Colorado Outdoor Education Center Western Camps
2017-2018 Annual Report
Dear Friends,
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As an old proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Fortunately for us, Sandy and Laura planted a seed in Florissant 70 years ago that took root and has flourished over the years. What they started continues to grow and plant additional seeds with every camper, student, guest and staff member who spends time with us. The roots of the Colorado Outdoor Education Center run deep, and while our various programs look a bit different depending on where you’re looking, they all share the same root of education in the outdoors. COEC continues to cultivate Sandy and Laura’s mission, and as we begin 2018 it is very exciting to know that this year marks the 70th anniversary for Sanborn Western Camps and the 40th for The Nature Place; and last year, High Trails Outdoor Education Center celebrated 50 years. What does it take to grow and thrive for 70 years? It starts with a clear and engaging mission and is carried forward over generations by individuals who come together around the mission to work together, knowing that they are part of something bigger. They are each a part of something that is making a difference in the lives of everyone involved, and they do it all while having fun, laughing and enjoying their time together in the outdoors. It is a special recipe. The Mission of COEC is “To develop the potential of individuals by providing extraordinary educational experiences in the natural world”; its Vision is “To create a better world through transformative educational experiences that inspire and empower children and adults to make a difference.” It is powerful to see how the language crafted by the Board of Directors and the year round staff captures what we currently do across all three programs of the organization while remaining true to what Sandy and Laura laid out decades ago.
The work of COEC is carried out daily through our Core Values, beginning with the idea that “We believe anything is possible, and we are committed”: • To Excellence • To Valuing & Caring for our Clients • To Responsible Stewardship of COEC • To Innovation & Risk Taking • To Education and Human Development • To Progressive Professional and Organizational Practices • To Creating a Respectful, Fun Community • To Creating Connections with the Natural World • To Preserving the Experience - that we believe in our mission, vision, and values and in the power of our history COEC strives to remain as relevant and essential for today’s campers, students and guests as it’s always been. Though change is certainly a constant, it is very empowering to know that the “Why” that began in 1948 with four campers and a dream, is just as much a constant as ever and continues to guide everyone who plays a part in carrying COEC into its 8th decade. Over the years, your contributions as a camper, staff member, student, parent, grandparent, guest or friend has had an impact on this place. Your friendship and support have been essential components in making COEC what it is today, and as I look out into our future, though the details are unknown, it remains very bright because of our deep and supportive roots and our clear and vibrant vision. Thank you for being a part of our journey thus far and for helping us to continue planting seeds for generations to come. Sincerely,
Mike MacDonald
Dear Alums, Parents, Campers and Friends, What an amazing time to be part of Sanborn Western Camps and the Colorado Outdoor Education Center. While this may seem hard to believe, this summer represents the 70th anniversary of the founding of Sanborn Western Camps. We also will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of The Nature Place, and the 50th anniversary of the first time students came to the High Trails Outdoor Education Center. This longevity is a result of an enduring vision that Sandy and Laura developed together after Sandy’s return from the Italian Alps as part of the 10th Mountain Division. They believed firmly that there was a need for a place where people could come together and learn to live in a community. The power of their vision is evidenced by the ongoing success of COEC. Sandy and Laura would be the first ones to point at the campers, parents and staff that embraced their vision as the reason for this success and longevity. Each of you took a piece of their vision and added to it and kept it current. Today, COEC is fortunate enough to have a senior leadership team that is as dedicated to the mission and place as Sandy and Laura were. And, every summer we recruit a summer staff with a commitment to children and outdoor education. However, most importantly, every summer there are 700 children who arrive at camp for fun and adventure, and those campers carry on the spirit of Sanborn Western Camps and make their own contributions to Sandy and Laura’s dream. The last year has been another period of significant accomplish-
ment for COEC. All of us can take pride in these accomplishments, which are outward demonstrations of a vital organization that remains relevant to children and adults. • Began the first major construction project on a building in over 5 years; when HTOEC opens this spring Jumping Juniper will be a new cabin. • Completed the purchase of a piece of property near Mt. Antero that all of our programs can use. This is the first land purchase in 30 years. • Transitioned Mike MacDonald into the role of Executive Director of COEC replacing Jane Sanborn. This transition, years in the planning, has gone smoothly. • Jane has agreed to continue with COEC as our Director of Development and she will retain her seat on the Board of Trustees providing vital continuity to our organization. • Most age groups for the summer 2018 are already full and many have waiting lists, which is similar to last year. So, on behalf of my fellow trustees, I want to thank you for your interest and ongoing support of the Colorado Outdoor Education Center. Your contributions over the last 70 years make camp what it is today. Everyone leaves a special mark…. new recipes, dents on vans, new songs, new trails, etc. It is why we can celebrate these milestones. Happy Trails,
Frank Williams Chair, COEC Board of Trustees
WHAT IS COLORADO OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER? 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, Colorado. These programs are Sanborn Western Camps (Big Spring and High Trails), High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and The Nature Place Conference Center. Though many of our alums, families, and guests know us as one of these programs, our umbrella organization is COEC. Sandy and Laura originally founded Sanborn Western Camps as a for-profit corporation. However, when the High Trails Outdoor Education Center program began, Sandy discovered that the public schools were hesitant to enter into contracts with a for-profit organization. With the invaluable help of attorney Ken Wallace, they incorporated Colorado Outdoor Education Center as a notfor-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1973. The school program and many programs at the Nature Place were run by COEC. For more than twenty-five years we were both Sanborn Western Camps and Colorado Outdoor Education Center. In the early 1990’s, Sandy began to consider how to best preserve what he and Laura had built. Perhaps inspired by stories of several family-owned camps in the third, fourth, or fifth generations
that were sold for land development, he worked for several years to take the financial and legal steps which would turn the camps into a not-for profit organization directed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. In 1999, Sandy and Laura essentially “sold” Sanborn Western Camps to Colorado Outdoor Education Center, Inc, and created a Board of Trustees to guide the organization. Today, we are Colorado Outdoor Education Center and we continue to do business as Sanborn Western Camps, High Trails Outdoor Education Center, and The Nature Place. We are the same place we have always been, with the same mission and the same core values. We are guided by a remarkable group of camp alums who serve on COEC’s Board of Trustees; some of these are original board members chosen by Sandy and Laura in 1999. They set strategic priorities for COEC, provide financial oversight, help with fund raising, and appoint the COEC Executive Director. During the years since 1999, the Board, working with our professional staff, has consistently directed COEC along the path of achieving best practices for a non-profit organization.
SO WHY DO WE DO IT?
There is a quote that has been repeated at camp, often at a
Sunday Rocks service, which has been around for more than five decades. It came from a book called “On the Loose” published by the Sierra Club in 1967. The book was written by two brothers, Terry and Renny Russell. “So why do we do it?” What good is it? Does it teach you anything? Like determination, invention, improvisation, foresight, Hindsight, love, art, music, religion, strength or patience Or accuracy or quickness or tolerance or Which wood will burn and how long is a day And how far is a mile And how delicious is water and smoky green pea soup And how to rely on yourself?” When Sandy and Laura welcomed the first boys to Big Spring in the summer of 1948, seventy years ago, they knew intuitively that camp would be good for children. Their own experiences had convinced them that living together with peers and nurturing counselors would help young people learn how to get along with one another. They realized that spending time in the natural world participating in challenging activities would provide positive and perhaps transformational life experiences for youth. And they knew the value of play, humor, fun, and joy. They got it right! The value of the camp experience has been verified anecdotally and in testimonials from campers, parents, and alums over many years. But Sanborn Camps and the camp community in general wanted more than anecdotal evidence, and
during the past fifteen years there have been significant increases in the amount of research, both specific and societal, which shed light on the magic that happens at camp. In 2002-2003 the American Camp Association undertook a major research effort and hired an outside research firm to conduct studies in 80 camps across the country. Sanborn Western Camps was one of these. The research firm administered pre- and post-camp questionnaires to campers, parents, counselors, and senior staff. The results of that study, published in a report called Directions: Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience “provide scientific evidence that camp--a unique educational institution--is a positive force in youth development. Parents, camp staff and children themselves reported significant growth in all four domains (Positive Identity, Social Skills, Physical & Thinking Skills, and Positive Values & Spirituality)” In 2005-2006, another research landmark occurred when Richard Louv published “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder”. This ground-breaking book contained research study after study proving that children were becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world and that disconnection was having a detrimental effect on their health and well-being. Louv used research to demonstrate that nature calms children, focuses them, and yet excites their senses. It incites peace and curiosity at the same time. It provides physical and emotional exercise. It reduces stress and bolsters children’s resilience. Sharing activities in the outdoors fosters social interaction and promotes social support. Children who have a personal connection with the natural world are “happier, healthier, and smarter”.
During the past decade, research in three areas relevant to camp has exploded. Continuing research on the importance of nature for children and adults has produced significant and increasingly urgent findings. One of these findings, identified by multiple studies is that the two most important factors in helping children to gain a connection with nature are access to the natural world and an adult mentor who shares a love of nature. Another area of significant research is the importance of social and emotional skills in leading a happy and productive life. Sometimes called “Twenty-first Century Skills” these include resilience, tolerance, empathy, responsibility, collaboration, communication, and many more. These skills have always been THE curriculum of camp, and we follow these books, articles, and studies closely in order to tweak our programs in ways that will enhance their learning and practice. The third area is brain research, and it would take many pages to mention the many ways that these studies support the value of the camp experience, the HTOEC experience, and The Nature Place experience. One small example is that studies into brainbased learning have identified three important criteria for optimal educational environments: 1) Physical movement is critical to learning; 2) Students need to be engaged; 3) Social environment is important. We are engaged at COEC in one of the most efficient, effective learning laboratories in existence. Many times, these areas of research come together and, in 2017, Florence Williams wrote a book called “The Nature Fix”, applying the impact of the natural world to recent research on how the brain works. She demonstrates that “our connection to nature is much more important to our cognition than we think and that ex-
posure to the living world can improve our creativity and enhance our mood.” She demonstrates “how time in nature is not a luxury but is essential to our humanity.” Since 2011, we have been conducting our own outcomes based research at Sanborn Camps. Using the ACA’s Youth Outcomes Battery, parent evaluations, and camper evaluations, we have focused on a specific set of skills each summer. One such skill set includes Independence, Responsibility, and Perceived Competence, all related to the Sense of Self statement in our mission. “Results showed that Sanborn is delivering a positive and predictable growth experience in campers’ sense of self, as measured by the YOB scales, at each camp, at every age, in each session, whether or not this was their first year or their tenth year at camp. Results also indicated that Sanborn Western Camps is reliably and uniformly delivering on this intention for all campers, and campers’ growth is ongoing summer after summer”. In 2017, Sanborn Camps won The Eleanor P. Eells Research in Practice Award presented by the American Camp Association for its commitment to improving the camp experience through research. Because, of course, in addition to providing “evidence” of the value of the camp experience, this research also helps us evaluate our programs each year to determine how to improve them in places where our scores may not be as high as we would like. It all comes back to our mission “To live together in the outdoors, building a sense of self, a sense of community, a sense of the earth, and a sense of wonder through fun and adventure.” This is why we do it.
“It is really impossible for me to put into words the impact that you have had on his development into a young man. As I reflect on the total cumulative experience I can say with certainty that the things he learned at camp play a part in who he is, the decisions he makes and the behaviors he exhibits on a daily basis. Sanborn Camps and Big Spring are inside of his heart and soul.� -2017 Camp Parent-
SANBORN WESTERN CAMPS “To live together in the outdoors building a Sense of Self, a Sense of Community, a Sense of the Earth, and a Sense of Wonder through fun and adventure.” -Sanborn Western Camps Mission Statement-
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s we plan for the 70th summer at Sanborn Western Camps, we are excited to report that the camps are thriving. In 2017, we had more than 700 campers and 140 seasonal staff who came from 45 states and 16 countries. They created a community of friendship and respect and embraced the challenges offered in the program at Big Spring, High Trails and Sanborn Junior. Seventy-three different groups from camp climbed nineteen different mountains—seventeen “Fourteeners” and two “Thirteeners”. Campers and staff backpacked for hundreds of miles—along the Colorado Trails, in the Tarryalls, on Elbert and Massive, Harvard and Yale, Antero and Shavano, Pikes Peak, and many other high mountain locations. Horseback trips rode around 39-Mile Mountain, through Eleven-Mile Canyon to the Puma Hills, to Ranger Station, Sledgehammer, Spring Creek and other Forest Service campsites to our west. Mountain bikers rode the exciting Salida Downhill route four times over the summer; rock climbers tested their skills at Wild Goat Mountain and Witcher Rocks. We made hundreds of trips down the South Platte River on tubes, canoed at Eleven-Mile Reservoir, and enjoyed dozens of other camp activities both on the ranch and off.
“ The adventures they have at Sanborn are hugely enriching and lead to major personal growth. They adore Sanborn and their community of friends and mentors.” -2017 Camp ParentAlmost all of our oldest campers who had completed the 8th or 9th grade chose to participate in our SOLE (Sanborn Outdoor Leadership Experience) and CORE (Community Outreach Experience). These Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, or Mountain Biking focused adventures emphasize outdoor skill practice and competency, leadership and communication skill development, and a service component designed to help campers “give back” to the
“She has not stopped talking about all she learned, experienced, felt, created and lived. It was an amazing experience. Your staff were exemplary!”
-2017 Camp Parentcommunity and the land. Last summer, a total of 65 girls and boys chose one of our SOLE Mountaineering trips. Each of these trips includes trail work with the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, outdoor leadership curriculum, and significant backpacking or a mountain climb. In 2017, we were honored to learn that Sanborn Western Camps was selected as CFI’s Volunteer Partner Organization of the Year. Of course, 2018 will include all of the great trips and activities we have always offered as well as some exciting, new programming including service-based opportunities for younger campers. And, we know that during our 70th summer, our outstanding staff will provide enthusiastic, nurturing leadership, as always. We’re looking forward to Sanborn Summer Seventy!
“This was my first week at High Trails. I was extremely impressed with the staff members I associated with. The overall logistics of every aspect of the week was outstanding. My most favorite and most “spiritual” experience was Sunday Rocks.” -2017 Teacher-
HIGH TRAILS OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
“High Trails Outdoor Education Center provides educational experiences in the outdoors in which children and adults will gain greater skills, knowledge, and understanding of the interrelationships of all living things, of working together as a team, and of growing positively as a person.” -High Trails Outdoor Education Center Mission Statement-
More than 3500 students, high school student counselors and
teachers from 25 Colorado schools explored the forests and meadows of COEC in 2017 as participants in our High Trails Outdoor Education Program. Our decades long partnership with School District 20 in Colorado Springs fills our fall season. Sixth graders from the six middle schools in District 20 spend four days at HTOEC, learning natural science, earth science, local history and art through our unique role-playing curriculum. In Prospectors, for example, students take part in an exciting “Quartz Rush” and gain a true understanding of rocks, minerals and the forces that shape the Earth. Each of our twelve Discovery Groups is experiential and supports the educational principle that the best learning takes place when material is presented in an active, fun way. During the spring, schools from all over Colorado journey to High Trails for a 3-, 4-, or 5 day program. Many of these schools have been with us for years and have made the HTOEC experience an integral part of their 4th, 5th, or 6th grade curriculum. We continue to search for new ways to expand the reach of our program and, in 2017, continued our exciting work with Buena Vista Montessori School, where we provide outdoor experiential education for each class K-6. Some of these programs for the younger grades involve HTOEC staff traveling to the school and leading activities in the school neighborhood. Third through sixth graders then come to HTOEC for 2- or 3-day programs.
“With the wind in my hair and the sun warmed rocks underneath me, I cannot think of anything but how I feel one with nature.” -2017 Sixth Grade StudentIn another exciting new program, last fall we welcomed two groups of high school students on alternative learning tracks. These 18-25 year old students with developmental disabilities loved their overnight at the Quick Homestead and our staff enjoyed the opportunity to work with different types of students. 2017 was the 50-year anniversary of the High Trails Outdoor Education Center program and it is as fresh and relevant today as it was in 1967. Our staff work tirelessly to update curriculum to meet the needs of today’s students. In 2018, we will be field testing several revised curriculums and look forward to again providing exciting learning opportunities in the outdoors.
“This week, I have learned to work with all sorts of people. I have learned how many different people think, and how to respond. I have also learned how truly meaningful connections are.” -2017 High School Counselor-
We have been traveling to The Nature Place for many years now, not only to take in the beautiful surroundings, but also because the facilities are so well suited to our needs. Each year, your staff goes the extra mile to make sure that we are comfortable and make our experience a pleasant one. I am always blown away by the staffs’ friendly attitude. -2017 Guest-
THE NATURE PLACE
“To provide uncompromising customer service, quality accommodations and food, and educational programs for guests and staff that increase our understanding of who we are, how we fit into the ‘Big Picture’ and how we can improve our relationships with others and the world around us.” -The Nature Place Mission Statement-
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he Nature Place Conference Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018 and continues to provide an outstanding guest experience as well as memorable educational programs. In 2017, The Nature Place hosted eighty different groups and welcomed 2700 guests. An extremely high client retention rate means that we will see many of the same groups in 2018. FMI, an organization that provides leadership and team development training for the construction industry through its’ Leadership Experience, marked its 21st year of programming at The Nature Place by bringing fourteen different groups in 2017. More than 6,000 individuals have graduated from this program over the years, and they will again join us many times in 2018. Our long partnership with the University of Denver continues to thrive. Rob Jolly, the Director of The Nature Place, is working with Daniels College of Business to redesign their program and to create cutting edge experiences for the MBA students who will attend. Another exciting program with the Morgridge College of Education at DU continues to grow. This program brings students working to earn licensure as school principals to The Nature Place where they participate in an inspiring and unique program which includes orienteering and our Sawmill Leadership Scenario. Denver Public Schools brought nine groups in 2017; some of these leadership development programs are for teachers and some focus on administrators. Other return groups included the American Leadership Forum, a group which works with high-level personnel in government and business to provide excellence in leadership, and RIHEL, the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership. We are excited about working with several new groups in 2018. One of these is the Colorado Health Foundation, a philanthropic organization which funds family health care and planning in underserved rural areas. Another group is
“I want to thank your staff for all the kindness they shared with me while staying at TNP. From the food to the facilitators, everything was excellent! It was a truly memorable week on the mountain with you.” -2017 GuestTeach for America, a national corps of leaders who commit to teaching in low-income schools and work to increase their students’ opportunities in life.
COLORADO OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PHIL ALLEN President, Venture Properties, Tulsa, OK Big Spring Camper 1964-71; Staff 72, 77-78
BARBARA ROWLEY Freelance Author, Big Sky, MT High Trails Camper 1974-77; Staff 78-81, 86-90
CATHY GEPSON BURNHAM Educator and Camp Representative, Chicago area High Trails Camper 1984-86; Staff 88-91
RICK SANBORN Former Director, SWC, Holualoa, HI Big Spring Camper 1959-66; Staff 68-70, 75-02
ROD. LUCERO Vice-President, AACTE, Washington, DC Big Spring Staff 1983-91; HTOEC Staff 85-91
JANE McATEE SANBORN Director of Development, COEC, Florissant, CO SWC/COEC Staff 67-current
LIBBY HAMILTON MALONE Teacher, Monument, CO High Trails Staff 1983-87
CHARLIE SWEET Vice Chancellor—UCCS, Colorado Springs, CO Big Spring Staff 67-70; HTOEC Staff 72
JERRY McLAIN Director of Alumni Relations, SWC SWC/COEC Staff 59-current
JAN SANBORN VAN WEST Former Director, SWC, Ridgway, CO High Trails Camper 1962-68; Staff 70, 76-89, 00-02
DAN MILLER Architect, OZ Architecture, Denver, CO Big Spring Camper 80-87; Staff 88,90
KEN WALLACE President, KTW Associates, Tampa, FL SWC Staff 1971-76
BILL POLK Managing Partner, EGIS Capital Partners, St. Louis Big Spring Camper 1967-73; Staff 74,77
FRANK WILLIAMS Chief Executive Officer, Adeptus Health, Dallas, TX Big Spring Camper 1981-86; Staff 87-92, 95, 97
JEFFREY S. ROBERTS Attorney, Faegre Baker Daniels, Denver, CO Big Spring Camper 1989-90; Staff 97-00
BUD WOBUS Professor of Geology, Williams College, MA Big Spring Camper 1954; Staff 60-69, 76
JIM “HERC” ROTH Chair of the Board, Hillyard Ind, St. Joseph, MO Big Spring Camper 1963-67; Staff 68-71
Non-Voting Member: MIKE MACDONALD Executive Director, COEC, Florissant, CO SWC/COEC Staff 91-current
COLORADO OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER LEADERSHIP TEAM
MIKE MacDONALD. Executive Director of COEC. Mike came to Big Spring in 1991 and, after working in a variety of roles from counselor to Program Director, became Director in 1999. After serving as co-Executive Director for a year, he was appointed Executive Director by the COEC Board of Trustees in October, 2017. Mike has a BS from Centre College and a Master’s Degree in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University, Seattle. He has been active in the American Camp Association and is a past President of the Rocky Mountain Region. JANE SANBORN. Director of Development and COEC Board Member. Jane began her career as a counselor at High Trails and has worked with the camps and COEC since graduating from Colorado College with a degree in English and Education. She served as the Director/Program Director at High Trails 1970-99, and as Executive Director of COEC for many years. She retired as Executive Director in October, 2017, and assumed the role of Director of Development. Jane is also active in the ACA and has served in many leadership roles. Currently she is the Program Chair for the ACA National Conference and sits on the National Public Policy Committee. JERRY McLAIN. Director of Alumni Relations, COEC Officer and Board Member. Jerry has been with Sanborn Camps and COEC since 1959, including many years as Program Director and Associate Director at Big Spring. He also directed the High Trails Outdoor Education Center program for several decades and served as COEC Executive Director during the early 2000’s. He currently sits on the board of the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds. Jerry is a former teacher and school board member; his degree is in Social Sciences and Education from the University of Colorado. CARLOTTA AVERY. Director of Support Services, Associate Director, High Trails and HTOEC. Carlotta has worked at COEC since 1978, after graduating from Olivet College with a BA in Instrumental Music Education. She directs the camps’ trip program, organizing everything from Forest Service permits to Trip Leader training. She is also Associate Director of the HTOEC program and is COEC’s resident naturalist and photographer. In addition, she manages the food and laundry services for the camps and HTOEC. ROB JOLLY. Director of The Nature Place. Rob taught at HTOEC and Big Spring for a year before assuming his current role in 1989. He has been instrumental in creating the innovative team and leadership development programs at The Nature Place. He also serves as the manager of COEC’s high ropes challenge course and is Chief COEC Astronomer. Rob has a degree in Geology from Miami University. ARIELLA ROGGE. Director, High Trails. Ariella began her career at Sanborn when she was twelve. After five years as a camper and five years as a staff member she continued her work with young people as a high school teacher. She and her family returned to camp in 2001 and she became Program Director at High Trails. In 2013, she became Director with Elizabeth. Ariella received a B.A. in English from Colorado College and is a certified secondary English educator and WEMT. She has been active in championing outcomes-based research for the ACA, is Co-Chair of Research on the Rocky Mountain LCOL, and often presents at conferences. ELIZABETH RUNDLE-MARABLE. Director, High Trails. Elizabeth came to camp in 2002 as a counselor. She also taught at HTOEC for a number of seasons. In 2003 she joined the COEC Staff as Sanborn Junior Director and became High Trails Director with Ariella in 2013. Elizabeth is Program Development Chair for ACA Rocky Mountain ‘s Local Council of Leaders, and is co-author (with Jane) of “101 Nature Activities”. Elizabeth graduated from Benedictine College with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Business.
MIKE ADLER. Director, Big Spring. Mike was a counselor at Big Spring during the summers of 2014-15, and has been a member of each HTOEC staff since 2014. During the summer of 2016, he was an Instructor with the Colorado Outward Bound School before joining the COEC Staff year-round in September. In 2017, he served as Assistant Director at Big Spring. He received a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan in 2011 and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder. MARK RUTBERG. Director, Big Spring. Mark has a B.S. in Kinesiology and Pedagogy from the University of New Hampshire as well as a Masters degree in Health Education. He was Athletic Director and Teacher for a private school in New York for 4 years and also spent 4 years teaching PE and coaching for the American School in the Netherlands. Mark was a counselor at Big Spring in 2016 and served as an instructor in the Fall HTOEC program before joining the COEC year-round staff as Assistant Director of Big Spring for the summer of 2017. Mark is certified as a Wilderness First Responder. SARAH KRUMHOLZ. Director, High Trails Outdoor Education Center. Sarah grew up outside Boston, MA, and graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio with a B.A. in history before moving to Colorado. As an instructor for Overland Summers and the Colorado Outward Bound School, she’s explored the mountains of Colorado, Switzerland, Iceland, and Alaska. She first joined the HTOEC staff as a field instructor in 2013, and after working seven seasons, became Assistant Director in 2016. She was promoted to Director for the Fall, 2017, season. MAREN MacDONALD. Medical Liason and Riding Program Director. Maren was a High Trails camper for many years and then worked during the summer as both a counselor and wrangler. She returned to camp full-time as Riding Program Director in 2007. Maren graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in French, and then earned her Physician’s Assistant degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to directing the riding program each summer, Maren is also an important member of the camps’ medical team. JESSIE SPEHAR. Marketing Director, Photographer, Water Sports Supervisor. Jessie began her career at camp as a counselor in 2006 and returned each subsequent summer, taking on more responsibilities each year, including those of Camp Photographer and Supervisor of Canoeing and River trips. She joined the year-round staff in 2013 as Marketing Director for the camps. Jessie has a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Special Education and taught for 4 years before joining the COEC full-time staff.
2017 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW: COLORADO OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER COEC Operational Expenses COEC Operational Expenses Othe r Expe nse s : 2 %
Colorado Outdoor Education Center’s programs are thriving and we have almost no debt. We are able to cover our basic operational costs with our program tuition and other income.
Food : 10 %
Adve rtising : 2 % Othe r Expe nse s : 2 % Payroll T axe s : 4 % Adve rtising : 2 % Of f ice : 3 % Payroll T axe s : 4 % Ve hicle s : 3 % Of f ice : 3 % Utilitie s : 3 % Ve hicle s : 3 % Facility Mainte nance : 7 % Utilitie s : 3 %
Food : 10 %
Facility Mainte nance : 7 % Insurance : 7 % Insurance : 7 % Program : 8 %
Salary : 50 %
Program : 8 %
Salary : 50 %
Food Salary Utilities Vehicles Other Expenses
Program Office
Insurance Facility Maintenance Payroll Taxes Advertising meta-chart.com
Annual Fund Donations in 2017
Program Excellence: $18,000
Annual Fund Donations in 2017 $270,000
7 % 7 %
Greatest Need: $82,000 30 % 30 %
Scholarship Fund: $170,000
63 % 63 %
Scholarship Fund
Greatest Need
Donations help us immensely by supporting our scholarship programs for the camps and HTOEC. Charitable gifts also help us to undertake major renovations of facilities which are aging and out-of-compliance with current building codes as well as to make purchases which have a significant impact on the quality and sustainability of our programs.
Program Excellence meta-chart.com
2017 Charitable Funds Expenditures $327,000
2017 Charitable Funds Expenditures
Scholarships: $148,500*
Expenses for Rebuilding 4 8 % Jumping Juniper: $157,000**
4 5 % 4 5 %
**Additional amounts spent in 2017 came from reserves we have built up over the years in the Program Excellence Fund.
4 8 %
Fundraising Expenses: $21,500
7 %
Scholarships
*Generous 2017 donations to the Scholarship Fund will allow us to award additional scholarships for 2018.
Fundraising Expenses
7Expenses %
for Rebuilding Jumping Juniper meta-chart.com
THE SANDY AND LAURA SANBORN SCHOLARSHIP FUND In 2017, 30 campers were able to attend Big Spring or High
Trails with partial or full tuition assistance provided by the Sanborn Scholarship Fund. Seven of these were full-tuition scholarships and 23 were partial tuition awards. We also partnered with the John Austin Cheley Foundation to provide 12 additional full-tuition scholarships and with University Academy in Kansas City, MO, to make camp possible for three outstanding young people. In addition, The Scholarship Fund also provided grants to 13 schools to help their low-income students attend the High Trails Outdoor Education Center with their classes, and provided financial support for innovative programs including our work with the Buena Vista Montessori School and special high school leadership programs. These outstanding campers enrich our community in many ways, providing extreme enthusiasm, positive attitudes, and a desire to take full advantage of all camp has to offer. They bring diversity and new perspectives; the friendships that form are deep and heart-warming.
“I want to give back to the community because of what the community has done for me. Giving back is one of my main goals for being an Outbacker. After my three years of going, I’ve noticed Big Spring changed me for the better and I want to share that with others.” -2017 scholarship recipient
“Every summer he comes home with an incredible boost in his independence and sense of community. It is always hard for him to leave camp and we believe that this is because he is around special caring people that he connects with, feels comfortable with, and looks up to.”
-Parent of 2017 scholarship recipient-
“Sanborn has been a transformational experience for our daughter. It is the most enriching, nurturing and rewarding environment with so much to offer young people. She returns home from camp with a renewed sense of confidence and groundedness.” -Parent of 2017 scholarship recipient-
THE PROGRAM EXCELLENCE FUND
The Program Excellence Fund allows us to continue to
renovate and replace our aging facilities, as well as to provide resources for program innovation and organizational sustainability as well as specialized staff training. We are extremely grateful to the many alums, camp families, and friends who have contributed to the Program Excellence Fund over the years.
JUMPING JUNIPER In 2017, with the help of the Program Excellence Fund, we began the renovation of Jumping Juniper, one of the first cabins built at High Trails in 1962. Juniper, lived in by Sanborn Junior campers during the summer and by 4th6th graders at HTOEC each spring and fall, has definitely been showing its age. We saved the spectacular moss-rock fireplace from the old cabin and are building a new cabin around it. Designed by camp alum architect Dan Miller, the new cabin preserves the rustic nature of the camp environment, including an open-air communal area along with the traditional living room. It meets all ADA guidelines and will have updated safety features such as a fire suppression system and upgraded plumbing and wiring. Juniper is under construction now and will be finished before our first school
groups arrive at HTOEC in early April.
ANTERO PROPERTY 2017 was the first year we used our new property at Antero for the camp program and it exceeded our expectations. Almost every weekday during the summer campers visited this beautiful 173 acres at the base of Mt. Antero, purchased with help from the Program Excellence Fund. It provided a wonderful basecamp for fishing trips, mountain climbs, rockhounding explorations, and even an artistic three-day. Campers and staff raved about its beauty and location, and it has been an incredible addition to our outcamp programs.
2017 GIFTS & DONATIONS Thank-you to the following alums, camp families and friends who donated generously to COEC in 2017. We are grateful! MT. ANTERO $50,000 and above John and Linda Ward O’Hara The Pershing Charitable Trust Bill Polk MT. SHERMAN $25,000 and above Ken Wallace A BLUFF $10,000—29,999 Anonymous The Benson Family Foundation Kiersa Benson and Eric Benson Susan White Burgamy Dave and Cathy Gepson Burnham Bill and Edee Miller In Memory of Elsa C. Miller The Rosso Family Foundation John Rosso, Sarah Rosso McCaughey And Families In Memory of Abbey L. Rosso, PhD. Caroline and Jim Tharp In Memory of Elsa C. Miller FISH CREEK $5,000—9,999 Anonymous The F. Martin Brown Trust Hank and Pat Hazelton Hemingway The T. Lloyd Kelly Foundation Jennifer Hull Jerry and Betty Ballman McLain In Memory of Kristin McLain Morton Family Fund Steve Morton Jim “Herc” Roth LITTLE BLUE $2000-4,999 Steve and Katy Smith Abbott Big Spring 2017 Summer Staff
Randy Brown, Susan Brown and Marianne Brown Rooney The Carney Family Charitable Foundation Colleen Carney Donohue Family Foundation Claire Donohue The Foster Family Private Foundation Mark and Nancy Foster The Helen Clay Frick Foundation Laura Jenney Roe John and Lolly Gepson Bush and Jamie Helzberg High Trails 2017 Summer Staff Kirkpatrick Family Fund Christian Keesee Dan and Ashley Mansour Miller In Memory of Elsa C Miller Ferrel and Janis Minick Cary Cardozo Paul Dorothy Rinier Jeff Roberts Barbara Rowley and Taylor Middleton Jane McAtee Sanborn Chris Shears Allison and Terry Talbot In Honor of Jerry McLain The Wells Fargo Foundation Phil Perry Bud Wobus In Memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus SUNDAY ROCKS $1,000—1,999 Anonymous Phil and Julie Tate Allen Toshia and Peter Barnett In Memory of Bob Bucholz Bruce and Megan Mueller Barry In Memory of Max Barry
Toby Biolchini In Honor of the McLain Family Roger Cameron In Memory of Sandy and Laura CHECO Company Brad Sharp In Memory of Rusty Scott Mark and Sharon Coberly In Memory of Max Barry Pat and Catherine Coleman Mark and Elizabeth Dubinsky Daoust In Honor of Lucy Daoust for her First Sanborn Summer Mark and Liz Deardorff Faegre Baker Daniels Foundation In Honor of Jeff Roberts John and Ann Feldman Fleming Family Foundation Erik Fleming Trip Friendly The Lewis Foundation Hal Lewis, Blair Lewis Williams Betsy Longenecker Katherine Mann Jackie and Bill McDowell Hugh O’Kane In Honor of Jerry McLain RGF Family Fund Josh Feldman Mark Rutberg Lisa Schneck Robert Schott Nancy Shiffler Charles and Sally Sweet Posie Taylor TWC Foundation Jennifer and Marley “Bucky” Hodgson Dave Watson Margaret Whitcher In Memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus
HIGH TOR $500-999 Anonymous Mike Adler Steve and Jana Bohnen The Landers Carnal Family In Honor of Jane Sanborn Jared Coburn Jonathan and Ellen Steinberg Coven Emanuels Family Foundation Beth Rusling Emanuels Tom and Susan Eschenroeder Julie Hardesty Ferman Rob and Connie Friesen In Memory of Kristin McLain Pete and Mary Glasser Norma Hogan In Memory of Gene Hogan Laura and Sarah Legett In Honor of Jane Sanborn Jason and Jean Armour Lewis Rod Lucero Amy Davis Lunne Lindsey and James McCormick Gary Missner Janet Mueller In Memory of Max Barry Darcie Swenarton Peet In Memory of Sherry Whitcher Wobus The Pillsbury Family In Memory of Max Barry Steve and Jan Chandler Randle Sara Zwinger Roberts In Honor of Sally Roberts and In Memory of Ann Zwinger Matt and Ariella Randle Rogge Bill and Karen Schaphorst Connie Morton Seay Roger and Jeff Simon In Memory of Nancy L. Simon Jessie Spehar Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Company Foundation Family of Will Stupp Sarah Ulizio and Chris Miller-McLemore In Honor of Our Wedding Guests
Candee Broadhurst Walsh Frank and Victoria Williams B-BLUFF $250-499 Anonymous Molly Mueller Aldrich In Memory of Max Barry Amazon Smile Meghan Anderson Barbara Barnes William Comley Lucy and John Covington Phil Cromack John and Janice DeMocker Taylor Emanuels Riff and Marilyn Fenton Oliver Fisher Brian and Shannah Frambes The Rob Fraser Family David R. and Jerrelynn Fussell Annie Garretson Jen and Cap Grossman Chris and Suzanne Gepson Hagen Melanie Hancock Ellen and Joe Horan Jessica Thurmond Jurgensen Jan Kaplan Mark and Kathy Ryden Larson Jennifer Leopold In Honor of Tom Leopold Mike and Maren McDowell MacDonald Carsten and Jennifer Hatgi Majer Elizabeth Rundle Marable Andrea McCrady Peter and Katie McKee Dylan Morris Robert and Rachel Perlmutter Katya Petriwsky and Rob Jolly Joy Powell Doug, Kay, and Wilson Rawlings In Honor of Jane Sanborn Charles and Marian Rice Robyn Rissman Jane Sanborn In Memory of Max Barry Cheri and Pete Sebring Anne Shingler
John and Chris Spehar The Van Ingen Family Kathy Yanuck Wenger Pamela Green Wheeler Ian Williams In Memory of Raymond Williams Nancy Wirth Dorothy “Sam” Kindred Yewer WITCHER ROCKS Anonymous Jeffrey and Annie Shelton Anderson Peter “Chris” Anderson The Clint Bagwells In Memory of Blackjack Teresa Barnes Tom Beckman In Memory of Hank Janes Carolyn Mozley Beiser In Honor of Jane Sanborn Bruce Benjamin In Honor of Jerry McLain Jean Carlson Benkert In Honor of Jane Sanborn The Ethan Billingsley Family Megan Blackburn Pamela and John Blythe George Brown Ann Bushyhead Scott Campbell Landers Carnal, Jr. Rebecca Friendly Coccari Margi Crosby Deborah dePeyster and Family In Memory of Sandy and Laura George Anthony “Tony” Delf Mary DeMocker and Art Peck Suzanne and George Dorris III Emily Dubin Michael Eber Paul and Paula Eberle Jane Feinberg Susan Fiore and Rafaella Mark Margaret Fisher In Honor of Oliver Fisher Virginia “Ginnie” Gillispie In Memory of Sandy and Laura Kristen Janiak Goggin
Whitney Lamb Granata Mary Garlich Grannell In Memory of Ron Grannell Tod and Stefanie Greenberg Marlene and Dick Griffith Richard Hankin Marty and Dave Hansher Mary Sue Haskett Rachel and Brad Hauck Nancy E. Hayne In Honor of Annabelle Newton Mason McKean Hoeller Geoffrey Horner Gretchen Hund Susan Macy Jarvinen Family Heather and Ethan Johnson Katie Josephson Jeff and Stacy Robinson Joyce Barry Schultz King Jack and Tracy Kramer Mike Kreger In Honor of Jerry McLain Kathy Miller Krogh Jack Kussmaul Frank and Suds Kyger In Memory of My Sanborn Friends Now in Heaven Bert and Dolly Lager In Memory of Peter Bruch Flori Lambart Diana Zeigler LaViolette In Memory of Sandy and Laura Meg Leander In Memory of Bob and Ricky Leander Jim Tharp and Julia LeGrand Larry Lehman Susan and Terry MacQuiddy Steve, Betsey and Elizabeth Madden Georgina Bliss Marshall In Honor of Jane Sanborn Phil Marthens Jerry and Betty Ballman McLain In Memory of Max Barry Brink Messick
Jonathan and Jane Metcalf On Behalf of Emily and Linnea Metcalf In Memory of Bob Bucholz and Roger Sanborn Sandy Kafenshtok Mildenberg Renee Miller Mark “Flounder” Mobley In Honor of a “5-minute job” Allison Shutz Moskow In Honor of Sue Springer Jay and Susan Uptegrove Myrick Jason and Lila Nicholai and Family In Memory of Max Barry Beth Olhasso In Honor of Jane Sanborn Dave Perry Patrick Perry Val Peterson Ross Pohlman Quaker Hill Foundation Helen Stevens Laura and Bob Reardon Karl and Marty Friedrichs Remsen Julie Franz Richardson Jenny Roberts Anneliese Roesler In Honor of Tyler Chamberlain Ariella Randle Rogge In Memory of Max Barry and Sam Jenkins and Luke Anderson Nancy Rothermel Carolyn Rundle Jeff Schlueter Charlie Schweighauser In Memory of Sherry Wobus Peggy Seessel In Honor of Wilson Rawlings and the entire staff of Sanborn Jocelyn and Mark Shelton Chris Skan Andy Smith Helen Stevens In Memory of Sam Jenkins
Jim Stevens In Memory of Sandy and Laura Samantha Taylor In Memory of Sam Jenkins Mish Tholl In Honor of Chris, Rosemary, Brian and Lindsay Tholl Kim Thwaits Alexandra Tilsley Fitz Vernon Virginia Warren In Memory of Max Barry Taylor Watson Andy Weed Sam Weiser In Honor of Jon and Peter Weiser Marty and Lyndon Wells In Honor of Jane Sanborn Jim Wendt Walker West Harris and Virginia Malmo White In Honor of Jane Sanborn Peter Whitely Al and Terry Goodger Williams In Honor of Jane Sanborn & Jerry McLain David S. Williams In Memory of Sandy and Laura Bill Wilson Rick and Raye Wilson In Memory of Matthew Dale Wilson Jennifer Downey Wirtz Fred and Kristie Carlson Wolferman Anne and Peter Wood Steve and Marcia Wunsch In-Kind Donations Rod Lucero Jim “Herc” Roth
FOREVER SANBORN It is possible to make a tax deductible gift to Colorado Outdoor Education Center through beneficiary 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 PO Box 167 Florissant, CO 80816 www.coec.info