are interested in a schoolyear-length commitment and connections with Christian Science friends, DB Compass met the individual needs of two groups in FY2022.

The 2021–2022 group of 12 teens wrapped up their program with a retreat to Boston in April, responding with near-perfect key results of 4.9 out of 5 for (1) realizing a deeper relationship with God and (2) feeling loved and valued. In addition to three retreats with their two adult guides, the group met nine times for virtual metaphysical discussions throughout the school year.

“My daughter has found a lot of value in Compass this year because of the approach to the monthly themes. The discussions on the calls have been very effective in making Christian Science feel applicable and relevant.”

– Parent of DB Compass teen

After its first call, the 2022–2023 group of 13 teens held a retreat in Estes Park, CO, in October. The retreat schedule shifted in FY2022, resulting in the second retreat moving to FY2023.

Learning to Love Christian Science

“Compass helped me grow my understanding of CS and gave me a great group of peers and adults to reach out to. Before Compass, I was not very connected or into CS. I was just going through the motions, not really understanding. Through Compass I learned how to be peaceful with myself and who I am and how I am. I really had a great experience with the forgiveness of a peer, and I learned a lot about myself through that.”

– Cissy Thorp, who participated in DB Compass in 10th, 11th and 12th grade. She also participated in the DB Outreach Ignite pilot group (see p. 14).

FINANCIALS

FY2022

Adventure Unlimited has operated in the black for 17 consecutive years. Collective efforts by leadership and staff have leveraged lessons of the past few years to diversify offerings, operate within our means and add to the organization’s financial stability by surpassing contributions and managing expenses.

Notes: Charts represent unaudited numbers and may be subject to change. Capital gifts and expenditures are not included.

Funding Sources

$6,740,406

Expenses

$6,692,900

Contributions

$4,342,801

Other Sources

$522,075

Revenue $1,875,530 A/U Ranches & 100 Elk $3,450,798

Fundraising

$765,302

Support Services

$1,008,994

DB Outreach, NLC & Compass

$1,467,806

GRATITUDE FOR DONORS

Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in FY2022 through your giving. You helped open windows to God for our community of participants, staff and volunteers.

FY2022 DONOR LIST

Why They Give...

“Love having kids and teens attending camp. Love the fact that Christian Science teens can develop a wide variety of skills in the DB National Leadership Council, Outreach and Compass. All interactive opportunities to grow in CS – it’s making a difference in so many ways.”

–Sue Knight, DiscoveryBound & A/U Ranches alumna, Andrews Society member & Adventure Partner

“As a former mentor, I know up close the value of the DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council. I wish EVERY young person in the world could be blessed with participation in this program.”

–Susan Brown, DiscoveryBound & A/U Ranches alumna

“The A/U Ranches are one of the single greatest influences on who I am today. I love A/U.”

–Chris “Yuma” Young, A/U Ranches alumnus, Andrews Society member & Adventure Partner

“Our four daughters benefited from summers at the A/U Ranches for years, thanks to generous campership donors. Our youngest daughter benefited from the DB NLC program and continues to feel that support. We plan to give back so others can reap these loving lifechanging experiences, friendships and opportunities.”

– Rosey & Joel Erickson

Your Role in Opening Windows to God

With your help, we will continue to create experiences focused on spiritual growth and healing in 2023. Here’s how you can support our participants:

1. Become an Adventure Partner. Set up a recurring monthly gift, which allows you to give a substantial gift in comfortable increments. You will become a member of the Andrews Society if your recurring gift equals $83.33 or more per month ($1,000 total) in our fiscal year.

2. Donate at AdventureUnlimited.org/give or send a check payable to Adventure Unlimited, 5201 South Quebec Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

3. Join the Summit Societ y. Include Adventure Unlimited in your estate and/or establish a planned gift to help sustain the longevity of the organization while honoring your legacy.

WATCH | See the impact Summit Society members had at the A/U Ranches

4. Endow your gift for generations to come. When you make a gift to our endowment fund, it supports a larger pool of investments that grow over time, strengthens our financial stability and contributes to our annual operations.

5. Make the most of your giving. Donate stock and cr yptocurrenc y. Or realize tax savings when you give through your donor advised fund or your IRA’s Qualified Charitable Distribution (if you’re 70½ years old).

WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2023

Nothing unites our community more than starting each adventure with a shared focus on God. We invite you to join with us in praying with our metaphysical theme for 2023 in support of all of our programs, participants, staff and volunteers:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

A/U Ranches Programs

Everyone seeking God through adventure can find something to enjoy and uplift them at the A/U Ranches in beautiful Buena Vista, CO. Click the links for details about our programs offered with a foundation in Christian Science in the coming year.

Youth Overnight Camp Adult Mini Camp Service Programs

Adult Bible Study

100 Elk Programs

Family Camp

Christmas Camp

At the A/U Ranches, through the 100 Elk Outdoor Center, we offer one-week summer day camp sessions of secular outdoor adventure activities, in age-appropriate tracks, for elementary, middle and high school campers. Families, schools and community or corporate groups can book their programs during the spring and fall.

Youth Adventure Day Camp

Spring & Fall School Programs

DiscoveryBound Programs

DiscoveryBound’s year-round activities include single- and multi-day events for Christian Scientists and their friends of all ages and faiths, as well as partial-year and four-year teen programs. Join us!

Outreach for All Ages

National Leadership Council for Teens

Compass for Teens

ADVENTURE UNLIMITED HEADQUARTERS

Includes DiscoveryBound 5201 South Quebec Street Greenwood Village, CO 80111 888.416.7348

Staff | AdventureUnlimited.org/team AdventureUnlimited.org

audbcommunity@adventureunlimited.org

Staff | DiscoveryBound.org/team DiscoveryBound.org | dbinfo@discoverybound.org

A/U RANCHES

P.O. Box 2036 | 18325 County Road #366 Buena Vista, CO 81211-2036 888.543.4849

Staff | AURanches.org/team AURanches.org | auinfo@adventureunlimited.org 100elk.org | info@100elk.org

Board of Trustees

AdventureUnlimited.org/trustees

National Alumni Board

AdventureUnlimited.org/alumni-team audbalumni audb_alumni Stay connected with us @auranches | @discoverybound | @100elk

Adventure Unlimited, which includes DiscoveryBound and the A/U Ranches, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.