Second Century Campaign

Red Arrow Camp (RAC) has turned 100. This a significant milestone for any organization but especially a full-term boy’s camp. In fact, Red Arrow is now the only full-session boy’s camp in the Midwest. People often ask, “Why a single term,” and the answer is simple, we know that certain experiences are only possible with the continuity of a full, seven-week session.

See How Far We've Come

Total Raised Since 2019

$1.7 Million

Towards Our $2 Million Goal by 2025

Number Of Gifts Over $1,000 Since 2019

$ 0

Average Gift Size In 2023

See where your contributions have gone to during the Campaign.

Refaced Rock-Climbing Wall

Updated Mountain Bikes and Trailer

Built A New Storage Facility

Bought New Sail Boats

Installed New Ski Shack in memory of Ben Black

Completed the brand new “Eight”

Resurfaced tennis and basketball courts

Bought Six Canadian Canoes

The Backstory Of The Campaign

In order to thrive, not just survive, Red Arrow needs a strong capital foundation, exceptional programs/facilities, reasonable tuition, and scholarship opportunities to keep camp accessible to families who value the RAC experience. Towards these ends, the RACF has embarked on a major fundraising initiative to ensure that RAC has the financial strength to thrive for the next 100 years. The Second Century Campaign has four main objectives:

Enhanced Programs and Activities. Red Arrow needs an operating fund to make certain we continue to invest in our existing programs while periodically introducing new activities, like our new mountain biking, baseball, golf, and junior lifeguard programs. This fund will make strategic annual investments in programs and equipment and replenish itself through investment earnings and on-going fundraising. Donors will have the opportunity to direct their support to specific camp activities.
Scholarships that make camp accessible to families who value the RAC experience. The Boesel Fund and our previous owners have always worked to keep camp accessible to boys who would benefit from the RAC experience though scholarships or outright tuition abatement. This included campers from disadvantaged backgrounds, long time RAC families, and the children of former staff. Through a combination of permanent endowment and annual fundraising, we seek to support approximately 20% of our campers annually with scholarships for deserving boys.
Facilities Improvements. The RAC Foundation Board has approved a multi-year capital improvement plan that includes an upgraded Mess Hall, Trip Shack, Eight, Tennis Courts, Mountain Biking Course to name just a few. This fund will make annual capital investments and replenish itself through investment earnings and on-going fundraising. Donors will have the opportunity to designate their support towards specific capital projects if they desire.
Increased Annual Financial Support. A major goal of the Second Century Campaign is to increase the number of donors that support Red Arrow on an on-going basis. Since 2012, over 400 donors have contributed over $3 million to either the RAC Foundation or the Boesel Fund. However, many of those gifts were one-time donations, especially those supporting the initial purchase of camp from Bob and Sue in 2012. The Second Century campaign aspires to increase our donor base and average giving levels over the next five years and provide Red Arrow with stronger annual financial support. As such, we are asking our supporters to consider both a multi-year annual gift as well as a contribution to one of the preceding initiatives. Donors to the annual fund will be recognized in our annual report according to the newly established giving clubs described below.

Red Arrow stands apart from most camps in its seven week term and related developmental philosophy. But like many camps that have transitioned from owner/directors to a foundation, it has become increasingly dependent upon philanthropic support to fulfill its mission. Red Arrow’s best days lie ahead but it needs a stronger financial base to fulfill its mission for the next 100 years. This is the ultimate goal of the Second Century Campaign.

Donor Recognition

The RACF Board has established the following permanent giving clubs as part of its planning for the Second Century Campaign:

1. PATRONs

Annual gifts of less than $300 will be recognized as Patrons in RAC’s annual report.

2. The Lil Joe Club

Annual gifts of $300-$999 will qualify for membership in the Lil Joe Club, a group of RAC’s annual supporters. Members of the Lil Joe Society will be recognized in the annual report.

3. Bob & Sue Club

Annual gifts of $1,000 or more will qualify for membership in the Bob and Sue Krohn Club, an exclusive group of RAC’s most generous annual supporters. Members of the Club will be recognized in the annual report and receive an annual executive briefing from Foundation leadership.

4. Razz Founders Club

The Clarence Rasmussen Founders Club was established to recognize RACF’s major contributors. There are three donor recognition levels within the Founders Club.

The Chateau Level recognizes donors whose lifetime gifts to the RACF and/or Boesel Fund exceed $100,000
The Chalet Level recognizes donors whose lifetime gifts to the RACF and/or Boesel Fund exceed $50,000
The Manor Level recognizes donors whose lifetime gifts to the RACF and/or Boesel Fund exceed $25,000

Members of the Founders Club will be recognized in the annual report, via placard(s) on camp grounds, and they will receive an annual executive briefing from RACF leadership.

5. Trout Lake Club

A major focus of our fundraising program is seeking planned gifts from donors who wish to make Red Arrow a part of their estate plans. The Trout Lake Club will recognize donors who include either the RAC Foundation in their estate plans. Members of the Trout Lake Club will receive an annual executive briefing from RACF leadership. If you would like to discuss an estate gift please contect RACF president Kevin Crockett at kcrockettia@gmail.com or 303-910-8838.