TRAILMARKS
Annual Report 2023
2023 Metaphysical Theme
“As
each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV )
2
TRAILMARKS This Trailmarks annual report describes Adventure Unlimited’s 2023 accomplishments, operational summary and stories of incredible impact. What’s Inside 2023 in Review 6 DiscoveryBound 9 A/U Ranches & 100 Elk Outdoor Center 13 Appreciating Volunteers 17 Financials 18 Gratitude for Donors 19 3
A Message from Michael Brown, Executive Director
We are grateful to share the following Annual Report for FY2023.
Across a year of change, we also celebrated a wonderful continuity of good that has become a hallmark of Adventure Unlimited. You’ll find updates about our many programs serving all ages through DiscoveryBound and the A/U Ranches, where we developed both community and leaders grounded in Christian Science. We are grateful for our 18th year in a row of healthy, balanced budgets, and we rejoice in the generous support received from donors and our volunteers.
We hope you enjoy this celebration of our Adventure Unlimited community, which includes you!
Thank you,
WATCH | Message from the executive director
4
WHO WE ARE
Adventure Unlimited equips Christian Scientists of all ages – and those interested in Christian Science – with the tools to live boldly, grow spiritually and contribute actively to the betterment of their world through A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound programs. Additionally, we serve to “reveal the possibilities within” for a wide range of secular groups 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.
5
2023 IN REVIEW
Key Results
Focusing on how to use the gifts we’ve received to serve others (see the metaphysical theme from 1 Peter on p. 2), our staff witnessed spiritual growth among participants and overall success in our 2023 fiscal year. The key results reported here reflect improvement over the previous year, all while navigating changes in leadership, business operations and programming.
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)
“Camp is one of the things I look forward to all year long. I always leave camp with a closer relationship to God and a deeper understanding of Christian Science. This year especially I’ve had great Sunday Schools. I’ve never felt more enlightened.” – A/U Ranches Youth Camper
Nurturing Stakeholders
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)
“It was a joy to be around Christian Science young people and to learn how they are navigating their 20s with a focus on God. The camaraderie and spiritual support I felt on this trip made me grateful to be a Christian Scientist, and I am planning on attending future DiscoveryBound events.” – DB Outreach 20s/30s participant on Iceland trip
23 0 5 14 Ac tual 4. 54 Goal 4.49
23 0 5 14 Ac tual 4.28 Goal 4.19
Supporting Participants
6
Serving Our Participants
Everything we do at Adventure Unlimited is designed to open “windows to God” for our community. The staff, volunteers and donors who support A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound participants are motivated by this mission of love.
380 VOLUNTEERS
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
131 SEASONAL STAFF
42 FULL-TIME STAFF
DONORS
903
TOTAL DONORS
214 DONORS WHO HAVE GIVEN FOR 20+ YEARS
89 NEW DONORS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDED
$241,436 A/U RANCHES CAMPERSHIPS*
$159,041 DISCOVERYBOUND SCHOLARSHIPS
*does not include aid awarded by The Campership Fund, a separate organization from Adventure Unlimited
2023 IN REVIEW TOTAL PARTICIPANTS
7
2023 IN REVIEW
Advancing Capital Resources
Each year the A/U Ranches requires significant maintenance and new development from a skilled facilities team and the contractors they partner with. Here are a few ways we stewarded this valuable resource, as well as our headquarters building in Greenwood Village, CO, in FY2023.
New Staff Housing
LEARN MORE | Plans for staff housing to be built at the A/U Ranches kicked off in the fall, thanks to a generous $1 million gift from Lona Ingwerson. The intended location is on the north side of Round-Up Ranch.
Meeting a long-time need for seasonal staff to have a place to go during off hours, the former Hub building is being repurposed into a staff lounge and meeting space. The building, named in honor of former camp directors John and Heidy Boyman, has been gutted, restained inside and out, plumbed, and interior logs refinished. Expected completion is spring 2024.
Access Trails
The facilities team refreshed 2.5 miles of eroding trails last year, improving access for riders on horseback and mountain bikes, as well as hiking and running. The wider, more stable trails will sustain activity for 50+ years.
HQ Landscaping
Flooding in the Denver area last year necessitated quick action to install proper drainage around the Greenwood Village office building. River rock, french drains, 89 plants and one tree have created a safe and attractive environment for HQ staff and will help prevent flood water from entering the building.
8
The Boyman Center
Lona and Don Ingwerson Before In progress
DiscoveryBound
A/U Chapters, renamed DiscoveryBound (DB) in 2001 to communicate its camp-neutral programming, grew from the desire of youth campers to connect year round. This growth has continued to evolve into activities and events that include those of all ages.
Similar to feedback in DB teen programs, adults in their 20s/30s and older shared last year how Outreach activities and events designed for them provided spiritual nourishment and a supportive community. In all, DB served more than 3,300 people in FY2023.
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.
9
OUTREACH
Who wants to have fun? More than 2,800 DB Outreach participants did in 149 events during the 2023 fiscal year. These were some of the highlights:
• The much-loved annual spring camping event in Jetty Park, Florida, celebrated a well-attended 20-year anniversary.
• Two fall trips brought 31 20s/30s adults to Iceland after a three-year delay in international travel.
• Ignite increased the age range for its program to 18–23, bringing together eight participants in five Zoom meetings and one retreat.
“The experiences we shared, the conversations we had, and the friendships formed were reminders/affirmations that Divine Love fills all space.”
– DB 20s/30s Iceland participant
JIMMY JOE’S JOURNEY
• All ages came together in well-received virtual events, including game nights, classes for guitar and watercolor, book clubs and holiday celebrations.
Outreach paused its Inspiring Talks last year, which reduced the total number of virtual participants; these are expected to return in the coming year.
WATCH | A participant in DiscoveryBound Outreach chapter, Ignite and National Leadership Council programs describes the path his DB experiences have taken him on and the opportunities they’ve provided.
10
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
DB’s four-year servant leadership program for teens saw its highest number of Congressional Award Gold Medals awarded in FY2023: 15. When asked why they continued after receiving the required Bronze Medal, the nearly unanimous response was that they loved what they were doing and weren’t ready to stop.
JOY IN SERVICE
“I love how many questions my classmates and I asked and how inspired I am to connect with God.”
– DB NLC teen
Among the 125 teens in seven NLC classes last year, eight others achieved Silver Medals and 20 earned Bronze Medals. Their work included nearly 900 community service hours, 15 published submissions to the CS Publishing Society, adventure trips to California and Alaska, and service trips to Costa Rica. In an increase over the previous year, 90% of teens reported having a better understanding of their relationship with God through the program.
NLC improved support for class leaders and mentors through training at the annual leader retreat and inclusion of mentors for new teens at the annual All Class Retreat.
WATCH | A current NLC teen interviews a graduating senior about how she earned the Congressional Gold Medal and why she chose to continue working toward it after achieving the required Bronze Medal.
11
COMPASS
At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 Compass group – a nine-month, three-retreat program focused on spiritual exploration and connections with Christian Science peers – DB shifted to a seven-month, two-retreat model to better allow for full participation by all the teens. The earlier group of 13 held its winter retreat in Michigan at the Leelanau Outdoor Center and spring retreat in Boston. The 2023-2024 group of 13, with three returning teens, went to Boston for their fall retreat, following a different itinerary from the previous trip to The Mother Church.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to grow in CS and have lifelong friendships. It’s always very reassuring to know there are kids who are also Christian Scientists.”
– DB Compass teen
A MEMORABLE ADVENTURE WITH NEW FRIENDS
Each group, led by two adult guides, held monthly web hangouts focused on topics for prayer selected by the teens.
It was so much fun to meet people from all over the country that are all young Christian Scientists and are all growing in their understanding in this precious practice. I loved the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the country… I loved… visiting three new Christian Science churches, along with trying new things like curling (which I never thought I would say is fun!). Visiting Colorado is something I will never forget – it is such a beautiful state and it was so cool to see wild elk. I had such a blast in Michigan with snow! Seeing The Mother Church in person was such a memorable experience, and I am so glad that I can say I got to see it with such an amazing group of people… I made friendships that I will always cherish and will always look back on this Compass experience with fondness.
– DB Compass teen participant
12
12
A/U Ranches
Programs at the A/U Ranches in FY2023 brought adventure and healing to individuals of all ages. The 1,600-acre facility in Buena Vista, CO, operated nearly year-round – from its core six weeks of Youth Camp in the summer to fall, winter and spring offerings for adults, families and schools. Adventure Unlimited’s mission of “Opening Windows to God” governed programming that communicates about Christian Science, while the 100 Elk Outdoor Center served the public under its mission, “Revealing the Possibilities Within.” Additionally, two open positions – a horsemanship director and 100 Elk assistant director – were filled with experienced individuals.
13
YOUTH CAMP
Six weeks of Youth Camp last summer provided 204 second-graders through high school teens adventures with horses, on the water and in the mountains. Of these campers, 76% received financial assistance, thanks to donor giving.
A GENERATIONAL JOURNEY AT CAMP
“The most valuable part of camp is how much I learn. I take whatever I learn at camp home and apply it to my daily life.”
– A/U Ranches youth camper
Enrollment was high in activities unique to the A/U Ranches among Christian Science camps. At Round-Up Ranch (RUR – ninth to 12th grade), mountain biking, Conquerors (including a five-day out trip), polocrosse and whitewater kayaking drew strong interest; among the younger campers at Sky Valley Ranch (SVR), Challengers Outcamp led nine participants on a seven-day out trip. Enrollment in the SVR corral continued to see the highest numbers among majors.
A drop in enrollment for Camp United, when all ages of campers are together at SVR, is prompting conversations about the structure of that session. In addition, training is being developed that better prepares seasonal staff for communicating about Christian Science with campers.
WATCH | Three generations of a family who came to the A/U Ranches share how camp came into their lives and reignited their practice of Christian Science.
14
ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMS
In addition to its well-known reputation for Youth Camp, the A/U Ranches offers five other programs for those of all ages seeking adventure – or quiet rest and study – in the Rocky Mountains.
“It is very special to be able to revisit this site that has been supported and improved since my young adulthood. It had a great impact on me, and the memories are some of my sweetest.”
Family Camp was nearly full all three weeks last summer, meeting a need for families in late June, early July and midAugust. These Family Camp sessions, along with Adult Mini Camp in August, Bible Study in November, fall and spring Service Weekends, and Christmas Camp, welcomed 332 adult and family participants to the A/U Ranches in FY2023. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to continue offering financial support for adults to attend; 16% of adult participants received camperships.
A HEALING PEAK CLIMB DURING FAMILY CAMP
WATCH | An A/U Ranches Family Camp guest shares the healing she experienced that enabled her to peak Mt. Elbert.
15
– Adult Mini Camp participant
100 ELK OUTDOOR CENTER
100 Elk served 1,975 participants in FY2023, many from schools in Colorado and New Mexico meeting their outdoor education requirements in the spring and fall. Others attended Youth Adventure Day Camp in the summer, which ran alongside Youth Camp at the A/U Ranches for two weeks.
“I have seen our students be kind to each other, support and cheer for each other, and help each other in ways I haven’t seen before… I would like for all of you (students) to bring this back to school with you and treat each other the way you have while you’ve been here.”
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL RITE OF PASSAGE PROGRAM
– Principal of a school that attended 100 Elk
With the closure of a community pool in 2019, 100 Elk is currently the only affordable opportunity for Leadville school-age children to enjoy local water-based activities. So they partnered with a Leadville summer camp over three days in July, providing lifeguards, staffing, canoes and PFDs for 150 under-served Lake County children to canoe and swim at Turquoise Lake.
100 Elk received and distributed $14,500 in donations and grants to fund programs for under-resourced schools and provide scholarships for local day campers.
WATCH | In May, 100 Elk provided programming to Chaffee County High School (Buena Vista, CO) to support the students at this alternative school in a transformative overnight experience and graduation.
16
APPRECIATING OUR VOLUNTEERS
A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound programs wouldn’t be possible without the individuals who donate their time, volunteering tens of thousands of hours each year. We are deeply grateful for these volunteers. Here’s a brief look at three of them, sharing why they give back in this way.
VOLUNTEERING
Julie
Webster DB Outreach chapters
Kelly Foxton
DiscoveryBound Outreach chapter chair in Bear River, Nova Scotia, Canada & online watercolor instructor
“In rural Nova Scotia, there are very few organized programs for youth. With the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, our chapter offers a range of activities for all ages, including weekly martial arts and visual art classes, monthly social gatherings, and special events. Participants are local citizens from all walks of life, most of whom are brand-new to Christian Science. As the chair of our local chapter, I am truly grateful for the uplifting, all-embracing, ever-supportive ‘structure of Truth and Love’ (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 583) that DB Outreach provides for its chapter volunteers and the communities we serve.
“Additionally, teaching a watercolor class on Zoom has been the highlight of my month for the past two years! I love connecting with people, and I especially love how each person’s painting is a completely unique expression of beauty.”
Merrilee ZellnerA/U Ranches Christmas Camp
“For several years I have enjoyed volunteering in Kids Camp during Christmas Camp. I love helping parents who enjoy adult activities, knowing their children are under the loving, watchful care of Christian Science volunteers. During Christmas Camp, I enjoy getting to know the Christian Science families and volunteers of all ages I have the pleasure to share this treasured time with.”
17
FINANCIALS
FY2023
Generous donors continue to make a vital impact on Adventure Unlimited’s operations. They enabled us to exceed our contributions goal by nearly 15%, which bridged the revenue gap (missed by 5%). Expenses closely aligned with targets, and we concluded FY2023 in the black for the 18th year in a row.
Notes: Charts represent unaudited numbers and may be subject to change. Capital gifts and expenditures are not included.
$7,115,679
A/U Ranches & 100 Elk $3,537,954
Expenses
Funding Sources
Contributions $4,984,801 Other Sources $571,589 Fundraising $821,662 18 Revenue $1,898,016 DB
$1,616,192 Support Services $1,139,871
$7,454,406
Outreach, NLC & Compass
GRATITUDE FOR DONORS
Thank you to everyone who supported our participants’ journey in FY2023 (February 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024). Everything we do at Adventure Unlimited is made possible because of generous donors.
FY2023 DONORS
WATCH | Adventure Partner Heather Barron shares why she gives every month.
Why They Give
“As an alum of the A/U Ranches – I want to support its continued growth and outreach!”
“I believe in DB’s mission of connecting youth and young adults with other young Christian Scientists for fellowship and activities (and the blessings that grow from that!).”
“NLC made such an impact in our daughter’s life! We knew it was a wonderful program, but didn’t really know it would help her grow so much and benefit her in SO many ways!!”
19
You Can Help Open Windows To God
The journey continues for Adventure Unlimited participants, with your support. Here are several ways you can be part of that journey in the coming year.
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.
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, which 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).
19
20 LEARN MORE
WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2024
An unlimited perspective on God’s goodness is shaping our prayer in 2024. Share this joy with us as we pray together, guided by this year’s metaphysical theme:
When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible.
– Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 180
Programs for Everyone
Click the links for information on all our programming, including dates and rates.
A/U Ranches
Youth Overnight Camp
Service Programs
Family Camp
Adult Mini Camp
Adult Bible Study
Christmas Camp
100 Elk Outdoor Center
DiscoveryBound
Outreach for All Ages
National Leadership Council for Teens
Compass for Teens
20 21
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.
