2014 Annual Report

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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!

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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

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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

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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