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November 2023
Why "Ignite Generosity"
Hello Friends,
Welcome to our November newsletter. In this edition, we'll delve into the heart of our year-end appeal, "Ignite Generosity." We'll explore why this campaign is essential and how, with your help, we will reach our goal and lay the foundation for a sustainable outdoor ministry in 2024 and beyond.
A few days after launching our appeal, I received a phone call from a loyal supporter asking the question, “Why is Ignite Generosity necessary? I thought that the sale of Daycholah Center to the Wisconsin Conference, United Church of Christ (WCUCC), would provide adequate operating cash for a three- to five-year turnaround.” This question nearly word-for-word stated the goals of the WCUCC and UCCI from the sale of Daycholah Center. A three- to five-year turnaround is still the goal. If we do nothing different, we will be in the same position as before the sale. A critical part of making this turnaround successful is donor support.
Let’s talk about participation and costs. Camps and retreats provide most of the revenue for UCCI. Going back 10+ years, we can see that revenue from participation has not been enough to sustain operations at any of our sacred sites. We strive to keep our rates as attainable as possible while incorporating a modest margin. When attending an event, it is easy to see what goes into supporting that event (staff, food service, heat, housekeeping, programming, etc.), but it is not as evident what additional costs are needed to support three-site operations.
Physical site costs beyond the week of camp are not covered by participation fees. Things like furnace and air conditioning replacements at all sites this year, water heater replacements, electrical and HVAC repairs, and year-round utility costs are ongoing and to be honest, expensive. UCCI also employs an administrative staff of four people including myself. These positions serve in the areas of finance, marketing/communications, human resources, and development.
When we add the cost of physical site maintenance and administration staff to the hospitality and programming costs, the result shows that to fund a sustainable outdoor ministry model at Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley, a base level of donor support for the operating budget is needed. Evaluating the last two years, that base level is 20-25% of UCCI’s operating budget.
Alongside this information about costs, I want to make clear that all of our sites are actively pursuing additional revenue that falls outside of our typical programming. Some examples include the apartment rental at Cedar Valley, promoting Daycholah Center as a wedding venue, hosting day camp for the Boys and Girls Club at Daycholah Center, and filling the retreat calendar at Moon Beach. We will continue to cultivate additional revenue streams, but it takes time and relationships to build that momentum.
I emphasize that everything we are doing is focused on bringing our mission to life. We see first-hand the power of a camp experience to transform lives and create lasting change. We know many of you have had this experience for yourself and want to make sure it continues to be available to others.
I welcome your questions. I look forward to our conversations. I ask that you donate before December 31.
I pledge to operate our sites and evaluate staffing levels, expenses, and event pricing, with the same goal, sustainable outdoor ministry for generations to come.
With deep appreciation and many blessings,
Jim
executivedirector@ucci.org
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