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f af st Annual Report 2014
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Nebraska lutheran outdoor ministries Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is a proud serving arm of the Nebraska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Mission We are called by God to be a Christcentered, Spirit-powered ministry: - to equip, teach and excite people for discipleship through camp experiences, - to provide our conference and retreat guests with places set apart and to serve with sacred hospitality, - to nurture leadership for service in the church and world.
Vision gracious
People
sacred
Places
significant
Experiences
values Faith Vocation Community Hospitality Partnership
Places Carol Joy Holling
Camp, Conference & Retreat Center
Ashland, NE
Sullivan Hills Camp
Lodgepole, NE
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2014: A year of relationships showing the depth of God’s love We at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries are
relationships with one another and with our loving God. Truly,
privileged to be spectators to God’s amazing ways of
this work that you empower is a difference-maker for so many
using programs, places and events to bring people
because of the people-to-people connections made and
together to discover and re-discover the awesome love
relationships built at and through Carol Joy Holling Center
God showers upon all people. Getting to see what can
and Sullivan Hills Camp.
happen when people of varied ages and backgrounds come together as community to make a difference for the
I invite you to see yourself in the pictures, stories and exciting
sake of the world is humbling…to say the least!
information being shared on the following pages. Thank YOU for the role that you play in the ministry we share. And,
In 2014, the Christ-centered ministry that is NLOM saw
thanks be to God for moving you to be so supportive!
growth in the numbers of campers and other guests for the seventh year in a row. We got to see you…parents, donors, volunteers, congregations, leaders, guests, and all our ministry partners join together to help people of all
David C. Coker
ages experience the joy that comes from stronger
Executive Director
Micah project Partnering with local congregations
8 congregations
The first and most important step in evangelism is inviting. It is also the hardest. As Christians and especially as Lutherans, we embrace our beliefs but, often, we shy away from sharing them. One of the more successful models of evangelism is connecting with families through kids. When kids find a point of connection, families are much more comfortable trying something new. In 2014, eight congregations
52
campers
embraced this idea and, through the Micah Project, brought 52 campers to Carol Joy Holling Camp at little to no cost to them. Each participating congregation invited unchurched families from their local community to go to a week at camp. Through efforts by the congregations before, during and after their week at CJH, many of these families have continued in relationship with their local congregations.
SPECIAL THANKS Funding Partner Participating congregations Bethany Lutheran - Elkhorn Rejoice! Lutheran - Omaha Immanuel Lutheran - Bellevue First Lutheran - Blair
Our Saviour’s Lutheran - Lincoln St. Thomas Lutheran - Omaha Our Savior Lutheran - Wayne St. John Lutheran - Beatrice
340 campers
40 Guest groups
WESTERN TOWN
The Western Town was opened officially on June
at Carol Joy Holling Camp
1, 2014 and welcomed 340 campers during the summer months. Forty guest groups followed with a full fall and winter seasons. These new facilities offer small and large group gathering spaces, comfortable sleeping quarters and the charm of an old-west town. Thank you to the 265 donors who provided more than $1.9 million to make this dream come true!
Sullivan Hills Camp $25 sessions bring in record numbers of campers!
170 campers
25
communities
Because of a very generous bequest from Grace Hansen of Omaha,
discovering and growing through games, songs, fishing, paddle boating,
Sullivan Hills Camp opened its doors to youth for just $25 for full-week
homestead activities, Bible study, kayaking, archery and worship. Plus,
sessions. A record-setting 170 campers from 25 communities attended
they got to enjoy the newly-constructed Gaga Pit, a game full of high
Sullivan Hills Camp. They spent time with their counselors exploring,
energy fun!
Night camp at Carol Joy Holling Camp New in 2014, Night Camp took place at The Springs Camp site. Twenty-nine 6th-8th grade campers stayed up each night until 3 a.m. With adventures like headlamp canoeing, glow stick zip lining, night swimming and flashlight tag, they had a full week of adventure and friendships. And, after they slept in until late morning, they participated in lots of afternoon activities too. This new program was a big hit!
29
campers
18,890 retreat guests
625
guest groups
$905K Gross revenue
Conference & Retreat Ministry 2014: A record-breaking year!
The conference and retreat ministry of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor
growth, development and relationship-building. In addition to this, the
Ministries provides two unique functions. First, serving groups with
income earned from outside groups helps to subsidize the summer camp
gracious hospitality is an expression of our values. The space, facilities
program. These two goals combine to be a powerful driving force for NLOM.
and services you provide help groups to accomplish their goals of
50
VOLUNTEERS
2,000 CAMPERS
SERVICE project Education • Advocacy • Service Over the course of the summer, campers, staff and volunteers bonded as they created 1,100 boost boxes, 2,000 bean bags and 12 wooden game boards. All of these treasures were gifts for our friends at Mosaic. In addition to making these material items, campers learned what it means to be advocates for our friends with disabilities.
SPECIAL THANKS
$45K raised
The heart of camp gala First ever Gala in celebration of the people and values that NLOM holds dear It was a night of celebration! We celebrated The Heart of Camp by giving the Faith Award to Lisa Kramme, for exemplifying faith in everyday life; the Community Award posthumously to Pr. Harold Hamilton, for a lifetime of building community; and the Partnership Award to Immanuel, for partnering in difference-making ministries. A sell-out crowd of 350 generous guests came to support Carol Joy Holling Camp!
350 guests
Adult & Family retreats A growing collection of NLOM-sponsored adult retreats For more than 30 years, guest groups have enjoyed the hospitality and spaces set apart at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center and Sullivan Hills Camp. Now, with an increased emphasis on relationship and community building ministry, NLOM has ramped up its own offerings of adult and family retreats. In 2014, 340 guests enjoyed retreats put together by NLOM staff. They gained skills, new and strengthened relationships, renewal and faith-building experiences.
340 participants
14
retreats
2014 Retreats
Church Leader Retreat with David Lose Wild Women Tanzania Fabric, Fun & Facts March UFO (UnFinished Objects) Mini-Sabbatical for Church Leaders Men’s Retreat Momtography July UFO (UnFinished Objects) September UFO (UnFinished Objects) Men’s Fishing Trip Administrative Professionals Retreat October UFO (UnFinished Objects) Mother-Tween Daughter Retreats - 2 December UFO (UnFinished Objects) High School Recharge
What to expect in 2015
sullivan hills
for camps Sullivan Hills Camp is growing. In
The 2015 Summer Bible study theme,
A new class of 22 students from
2015, we anticipate reaching camper
ExtraOrdinary, will look at people of the
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor
capacity at 200 campers. Because
Old Testament and examine how they
Ministries, Lutherans Outdoors of
of generous donor support and the
heard God’s call to do great things.
South Dakota and Lake Wapogasset
success of 2014, all summer camp
Because of God, extraordinary things
Lutheran Bible Camp of Wisconsin
sessions are only $50!
get done by ordinary people.
will partner with faculty from Augsburg College in Minneapolis to
In addition, new adult retreats will be
Plus, campers will participate in anoth-
begin a two-year program of learning
offered at Sullivan Hills!
er meaningful service project. Together
called Leadership U for Camps.
with Lutheran Family Services and
Students will learn leadership
volunteers from Nebraska Synod
principals and practices. In addition,
Women of the ELCA, campers will make
the network of support will
quilts for refugees!
encourage growth in individuals
Fire Starters Monthly Donor Club for NEBRASKA LUTHERAN OUTDOOR MINISTRIES
NLOM-sponsored adult retreats are
NLOM is excited to introduce Fire
With the help of friends like you,
growing. 2015 will see more additions,
Starters--a new, monthly giving club
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor
new audiences and more relationships
that will ignite our ministry to serve
Ministries will continue to live out
started and enhanced.
in new ways. Inspired by a small
its values through strong summer
but consistent group of donors,
camp, conference and retreat and
2015 New Additions:
Fire Starters encourages people to
leadership development programs.
Mother-Adult Daughter Retreat
provide support for NLOM through
Grandparent-Grandchild Retreat
monthly gifts. When you give in
Thank you for all you do to change
Creative Women’s Retreat
this way, you provide regular and
lives through your support of NLOM!
Katy Trail Bike Trip
consistent income that will kindle the
Father-Son Retreat
faith of our campers.
Sullivan Hills UFO (UnFinished Objects)
2014 Financial HIGHLIGHTS revenue - $2,943,699 38%
Donations & Grants
Guest Services
31%
Camp Fees
14%
Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 284,581 Investments 819,663 Property & equipment, net 6,102,656 Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts 572,853 Other assets 499,259 Total assets $ 8,279,012
liabilities 3%
Nebraska Synod
Events
10%
Notes payable Deferred revenue Other liabilities Total liabilities
Other
4%
expenses - $2,575,428 Program
27%
Guest Services
Marketing 13%
19%
Buildings & Grounds
660,297 134,842 127,692 922,831
net Assets
Administration 12%
19%
$ $
Unrestricted $ 5,760,396 Unrestricted-board designated 254,260 Temporarily restricted 315,817 Permanently restricted 1,025,708 Total net assets $ 7,356,181 Total liabilities and net assets $ 8,279,012
Development 10%
NOTE: NLOM’s 2014 Audited Financials are available for review at www.nlom.org.
Net assets end of year Net assets beginning of year Increase in net assets
$ 7,356,181 $ 7,049,967 $ 306,214
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
Ms. Tanny Akerson
Mr. David Coker
Ms. Stefanie Balcom
Ms. Brooke Gregory
Mr. Cecil Bykerk
Pr. Mark Grorud
Mr. Rodale Emken
Mr. Larry Hinrichs
Mr. Dale Fornander
Ms. Linda Miller
Ms. Beth Forney
Mr. Donald Quinn
Pr. Mark Grorud Mr. Dale Hanson Pr. Brian Julin-McCleary
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Pr. Tim Koester
Mr. David Coker, Executive Director
Ms. Lisa Kramme
Ms. Kelsey Ellis, Director/Programs
Bishop Brian Maas
Ms. Casey Fuerst, Director/Marketing & Communications
Mr. Dennis Magnuson
Mr. Jason Gerdes, Director/Development
Ms. Kelley Miller
Mr. Roger Maxon, Director/Buildings & Grounds
Ms. Katie Parsh
Mr. Brent Thomsen, Director/Guest Services
Pr. Kelley Pedersen Pr. Jan Peterson Ms. Linda Stubbendick
Thank you!
Mr. Bruce Wendt
You are receiving this annual report because you play an important role in the life of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries!
Pr. Adam White Ms. Stephanie Wood
gracious
People
Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center Camp: www.caroljoyholling.org Conference & Retreat: www.cjhcenter.org
sacred
Places
Sullivan Hills Camp www.sullivanhills.org
significant
Experiences
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries www.nlom.org • 402-944-2544 27416 Ranch Road • Ashland, NE 68003