Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
More than a camp... a ministry
Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
EIN: 59-1466706
as of November 2023
as of November 13, 2023
Mission
A place to experience God's creation and see lives changed. Dedicated to helping youth through senior adults to develop core values based on Christian principles. To accomplish this we network with churches, educational institutions, and public/private organizations, including those who serve individuals with special needs, who share compatible philosophies and goals.
Notes from the nonprofit
One of the core values states: "LACC will act with vision. If our plans are not big enough to require God's blessings to succeed, then they are not big enough." We cannot achieve these goals unless they are God-honoring. This statement is a constant reminder of why Lake Aurora exists: honor God and introduce people to Him. With prayerful consideration, we seek the next steps and trust in God's timing. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with churches and individuals to provide a facility, programs, and staff where Christ is proclaimed in central Florida. "Not only is Lake Aurora beautiful, serene, and full of His Presence, but the staff and volunteers are truly there with the heart of God to serve. From the moment you arrive up until the closing prayer, they give it their all. I was literally touched by His Presence and embraced by His Love. Simply put, beautiful atmosphere, tasty food, and the love of God are what you will experience at Lake Aurora." WR
Ruling year
1993
Executive Director Team - CFO & Facilities
Steve Bornemann
Executive Director Team- Operations/Donors
Phyllis Gower Bornemann
Main address
237 Golden Bough Rd
Lake Wales, FL 33898 USA
EIN
59-1466706
Christianity
Religion for youth
Population served
Children and youth
Adults
Parents
People with disabilities
NTEE code
Christian (X20)
Religious Leadership, Youth Development (O55)
IRS subsection
501(c)(3) Public Charity
IRS filing requirement
This organization is not required to file an annual return with the IRS because it is a church.
Tax forms
Communication
Programs and results
Reports and documents
Download annual reportsWhat we aim to solve
January 2020, using a tool called "Tent Pegs," a $25 a month gift for three years, retired our debt 40 months early. This early goal saved the ministry over $63,000 in interest. This tool has allowed us to involve many and each being a stakeholder in the ministry. This was accomplished just two months prior to the Pandemic completely shutting down our ministry. Because we were debt-free we were able to keep all full-time staff employed during that trying time. We are currently using this program to fund our project to build a large assembly building and already have over $350,000 in savings as of November 2021.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Christian Summer Camp
28 programs in 8 weeks serving youth 1st-12th grade. Leadership programs, off campus primitive camping adventures, special needs camp, and traditional camp programs on site. Campers develop physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually in a safe, trusted atmosphere to discover God's love for them.
Adult/Family Retreats
Opportunities for adults, families, and youth to step away and reconnect with their faith through nature, camp activities, and spiritual instruction to develop strategies to continue building their spiritual life at home.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
Christian Camps and Conference Association 1973
Christian Camp Leaders 1970
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of groups brought together in a coalition/alliance/partnership
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Age groups
Related Program
Christian Summer Camp
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
We serve central Florida and south Florida regions that bring over 135 churches together for biblical education and inspiration.
Number of attendees present at rallies/events
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Children, Adolescents, Preteens, Protestants
Related Program
Christian Summer Camp
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Total guests on our campus both hosted and programmed.
Number of organizational partners
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Christian Summer Camp
Type of Metric
Other - describing something else
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
This number represents partners who either donate or program with us to provide opportunities for guests and campers since our programs are developed/staffed by volunteers.
Number of new donors
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Other - describing something else
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
New partners who gave for the first time in 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
As we near our goal, we are looking forward to using this tool of Tent Pegs, to provide capital for our next projects. These projects include a large assembly building that does not exist for programming, Stirring Waters, an aquatic facility intentionally designed for those of any ability, and the completion of the Hillside campus of four more housing cabins.
We currently use our lakefront for swimming. While we have some equipment that assists limited mobility guests to access the lake, it does not provide an experience that they deserve or seek. We are intentionally designing an aquatic adventure of a splash pad, zero-entry pool, lazy river, and slide that even the most severe cases can enjoy.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our strategies include but are not limited to our Tent Peg program of $25 a month gift, matching gifts from former campers, grants that assist with special needs.
"Roots Secure, Branching Out" is our capital campaign that will also include Phase One of the Stirring Waters Project of the splash pad and inclusive bathhouse.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The ability to raise over $720,000 to reduce debt, a reasonably unexciting goal, has encouraged our constituency to believe in our purpose and direction. We believe we have the right Board in place, directing us in our dreams and operating staff to carry out those goals.
Highly regarded companies are involved in the design process of each of our projects to build esthetically functional buildings that meet the needs of those with limited accessibility.
Lake Aurora, instituted in 1947, has a strong legacy donor base dedicated to being good stewards of every donated dollar. 2022 marked her 75th year of ministry. In that 75th year we raised $1.2 million towards our large assembly building project.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since becoming debt-free in January 2021, we have saved over $1 million towards our capital campaign. "Roots Secure, Branching Out" will begin funding the large assembly building and phase one of the Stirring Waters project of the splash pad and inclusive bathhouse. We intend not to begin construction until we have 75% of construction costs in savings. Our master plan includes several other structures to meet the growing program needs of our constituency, but we feel the above-mentioned are our most pressing needs. 2023 inflation has caused our estimated building cost to increase to $1.9 million for the large assembly building - The Oak Hammock. The Board has instructed to move forward on initial construction in a phase-by-phase process with our construction company as we continue to raise funding to cover the escalated costs/quote.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We act on the feedback we receive
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
Financial documents
Download audited financialsRevenue vs. expenses: breakdown
Liquidity in 2011 info
0.04
Months of cash in 2011 info
0.5
Fringe rate in 2011 info
22%
Funding sources info
Assets & liabilities info
Financial data
Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
Revenue & expensesFiscal Year: Oct 01 - Sep 30
Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
Balance sheetFiscal Year: Oct 01 - Sep 30
The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.
Fiscal Year: Oct 01 - Sep 30
This snapshot of Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.’s financial trends applies Nonprofit Finance Fund® analysis to data hosted by GuideStar. While it highlights the data that matter most, remember that context is key – numbers only tell part of any story.
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Business model indicators
| Profitability info | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) before depreciation | -$70,227 | $111,691 |
| As % of expenses | -5.4% | 8.8% |
| Unrestricted surplus (deficit) after depreciation | -$226,786 | -$29,180 |
| As % of expenses | -15.5% | -2.1% |
| Revenue composition info | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total revenue (unrestricted & restricted) | $1,296,654 | $1,367,775 |
| Total revenue, % change over prior year | 0.0% | 5.5% |
| Program services revenue | 68.9% | 67.0% |
| Membership dues | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Investment income | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Government grants | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| All other grants and contributions | 28.7% | 30.5% |
| Other revenue | 2.3% | 2.5% |
| Expense composition info | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total expenses before depreciation | $1,308,811 | $1,267,556 |
| Total expenses, % change over prior year | 0.0% | -3.2% |
| Personnel | 51.0% | 47.1% |
| Professional fees | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Occupancy | 17.8% | 18.5% |
| Interest | 1.2% | 0.6% |
| Pass-through | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| All other expenses | 29.6% | 28.3% |
| Full cost components (estimated) info | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Total expenses (after depreciation) | $1,465,370 | $1,408,427 |
| One month of savings | $109,068 | $105,630 |
| Debt principal payment | $0 | $55,359 |
| Fixed asset additions | $0 | $0 |
| Total full costs (estimated) | $1,574,438 | $1,569,416 |
Capital structure indicators
| Liquidity info | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Months of cash | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Months of cash and investments | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Months of estimated liquid unrestricted net assets | -3.2 | -2.9 |
| Balance sheet composition info | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | $16,148 | $48,220 |
| Investments | $0 | $0 |
| Receivables | $5,977 | $6,666 |
| Gross land, buildings, equipment (LBE) | $4,616,355 | $4,538,169 |
| Accumulated depreciation (as a % of LBE) | 39.5% | 40.9% |
| Liabilities (as a % of assets) | 46.3% | 44.5% |
| Unrestricted net assets | $1,268,427 | $1,239,247 |
| Temporarily restricted net assets | $277,184 | $320,609 |
| Permanently restricted net assets | $0 | $0 |
| Total restricted net assets | $277,184 | $320,609 |
| Total net assets | $1,545,611 | $1,559,856 |
Key data checks
| Key data checks info | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Material data errors | No | No |
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Documents
Executive Director Team - CFO & Facilities
Steve Bornemann
A 1985 graduate of Milligan College in Accounting/Computer. Joined Lake Aurora in 1990, serving as Chief Financial Officer. Assumed roles of overseeing facilities and transitioned to Executive Team in 2013. He has served and continues to serve on the boards for four agencies, including the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary, Christian Camp Leaders, Christian Camp and Conference Association, and Christ's Church on the Move.
Executive Director Team- Operations/Donors
Phyllis Bornemann
A 1986 graduate of Milligan University, Tennessee, with Business Administration/Marketing. Joined Lake Aurora in 1990, serving as Marketing and Program support, and transitioned to Executive Team in 2013. Phyllis served in the secular world as a Claims Adjuster for Aetna before coming to Lake Aurora. She has served in the community in several volunteer roles for Christ's Church on the Move, the Lake Wales Charter School System, and the Lake Wales Care Center. Phyllis contributes to the Christian Camp Leaders Conference as a workshop leader and consultant.
Number of employees
Source: IRS Form 990
Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
Officers, directors, trustees, and key employeesSOURCE: IRS Form 990
Compensation data
There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.
Lake Aurora Christian Assembly, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 09/21/2023
Board of directors data
Todd Thomas
Sebastian Christian Church
Term: 2021 - 2026
Brian Palmer
Lake Eustis Christian Church
Term: 2023 - 2025
Tim Paul
Todd Thomas
Kim Atkinson
Jen Canary
Chuck Babbino
Steve Greshel
Brian Palmer
Bob Mehlenbacher
Keith Smith
Jack Merrill
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.
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