Fall 2022 Donor Update TVRC-EF

FALL 2022 DONOR UPDATE TVRC EDUCATION FOUNDATION 21 OCTOBER, 2022 “It's Our Ranch” was our mantra this summer. This goes much deeper than the aesthetics of the Ranch. It is the idea of this place being special to all of us and, in return, honoring this place with respect for Our Ranch. It is stewardship of the program and keeping the ideas and stories consistent year after year. It is why Yearling flags, Campfires, and Packtrips look very similar to how they did when Jim was a Yearling. It is the idea that even though we eventually all have to leave this place, a little of ourselves stays here, and a little of the Ranch comes with us. But even on the other side of the gates, we should still think about how we can support, and help promote “Our Ranch”.

And it’s your Ranch, too. In so many ways, you are all part of the community that breathes life into the sagebrush and Aspen stands we call home. From your time spent on the Dubois or Kelly Ranch, to your caretaking of the spirit of Camp by passing the love of this place onto future generations, you have all left your mark on this place. As we often tell campers as they depart, TVRC is not really a place, but a people. It is Our Ranch and You are all the people who make it so, otherwise it would simply be another ranch in the valley.

Summer 2022 was filled with the best parts of camp including Breakfast Rides, backpacks in the Tetons, Rodeos, Rough Rides, Campfires, and yes, even scullery. The takeaways from this summer are even better: new friendships made, confidence and grit unearthed, and campers learning how to tackle big challenges. Summer 2022 by the numbers includes: 269 campers 74 of them traveling by bus from Salt Lake City (thanks to the Jackson airport closure) 56 Campfires 38 Backpacking Trips 26 Pack Trips 11 Fishing Trips 8 Rodeos 6 Breakfast Rides 1 Successful Grand Summit

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Beyond the numbers and the data, this summer was TVRC in top form. We heard from many families that the kids they picked up from camp were the best versions of themselves. We have also had the privilege of swapping stories with families as we work on enrollment for 2023. These stories include: a cold and rainy ride out on Girls’ Season CC5 that the Yearlings of Cabin Moran are still talking about, a late night ride back from a tough Static Hike for the Wrangler boys of Cabin Leigh, raiding the kitchen for Marshmallows and late night S’Mores, the Rough Riders girls of Cabin Nez Perce finding the bomber on their Dinwoody Backpack, learning to rope with our resident pro, Jorge, at the Barn, and so much more.

In addition to our traditional program, we partnered with three other youth-serving Wyoming Nonprofits in our postseason time to serve an additional 124 campers. Each group joined us for a short program designed to give them the TVRC experience with their own unique flair. Whether it was teaching Fly Fishing or Riflery with Coombs Outdoors or joining in Campfire with Girls Actively Participating!, we both enjoyed the snippets of time we got to share with these kids from our very own community. These partnerships are continuing to grow as we plan to work with these groups for years to come.

Additionally, we welcomed 103 staff for Summer 2022: 31 were former campers 51 were returning staff members 5 were international (the first to join us since the Pandemic) An additional 5 stepped into leadership roles as Seasonal Middle Managers Our staff were role models and worked relentlessly to make camp run for today’s campers. Here is what that meant for some of them: “ I’ve worked the past two summers at TVRC as a counselor and leading fishing trips around Dubois.

Whenever I reflect on my time working on the ranch I feel proud of the work I’ve done and I’m thankful for the opportunity to give back to a place that provided so much for me. Working in a friendly environment where your daily role makes a difference is an experience most people want out of life.

Working at TVRC provides that experience.”

-Luke (Yearling-Trail Blazer ‘13-’17; Staff ‘21, ‘22) “Unlike many of the staff at TVRC, I was not a camper, nor a relative to a camper or staff member. Prior to this summer, I had no connections to the place or people. That feels strange to say just three months later, as it now feels that I have known the ranch for a lifetime. I quickly learned to love everything that TVRC offers.

Working at TVRC was a transformative experience for me; I feel so grateful for my campers, co-workers, and the beautiful land we get to explore together. I only wish now that I had found TVRC earlier in my life!"

-Vienna (Staff ‘22) We are wrapping up our Arena project as our 2022 Annual Appeal. The work on the Arena brought in 5 new trees on the berm, which will provide shade at future rodeos, an updated sound system, electricity to the east end of the Barn and Crow’s Nest, a renewed Elk Antler Arch, and updated Arena fencing. Much of the work on the Berm and the Arch was completed by 2022 Trail Blazer, Charlie, as part of his Eagle Scout project. Throughout his work, he involved not only his cabinmates but also members of his troop.

We are nearing the end of this project with just a little more earthwork before the snow flies. . We’ve included photos of that work at the end of this letter.

This summer we were able to fund 15 scholarships with your help. 15 additional campers got to experience Pack Trips, Day Hikes, Breakfast Rides, Rodeos, and what it means to be “Ready to Ride”.

Our goal is to raise $70,000 again for next summer, so we can continue to help provide opportunities for campers to choose the TVRC experience.

As for this coming year, our Annual Fund Campaign will include completing and reinforcing the pasture fencing, installing an irrigation system, controlling the willow growth in the upper and lower pasture to grow more grass for our herd, replacing some of our aging saddles and continuing to build our herd to support Rodeo and Arena Events. The breakdown for this project includes: $75,000 for 30 custom saddles made to TVRC specifications. These will replace the Pack Trip and Rough Ride saddles that are in constant need of repairs. An individual saddle costs $2,500. $25,000 for Pasture Fencing on the southeastern border of camp. $35,000 for investing in our herd, This is likely 5-7 arena /rodeo horses.

Total: $135,000 We are also working on building out an on-camp Pack site which has been named “Grizzly Gulch” this will create a resource for Barn overnights, on-camp Pack Trips, and other programming and staff training opportunities.

It is through your continued support that we are able to keep the Ranch “Ready to Ride” for future generations. Thank you all for riding for the brand and continuing to be champions of our ranch. Camp is in a healthy and robust position due to the continued investment of so many of you. All of us here in Jackson feel lucky to be part of leading this organization at such a time when we can celebrate the trials and triumphs of the last few years and look towards an exciting future. 2023 Enrollment continues to remain strong as we top the 87% enrollment mark for next summer. We are also beginning to interview staff who want to return for next summer. These enrollment and return numbers for staff are back to what we had seen before the Lava Mountain Fire and a testament to the growth at camp in the last several years. Continued engagement is an incredible asset to us as an organization and helps to build momentum forward. This is also a semi-unique position as we find ourselves in good company with other camps who have robust enrollment and ahead of most others in staff interest and retention.

We are wishing you all a happy and healthy fall and looking forward to seeing many of you on our Campfire tour this winter! Keep your eye out for dates and locations as we announce those in the next month.

In Camp Spirit,

Jim Ligori Executive Director

Paige Nielsen Communications and Fundraising Director

Arena work led by '22 Trail Blazer, Charlie H.