memo
M O U N TA I N
Adventure Unlimited
Stepping Outside Our Comfort Zones A NOTE FROM ALISON PETICOLAS RANCH DIRECTOR
W
e have lots of opportunities for growth through the adventure activities at camp. In choosing to come to the A/U Ranches we are all embracing what the sense of adventure has to teach us. I’ve been reading a book called “God of Adventure” by Bruce Dunning, and I loved his statement of this idea, “Purposefully choosing to step outside of your comfort zone to try something new puts you in an amazing position to learn and to grow. ” Absolutely! We talk a lot at camp about stepping outside our comfort zones and trying new things. Sometimes adventurous experiences are new to us, but it’s also important to recognize different kinds of adventures like reaching out to a new camper and making a new friend or learning how to step into a leadership role. In addition to all the growth we see during the summer in campers, staff and adult participants, one of the things I love about my job is being part of a community with the full-time Ranch staff as they fully embrace learning and growing. This fall our full-time staff participated in cattle working and roping clinics, completed an Ironman, peaked 14,000 foot mountains, competed in dog agility competitions, took outdoor education courses, competed in Polocrosse Nationals and learned to barefoot waterski. All these activities help keep us focused on stepping outside our comfort zone as well! This focus benefits camp both spiritually and practically. The staff at A/U brings new ideas and excitement to the Ranch programs, as well as the continued demonstration of Christian Science in action. It keeps us in touch with what we are sharing in our programs. I’m grateful for the growth that goes on year-round at A/U and for the specific “steps of progress” we continue to take. With much gratitude,
Alison
R ANCH NEWS
Fall 2012
Ranch Program Dates Family & Adult Program – 2012 Christmas Camp
December 21 - 27
Youth Camp Programs – 2013 Session 1:
Two-Week One-Week
June 20 - July 4 June 20 - 27
Session 2:
Two-Week
July 6 - 20
Session 3:
Two-Week One-Week
July 22 - August 5 July 22 - 29
Combine any of the sessions listed above for longer programs!
Family & Adult Programs – 2013 Co-ed Bible Study Memorial Service Weekend Family & Adult Ranching Cowboy/Cowgirl Camp Adult Base Camp Christmas Camp
April 2 - 6 May 24 - 27 August 10 - 16 August 17 - 23 August 17 - 23 December 21 - 27
2012 Youth Camp Fruitage IN THEIR OWN WORDS
• A lot of drama was taking place at home and
coming to A/U for the first time helped me find peace with whatever goes on.
– RUR Camper
• I am now a stronger student of Christian Science because of A/U Camp!
– SVR Camper
• During the peak climb to Mt. Belford, I experienced difficulty breathing. My fellow campers prayerfully supported me, and I felt completely surrounded by love and at ease.
– RUR Camper