Kiosk Demo - Incrementing variable by 1 at each run through

I have created a self-running, looping demo. I want to see how many times it will run without interruption. I've created a screen that is seen only the first time the demo is open, and behind that screen I have the following trigger:

Action: Adjust Variable

Variable: varCounter

Operator: =Assignment

Value: Value - 1

When: Timeline Starts

 Object: slide "Initialize"

It then goes on to SCENE 1 of the presentation.

I then have a box shape on every scene that reports back to me "%varCounter%"

The very last slide of the loop, before it returns to the SCENE 1, I have the following:

Action: Adjust Variable

Variable: varCounter

Operator: +Add

Value: Value - 1

When: Timeline Starts

 Object: slide "9.20 Reporting"

After this slide, it loops back to SCENE 1 (it does NOT go to the "Initialize" slide).

It keeps running through, but the counter %varCounter% shape always displays "1".

What am I doing wrong?