2022 Annual Report
“Because in a sense, it’s the coming back, the return which gives meaning to the going forth. We really don’t know where we’ve been until we’ve come back to where we were. Only, where we were may not be as it was because of who we’ve become. Which is, after all, why we left.” My high school Spanish teacher had this quote hanging in her classroom and it has continued to resonate with me over the years. In researching the quote’s provenance, it appears that it came from the television show Northern Exposure, making it even more relevant (ie: remote Alaskan wilderness…remote Colorado wilderness…). I have reflected on this quote many times throughout my life, often during times of transition, like when I returned from studying abroad; or when I returned home from college each summer; or as I have encouraged others to take risks like finding a new job, moving to a different state, or traveling a unique path.
703 Campers Shared Adventures
The photo on the cover, on the back inside and on the back cover of this publication are all pictures of campers returning. They are returning from new adventures and time spent in the natural world with friends, returning from challenges and successes, returning from doing hard things that teach resilience and perseverance. They are returning from learning about others and themselves and their ability to collectively support each other and work together toward a common goal. As campers and staff members return to camp after long trips and then return home to their families, schools, universities, communities and jobs, the true impact of the camp experience sets in. They feel different. They feel grounded and more confident, competent and connected. It is the return after a summer spent at camp that allows us to have a new filter and new focus. It is this return that has set so many of us on our current trajectories in life. After all, that is why people come to camp, to the Nature Place and to HTOEC: to create meaningful experiences that will shape, shift and help define their perspectives on and of the world.
3,041 Students Found Their Special Spots
We are committed to providing this experience to future generations by continuing to improve our programs, facilities, and by growing and endowing our scholarship funds. We are committed to making each individual’s return to and from Sanborn, HTOEC, and The Nature Place as memorable, impactful and transformational as ever. We are celebrating Sanborn’s 75th summer in August and we are looking forward to sharing the return, the coming home to camp with so many of you during the reunion. We know our paths are diverse and unique and the common thread of our experiences at COEC have allowed us, and will allow others in the future to return, to keep coming home to this place. Sincerely Elizabeth Marable Exectuive Director, COEC
2,325 Guests Developed Teambuilding and Leadership Skills
because of you... “
You all helped him face what he considers the hardest thing he’s ever done (his words) and succeed. He didn’t just get through it or survive though, he THRIVED! He flourished! He had a ball. He has learned the most important lesson in life, that he can face any challenge and trying something new will lead to so many wonders and experiences. To his counselors, trip leaders, and really all of you that make the community the joyful and supportive place it is: Thank you! Thank you!
”
- Parent of a Big Spring Camper
“
The High Ropes Course was a moving and memorable experience for me. I am now more open to stretching myself and am working on creating a safe environment to challenge and try new things with my team at work. - TNP Client
”
The Annual Program Excellence and Greatest Needs Funds have allowed us to continue the important work of wildfire mitigation, to complete our new High Ropes Course, to purchase an electric vehicle and add bikes to the camps’ mountain bike program.
because of you...
After almost a year in planning and construction, the new Big Spring Health Center was open for our Second Session arrivals. And what an improvement it has been! It was funded by donations to the Sanborn Tomorrow Capital Campaign with especially generous gifts from Roger and Lauren Cameron. Our other big purchase in 2022 was the 207 acres of land near Potts Spring. This property is surrounded by COEC, and although its availability on the market was unexpected, we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure our borders and gain access to this beautiful land with its open pine forest, stunning meadows, rocky bluffs, and modern home. We were able to make the down payment due to an incredibly generous gift from the estate of Bob Bucholz in 2016.
Because of You... * $217,400 provided in scholarships for campers to attend Sanborn Western Camps * 57 campers received either a partial or a full scholarship in 2022 * $28,750 provided in scholarships for HTOEC * 19 schools received scholarships for HTOEC * $5,000 provided for TNP Outdoor Afro
no other and the “ Afeelviewing oflikefreedom from
the regular world we live in. Absolutely breathtaking. From the crisp mountain air, to the simple peace and mellowness in the forest. It’s unlike anything.
”
- HTOEC 6th Grade Student
We have a ROBUST scholarship program
2022 Financial Overview:
Dear Friends—
Colorado Outdoor Education Center
Words cannot express how grateful we are for your support. Because Of You, 2022 was an extremely active year of facility and programmatic improvements. Due to the uncertainty caused by COVID in 2020 and 2021, we had deferred major construction projects and program purchases, and it was wonderful to be able to once again focus on improvements that will enhance our mission. In addition to the facility and program improvements highlighted in this report, your gifts to the Annual Fund and the interest generated from both the Sanborn 70 Scholarship Endowment and the Jerry McLain Scholarship Endowment helped us increase our scholarship funding in 2022 by almost $100,000. The scholarships we are able to give allow us to continue to deepen our commitment to enriching the diversity of our community.
$640,000
207 Acres Near
Our Sanborn Tomorrow Capital Campaign, which began in 2018-19, is in its final stage with 90% of our pledges now completed. Our original campaign goal was $3,500,000 and you exceeded our expectations by donating over $4,000,000. The impact of these thoughtful gifts can be seen throughout the property at Big Spring, High Trails and The Nature Place—you have made a difference! As campaign gifts have been completed, annual fund contributions have increased significantly, and we are looking ahead to projects we already have on the drawing board. In 2023, we will continue with our wildfire mitigation work, and begin rebuilding the BS washhouses. Without your support, none of this would be possible.
$265,000
As always, we are able to cover all of our operational expenses with the revenue generated from our programs. This practice allows your charitable gifts to directly impact scholarship recipients, major renovations to our aging facilities, and programmatic purchases that enhance the quality and the long-term sustainability of our programs. Because of you, we have entered 2023, our 75th year, in an extremely strong position and are looking ahead to our next 75 years. Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you! Sincerely,
Jane Sanborn Director of Development
COEC Annual Fund Donors
Gifts in Memory of Jeff Roberts
Anonymous--2 Andrew Anderson Usha Balakrishnan Ethan and Erica Billingsley John W. and Ellen Buchanan Cathy Gepson Burnham Zak Cannard Curt and Lisa Chase Gabriela and Bogdan Cherascu Russell Cohen Eva and Adam Cole Craig Coleman
Delta Dental of Michigan Jean Farnlof Susan Feusier George Friedman Terry and Carolyn Houts Gilbert Dave and Bev Goebel Lawrence and Valisa Hanlon Jim and Heather Hauswirth Stephen and Deborah Hays Jolene and Marvin Johnston Theodore and Joan Kanatas Gina Kastel
Richard and Mary Lea Kruse James Lane Lance Lange Jean Armour Lewis Pat and Libby Malone Elizabeth Marable Brenda McHenry Matt McKinney Jerry and Betty McLain Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe Law Kathy Osborn Polly Pagliai
Gary and Ruthann Papke Dave Perry Tomeka Peterson William and Doris Preucil Douglas Prochnow Dave and Vicki Purdum Will and Samantha Renner Don and Cheryl Reynolds Larry and Barbara Roberts Ariella Rogge Jim Roth Paula and Omer Sanan
Sanborn Tomorrow
Jane Sanborn Roger and Mary Simpson Jim Spaanstra Thomas and Marian Stumpf Suzanne Summerwill and James Flitz Charley Tharp Veronica “Ronnie” Thomas Chris and Sarah Ulizio Howard Ullman Cheri Viner-Lynch Stephen and Sue Wolken Deb and Rich Wretman Dennis Yatras
Denali Club $500,000--$999,999 Ken Wallace Kilimanjaro Club $250,000-499,999 The Cameron Family Foundation
Roger and Lauren Cameron Mt. Elbert Club $150,000--$249,999 Mia Fisher & William Pollack
In memory of Angela Fisher
La Plata Club $50,000--$99,999 Anonymous Barb Rowley,Taylor Middleton, Anna and Kate Middleton
In honor of Jane Sanborn Mt. Antero Club $20,000--$49,999 Mr. and Mrs. Hugh O’Kane
In honor of Jerry McLain
Levi & Elizabeth Rundle Marable Allison Shutz Mostow
Steve and Katy Smith Abbott Lisa Rudolph Cushman Family In memory of Sandy and Laura “The Fab Five”
Matt and Ariella Randle Rogge
In honor of Jane Sanborn In honor of Jane Sanborn Sandra and Denny Weber
Julie Micou Cerf, Mary “Bunny” Porter Lisa Schneck, Kathy Medlock Tuteur, Kathy Yanuck Wenger
Mt. Belford Club $2,500--$4,999
In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus
Mt. Oxford Club $1,000-$2,499
Doug and Kay Seessel Rawlings Bud Wobus Mt. Princeton Club $5,000--$9,999
Jake, Olivia, Noah & Zoe Colley Rob and Connie McWilliams Friesen
Anne Shingler
Bill and Amy Sawyer Daniher Virginia Gillispie
In honor of Jane Sanborn Judy and Roger Proffitt
MOU NT ANTERO $50, 000 – 99, 999 Pershing Charitable Trust
Bill Polk, Jr.
A BLU FF $10, 000 – 49, 999 Brent & Ellen Horkey Balcer Benson Family Foundation
Kiersa Benson and Eric Benson
Roger & Lauren Cameron Michael Eber George & Dale (Jan) Swenarton Kalousek J.F. Maddox Foundation
Toby Utterback
Mark Shelton
In memory of Patsy and John Shelton Jessie Spehar
Pikes Peak Club $500--$999 Anonymous
In memory of Sam Jenkins Michael Heath Peggy Seessel
Additional Donor Gary Missner
LITTLE BLU E $2, 000 – 4, 999 Anonymous – 1 Steve & Jana Bohnen
In honor of Fred Bohnen
Pete & Karla Breitenstein The Charles G. & Kathleen G. Cannon Family Fund
Lauren & Christopher Davis
Carney Family Charitable Foundation
Kris & Colleen Carney Courtney Patrick Coleman Margot Schlegel Cromack Donohue Family Foundation
Claire Donohue
Foster Family Private Foundation
Mark & Nancy Foster
The Helen Clay Frick Foundation
Laura Jenney Roe
John Rosso and Sarah Rosso McCaughey In memory of Abbey L. Rosso, PhD
Annie Garretson John & Lolly Gepson Rich Hamilton Bush & Jamie Helzberg Hendricks Family Fund
Dave & Cami Watson Bryn and Taylor Watson Lea and Rilyn VandeMerwe
Jessica Thurmond Jurgensen Katharine Mann Mike & Carolyn Schiele Murray Ted & Wendy Ramsey Will & Samantha Allen Renner Kent & Sara Zwinger Roberts
Rosso Family Foundation
Sanborn Summer Staff 2022 Peggy Seessel Trust Watson Family Charitable Fund
We are incredibly grateful to the following alums who continued to make generous donations honoring their ongoing pledges to the Sanborn Tomorrow Capital Campaign in 2022. Many, many other alums have donated or fulfilled their pledges to the Capital Campaign. Thank you. Quandary Peak Club $10,000—$19,999
P IKES P EAK $100, 000 and above Estate of William Comley
Bud Wobus
In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus In memory of Marge Whitcher FISH CREEK $5, 000 – 9, 999 Anonymous – 1 Allen Family Foundation
Andy, John, and Phil Allen Andrea Barker
In honor of Lisa Taylor Henson Ali and Ramsey Behnam
Randy Brown, Susan Brown McCoy
& Marianne Brown Rooney Susan White Burgamy Mark & Liz Dubinsky Daoust The Fighting Chance Foundation Hank & Pat Hemingway Kim Bean Higgins J.F. Maddox Foundation
Sarah Utterback
Chris & Mike McCarthy John & Linda Ward O’Hara Rachel & Scott Stack
Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Mary Bracken Swanson
Janet Hendricks
In memory of Ann Zwinger In honor of Sally Ann Roberts Jim “Herc” Roth Jack Samuels Jane McAtee Sanborn Connie Morton Seay Chris Shears Nan Shiffler Ralph L. Smith Foundation
Laura Douthat Donnelly Maximus Stetich TWC Foundation
Jennifer & Marley “Bucky” Hodgson
SU ND AY ROCKS $1, 000 – 1, 999 Anonymous – 1 Bruce & Megan Mueller Barry
In memory of Max Barry
Dave & Cathy Gepson Burnham Bruce & Jane Porter Burton Trip Friendly Frank Gerrity Charitable Trust Peter Gerrity and Lucy Gerrity Pete & Mary Glasser Reinhard “Shrimp” Goethert Anna Gordon
HTOEC 2022 Fall Staff HTOEC 2022 Spring Staff The Lewis Foundation
Hal Lewis Blair Lewis Williams & Families
In memory of Kristin McLain John Mengel Janet Mueller
In memory of Max Barry
In honor of Chris, Sarah, & Cade Ulizio
Maureen Missner Charles and Christopher Nunziato Tracey & Karl Ohaus
We are grateful to these alums, parents, and friends of camp who gave generously to our Annual Fund in 2022 and through February 10, 2023 Margo Salmela Dorion Alex & Diane Eaton Simms Ehrlich Caitlin Eschenroeder
In memory of the Sanborns Robert A. Lebby Larry Lehman William & Joy Leslie
Dixie Clark Samuels Scott Savage Loren & Susan Schuman
In memory of Marge Whitcher
In honor of wonderful Sanborn staff In honor of Tom Eschenroeder In memory of David C. Trowbridge Ben Northcutt Charlie Schweighauser Logan Parr David O’Hara Jenny & Tim Ewing Alex Levering In memory of Annette SchMatt & Ariella Randle Rogge Tom O’Hara In honor of Linda & John O’Hara Alice Robinson Levy weighauser Scallia Kathy Ruekberg Darcy Swenarton Peet Stu & Julie Hess Farnham In honor of Jane Sanborn Lindsay McKean Scott In memory of Joe Ruekberg Steve & Kristin Mueller Pillsbury Colby Fewster Carly Liebich Marc Seidel Bob Schott In memory & spirit of Bob Mobley In memory of Max Barry Monica McDougall Flegg Terry & Susan MacQuiddy On behalf of Sophia Ozenbaugh In honor of Congo Bongo Robyn Rissman Katherine Rickenbaugh Rich Martha Hartzell Fosdick Jim Maddox Mark Shelton Bill Schreiber Bill & Karen Schaphorst Charlie & Muffy Rice In memory of Mike Fosdick Hank & Sally McCracken Maertens In memory of Mary “Pepi” Shelton In honor of JR “Herc” Roth and Jeff Schlueter In honor of Charlie Rice, III Paul Fouts Michael Maisonpierre Fitzpatrick grandson Bennett Schreiber J. Landis & Sharon Martin Family Lisa Schneck George Friedman In memory of Frank Canter Emily Siegel Emily Burnham Shingler Foundation Jessie Spehar Charlie “Chuck” & Betsy Friedrichs Francie Marbury Chris Skan Andy Smith Andrew & Sarah Martin Stettner Stupp Bros. Bridge The Chelsea Neidenthal Fritts Family Sam Marsh Susie & Stewart Smoler Andy Weed Martha & Marty Strauss & Iron Co. Foundation John Gay Maggie McCoy Ben Sperry Bill Wilson Charlie & Sally Sweet Family of Will and Henry Stupp Givinga Foundation Andrea McCrady Diana LeMaire Squibb Nancy Wirth Jill, Dave and Natalie Weaver Terry & Allison Talbot Emma Greenberg Phil McKnight Jim Stevens Jennifer Downey Wirtz Stephen & Kate White Chris “B.C.” & Sarah Ulizio Julia Gulliver Susan Thurmond McMannama In memory of Sandy & Laura Susi Weed & Terry Doolittle John Haible Jane & Jay Metcalf Lu Sultze W ITC H E R ROC KS H IG H TOR Jennifer Downey Wirtz In memory of Will Haible On behalf of Emily and Linnea Metcalf Francesca & Dan Tashjian Anonymous – 1 $ 50 0 – 999 Eames & Pam Taylor Yates Madeline Halabi In memory of Bob Bucholz and In memory of Peter Whiteley Stephanie Ayres Anonymous – 3 Dorothy “Sam” Kindred Yewer Richard Hankin Roger Sanborn Meg McKean Taylor Misty Althizer Rajendra & Kacie Sanborn Awasthi In honor of Jane Sanborn Lauren Harison & Jeff Webb Kate Middleton Charley Tharp In honor of John Gay Peter & Toshia Ezaki Barnett Greg & Karen Harman Renee Miller Ford Thompson Andrew Anderson In memory of Bob Bucholz B BLU F F In honor of Blakely Harman In honor of Jane Sanborn Betsy Tucker In memory of Luke Anderson Paul Berliner $250 – 499 Rachel, Brad, & Chris Hauck Terry & Douglas Miller In honor of Jane Sanborn Susan Mackin Anderson CampMinder Team Amazon Smile In honor of Dadad Dorris In memory of Marge Whitcher Judy Vaughan Linda Arms David Boger Davis Ammons Stephen Heifitz Kenneth Mueller In memory of William Comley In memory of Bob Arms George Brown Rick & Ann Anderson Robert & Marilyn Sedlak Henderson In memory of Max Barry Linda Denney Wagner Tim Baier Scott Campbell Jackson Baker Annie Hershberger Peggy Daniel Murphy-Deehan Bailey Walker Tom Beckmann In memory of Laura & Sandy Carolyn Mozley Beiser Mason McKean Hoeller Jay & Susan Uptegrove Myrick Fallon Warshauer In memory of Hank Janes Sam Carkhuff, Sr. The Chris Bohanon Family Gretchen Hund Gwen Roberts Oelerich Uli Welsch Bruce Benjamin Mimi & Landers Carnal, Sr. The Dan & Carrie Brown-Wolf Family Adam Hureau Sydney Parker Pamela Green Wheeler Jean Carlson Benkert Greg & Amy Gallagher Critchett Ann Bushyhead Chace Hutchings Diane Fisher Perkinson Peggy Whitcher Ethan & Erica Billingsley Janice DeMocker Christopher & Vanessa Chandler Jeremy Iloulian Bob & Rachel Permutter In memory of Marge Whitcher Rick Bisio Cassidy Dickson Richard Coffin In honor of Mike MacDonald Dave Perry Jack Whittle Tom Blickensderfer Tom & Susan Eschenroeder Will Coleman Mac Jackson Mark Peterson Big Al & Terry Goodger Williams John & Pamela Blythe Greg Euston, Sr. The John Covington Family Nora Jenkins Tracy Michael Petrakis David S. Williams Hadley Browning Rich & Sheri Bone Fedorchak Cassandra & Byron Crossen Ellie Jensen Roger & Judy Proffitt In memory of Sandy & Laura Claire Bucholz & Devin McPhillips Anne Wells Gifford Ed DeCourreges Jennifer Ball Jones Mikey Rainey Rick & Raye Wilson Finn Burns Chris & Suzanne Gepson Hagen Ned Denney Jeff & Stacy Robinson Joyce Josiah Barron Ramirez In memory of Matthew Dale Catherine Carella Jackie Millberger Hatfield Ira & Lynn Dubinsky Barry Schultz King Julie Rasmussen Wilson Landers Carnal, Jr. Jim, Heather, & Jonah Hauswirth Taylor Emanuels In honor of Jerry McLain and Ardie Reed Tim & Wren Wirth Rob Catterton & Gwynn O’Gara Deanna Womack Hollon Susan Henson Flury Jane Sanborn Karl & Marty Friedrichs Remsen WJ Interests Joe & Jackie Coates Ellen & Joe Horan In memory of Mary Shelton Constance Koester Ben & Katie Friesen Reneker On behalf of Steve & Kristin Pillsbury Rebecca Friendly Coccari Jeff Horner Fitzpatrick In memory of Marge Whitcher Victoria Rhoades In memory of Max Barry Margy Crosby Hope Anderson Kapsner The Fussell and Bonilla Family Kathy Miller Krogh In memory of Marge Whitcher Mimi Lays Wright Victoria Bowles Cruz Christian Keesee Whitney Lamb Granata Chela Kunasz Laura Rice Jim Zinser Caroline Daniher Ward & Carol Swartout Klein Budge & Lindsay Hickel In memory of Marge Whitcher Julie Richardson Hayden Delius Phil LaFortune Family The Johnson & DeFoor Family A D D ITIONA L D ONORS Jack Kussmaul Michael Rodriguez Debbie de Peyster Meg Leander John & Jodi Kinser Heather & Bill Macy Suds & Frank Kyger Liza Roe Chris Dickson In memory of Bob & Ricky Leander The Kroger Foundation/City Market In memory of Sandy & Laura Barbara Ann Greenwald Ross Maddy Dietrich Levi & Elizabeth Rundle Marable Jennifer Hatgi Majer IN KIND D ONATION Bert & Dolly Lager Nancy Rothermel Mikelle DiLorenzo Kody Maynard Georgina Bliss Marshall Beth Jensen In memory of Peter Bruch Madeline Rowley Dede McFayden Donahue Peter & Katie McKee Phil Marthens Betsy Longenecker & David Mark & Kathy Ryden Larson David Ruddy Callie Donaldson Jerry & Betty Ballman McLain Bonnie & Mark Miller-McLemore Diana Zeigler LaViolette Carolyn Rundle Dietel
Jason & Jean Armour Lewis Paul Lhevine Betsy Longenecker Pat & Libby Hamilton Malone Mark “Flounder“ Mobley
Because of YOU We Will Continue To...
is possible to make a tax deductible gift to Colorado Outdoor Education Center through Forever Sanborn Itbeneficiary designation in a will, 401k or similar plans, or life insurance policies. If you
Expand Our Scholarship Reach
Connect & Reconnect
Enhance Our Programs
Improve Our Facilities
...and DREAM BIG for the NEXT 75 years!
have done so or desire to do so, please let us know so that we can make you a member of “Forever Sanborn,” a group of donors who have included COEC in their estate planning.
Colorado Outdoor Education Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that operates three major programs on its 6000-acre property near Florissant, CO. These programs are Sanborn Western Camps (Big Spring and High Trails), High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and The Nature Place Conference Center.
Colorado Outdoor Education Center PO Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 www.coec.info