COEC Annual Report 2023

2023

Annual Report

Colorado Outdoor Education Center

3,076 Students Found Their Special Spots

2,472 Guests Developed Teambuilding and Leadership Skills

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he list of things we have each learned during a summer at Sanborn, a season spent at HTOEC and time at The Nature Place is long and varied. Some of those lessons and skills translate to the “real world” more seamlessly than others. One of the earliest and most practical lessons we all learn at camp and take with us is the importance of layering for the adventure ahead: how to dress to be prepared for an 80 degree day riding on horseback through the aspens; to be ready for a freezing windy early morning mountain summit; or to anticipate a short lived afternoon thunderstorm out on a hike knowing the sun is soon to return.

While I would say I am practiced at the art of layering, every time I ski it takes me way too long to decide exactly which layers will be perfect for the conditions of the day. We all have to decide between our favorite go-to flannel shirt or light weight fleece that feels like a safe choice, is the most practical option, or will be the most cozy and comfortable.

When we choose the right layers to wear, we feel secure in who we are and ready to do anything.

The layers of support we receive from our incredible community make us feel that way too. The positive stories you share with others about camp, the hours of time you contribute during our alum work days, the financial support you offer during (and beyond) annual giving, capital campaigns and legacy gifts, plus your consistent desire to be connected to a place that has provided so much to so many over the last 75 years is humbling and impactful.

All these layers of support have created a versatile, adaptable and functional foundation that continues to propel COEC forward into the future. With your ongoing and continued commitment, we can provide the transformational growth experiences and opportunities which were foundational to you and are still essential for campers, staff, students, teachers and corporate leaders today.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Marable Executive Director, COEC

646 Campers Shared Adventures

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Before

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After

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n 2023 the Annual Program Excellence and Greatest Needs Funds allowed us to rebuild the STUW Ridge Washhouse at Big Spring and to begin work on a new washhouse on MOPQ Ridge with a planned opening date before camp begins in 2024. These funds have also allowed us to install a new Sport Court at Big Spring and purchase additional bikes for our mountain biking program.

Thank you...

W

ith the increased risk of wildfire due to climate change, our forest mitigation efforts are more important than ever.

We have been doing this work for more than a dozen years and have significantly elevated our efforts recently. Though we have been able to obtain grants which partially support this work, the COEC portion has been supported by the Program Excellence Fund and by the new Environmental Sustainability Fund.

We are also incredibly grateful to our alums who have joined us during our Alum Work Day to help with our mitigation efforts.

Thank you...

“The leadership skills I have learned at camp can help me through adulthood to take the initiative to make the world a better place.”

- Scholarship Recipient • $259,100 provided in scholarships for campers to attend Sanborn Western Camps • 58 campers received a partial or full scholarship in 2023 • $33,000 provided in scholarships for High Trails Outdoor Education Center • 19 schools received scholarships for High Trails Outdoor Education Center

The scholarship program

2023 Financial Overview: Colorado Outdoor Education Center

Charitable Donations $775,000 Luke Stalker Fund $250,000

COEC Operational Expenses

Greatest Need $299,000

Food 11% Insurance 8%

Program 8%

Salary 50%

Utilities 2% Facility Maintenance 7% Vehicle 6% Taxes & Licenses Office Other 3% 2% Expenses 3%

Program Excellence $46,000

Sanborn 70 Scholarship $26,000 Sandy & Laura Scholarship $154,000

Dear Friends— 2023 was an amazing year for Sanborn Western Camps and Colorado Outdoor Education Center. We celebrated our 75th anniversary with a successful camp season, a robust outdoor education program in the spring and in the fall, and our best year ever at The Nature Place. And of course, the Alum Reunion in August was the highlight of our summer. We are grateful for and humbled that this place, the land and people are so deeply woven into the experience of over four generations of individuals. Thank you so much to those of you who made the trip to Florissant to celebrate with us.

Throughout the year, we were also able to continue progress on our long-term goal of renovating and replacing our aging facilities. Thanks to your generous donations, we completed construction on the new STUW Ridge washhouse at Big Spring which offers increased convenience, updated plumbing, enhanced privacy, and environmentally friendly features, like motion sensor lights. Plus, it just might have encouraged the boys to take a few more showers during their time at camp!

Construction is well underway on the next wash house for MOPQ Ridge and it will be ready for the 2024 camp season. We have three more washhouses slated to be rebuilt over the next couple of years as well as continuing to rebuild the cabins at High Trails. As everyone knows, construction costs have skyrocketed in recent years, and we are dependent on your generous gifts to continue these and other important projects.

Charitable Funds Expenditures $844,000 Scholarships $292,000

We continue to be committed to our scholarship program that supports outstanding young people from families who cannot afford the tuition to attend Big Spring and High Trails. Scholarship funds are also distributed to schools who participate in our High Trails Outdoor Education Center programming so that every student may have this formative experience with their classmates, regardless of their ability to pay. I wish you could see the happy faces and transformational learning that occurs due to your thoughtful gifts.

Environmental sustainability is also a continued focus for us. Some of your donations are contributing to our forest mitigation projects, reducing our risk of wildfires and helping revitalize the health of our forests. These funds are also being used to improve our infrastructure to help reduce our environmental footprint.

We are especially grateful to the Stalker Family this year for their significant donation in memory of their son, grandson, and brother, Luke, a camper and staff member at Big Spring. They have created an endowed fund which allows us to support summer staff with stipends for transportation, required certifications, and other needs which makes it financially possible for them to work at camp.

As always, we are able to cover all of our operational expenses with the revenue generated by our programs. This allows your charitable gifts to directly impact scholarship recipients, major facility renovations, and programmatic purchases that enhance the quality and the long-term sustainability of our programs.

Because of you, we are entering 2024 and our next 75 years, in an extremely strong position and are looking forward to serving your grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you!

STUW Ridge Washhouse $445,000 Mitigation $27,000

MOPQ Washhouse Preliminary Work BS Sport Court $48,000 $32,000

Sincerely, Jane Sanborn Director of Development

COEC Annual Fund Donors We are grateful to these alums, staff, parents and friends of camp who gave generously to our Annual Fund and the Sanborn 70 Capital Campaign in 2023 and through January 31, 2024.

MOUNT ELBERT $250,000 and above

FISH CREEK $5,000 – 9,999

The Stalker Family In memory of Luke Stalker

Anonymous – 1 Allen Family Foundation Andy, John, and Phil Allen Randy Brown, Susan Brown McCoy & Marianne Brown Rooney Susan White Burgamy Margot Schlegel Cromack Mark & Liz Dubinsky Daoust Liza Eaton & Adam Cohen Annie Garretson In honor of Jane and Jerry Helms Properties On behalf of Barbara Rowley Hank & Pat Hemingway J.F. Maddox Foundation Sarah Utterback Hugh R. & Arianne O’Kane In honor of Jerry McLain Kathy Osborn In memory of Jeff Roberts Ted & Wendy Ramsey Bill & Karen Schaphorst The Frank Williams Family

MOUNT ANTERO $50,000 – 249,999 American Endowment Foundation Vergi Geurian and Josh Geurian Pershing Charitable Trust Bill Polk, Jr. PIKES PEAK $20,000 – 49,999 Benson Family Foundation Kiersa Benson and Erik Benson F. Martin Brown Trust Roger & Lauren Cameron A BLUFF $10,000 – 19,999 Anonymous -1 Dave & Cathy Gepson Burnham Estate of William Comley Mia Fisher & William Pollack In memory of Angela Fisher J.F. Maddox Foundation Toby Utterback John & Linda Ward O’Hara Renaissance Charitable Foundation Mary Bracken Swanson Jim “Herc” Roth Barbara Rowley & Taylor Middleton Bud Wobus In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus

LITTLE BLUE $2,000 – 4,999 Anonymous – 2 Anonymous In memory of Jeff Roberts Steve & Katy Smith Abbott John & Diane Allen In honor of “old broken down wranglers” Steve & Jana Bohnen In honor of Fred Bohnen Carney Family Charitable Foundation Kris & Colleen Carney Courtney

Bill & Amy Sawyer Daniher Donohue Family Foundation Claire Donohue Feldman Family Fund Josh Feldman The Helen Clay Frick Foundation Laura Jenney Roe John & Lolly Gepson Sharon & Rich Hamilton Bush Helzberg (dec) Hendricks Family Fund Janet Hendricks Jan Mueller In memory of Max Barry Robyn Rissman Jane McAtee Sanborn In memory of Marjorie McAtee Sanborn Summer Staff 2023 Jeff Schlueter Chris & Elizabeth Shears Nan Shiffler Stevan Simich Ralph L. Smith Foundation Laura Douthat Donnelly TWC Foundation Jennifer & Marley “Bucky” Hodgson Sarah Zwinger & Kent Roberts Stephen & Cate White SUNDAY ROCKS $1,000 – 1,999 Anonymous – 2 Dr. Peter & Mrs. Barnett In memory of Bob Bucholz Bruce & Megan Mueller Barry In memory of Max Barry Sam Carkhuff, Sr. Charlotte Ramsey Chaney Jake, Olivia, Noah & Zoe Colley

Cindy Fair Crandell Deb Donnelley & Steve Lenzo Trip Friendly Rob & Connie McWilliams Friesen Jonathan Green In memory of Howard Green Frank Gerrity Charitable Trust Peter Gerrity and Lucy Gerrity In honor of Anne Jackson Pete Glasser & Mary Mayfield Reinhard “Shrimp” Goethert HTOEC 2023 Spring Staff Budge & Lindsay Hickel Diana Johnson In memory of Susie Jarvinen Jerry & Jessica Thurmond Jurgensen Phil LaFortune and Family The Lewis Foundation Hal Lewis Blair Lewis Williams and Families The Lewis Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole Jason & Jean Armour Lewis Paul Lhevine & Lorii Rabinowitz Betsy Longenecker Denis & Amy Davis Lunne In memory of Susan Kay Davis Eliser Katharine Mann Ruth Berkow McArdle Pat & Libby Hamilton Malone Levi & Elizabeth Rundle Marable Gary Missner Gary Mostow In memory of Chuckles J. Landis & Sharon Martin Family Foundation Andrew & Sarah Martin Stettner Michelle O’Brien William Travis Penn & John Wicher

Lisa Schneck Bill Schreiber (dec) In honor of Jim “Herc” Roth Martha & Marty Strauss Charlie Sweet Scott & Carrie McCaull Taylor Rein & Jan Sanborn Van West Denis & Sandra Weber Evan Williams HIGH TOR $500 – 999 Anonymous – 1 Anonymous In memory of Kristin McLain and Sam Jenkins Rajendra & Kacie Sanborn Awasthi Erik Benson David Boger Susan Brown Rich & Kathy Bucholz Scott Campbell In memory of Laura & Sandy Mimi & Landers Carnal, Sr. In honor of Boyd, Landers & Mary Carnal Julie Micou Cerf Janice DeMocker Taylor Emanuels Emanuels Family Foundation Tim and Beth Rusling Emamuels Tom & Susan Eschenroeder Greg “Cool Breeze” Euston, Sr. Oliver Fisher Jerre & David Fussell In honor of Jane Sanborn Anne Wells Gifford Whitney Lamb Granata Chris & Suzanne Gepson Hagen John Hamilton Jim, Heather, & Jonah Hauswirth In memory of Jeff Roberts Deanna Womack Hollon Ellen & Joe Horan Jeff Horner Taylor & Martie Adams Jones Christian Keesee Ward & Carol Swartout Klein Julie Klinghoffer

Michael & Eliza Koeppel Rick & Rita Krause In memory of Gary Krause The McGowan Family Ella, Maia, Ashley, & Ryan and Gabby Gatto Andrea McCrady Peter & Katie McKee Jerry & Betty Ballman McLain In memory of Kristin McLain John S. Mengel Maureen Missner Ben Northcutt Charles and Christopher Nunziato Tom O’Hara Darcy Swenarton Peet Sheila & Russell Pierson In memory of Kristin McLain Steve & Kristin Mueller Pillsbury In memory of Max Barry Mary “Bunny” Porter Quaker Hill Foundation Helen Stevens Matt & Ariella Randle Rogge Mark Shelton In memory of Erin Langhofer Anne & Emily Burnham Shingler In memory of Marjorie McAtee The Skipping Bear Foundation Reggie Cahalan & Dee Shiverdecker Erik Simchuk Russ Stewart Stupp Bros. Bridge & Iron Co. Foundation Family of Will and Henry Stupp Kathy Yanuck Wenger Jennifer Downey Wirtz Dorothy “Sam” Kindred Yewer In honor of Jane Sanborn Dianna Zuendel B BLUFF $250 – 499 Anonymous -1 Amazon Smile Davis Ammons Carolyn Mozley Beiser Bruce Benjamin Chris and Ben Bohanon

Jamie Bruesch Claire Bucholz & Devin McPhillips In memory of Bob Bucholz Lucy & John Covington Cassandra & Byron Crossen Ira & Lynn Dubinsky In honor of Lucy, Annie, and Phoebe Daoust Michael Eber Molly Morton Efland Jenny & Tim Ewing In honor of Linda & John O’Hara Kent & Susan Henson Flury In memory of Mary Shelton Fitzpatrick Amy Gutman In honor of Jane Sanborn Rick Gydesen Lawrence & Valisa Hanlon In memory of Jeff Roberts Steve Heifitz Kim Bean Higgins Gretchen Hund Samuel Johnson In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen The Kroger Foundation Mike Lawrence In memory of Ward Lawrence Carly Liebich Jennifer Hatgi Majer Kado Marino Georgina Bliss Marshall In honor of Jane Sanborn Phil Marthens The Ryan & Ashley Nord McGowan Family Tina Moschetti McNew Anna Middleton Bonnie & Mark Miller-McLemore In honor of Chris & Sarah Ulizio Mark “Flounder” Mobley Travis Monroe Kate Williams Montgomery and Family Tracey & Karl Ohaus In honor of a wonderful Sanborn staff Logan Qualls Marguerite Rengers In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen Julie Franz Richardson Kurt & Anne Richter Anne & John Rollins

Tricia Rossettie Kathy Ruekberg In memory of Joe Ruekberg Bob Schott In honor of Yoshi Games Andy Smith Helen Stevens The James & Caroline Tharp Family Betsy Tucker In memory of Kristin McLain Sarah & Chris “B.C.” Miller-McLemore Ulizio In honor of Bonnie & Mark MillerMcLemore The Vernon Family Erik Wobus In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus, Marge Whitcher, and Kristin McLain WITCHER ROCKS Anonymous – 2 Anonymous In honor of Jill Brownson Nelson Henry Ahn Rick Anderson Susan Mackin Anderson In memory of Sandy & Laura Linda Arms In memory of Bob Arms Betty Barton In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen Tom Beckmann In honor of the 75th Anniversary Jean Carlson Benkert Bart Berger Rick Bisio Ben Blake Patricia Bliss John & Pamela Blythe Tim & Cate Noyes Boddington Alan Bornstein Carter Bowe Marilyn Boyd In memory of Jeff Roberts Kathryn & John Brega Pete & Karla Breitenstein Jackie Briggs Xanni Brown Paige Bryan

Prescott Bullard Sharon Burlingame In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen Catherine Carella Landers Carnal, Jr. Theo Carnes Deborah Guiher Chamblee Cathy Clark Jane Clayton Virginia and Wilson Clemons In memory of Jeff Roberts Joe Coates Rebecca Friendly Coccari Jesse Cogan Joan & Thomas Cook In memory of Jeff Roberts Katelyn Cowles Margy Crosby Victoria Bowles Cruz Tom Currier John G. Decker In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen Ed DeCourreges Brendan de Greve Hayden Delius Debbie de Peyster In memory of Laura & Sandy Cassidy Dickson Maddy Dietrich Dede McFayden-Donahue Margo Salmela Dorion Ned and Debbie Douglas Alex & Diane Eaton Simms Ehrlich Henry Ewing In honor of Linda & John O’Hara Julie Hess Farnham Rich & Sheri Bone Fedorchak Monica McDougall Flegg Martha Hartzell Fosdick In memory of Mike Fosdick The Chelsea Neidenthal Fritts Family Givinga Foundation Ulpiana Gonzalez and Jose Morcuende In memory of Jeff Roberts Ed & Patsy Roby Gotfredson Mary Garlich Grannell In memory of Betty Erickson Andre “Dre” Gray Diedre Gray

Katie Hall Melissa Hamid In memory of Dr. & Mrs. F. Rodman Landon Richard Hankin Greg & Karen Harman In honor of Blakely Harman Bruce & Melanie Haupert In memory of Jeff Roberts Susie Frazier Healey In honor of Jane Sanborn Linda Henn Marilyn Hiscock In memory of Jeff Roberts Lisa Prentice Hughes John “Jack” Jackson Peter Johnson Jennifer Ball Jones Dale Jordan, III Jessica Kalweit Connie Kamp In memory of Carl & Sylvia Burris Brenda Kane In memory of Susan Goetz Beall and Dudley Goetz Heidi Kane In memory of Susan Goetz Beall and Dudley Goetz Marilyn Kimball Barry Schultz King In honor of Jerry McLain and Jane Sanborn Caleb Kirkpatrick Kathy Miller Krogh In memory of Kristin Foseid Robbins Steve Kumar Jack Kussmaul Bob & Rosie LaLonde Simon Lambert Jasmine Larry Betty Lehman In honor of Jane Sanborn Larry Lehman & Lois Hutchins Alex Levering JC Lowman Terry & Susan MacQuiddy Jim Maddox Hank & Sally McCracken Maertens Francie Marbury Robbie & Roger Marks

Kody Maynard Stancie Sherley McClelland Maggie McCoy Grace McDevitt Susan Thurmond McMannama In honor of Jessica Thurmond Jurgenson Grace McRoberts Glen and Kathy Meisner In memory of Jeff Roberts Bill Melon In memory of Jeff Roberts Jonathan Metcalf On behalf of Emily and Linnea Metcalf In memory of Bob Bucholz and Roger Sanborn Renee Miller In honor of Jane Sanborn Susan Missner and Alan Budovitch In honor of Gary Missner’s 65th birthday Kathy & John Mollett Tim Moore Rob & Laura Morgan Kenneth Mueller In memory of Max Barry Jay & Susan Uptegrove Myrick In honor of Jerry McLain Josiah Neal Delaney Nigma John Nix Alina O’Brien Marikayt Patton Diane Fisher Perkinson Robert & Rachel Permutter Dave Perry Mark Peterson Tracy Michael Petrakis Dana & Troy Pohlman In honor of Ross Pohlman Josiah Barron Ramirez Max Roach and Peaches Wade Jenny Roberts Michael Rodriguez Nancy Rothermel Madeline Rowley Barry Rubin David Ruddy Carolyn Rundle Tully Sandbom Nancy Schell Charlie Schweighauser

Philip & Lindsay McKean Scott Winifred and William Scott In memory of Jeff Roberts Marc Seidel On behalf of Sophia Ozenbaugh Laura and Kyle Shannon Ella Siblik The Simpson Family Chris Skan Quin Smith Ben Sperry Diana LeMaire Squibb Tom & Jacque Stauffer Lu Sultze Ted Sykes In honor of Frank Williams and his family Lynn Taylor In honor of Samantha Taylor Kathy Medlock Tuteur Judy Vaughan In memory of William Comley Caroline Wade Andy Weed Susi Weed & Terry Doolittle Ruth Wells Uli Welsch Jim & Marysue Wendt Pamela Green Wheeler Ed and Lynn Whitcher In memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus and Marge Whitcher Harry White Big Al & Terry Goodger Williams In honor of Jane Sanborn and Jerry McLain David S. Williams Bill Wilson Rick & Raye Wilson In memory of Matthew Dale Wilson Monica & Richard Wolfe In memory of Suzie Macy Jarvinen Mimi Lays Wright In memory of Bob & Martha Lays Susan Wyatt In memory of Susie Macy Jarvinen Lea Stratton Yancey Dennis Young Jim Zinser

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

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 Outdoor Colorado on its 6000-acre property near Florissant, CO. These programs are Sanborn Western Camps (Big Spring and High Education Trails), High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and The Nature Place Conference Center.

Center

Colorado Outdoor Education Center PO Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 www.coec.info