Table of Contents
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
2023 marked a significant milestone in Wyman’s journey as we celebrated our 125th Anniversary!
Throughout the years, Wyman has grown and evolved to focus on deep, positive impact for teens while holding true to our roots as a camp. Our first 100 years taught us about the heart of the camp experience and showed us how it provides young people with a transformative foundation of connections, community, growth, and learning. Over the last 25 years, we have built upon those experiences, taking them beyond summer camp and developing three proven programs centered on educational and career success, life and leadership skills, and healthy behaviors for teens.
As we step into this next era of Wyman – as the new CEO and the first-ever Wyman alum to serve as Board Chair – we center ourselves on what we know:
- We know – and research shows – decisions made in the teen years, and the types of supports, connections, and opportunities young people have significantly impact their long-term trajectory.
- We know that significant barriers to long-term success are very real for young people, both in our region and across the country, due to deep systemic, economic, and racial inequities.
- And we know that when we provide transformative opportunities for young people that focus on life and leadership skills, healthy behaviors and relationships, and educational and career success, they make great things happen.
We are committed to delivering exceptional programs in the St. Louis region and furthering our impact nationwide through our National Network partners. A key objective is the continued expansion of the Teen Connection Project® (TCP®), with our partners playing a vital role in its growth.
The next several pages highlight our impact, accomplishments, and celebrations in 2023. This work, and that of the prior 124 years, has laid a robust foundation upon which we continue to build.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every member of the Wyman community. Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can harness the momentum of this moment to drive even greater impact for all teens and young adults in the years ahead.
With warmest regards,
Allison Williams
President and CEO
Jaylen Bledsoe
Board Chair
Officers
Amy Berg, Chair
Jackie Wellington, Vice Chair
Kristin Poole, Treasurer
Laura Giokas, Secretary
Trustees
Je’Von Adams-Walker
Jaylen Bledsoe
Marnae Chavers
Charla Claypool
Donald G. Etling
Justin Faerber
Javier Gonzalez
Robyn Heidger
Lee C. Kling
Jenny Lenhard
Kyle Lopez
John A. McHugh
Dee Mogerman
David L. Morley
Debbie Rahn
David K. Rodgers
John S. Sandberg
Mark Sears
Carolyn Seward
Florian Sichling
Kelvin Taylor
Harvey Wallace
Scott Wittkop
Honorary & Emeritus Trustees
Warner L. Baxter
Frank C. Bick*
Ginger Crooks
Sidney H. Guller*
S. Lee Kling*
Carolyn Losos
Alva Moog*
James A. Saitz
Ray A. Scholin*
Curtis Simic
Peter A. Smith
Kenneth B. Steinback*
Bill Voss
W. Jack Wichmann*
Isaac E. Young*
In the Power of Teens
Wyman amplifies youth voice and leadership, elevates social connections, and expands opportunities for young people who face economic and systemic barriers.
We are experts in working with teens and young adults, and we have an unrelenting belief in their power to positively shape their world.
We create, deliver, and distribute proven programs that help young people build life and leadership skills, establish healthy behaviors and relationships, and achieve educational and career success. Our programs provide experiences, opportunities, and resources that support and challenge them as they grow and prepare them for the future they want.
diversity, equity, and inclusion
Our mission calls for us to embrace and work for equity and inclusion. We are committed to providing a safe environment of acceptance, education, and inclusion for our young people and colleagues.
It is our responsibility to stand up, speak out, and take action.
Our teens, colleagues, and community can expect:
A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND VISIBILITY. We commit to advocating for equity, for anti-racism, against oppression in all forms, and against white supremacy.
A CULTURE OF TRYING. We will be uncomfortable and make mistakes, because if we are not uncomfortable, we are not doing enough.
A CULTURE OF LEARNING. We commit to developing ourselves individually, and our organization, as anti-racist and anti-oppression. We will incorporate what we learn into our daily actions, as well as our programs and organizational work.
We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all persons.
We commit to an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable space that promotes and values diversity and belonging, where every teen and staff member can be confident bringing their whole self to Wyman and achieving their very best.
We commit to courageous conversations, personal development, social awareness, and fostering program spaces and an organizational culture that recognize systemic inequities and center the voices of the youth and communities we serve.
WE
ARE ON
NATIVE
LAND
The land on which Wyman sits, and where our staff and young people live and work, is the ancestral land of the Wahzhazhe, or Osage. Many other tribes have lived on or utilized this land including the Ponca, Kaw/Kanza, Omaha, Cahokia, Kaskaskia, Tamaroa, Peoria, Shawnee, and Delaware. Their history, stories, and contributions deserve to be recognized and honored.
We acknowledge that we are on stolen land. We recognize that through acts of genocide, slavery, and exploitation of the Indigenous tribes who lived here, colonialist settlers systematically forced their way onto this land. The actions of Spanish, French, British and American settlers ultimately drove every one of these Indigenous tribes from Missouri by inciting infighting, withholding trade, and finally resorting to unfair treaties and abuse of annuity payments.
Indigenous people are still here and deserve visibility, appreciation, and support from our community.
ANTHONY
Wyman Leaders, Teen Connection Project® (TCP®), and Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®) Participant
Anthony is finishing his sophomore year at University City High School and has been involved with Wyman since his time at Brittany Woods Middle School. “I started TOP when I was in 7th grade, but it was virtual that year, so 8th grade is when I really got involved with Wyman.” TOP turned out to be an engaging program for Anthony, who was impacted by the lessons about personal health and wellness, and emphasis on community service learning. “Some of my favorite Wyman experiences so far were the volunteer opportunities. I’ve loved to volunteer since I was kid. I help at my church a lot and I volunteer in the garden at Brittany Woods Middle School. And during TOP, I was able to volunteer at new places, like pet adoption centers and food pantries.”
Not only is Anthony a former TOP participant, but he also participated in TCP and is currently in Wyman Leaders. When Anthony was in TOP, he participated in a video shoot that changed his whole perspective about the organization. “At first, I didn’t know too much about Wyman. Then I started to get into TOP a little more and I was asked to participate in a video at Camp Wyman. I was really impressed by the entire organization during the video shoot, and through that experience, I first learned about Wyman Leaders.”
Anthony is enjoying his experience with Wyman Leaders. The connections he has made, and the college prep activities he has participated in, are some of his favorite things about the program. “I have felt very connected to my coaches, and I’ve made a lot of new friends, especially those I’ve shared a cabin with. And one thing I have really valued is that Wyman Leaders has taught me about college readiness – the things I need to do to get into college and get a scholarship.” Looking ahead, Anthony is excited to go on college tours and experience the opportunities Wyman Leaders offers during college. He is also excited about Wyman’s Youth Leadership Council and hopes to join during his junior year.
“I wish more people knew about Wyman Leaders. It helps you grow as a person and teaches you leadership, communication, and team building skills. It also helps with emotional development; you can really see the growth in other participants. And the opportunities it can bring after high school, like helping you get into college, are great. I would love to see more teens have the chance to participate.”
I WOULD DESCRIBE MYSELF AS: Intelligent
FAVORITE FOOD: Nachos
FAVORITE SPORTS: Baseball and Basketball – Anthony plays on the U City tennis team!
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Making bead bracelets – a skill Anthony picked up at camp!
“When someone asks me about Wyman, I tell them that it is a place where teens can feel connected and grow as a person. They can feel connected not only to their peers, but to people they have never met before.”
When he graduates from high school, Anthony plans to go to college to become a computer programmer. “I would like to go to college in Missouri and study computer science. There are a lot of career opportunities for computer programmers – like web designer, game designer, or cyber security – and I’m looking at them all.”
In 2023, we celebrated our 125th anniversary by honoring the roots that allowed us to grow and develop into a youth-centered, impactful organization. We shared our history and the stories of the young people, staff, partners, and campers who have helped shape Wyman.
Wyman was founded in 1898 to provide St. Louis youth with the opportunity for outdoor and character-building experiences. Since then, our work has continually evolved as the world and needs of young people have changed. But one thing has remained the same: our commitment to teens.
Since 1898, Wyman has been part of the lives of more than 1 million people – and we are dedicated to serving even more in the decades to come.
Thank you for your support over the years, and for helping us honor our history and celebrate our future. We look forward to partnering with you as we move forward. The next chapter of Wyman’s history is just beginning!
- A total of 12,648 community service learning hours completed by Wyman TOP teens during the 2022-23 school year
- 42 teens joined the Wyman Leaders Class of 2027
- 100% of the Class of 2023 graduated from high school
- 8 new partners joined the National Network, boosting our total partners to 75
We saw our Wyman history on display at the
Missouri History Museum
Wyman Leaders visited several colleges, including Missouri State University, St. Louis University, Ranken Tech, Mizzou, and
Southeast Missouri State University
The Youth Leadership Council, Claire Wyneken, and Gabriela Bronstein threw out the first pitch at Wyman Day at
Busch Stadium
- We celebrated our 125th anniversary
- We celebrated 75 years of school camps with the Webster Groves School District
- 75 schools and youth camps experienced Camp Wyman
- We published the initial results of a 3-year research project studying the long-term impact of Wyman Leaders
- More than 8,900 guests were welcomed to Camp Wyman
- Allison Williams became our new President and CEO
WYMAN’S THREE PROVEN PROGRAMS –
Wyman Leaders,
The Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®), and
The Teen Connection Project® (TCP®)
provide experiences, opportunities, and resources to young people. They include community service; social, emotional, academic, and leadership skill building; and positive connections with peers and adults.
Wyman Leaders supports young people in St. Louis to develop life and leadership skills, enter and complete college and career education programs, and create strong community connections. Youth participate in camp experiences, individualized coaching, and enrichment opportunities. This is an 8-year program that begins the summer before 9th grade and continues until four years post-high school graduation. 100% of Wyman Leaders participants graduate from high school on time, and research on the program’s long-term impact shows that over 500 alumni have enrolled in and completed postsecondary education at rates that exceed those of youth with similar socioeconomic backgrounds.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WL
The Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is a nationally-recognized, evidence-based program that provides 6th through 12th graders with the tools and opportunities to build social-emotional skills, strengthen relationships, and avoid risky behaviors. Throughout the 9-month program, TOP teens consistently show improved social-emotional skills, and external research on TOP has shown improved academics and decreased risky behaviors among TOP participants.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TOP
The Teen Connection Project (TCP) is a nationally-recognized, evidence-based, highly interactive program that builds strong connections among young people. Lessons focus on communication, trust, vulnerability, giving and getting support, and exploring personal strengths. Teens learn to interact, share, and create and maintain social connections with each other and with those in their communities. TCP is a 12-14 week program for 9th through 12th graders. External research on TCP has shown higher quality peer relationships, improved well-being, and higher academic engagement among TCP participants even beyond the duration of the program.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TCP
Both TOP and TCP have received the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning’s (CASEL) highest designation for high-quality social emotional learning (SEL) programming. TOP and TCP meet CASEL’s SELect designation and are included in the CASEL Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs.
IN 2023, more than 1,670 young people participated in Wyman’s three direct service programs.
We extend our reach through more than 70 partnerships across the country to serve more than 3,000 young people in the St. Louis area and more than 30,000 young people nationally.
100%
of the Class of 2023 graduated from high school on time.
87%
of the Class of 2023 enrolled in postsecondary education.
At least
74%
of Wyman teens reported moderate to high levels of social-emotional skills.
72%
of Wyman teens reported feeling a sense of belonging during their Wyman experience.
Adolescence can be a period of significant challenges. It is also a time of extraordinary growth and development. We implement proven programs to support teens during this pivotal time. The young people we serve are making progress that will have a lifetime of impact.
Across all three programs – Wyman Leaders, the Teen Outreach Program®, and the Teen Connection Project® – young people show improved social-emotional skills, build strong connections, and feel a sense a belonging with their Wyman coaches and peers. Wyman Leaders continue to graduate from high school on time and enroll and persist in postsecondary education.
We are committed to supporting young people and standing with them as they create the future they envision.
Supporting young people has always been important, and it’s even more vital today with the impact of loneliness and isolation.
The U.S. Surgeon General has sounded the alarm and called for action to address an epidemic of loneliness, isolation, and social disconnection. Young people are at great risk for negative outcomes from this epidemic, including higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower academic achievement. At Wyman, social connections and relationships are at the heart of the work we do, and they are foundational to addressing this challenge.
Through the National Network, we partner with organizations and schools in more than 30 states, training and guiding them to deliver the Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®) and the Teen Connection Project® (TCP®) in their communities. Our partners gain knowledge, skills, and confidence, and through them our programs support more than 30,000 young people annually. During the 2022-23 program year, Wyman’s National Network supported 75 partners, and delivered 31 trainings to more than 600 adults.
To address the epidemic of disconnection, we:
- Provide young people, locally and nationally, with proven, high-quality programs centered on connections and relationships.
- Ensure our adult trainings, tools, and resources elevate the importance of connections.
- Advocate at a local and national level on policies and practices that impact young people.
- Ensure our programs reach as many teens as possible through partnerships.
3 Creek Ranch Foundation & the Massey Law Firm
Amazon Smile
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Doug Audiffred
Andrea Bachmann
Trent Ball
Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation
Alysa Belle
Amanda & John Bohnert
Michael Boone
Robert Boyd
Chasley Bradbury
Elaine Branding
Mark Brandom
Joan Bretthauer
David A. Brown
Terrance Brown
Lydia Bullock
Bernie & Corrie Burtch
Barbara J. Campbell
Jeffery Cantwell
Katie & Brian Catalano
Gail Chadwick
Marnae Chavers
Brian Cheli
Steve & Helen Chestnut
Susan Chomeau
Saras & John Chung
Maureen Clancy May
Jerry Clippard
Eboni Cohran
Stephen & Brenda Collins
Catherine Converse
Paul Simon Cosby
Coupa Software
Lynn Courier & James Visser
Pam Cross
Peggy & James Crowe
Anne Cummings
Michelle Cummings
Amber Cunningham
Kathleen M. Dabrowski
Martin W. Daly
Mary Dang
Preston Davis
Angel Denise
Donor is a member of the Frank Wyman Society, which honors donors who give $1,000 or more annually, demonstrating their commitment to and support of Wyman’s mission, programs, and teens.
Donor is a member of the Dillon Circle, which recognizes individuals who have displayed their continued commitment to Wyman’s mission, programs, and teens by giving for 3 or more consecutive years.
Sharon Derry
Michelle Dobbs
Keith Dodel
Christina Donald
Stephen & Judith Doss
Michael & Diane Doster
Diane Drollinger
Elaine L. Dubail
Tom Duff
Christin L. Engelhardt
Thomas & Katherine Engelhardt
Darren Eultgen
Maggie Farrell
Marci Fine
Sara Fleming
Florissant Valley Kiwanis Club
Consuela Foster
Lori Fowler
Sue Fowler
Elizabeth & Charles Freshour
Donell Gaertner
Tori Gale
Sue Gamache
Kelly Garrett & Elizabeth Keegan Garrett
General Mills Foundation
Elizabeth George
Virginia & Bill Giokas
Joyce Glass
Carole Glauser
Javier Gonzalez
Margaret S. Goodwin
Evangeline Groth
Judith Guerrero
Judy & Bob Gustafson
Yvonne Haddox
David Hagee
Michael & Rho Ann Hanes
Peter Wilson & Madelyn Harris
Pamela D. Harris
Harshman & Associates
John & Diane Hefele
Jane & Bruce Herzog
Christopher Hicks & Gloria Carter-Hicks
Ellen Howe
Peggy & Anthony Hoy
HPSI Loyalty Rewards
Gail Hubbard
Laurie Hudson
Shahieda Hudson
Ted Huels
Ariana Jasarevic
Kathryn Jones
Renah Jones
Mary Kausch
Brenda Kingen
Kirkwood Evening Optimist Club
Kiwanis Club of Maplewood
Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community
Susan Kohl & Rosemary Denson
Jean Oster Kretzmann
Jay & Asha Kuhn
Ruth Lederman
Leslie Bryant Levine
Lawrence Libera & Corinne Husten
Terri & William Linek
Lions Club of Webster Groves
Alice Lloyd
David Luckes
Allison Mangiore
Robert Mangone
Cynthia Reitz Marfisi
Laura Massey
Ray L. Massey
Shertina & Kwasi Mawuenyega
Terrence & Jen McBride
Christopher J. McCarthy
John H. McCarthy
Vanita Mckinney
J. Ken Miller
Laura Ann Miller
Neil Miller
Sarah Minning
Melinda Monroe
Robert Moody
Jamie Mottern
Janet & Thomas Mug
Serena N. Muhammad
Margaret M. Neill
Helen Nelling
Mike Nichols
Tabitha Grimm Nolting
Allyn O’Byrne
Alice O’Donnell
Jeanne Randall Olson
Marianne & Lou Osman
Marilyn Otis
Todd Patterson
PayPal Charitable Giving Fund
Charles & Betty Pearson
Lindsey Pfeiffer
Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Gary & Carole Philipps
Jennifer Pierce
Christopher Poelker
Jessica Randall
Thomas Rapp
Ryan & Jerlilyn Reed
David Reidel
Chrissy Renick
Cheryl Riley & Jim Cooper
Maureen Lanier Roberts
Alesia M. Roccia
Michael & Ann Rocha
Donald W. Roe
Josh Rogers
Heidy Polanco Romano
Barry Rosenberg
Susan Rosner
Mark Ross
Bill & Mindy Ruttledge
Adam & Lillian Sandberg
Lindsey Schmidt
John Schrader
Annie Guyton Seal
Segue Partners, LLC
Leon Sharpe
Jennifer Shore
Deborah Siewing
Amy & Brian Sims
April Sloan
Clif & Gail Smart
Steve Smith
Kristin Sobolik & Scott Peterson
Matt Sonderman
Nancy Spargo
Patrick Springer
St. Charles Kiwanis Club
St. Louis Christmas Carols Association
Donald Stacey
Peter Stelling
Lesa & Robert Steward
John Straetker
Steve Strauss
Richard & Susan Sullivan
Ken Tacony
Mallene Tatum
Susan Tebb
The Giving Block
The Murray Family
Justavian Tillman
Thomas Todd
Mary & Bruce Vaughan
Rebecca Vossmeyer & Spencer Friedrich
John Wagner
Jackie Weaver
Kristen Wild
Daniel Williams
Moira Wilmes
Laura Winter
Kelly Wisness
Stephen Wolff
Brenda Wrench
Doug Zschiegner
Margaret Zubler
Certain project costs have been
underwritten by the Missouri
Dept. of Economic Development’s
Youth Opportunities Program and
Neighborhood Assistance Program.
1898 Society
Wyman honors the legacy of our supporters who have made a planned gift through our 1898 Society. We thank you for your partnership, generosity, anc commitment.
if you are interested in making a planned gift to Wyman, please contact Kristine Raterman at 636.549.1235, or make your will and estate plans today with FreeWill.
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Joseph Dorlac
Michael & Diane Doster
Don & Nancy Etling
Tom & Pegi Etzkorn
Charles & Elizabeth Freshour
Dave & Tina Hilliard
Shante Lampley
Laura Massey
Bernard J. Muhlenkamp
Sohiar Rader
Bill & Mindy Ruttledge
James & Barbara Saitz
John Sandberg & Celeste Vossmeyer
Bill & Deborah Voss
Keat & Debbie Wilkins
Capital Campaign Donors
Thank you to these donors who made a gift in 2023 to help restore and improve historic Camp Wyman! The improvements funded by these gifts will allow us to serve more individuals, and to serve them better.
If you are interested in making a capital campaign gift, please contact Kristine Raterman at 636.549.1235, or visit our Capital Campaign webpage.
3 Creek Ranch & the Massey Law Firm
Kristopher Anderson
Anonymous
Amy Berg & Kurt Russell
BJC Health System
Jaylen Bledsoe
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services Inc.
Susan Chomeau
Charla Claypool & Jeremy Stevens
Lynn Courier & James Visser
Tom Cowan
Pam Cross
Kathleen M. Dabrowski
Marci Mayer Eisen
Don & Nancy Etling
Kelly Garrett & Elizabeth Keegan Garrett
Judith Guerrero
Peter Wilson & Madelyn Harris
Robyn & Tom Heidger
Ellen Howe
Gail Hubbard
Scott Iverson
Karl & Karen Kloster
Heather Lasher Todd & Allen Todd
Jenny Lenhard & Tim Sharpe
Alice Lloyd
Carolyn W. Losos
Shertina & Kwasi Mawuenyega
McCarthy Building Companies Inc.
Dee & Cary Mogerman
David & Cheryl Morley
Peter S. Neidorff
Marilyn Otis
Debbie & Joe Rahn
Regions Bank
David Rodgers & Paul Whitsitt
Barry Rosenberg
RS Electric Construction
Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation
John Sandberg & Celeste Vossmeyer
Mark & Anna Sears
Florian Sichling & Jane Deronne
Steve Smith
Nancy Spargo
Susan Tebb
Nicki & Chris Thomson
Mary & Bruce Vaughan
Jacqueline & Vernon Wellington
Kristen Wild
Allison & Kevin Williams
Nancy M. Willimon
In memory of Charles Bartke
The Murray Family
In memory of Ross Eatherly, DDS
Kiwanis Club of Maplewood
In memory of Kit McElhany
Elizabeth & Charles Freshour
In memory of Michael & Monica Neidorff
Peter S. Neidorff
In memory of Kathleen Raterman
Richard Raterman
In memory of DeVonne Wilson
Cheryl K. Riley
In memory of Isaac Young
The Tromblee Family Foundation
In honor of Doug Archibald
EnkojiNelson Consortium
In honor of Bridgeton Kiwanis Club
Anonymous
In honor of Don Etling
Josh Rogers
In honor of Jackie & Ted Iverson
Ariana Jasarevic
In honor of Jeanne Lewi
Susan Kohl & Rosemary Denson
Christopher J. McCarthy
In honor of Maureen Masterson
Gregory Coonrod
In honor of Marilyn McBride
Terrence & Jen McBride
In honor of John McHugh
Janice & Stephen Seele
In honor of Murphy Moore
Sara Fleming
In honor of Norm, Fred, & Jeannine Obermoeller
Bruce Herzog
In honor of John Sandberg
James & Peggy Crowe
Stephen & Judith Doss
John & Diane Hefele
Dave & Tina Hilliard
Neil Miller
In honor of Lesa Steward
World Wide Technology Inc.
In honor of Wyman’s 125th Anniversary
Karen S. Kalish
In honor of Claire Wyneken
3 Creek Ranch & the Massey Law Firm
Anonymous
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services
Chiron Community Giving Foundation
Lynn Courier & James Visser
Tom Cowan
Kathleen M. Dabrowski
Marci Mayer Eisen
Kelly Garrett & Elizabeth Keegan Garrett
Peter Wilson & Madelyn Harris
Dave & Tina Hilliard
Ellen Howe
Scott Iverson
Karen S. Kalish
Ruth Lederman
Carolyn W. Losos
Shertina & Kwasi Mawuenyega
Peter S. Neidorff
Marilyn Otis
Barry Rosenberg
Steve Smith
Nancy Spargo
Nicki & Chris Thomson
Heather Lasher Todd & Allen Todd
Mary & Bruce Vaughan
Kristen Wild
Allison & Kevin Williams
Marilyn Young
Join us next year at the Wyman Gala, April 5, 2025!