A/U RANCHES NEWS - SPRING 2016
Mountain Memo
Stepping out of the comfort zone... New Ropes Course Brings Changes, Challenges and Fun! The high ropes course conjures up many different memories and feelings – trepidation, courage, accomplishment – just to name a few. Since 1962, we have had a ropes course which has blessed and challenged tens of thousands of youth, teens and adults. During the summer of 2015, we built a new state of the art ropes course and are thrilled about what it’s adding into our programming. The new ropes course has: two courses at different heights with a spoke and wheel design; two vertical jungle gyms; a high Wild Woozy, a cargo net climb, and an exciting new descent from the course.
• What’s Inside • 2 3 4 6 7
Note from the Ranch Director Back Home, Again Center Spread Camp Poster Camperships–Letter to Donors Why Do You Come to Camp?
For all of our programming – summer Youth and Family Camps, and the 100 Elk Outdoor Center – the ropes course provides unique growth experiences. Utilizing a “challenge by choice” approach, participants decide for themselves what elements they would like to take on and how far they can and will push themselves. During summer camp, “challenge by choice” includes learning to lean on God when we’re stepping outside our comfort zone. The old course required everyone to do every element, one person at time, limiting the number of people we could put in the course and the choices they had. Amber Peters completed the new course at Family Camp last August and explains, “I like how the course is set up to allow multiple people to go on different obstacles all at once without waiting. People can take as much time as they need and feel supported rather than rushed. I also like how the ropes course is run with pairs so that one person is on the ground, supporting their partner as they travel how they please throughout the ropes course.” (continued on page 2)