Return to flip book view

Annual Report 2020

Table of Contents Management Letters Donors Giving Grove SUSTAIN EQUIP PRESERVE The Story of our Logo Our Annual Report has been written and produced entirely by the management staff and members of the Board of Directors of Happy Valley Conference Center The intention of this design is to capture the power and protection of the Redwood Grove the center of Happy Valley The logo is meant to mimic the visual effect of lying down on your back in the middle of one of the circular cathedrals For generations these living connected trees have provided sacred space to those beneath their shadow Captured within the design is the interplay between trees and friends shared energy flowing outward and inward with movement and transformation

Table of Contents Management Letters Donors Giving Grove SUSTAIN EQUIP PRESERVE The Story of our Logo Our Annual Report has been written and produced entirely by the management staff and members of the Board of Directors of Happy Valley Conference Center The intention of this design is to capture the power and protection of the Redwood Grove the center of Happy Valley The logo is meant to mimic the visual effect of lying down on your back in the middle of one of the circular cathedrals For generations these living connected trees have provided sacred space to those beneath their shadow Captured within the design is the interplay between trees and friends shared energy flowing outward and inward with movement and transformation

EQUIP SUSTAIN PRESERVE Jerry DeVries Board President We as a church have a deep and rich history in camping When we look at the enduring principles of our faith community and at the mission vision and values of Happy Valley we recognize that this is a core ministry of our mission center that we want to preserve for all of us We look forward to the day when we can all come together in community once again Tim Dodds Executive Director We are grateful and look forward to the future with you Together we will work to preserve Happy Valley for generations to come

EQUIP SUSTAIN PRESERVE Jerry DeVries Board President We as a church have a deep and rich history in camping When we look at the enduring principles of our faith community and at the mission vision and values of Happy Valley we recognize that this is a core ministry of our mission center that we want to preserve for all of us We look forward to the day when we can all come together in community once again Tim Dodds Executive Director We are grateful and look forward to the future with you Together we will work to preserve Happy Valley for generations to come

The Giving Grove Last Fall we invited you to imagine what it will be like when we can all get Back to the Grove again We gathered on Zoom to kick off a 3 month fundraising campaign to sustain Happy Valley and you responded with incredible generosity We shared memories songs stories and testimony and we saw how truly diverse our circle is 2020 DONORS Amie Shepherdson Angela Delk Anonymous donors April Carle Ben Delk Bethany Eber Betty Ross Beverly Yoha Brenda Jones Bret and Corine Ross Brian and Ali Anders Bryan Tidwell Cal and Sharron Closson Carly Strampfer Carol and Jack Howard Carol Park Cassandra Fuentes Cathy Dave Charlie Lisa and Mikayla Conway Cindy Beytin Cliona Ward Clora Kanawyer Dana Orlando Darlene Talukder David Seagraves Denine Guy Dennie and Wille Wixom Derrik Sakima Diana Lee Boozarpour Diane Barnett Diane Ehlers Don and Cindy Sparks Donna Walker Elaine Turner Elizabeth Doi Ludwig Florence Burdick Fremont Congregation Gail Foelsch Gail Ronneberg Gene and Shirley Russell Ginelle and Doug Sakima Roberts Henry and Karen Fultz Howard Sakima Ila June Brunner Jan Borison Janelle Delk Janet Slay Jay Naidu Jen Namba Jerry DeVries Jessica Hudson Jim Closson Joy and Joe Brunner Cannavino Karen Hahn Karen Morgenstern Kathi Jozaitis Kelin Ingalls Kent and Diane Barnett Kevin Wilson Kimberly Vrijen Laurie Hawley Leigh Stevens Linda Walsh Lisa Prosser Dodds Lynley Closson Marcia Plumb Marla and Richard Faszholz Maxine Walden Meri Beth Bird Michael Seagraves Michael Walsh Mimi Rudd Modesto Congregation Nancy Young Natalie Sue Thomas Pat O Connell Pat Webb Phyllis Jensen Rebecca Humphrey Rene Perino Robert and Edith Ballew Ronilsy Diaz 2021 is our 70th Anniversary and as we work toward our 75th we invite you to stand in grace and generosity in The Giving Grove ensuring that we are investing in Happy Valley s long term future Click HERE to donate San Jose Congregation Sandy Baily Shandra Newcom Shannon Hrobowski Shaw Dunton Shirley Stevenson Sierra Pacific Mission Center South Bay Area Modern Quilt Guild Stanley Hunt Stephen Dunagan Steven Buckley Sue Campbell Susan Thompson Terri McRhoads Terry Olson Terry Park Timothy Dodds Tine Heilig Timothy Jackins Tracey Ward

The Giving Grove Last Fall we invited you to imagine what it will be like when we can all get Back to the Grove again We gathered on Zoom to kick off a 3 month fundraising campaign to sustain Happy Valley and you responded with incredible generosity We shared memories songs stories and testimony and we saw how truly diverse our circle is 2020 DONORS Amie Shepherdson Angela Delk Anonymous donors April Carle Ben Delk Bethany Eber Betty Ross Beverly Yoha Brenda Jones Bret and Corine Ross Brian and Ali Anders Bryan Tidwell Cal and Sharron Closson Carly Strampfer Carol and Jack Howard Carol Park Cassandra Fuentes Cathy Dave Charlie Lisa and Mikayla Conway Cindy Beytin Cliona Ward Clora Kanawyer Dana Orlando Darlene Talukder David Seagraves Denine Guy Dennie and Wille Wixom Derrik Sakima Diana Lee Boozarpour Diane Barnett Diane Ehlers Don and Cindy Sparks Donna Walker Elaine Turner Elizabeth Doi Ludwig Florence Burdick Fremont Congregation Gail Foelsch Gail Ronneberg Gene and Shirley Russell Ginelle and Doug Sakima Roberts Henry and Karen Fultz Howard Sakima Ila June Brunner Jan Borison Janelle Delk Janet Slay Jay Naidu Jen Namba Jerry DeVries Jessica Hudson Jim Closson Joy and Joe Brunner Cannavino Karen Hahn Karen Morgenstern Kathi Jozaitis Kelin Ingalls Kent and Diane Barnett Kevin Wilson Kimberly Vrijen Laurie Hawley Leigh Stevens Linda Walsh Lisa Prosser Dodds Lynley Closson Marcia Plumb Marla and Richard Faszholz Maxine Walden Meri Beth Bird Michael Seagraves Michael Walsh Mimi Rudd Modesto Congregation Nancy Young Natalie Sue Thomas Pat O Connell Pat Webb Phyllis Jensen Rebecca Humphrey Rene Perino Robert and Edith Ballew Ronilsy Diaz 2021 is our 70th Anniversary and as we work toward our 75th we invite you to stand in grace and generosity in The Giving Grove ensuring that we are investing in Happy Valley s long term future Click HERE to donate San Jose Congregation Sandy Baily Shandra Newcom Shannon Hrobowski Shaw Dunton Shirley Stevenson Sierra Pacific Mission Center South Bay Area Modern Quilt Guild Stanley Hunt Stephen Dunagan Steven Buckley Sue Campbell Susan Thompson Terri McRhoads Terry Olson Terry Park Timothy Dodds Tine Heilig Timothy Jackins Tracey Ward

The Giving Grove Our goal for 2021 is at least 60 000 Sustain To affirm our ongoing commitment to sustain operations equip facilities and preserve our sanctuary Even though our present challenges keep us apart we are envisioning responsible ways to come together again Until then we must sustain basic operations maintenance and repairs insurance utilities and staff Please consider GIVING now Equip As we move into reimagined safe physical spaces implement enhanced protocols and adopt redesigned programming we will need to allocate funds to ensure success We need designated dollars for the demolition of the North 40 house construction of new outdoor community spaces and better inside ventilation Please consider GIVING now Preserve Happy Valley was established in 1951 by a visionary group who believed in faith community and the benefits of being together in Nature We celebrate 70 years of that legacy this year We can make an enormous impact on a shared future by ensuring a stable present Generations of visitors can attest to the importance of this sanctuary in the Valley and as we stretch toward our 75th Anniversary in 2026 we want to preserve Happy Valley for generations to come We are happy to discuss your Legacy donations via planned giving enhanced endowments and matching gifts Please consider GIVING now

The Giving Grove Our goal for 2021 is at least 60 000 Sustain To affirm our ongoing commitment to sustain operations equip facilities and preserve our sanctuary Even though our present challenges keep us apart we are envisioning responsible ways to come together again Until then we must sustain basic operations maintenance and repairs insurance utilities and staff Please consider GIVING now Equip As we move into reimagined safe physical spaces implement enhanced protocols and adopt redesigned programming we will need to allocate funds to ensure success We need designated dollars for the demolition of the North 40 house construction of new outdoor community spaces and better inside ventilation Please consider GIVING now Preserve Happy Valley was established in 1951 by a visionary group who believed in faith community and the benefits of being together in Nature We celebrate 70 years of that legacy this year We can make an enormous impact on a shared future by ensuring a stable present Generations of visitors can attest to the importance of this sanctuary in the Valley and as we stretch toward our 75th Anniversary in 2026 we want to preserve Happy Valley for generations to come We are happy to discuss your Legacy donations via planned giving enhanced endowments and matching gifts Please consider GIVING now

We SUSTAIN our beloved campgrounds by intentionally caring for the land and maintaining the buildings and other structures until we move through to the other side of this pandemic We make responsible choices regarding health and safety the stewardship of facilities and grounds and with intentional care for community relationships Thoughtful purposeful careful decision making allows for the best use of time and resources We have the opportunity to revise what we no longer wish to retain to reallocate resources and to contemplate what we truly revere

We SUSTAIN our beloved campgrounds by intentionally caring for the land and maintaining the buildings and other structures until we move through to the other side of this pandemic We make responsible choices regarding health and safety the stewardship of facilities and grounds and with intentional care for community relationships Thoughtful purposeful careful decision making allows for the best use of time and resources We have the opportunity to revise what we no longer wish to retain to reallocate resources and to contemplate what we truly revere

Summer Camp Experiences Camp Summit Food Donations Food Donations At the beginning of the pandemic we distributed all perishable food to staff members and their families During the late Spring we worked with Chef Andrea Mollenauer to provide fresh produce from the North 40 Garden to culinary students from underserved communities During the CZU Wildfire we partnered with World Chef Kitchen Food Lounge Mutari Chocolate and Second Harvest food bank to clear out our frozen inventory to provide food for displaced residents In 2021 we will distribute the remaining non perishable inventory to Second Harvest In February 2020 Happy Valley developed planned and hosted our 3rd Annual Camp Summit a Camp Management and Leadership program for the Camping Ministry of Community of Christ We welcomed 52 camp leaders representing 19 different camps and mission centers in 7 states for 3 days of conference style learning networking and socializing with the goal of sharing and evolving best practices in our industry Summer camps looked and felt much different in 2020 and it was important to us that campers still felt some Happy Valley love We supported both local SPMC and national COC camps throughout the Summer with 6 virtual campfires and Camp in a box supplies and programming from the North 40 Garden Generator Installation Decades of planning a successful 2019 fundraiser and a generous gift from a private donor we purchased and installed an industrial generator that will power the entire site in the event of a loss of power due to weather local emergency or a PGE Community Safety Power Shutoff Event Reimagined Storage In partnership with the SPMC we cleared 3 storage rooms implemented a retention schedule gathered historical documents and inventoried camp supplies During the potential evacuation of our site during the CZU Wildfire we relocated important items to an offsite location for protection We repaired and reorganized 1 of the large containers for easier access and better long term storage of SPMC camp supplies We seek to sustain our operations and essential staff so that we have a strong foundation when we are able to gather again

Summer Camp Experiences Camp Summit Food Donations Food Donations At the beginning of the pandemic we distributed all perishable food to staff members and their families During the late Spring we worked with Chef Andrea Mollenauer to provide fresh produce from the North 40 Garden to culinary students from underserved communities During the CZU Wildfire we partnered with World Chef Kitchen Food Lounge Mutari Chocolate and Second Harvest food bank to clear out our frozen inventory to provide food for displaced residents In 2021 we will distribute the remaining non perishable inventory to Second Harvest In February 2020 Happy Valley developed planned and hosted our 3rd Annual Camp Summit a Camp Management and Leadership program for the Camping Ministry of Community of Christ We welcomed 52 camp leaders representing 19 different camps and mission centers in 7 states for 3 days of conference style learning networking and socializing with the goal of sharing and evolving best practices in our industry Summer camps looked and felt much different in 2020 and it was important to us that campers still felt some Happy Valley love We supported both local SPMC and national COC camps throughout the Summer with 6 virtual campfires and Camp in a box supplies and programming from the North 40 Garden Generator Installation Decades of planning a successful 2019 fundraiser and a generous gift from a private donor we purchased and installed an industrial generator that will power the entire site in the event of a loss of power due to weather local emergency or a PGE Community Safety Power Shutoff Event Reimagined Storage In partnership with the SPMC we cleared 3 storage rooms implemented a retention schedule gathered historical documents and inventoried camp supplies During the potential evacuation of our site during the CZU Wildfire we relocated important items to an offsite location for protection We repaired and reorganized 1 of the large containers for easier access and better long term storage of SPMC camp supplies We seek to sustain our operations and essential staff so that we have a strong foundation when we are able to gather again

Equip We EQUIP Happy Valley with tools and resources needed to have safe spaces for gathering As health and safety needs continue to evolve we prepare with PPE facility modifications and new protocols Expectations for everyone on site happen within a dialogue centered on mutual respect for health and safety

Equip We EQUIP Happy Valley with tools and resources needed to have safe spaces for gathering As health and safety needs continue to evolve we prepare with PPE facility modifications and new protocols Expectations for everyone on site happen within a dialogue centered on mutual respect for health and safety

Education We continue to maintain good standing as an ACA Accredited Camp and Tim and Tess both serve as Accreditation Visitors Tim and Tess supported both Fall and Spring classes at Graceland University as mentors Designated Dollars Systems We continue to reimagine all of our procedures protocols and processes in preparation for welcoming guests again Health and Safety considerations guide our conversation and our Purpose Mission and Vision inform our core values We need to set aside funding to ensure our ability to prepare to reopen safely when the time comes We will need PPE and Sanitation supplies such as additional hand washing stations masks and gloves and cleaning equipment Staff will need to be found hired and trained in new protocols for every aspect of operations In the past year these kinds of funds have made possible the installation of our site generator and the replacement of every twin mattress and every mattress cover on site Equip Connections In 2020 it was important for us to engage with our partners and to nurture those relationships from a distance We sent correspondence communicated with individual vendors and partners and continued to widen our circle with the Happy Valley brand of sacred hospitality Regular and ongoing participation in worship projects and virtual activities kept us involved with many communities Our social media platforms gave us an increasingly important channel to connect with folks and to successfully be togetherapart We EQUIP ourselves with resources tools and procedures that prepare us to safely gather again and continue our story

Education We continue to maintain good standing as an ACA Accredited Camp and Tim and Tess both serve as Accreditation Visitors Tim and Tess supported both Fall and Spring classes at Graceland University as mentors Designated Dollars Systems We continue to reimagine all of our procedures protocols and processes in preparation for welcoming guests again Health and Safety considerations guide our conversation and our Purpose Mission and Vision inform our core values We need to set aside funding to ensure our ability to prepare to reopen safely when the time comes We will need PPE and Sanitation supplies such as additional hand washing stations masks and gloves and cleaning equipment Staff will need to be found hired and trained in new protocols for every aspect of operations In the past year these kinds of funds have made possible the installation of our site generator and the replacement of every twin mattress and every mattress cover on site Equip Connections In 2020 it was important for us to engage with our partners and to nurture those relationships from a distance We sent correspondence communicated with individual vendors and partners and continued to widen our circle with the Happy Valley brand of sacred hospitality Regular and ongoing participation in worship projects and virtual activities kept us involved with many communities Our social media platforms gave us an increasingly important channel to connect with folks and to successfully be togetherapart We EQUIP ourselves with resources tools and procedures that prepare us to safely gather again and continue our story

We PRESERVE our sanctuary for the long term future with the guiding values of our Purpose Mission and Vision We pursue restorative practices grounded in our belief in the sacredness of creation the worth of all persons and the principles of grace generosity and radical hospitality We are tasked to create a plan for the responsible conservation of our land the protection of sacred spaces and the revitalization of our communities Our Purpose Uplift the worth of all persons so all may experience dynamic transformation Our Mission Mindfully steward our environment and embrace sacred communities Our Vision Innovate camp with the heart of service Preserve

We PRESERVE our sanctuary for the long term future with the guiding values of our Purpose Mission and Vision We pursue restorative practices grounded in our belief in the sacredness of creation the worth of all persons and the principles of grace generosity and radical hospitality We are tasked to create a plan for the responsible conservation of our land the protection of sacred spaces and the revitalization of our communities Our Purpose Uplift the worth of all persons so all may experience dynamic transformation Our Mission Mindfully steward our environment and embrace sacred communities Our Vision Innovate camp with the heart of service Preserve

Community Partner Long Range Planning To preserve Happy Valley is to invest in our mid term and long term survival By committing to financial wellness we ensure that Happy Valley continues to serve our communities Enhancing Endowment honors our collective vision and our individual legacies Pursuing a Master Plan reimagines our physical space for the future recognizing the intent of past leaders Developing principle driven Programming demonstrates a commitment to our shared values We look ahead to 2026 when we will celebrate our 75th Anniversary Happy Valley has long contributed to our local community via the economic impact of our visitors staff and vendor relationships our participation in our local Chamber and our commitment to being a good neighbor here in the Valley In 2021 Tim serves on the Board of Directors for the Branciforte Fire District and we continue to host the Monterey Bay Search and Rescue Dogs led by HV Board member Pat O Connell We are proud to be a part of the Northern California ACA community We continue to find new and innovative ways to deepen partnerships with our Community of Christ family and to support the diverse needs of our guest groups Understanding our Physical Resource Multigenerational Resource We are on a journey to preserve this invaluable ministry that has blessed those who seek to make our world a better place including generations of families of our faith community We incorporate the contributions of the past 70 years of HV leaders meet our present circumstances with resilience and turn toward our future We continue to explore the possibilities of Land Use with Hogan Land Services Swift Land Consulting and CA Outdoor Properties Our partnership with the Resource Conservation District continues as we address the removal of the fish barriers in B40 Creek and repair the riparian zone The need for wildland management and wildfire mitigation was brought into sharp focus during the CZU Wildfire and we have begun a relationship with Davey Tree Company to remove downed trees and clear combustible debris We continue to work with PGE to mitigate power related risks on property and keep our infrastructure updated We continue work on the trails to clear them mark them better and address erosion grade and obstacles Preserve We PRESERVE our sacred spaces and the collective memories of transformative experiences that connect us across generations

Community Partner Long Range Planning To preserve Happy Valley is to invest in our mid term and long term survival By committing to financial wellness we ensure that Happy Valley continues to serve our communities Enhancing Endowment honors our collective vision and our individual legacies Pursuing a Master Plan reimagines our physical space for the future recognizing the intent of past leaders Developing principle driven Programming demonstrates a commitment to our shared values We look ahead to 2026 when we will celebrate our 75th Anniversary Happy Valley has long contributed to our local community via the economic impact of our visitors staff and vendor relationships our participation in our local Chamber and our commitment to being a good neighbor here in the Valley In 2021 Tim serves on the Board of Directors for the Branciforte Fire District and we continue to host the Monterey Bay Search and Rescue Dogs led by HV Board member Pat O Connell We are proud to be a part of the Northern California ACA community We continue to find new and innovative ways to deepen partnerships with our Community of Christ family and to support the diverse needs of our guest groups Understanding our Physical Resource Multigenerational Resource We are on a journey to preserve this invaluable ministry that has blessed those who seek to make our world a better place including generations of families of our faith community We incorporate the contributions of the past 70 years of HV leaders meet our present circumstances with resilience and turn toward our future We continue to explore the possibilities of Land Use with Hogan Land Services Swift Land Consulting and CA Outdoor Properties Our partnership with the Resource Conservation District continues as we address the removal of the fish barriers in B40 Creek and repair the riparian zone The need for wildland management and wildfire mitigation was brought into sharp focus during the CZU Wildfire and we have begun a relationship with Davey Tree Company to remove downed trees and clear combustible debris We continue to work with PGE to mitigate power related risks on property and keep our infrastructure updated We continue work on the trails to clear them mark them better and address erosion grade and obstacles Preserve We PRESERVE our sacred spaces and the collective memories of transformative experiences that connect us across generations

This year the most important element missing has been you