NLOM Annual Report 2012

2012 Annual Report

Look at What

YOU DID through Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries

SUMMER CAMP

CONFERENCE & RETREAT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

1

MISSION/VISION/VALUES

We are called by God to be a Christ-centered, 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 serve with sacred hospitality, - to nurture leadership for service in the church and world.

gracious

People

sacred

Places

Faith

Experiences

Rooted in our heritage in the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) is committed to uphold that heritage and to serve the interdenominational, interfaith and broader community. NLOM provides opportunities for people to grow in faith. Our work expresses our faith in Christ, and our faith in Christ compels us to serve others.

Vocation

We help people and groups uncover, rediscover and grow in their authentic calling.

Hospitality

We are committed to inclusiveness, acceptance and friendliness. We want guests to experience, “You matter to God, therefore you matter to us.� Guests are enabled, through our hospitality, to accomplish their goals.

significant

Community

We provide opportunities for people to be in safe, intentional community where they can grow through relationships.

Partnership

We value being a part of the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12) and delight in the opportunities to share ministry with other members of the Body. We also intentionally reach out to other denominations and secular groups.

2

YOU Are Making a Difference

Do you ever wonder what kind of “bang” your efforts are producing for the charities you support? What difference does it make when you write those checks, offer those prayers or volunteer your time? These are fair questions and this Annual Report gives us a chance to show you what differences you are making. In other words, we want to help you see the kind of return on investment you are getting. So, please see the following as what Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries was able to help you accomplish for the Lord’s work in the year 2012…

• More than 2,100 children had growth in faith opportunities at Carol Joy Holling, Sullivan Hills and Day Camp.

• Camperships enabled 222 children to come to camp who otherwise would have had to stay home for financial reasons.

• 65 amazing college students served as role models and Christian examples for the campers. These young adults are the backbone of NLOM! • Two college seniors, who served on our summer staff, spent a semester with us as interns. The ideas they generated will make summer camp even stronger.

• As is almost always the case each year, at least one of our summer staffers changed direction and now this business major will be heading off to seminary.

• Generous farmers (130 of them!) donated the equivalent of 34,000 bushels of grain to help grow strong leaders for the church and community.

• A reduced debt load makes more funding available for programming. At the end of 2012, our debt on the Swanson Center (which started at $2.5 million in 2006) was less than $1 million.

• New housing under construction in the Western Town at Carol Joy Holling Camp will help attract more campers and retreat guests.

• More than 19,000 people outside of summer camp had significant experiences at CJH and Sullivan Hills.

Believe me when I say that YOU are doing these things. NLOM just gets to be on the front lines serving on your behalf.

Thank you for all the ways you are responding to God’s urgings. Truly, this is inspired, Spirit-led ministry. You are a blessing.

And, I think you’ll agree with me that you are, indeed, getting a BIG BANG through your efforts!

Dave Coker Executive Director

3

SUMMER CAMP

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is a proud serving arm of the Nebraska Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Carol Joy Holling Camp Sullivan Hills Camp 2012 Day Camp Sites Nebraska Synod Congregations Kansas

Campers

Carol Joy Holling Camp

2010

2011

2012

1369

1452

1530

Sullivan Hills Camp

132

147

140

Day Camp

466

572

441

4

How YOU DID IT

Campers and staff at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp learned about connecting with local and global communities by serving. Through Kids Against Hunger, 110,000 meals were packaged and shipped locally, regionally and internationally.

ACA Accreditation

Summer Camp Theme Donors

Carol Joy Holling Camp was reaccredited for three years by the American Camp Association in 2012.

First-time Donors

Gifts of Grain/Cash

$236,000

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation

$75,000

Swanson Family Foundations

$75,000

Total raised to support the work of NLOM

$386,000

5

SUMMER CAMP

Why Choose

Carol Joy Holling or Sullivan Hills Camps?

It’s simple really; Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps offer experiences and relationships that help campers see the already amazing presence of God in their lives. From there, we encourage and empower campers to use what God has given them to serve the world!

Campers are filled with awe and wonder as they watch the Summer Ministry Team sing a silly song, lead them confidently across the high ropes course or pray with all their hearts to a wonderful God who loves us all. Campers delight in the acceptance and love they feel from the staff and their new friends. While these experiences alone are priceless, staff also teach campers that who they are as God made them is wonderful. They are uniquely gifted to make a positive difference in the lives of others when they share the love of Christ.

Sure. Camp is filled with swimming, boating and hiking - all typical summer camp experiences. But, the learning and role modeling that campers experience during those activities is what sets NLOM programs apart. Bonus - led by summer staff - daily worship and Bible study experiences teach campers the Bible and, through practice, to be more comfortable with God-talk.

A week at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Sullivan Hills Camp or Day Camp is filled with faith-growing experiences that can’t be duplicated.

How YOU DID IT Camp is the single most important partner to a church and family in the Christian education of our young people.

NLOM is beyond blessed to be amongst Nebraska Synod congregations who get it!

75 Pastors/Lay Leaders attended camp with a group!

6

CONFERENCE & RETREAT

How YOU DID IT Programs for People with Special Needs Summer Camp Year Total Served 2010 37 2011 37 2012 41 Jay Novicki Day Programs

Year Total Served

2010 215

2011 230

2012 332

Swanson Center Debt Reduction Original price of the building - $5.2m Amount of initial loan - $2.5m 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000

2006 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

7

CONFERENCE & RETREAT

Changing and Growing 2012 was the busiest year on record for both Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center and Sullivan Hills Camp!

Brent Thomsen, NLOM Director/Guest Services shares, “Groups using our spaces are citing a variety of differences that set NLOM apart, and these differences are notable reasons for selecting our sites for their group events and retreats.�

From the quiet settings away from the hustle and bustle of urban life to the hospitality of staff plus the variety of accommodations and pricing, groups are embracing Carol Joy Holling Conference & Retreat Center and Sullivan Hills Camp as something special.

Conference & Retreat

2010

2011

2012

# of Groups

479

498

484

# of Guests

18,106

18,476

19,954

Affiliate Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center received accreditation as an Affiliate Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum in 2012.

This new accreditation comes as a result of intentional work by camp staff and volunteers to diversify and expand the plantings on the property.

New Groups in 2012!

8

NEW Western Town To improve camper and guest experiences, Carol Joy Holling Center is constructructing two attractive and accessible buildings that offer convenient lodging, meeting and gathering space. The new facilities will be directly across from the existing Angels Gulch buildings, creating a realistic two-sided Main Street.

These buildings will house hundreds of middle school campers each summer, plus they will provide accessible facilities for programs serving people with special needs.

Retreat and conference groups will also enjoy time away in the Western Town’s new accommodations, which can house up to 108 overnight guests.

Lippincott Stagecoach Inn construction began in August, 2012. Construction on the two-story Hotel Theodore will follow.

Volunteers

Volunteer Hours

9

NLOM Sponsored Adult Retreats 2012 brought an increased focus on offering educational opportunities for adults, where they can also renew and refocus on their faith.

Wild Women Wine Camp Tanzania Fabric, Fun & Facts 5 UFO (UnFinished Objects) Retreats Administrative Professionals Retreat

How YOU DID IT

Special Events

Carol Joy Holling Fun Run

Participants

$ Raised

512

$21,650

Sullivan Hills Quilt Auction

67

$6,063

Sullivan Hills Golf Tournament

44

$13,723

Kearney Golf Tournament

64

$39,233

Carol Joy Holling Quilt Auction

700

$100,828

Carol Joy Holling Golf Tournament

161

$35,815

1548

$217,312

TOTAL

10

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

How YOU DID IT

Developing Depth in Leadership While the Leadership Development leg of NLOM’s mission often happens through the Summer Camp and Conference & Retreat Ministries, much is in the works to develop and extend opportunities even further.

Examples in 2012: • Staff “L Team” (Live, Laugh, Love, Learn) - brought health and wellness to the NLOM staff and volunteers.

• Intern Program - two college students spent a semester learning the ropes and providing insightful input into many areas of our ministry.

• NLOM Board members went through training that has opened the door to more productive and vision-filled work.

• Leadership U, a two-year, staff development program was envisioned. (More information on page 12.)

Each year, NLOM hires more than 65 college-age adults for a summer of learning, growing, fun, challenge, and friendship to be our Summer Ministry Team. Staff participate in ten days of extensive training to learn about Lutheran theology, safety, Bible study, teaching techniques, age characteristics, age-appropriate camp activities and all the ins and outs of camp life. The Summer Ministry Team then spends their summer caring for campers, sharing their faith and gaining valuable life skills.

59 Raised to replace the dock at Carol Joy Holling

Donors Gifts ranged from $10 - $5000

45 NLOM staff delivered cookies to partners in ministry

11

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2013

T herefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily

entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

-Hebrews 12:1-2

How YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN! Prayer

For the ministries of NLOM, for the staff and volunteers and all who are served. Give thanks to God for what is being accomplished.

Volunteer

If you are interested in offering your gifts, time, skills, please call us at 402-944-2544. We would love to help you find a place to serve!

Summer Service Project

Make a Gift

Through an exciting partnership with the Nebraska Synod Women of the ELCA and Lutheran World Relief, campers and staff at Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills will assemble more than 300 quilts for distribution throughout the world!

You can make a financial gift: 1. Through the mail: 27416 Ranch Road Ashland, NE 68003 2. Online: www.nlom.org/give 3. By phone: Call 402-944-2544

Faith Alive Through Service

Learn more and register online at: www.caroljoyholling.org www.sullivanhills.org

12

The sun sets on another beautiful day of camp at Sullivan Hills.

New Adult Retreat Offerings In addition to the list of adult retreats offered in 2012 (page 9), the following opportunities will be available in 2013: • Men’s Retreat • Mother/Daughter Retreat • Pinterest Nights • Rostered Leader Mini-Sabbatical • Wine Camp I and II • Youth Director Retreats Learn more and register online at www.caroljoyholling.org

Hotel Theodore

See page 8 for more information on this project.

Leadership Development

Leadership Development is the third leg of a strong, thriving ministry! This part of NLOM’s mission has historically happened largely through the other two legs: Summer Camp and Conference & Retreat ministry. NLOM was also instrumental in the development of Operation IDEA, a Nebraska Synod effort to raise leaders for the church.

NLOM is pleased with the work that has been done in this area, but believes it can be even stronger. In 2013, we will work with you to explore what this third leg means and could mean to the whole NLOM vision. Expect to see much more on this in the year to come!

A brand new two-year Leadership Development program for select members of the NLOM staff!

13

2012 Operating Revenue and Expenses Total Expense - $2,395,538

Total Revenue - $2,677,074 Donations & Grants 40.1%

Building & Grounds 21.6%

Retreat & Conference 28.9%

Development 10.3% Marketing 10.9%

Nebraska Synod 3.4% Other 5.1%

Events 7.2%

Retreat & Conference 26.1%

Camp Fees 15.3%

Administration 11.7% Camp Program19.4%

Condensed Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2012

Assets

Liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents $ Pledges receivable Investments (primarily restricted) Property and equipment, net Beneficial interest in perpetual trusts Other assets Total assets $

581,469 152,107 599,428 5,569,382 319,251 86,944 7,308,581

Net Assets, end of year Net Assets, beginning of year

$ $

6,049,345 5,645,859

$

403,486

Increase in Net Assets

Notes payable $ Deferred revenue Other liabilities Total liabilities $

1,017,824 128,101 113,311 1,259,236

Net Assets Unrestricted $ Unrestricted - board designated Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted Total net assets $ Total liabilities and net assets $

4,172,658 106,970 1,000,880 768,837 6,049,345 7,308,581

NOTE: The 2012 Audited Financials are available for review at www.nlom.org/about-us/financials

14

NLOM Board of Directors

Senior Management Team

Ms. Linda Miller (President) The Rev. Mark Grorud (Vice President) Ms. Wendy Grasz (Secretary) Mr. Rodale Emken (Treasurer) The Rev. Tom Miller (Executive Committee at Large) Bishop Brian Maas (Ex Officio) Ms. Tanny Akerson Mr. Cecil Bykerk The Rev. Greg DeBoer Ms. Val Ebberson Mr. Dale Fornander Ms. Beth Fornander Mr. Dale Hanson The Rev. Nathan Houfek Ms. Vera Hummel The Rev. Tim Koester Ms. Lisa Kramme (Bishop’s Representative) Mr. Dennis Magnuson, J.D. Ms. Kelley Miller The Rev. Tom Miller Ms. Katie Parsh Ms. Stephanie Wood

Mr. David Coker, Executive Director Ms. Casey Fuerst, Director/ Marketing & Communications Mr. Jason Gerdes, Director/ Development Ms. Kelsey Joseph, Director/Programs Mr. Roger Maxon, Director/ Buildings & Grounds Mr. Brent Thomsen, Director/ Guest Services

NLOM Foundation Trustees Ms. Kathy Ahrendt Mr. David Coker Ms. Margaret High Mr. Larry Hinrichs Ms. Linda Miller

NLOM Staff Year-round staff

31

Full time staff

25

Part time staff

6

Total years of service

214

Longest Tenure

25 years

Average Tenure

7 years

Thank

YOU!

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our

prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Carol Joy Holling

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries

Camp, Conference & Retreat Center Camp: www.caroljoyholling.org Conference & Retreat: www.cjhcenter.org

www.sullivanhills.org

www.nlom.org • 402-944-2544 27416 Ranch Road • Ashland, NE 68003