Words by Chris Meyer
As Kevin shared in the President’s Report, our fundraising efforts in 2024 set a new record—an achievement that would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. This milestone is a testament to the generosity of our donors and the collective belief in the mission of camp. With these increased financial resources, we have been able to make significant investments in scholarships, facilities, and leadership development, ensuring that the camp experience continues to thrive for future generations.
On the financial management side, we continue to refine our processes and pursue better outcomes to ensure long-term sustainability. In 2023, we began utilizing Money Market Funds (MMFs) to enhance liquidity while maintaining a conservative risk profile. This year, we secured higher-yielding MMFs, optimizing returns without sacrificing flexibility. The broader stock market also delivered strong performance, and we strategically invested long-term funds to generate additional growth. These efforts have strengthened our financial foundation, allowing us to plan for the future with confidence. One of the most exciting milestones this year was the launch of the Ben Black Scholarship Fund, a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting campers who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. The first recipient of this scholarship will attend camp this summer, marking the beginning of what promises to be a long-lasting and impactful program.
With these financial gains, we have made significant expenditures to improve camp’s facilities, enhance the camper experience, and invest in the long-term development of leadership within the camp community. A total of $94,404 was allocated to scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent campers from participating in this life-changing experience. Operational costs amounted to $34,719, covering essential elements such as the Big Campfire magazine, fundraising support, accounting, marketing, and other administrative expenses necessary to keep camp running smoothly. Perhaps most notably, was the investments in capital improvements that will directly benefit campers and staff. These investments included a new storage shed, maintenance and trail bike sheds, improved WiFi coverage for staff, the Ben Black Ski Shed, a new sailboat, and a utility Gator to enhance camp operations.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to responsible financial stewardship and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to enhance the camp experience. Our focus for 2025 will be on expanding scholarships, continuing infrastructure improvements, and fostering leadership development among camp staff. The generosity of our donors and our careful management of resources allow us to provide even greater opportunities for campers while preserving the unique traditions that make camp so special. We are deeply grateful for the continued support that has made this record-breaking year possible, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.