Guided Discoveries 2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report Changing Lives in Challenging Times

Our Mission: To make a positive difference in the lives of children through unique opportunities for discovery.

To put it simply, we change lives. How do we do it?

Our method.

Over the past 42 years we’ve worked out a lot of kinks, learned a lot of lessons, and updated our curriculum and offerings as the times have changed. Throughout all those years of development, these concepts have remained our touchstones.

Immersive, experiential science Doing science results in greater understanding of science concepts, increased interest in science, and increased academic performance.

Overnight camp experience Extended time with peers and away from home leads to social-emotional development, stronger interpersonal relationships, and development of 21st century skills.

Challenge by choice High perceived risk and new experiences lead to greater feelings of accomplishment and greater gains in self-confidence.

It’s all for the kids.

After months of distance learning, separation from friends and family, and anxiety and uncertainty in their everyday lives, children needed somewhere to reconnect with their peers, feel safe, and spend time outdoors. Guided Discoveries was proud to provide those places.

At a time when kids needed camp more than ever, we ran additional sessions of camp in order to serve more campers while operating at limited capacities.

AstroCamp VA, Camp Motorsport & Camp CHOP 388 campers AstroCamp 717 campers Catalina Sea Camp 1,130 campers For a grand total of

2,239 campers

Guided Discoveries has since reopened for school programs, bringing us one step closer to serving our usual number of

55,000 children annually.

Financials.

We believe in transparency. While the financial information of all nonprofits is accessible to the public, we want to make it easier for you to see where the money goes. Hint: as often as is possible, it goes straight back into the programs — in other words, to the kids.

Income: $7,396,110

Expenses: $10,269,793

In a nonprofit organization, nothing goes to waste.

Everything that is generated is utilized with intent, be it money, opportunities, or the energy driving everything forward. After Guided Discoveries’ operational costs are covered, any and all excess funds are put right back into the programs.

Thanks a (quarter) million.

We have always generated enough money through our program attendance fees to keep us going and move us forward. This year we were not able to serve nearly as many kids, and in addition to the sadness that this caused, we also suffered financially. We asked for help, and our Guided Discoveries family came through.

304 donors 400 donations

Jones Coffee Roasters 100+ lbs of coffee + shipping

$248,417

$3,200 value

30 volunteers Bunk construction Photo editing Steering committee

234 hours

$11,700 value Total donations of time & money:

$263,317

Where does it all go?

All donations are used to directly or indirectly benefit the children who attend our programs. Some of the indirect methods may not seem very charismatic, but after 15 months of facilities being shuttered, they were especially critical to the success of the Guided Discoveries mission.

Toyon Bay Dorm repairs & upgrades Replacement of Dive Deck stairs Archery area upgrade Staff housing repairs & upgrades Tree trimming & removal Fox Landing New camper bunks Bathroom trailer Staff housing repairs & upgrades Tractor repair AstroCamp Revamp of mountain biking trails Dorm repairs & upgrades Staff housing repairs & upgrades Tree trimming & removal Virginia Go-kart tires Dorm repairs & upgrades Staff housing repairs & upgrades New mower

All facilities were able to receive electrostatic sprayers and hand-washing stations, as well as carry out fire prevention brush clearance.

Why it really matters.

While we know all donations are used to further our mission and change lives, it sure feels good to take a look at the direct outcomes.

42 campers received financial aid to have an incredible camp experience, and they want to say thank you.

Dear Donor, Thank you so much for donating to the Sea Camp. I really appreciate the chance to get to go to Catalina Sea Camp this summer. I am really excited to come to Camp and your gift really helps a lot.

God Bless you and have a lovely life.

Over and out.

We’re excited to move forward into 2022. We have served over 1.3 million children since our founding in 1979, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. We will continue to change lives, no matter the challenges that await us.