2023 AUR Fall Mountain Memo Newsletter

A /U RANCHES NEWS – FALL 2023

Mountain Memo

A Strong Foundation Supports Healing While fall has arrived at the A/U Ranches, the spirit of the summer continues to fill us with abundant gratitude. Our metaphysical theme from 1 Peter 4:10 (English Standard Version) – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” – consistently grounded us in the expectation of supporting each other and witnessing healings both small and large. Fruitage shared speaks to the healing activity of the Christ in action at camp and celebrates what camp is all about. From homesickness to headaches, twisted joints to overwhelming fear – all were brought into harmony and healed through the practical demonstration of Christian Science.

• What’s Inside • 2 Note from the Ranch Co-directors 3 No Anxiety at Camp 3 Word Ladder 4 Pullout Camp Poster

6 Head of the Herd: New Horsemanship Director 6 What’s New at 100 Elk 7 Staff Leadership Awards

During Family Camp, one parent noted that their kids had two quick healings by working with the camp Christian Science practitioner. Another guest felt that the love and care of the Christian Science practitioner and Christian Science nurses supported healing in her camp experience. Family campers also enjoyed the presence of the Rainbow Valley Resource Network work trainees and the joy they brought to each day. And one Adult Mini Camp participant noted how the “daily inspirationals before starting the programs really help us focus on the activities from a spiritual point of view.”

When asked what they learned about themselves at camp, one youth camper said, “How much I’ve been a Christian Scientist. I never knew how close to God I was until I came here!!...I am going to take what I learned from camp and implement it into my everyday life!” When another was asked what was the most valuable part of camp, the simple reply was “CS.” When asked how they used Christian Science at camp, one first time camper responded, “I used it too many times to count! It makes me feel strong as a Christian Scientist.”

Other campers wrote about praying for friends or praying with the help of the camp practitioner and counselors.

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Mountain Memo

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Ranch Co-directors’ Note A note from Aaron and K.C. Morris, Ranch Co-directors

Since wrapping up our first summer as Ranch Codirectors, we’ve been asked numerous times, “Well, how did it go?” Each time, we are speechless for a moment following the question, as we consider how to sum up our gratitude for eleven memorable weeks of summer programs.

One idea from Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy has consistently come to thought as part of our reflection on the summer: “Beloved children, the world has need of you, – and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives…. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind” (110:4-7, 9-12).

Certainly, camp is a place that serves and supports children well. But it stands out to us after the summer that camp serves all of us well – as God’s children – through countless opportunities to be childlike and express His qualities. Camp is a place where the virtues from Mrs. Eddy’s words are naturally expressed – as youth campers play innocently together at Sky Lake, as a counselor unselfishly volunteers to prepare readings for a camp testimony meeting, as an Adult Mini Camp guest faithfully slides down the zipline at the ropes course despite feelings of fear. What a joy to witness these moments of childlikeness!

And what a joy, also, for each of us to think about how to “maintain in yourselves” the childlike qualities that shine at camp. We invite you to join us as we take the immeasurable grace and generous joy of the summer forward into the year, setting the example of true childlikeness for others. We are grateful for each of you!

A camper shared, “I went to Highview (the Christian Science nursing building) and had ‘mobile Sunday School’ with the practitioner. I was having trouble with my leg from riding my horse, and I also fell on my knee. While I was talking to the practitioner and thinking about God, the pain disappeared.” Another corral camper shared that they were having trouble staying in the moment on their 3-day pack trip, but a counselor read an article from the Christian Science Sentinel about “God’s now,” and the camper was healed of their concerns.

Many campers related character growth through prayer, too: they used prayer to feel more confident, to relieve stress, to be free from homesickness, to be more loving and respectful to others. One camper shared, “I did not have any material healings, but I became a better person.” Another camper shared, “I used Christian Science by pushing myself to limits I never thought I could go to.”

Speaking of pushing beyond perceived limits, one youth camper spoke about praying while attempting a peak climb on a fourteener: “While I was climbing, I was getting very exhausted and tempted to just give up. But I suddenly remembered a quote from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures which says, ‘You say “toil fatigues me.” But what is this me? Is it muscle or mind?’ (p. 217) and with that, I felt sooooo much better and soon believed I could do it.” When asked to share an example of how they deepened their relationship to God, this camper wrote, “Hiking up and peaking [a fourteener]. I would so do it again just because of the way I felt closer to God.” Feeling closer to God, breaking through limitations and the healing results is what camp at the A/U Ranches is all about – and we are grateful for the privilege to witness it all!

THANK YOU! Scan the QR code for a special “thank you” video message from Aaron and K.C.

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No Anxiety at Camp

BY MARY PHINNY, CAMPER PARENT My husband and I always hoped our daughter, Willa, would someday participate in the horsemanship program at the A/U Ranches. This past summer, this hope was realized! However, Willa felt trepidation about attending. I prayed to God to help me encourage her to want to go; I was certain she would thrive and become truly alive in the loving, Scientific environment.

My daughter was not eager to attempt new activities, meet new people or be away from home. I wanted her to gain confidence and feel comfortable relying on God to sustain her. As summer grew closer, I felt I was getting nowhere in talking Willa out of this belief of anxiety. Then these words by Mary Baker Eddy popped into thought: “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 494:10-11). I realized I needed to rely on God, too – surely He would meet both our needs.

But there were times when I thought, “Why can’t Willa just stop complaining about being anxious and rely on God right now?” I prayed through that impatience and ultimately recognized everything comes to fruition in God’s time, as Ecclesiastes says (see 3:11). God’s timing is always impeccable, even if it feels vastly different from when we think things should happen!

WORD LADDER

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This summer at the A/U Ranches, Willa connected with and appreciated her counselors, bunkhouse mom, and the Christian Science practitioner and nurses, who all helped allay her fears and doubts. Willa also formed a close relationship with her camp horse, Mesa, of whom she became very fond. She realized that just as she was in charge of caring for this mare, so was God in charge of her, Willa, and was wrapping her up in His infinite grace and loving care.

By the end of the summer, Willa came to better understand the Bible verse: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). Willa told me she did enjoy camp after all – and she’s ready to go back! I am so, so grateful for this healing of anxiety, throwing off that old burden!

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Make your way from TENT to CAMP by changing just one letter on each step to make a new word.

Clues for each step < MAKE COLOR LIGHTER

< SLIGHTLY SLOPED

There are six steps between TENT and CAMP.

< SQUARE FLOOR PIECES

< STORY

< NOT WILD

< PAST TENSE OF COME

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Mountain Memo

Head of the Herd: New Horsemanship Director Built on a long history of tremendous wranglers and established in its current form by Lachlan Clarke, the A/U Ranches’ longtime former Horsemanship Director, along with his wife Linda, our beloved horsemanship program is one of enduring excellence. Campers treasure the unique opportunities – including polocrosse, gymkhanas, pack trips, and cattle work – offered at camp. This fall, we welcomed a new Horsemanship Director, Rachael LePoidevin, to the team! Rachael, a former corral camper and seasonal staff member, shared her thoughts about taking the reins as the next leader of those programs.

Why are you excited about this role?

I’m excited to lead the program that has most shaped who I am by helping me gain confidence, develop my leadership skills, make lifelong friends, learn to work through fears, and rely on Christian Science. The opportunities to engage with staff members, campers, and horses are awesome!

What do you love most about our corral programs?

I love that campers and staff have opportunities they wouldn’t get elsewhere. We focus on creating a fun

environment that promotes personal and spiritual growth and a sense of freedom and exploration.

What should people know about your vision for the corral?

Rachael LePoidevin

It’s important to me for people to know that a vision for the corral isn’t just about me. I’m hoping to build on the good that has come before me and to find ways for the voices of those who love the corral to be heard and valued – to focus on the corral as a place where each person can be part of the amazing opportunities that make the A/U Ranches horsemanship program so special.

What’s New at 100 Elk New Assistant Director

Highlight from a Returning School

100 Elk is immensely grateful for the prayer and consideration that resulted in selecting Dave Bailey as our new assistant director! Dave brings a tremendous amount of A/U Ranches experience to his new role, having served many summers directing outcamp and leading backcountry trips, as well as a number of years in education – both locally and while living in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Dave was also instrumental in helping to design the curriculum for The Link School, an expeditionary high school for Christian Scientists, during its founding. He is married to Christine Bailey, Sky Valley Camp Director, and they have two sons, Josh and Micah.

Recently, a group of 60 fifth graders completed their 7th 100 Elk program and enjoyed riding in the corral, completing the high and low ropes courses, and canoeing, among other activities. On the final night of the program, when students shared gratitude and how they “Revealed the Possibilities Within,” their principal also offered his thoughts: “... I just want to say how grateful and impressed I am with this program… I have seen our students be kind to each other, support and cheer for each other, and help each other in ways that I haven’t seen before… I would like for all of you to bring this back to school with you and treat each other the way you have while you’ve been here. And I want to say thank you to the 100 Elk staff. This has been an amazing experience.”

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Staff Leadership Awards The Cap Andrews Award for Moral Leadership recognizes staff who exemplify the Christian Science way of life to campers and fellow staff members, in keeping with the example of John “Cap” Andrews, co-founder and first director of the A/U Ranches.

Kassie Christensen Sky Valley Corral Program Head This summer, Kassie welcomed every opportunity to develop her understanding of Christian Science and to put it into practice.

She recognized being a student of Christian Science means continual learning and practice, and she was committed to seeking opportunities that helped her grow – such as leading staff inspiration and participating in group lesson study. Kassie raised the bar for using metaphysics in the corral, encouraging staff to prepare for inspiration intentionally and for campers to use prayer.

When challenges arose, Kassie turned to metaphysics first, setting a strong example for staff and campers alike.

Nathan Babcock

Round-Up Mountain Biking Staff Nathan brought a spiritual grounding and childlike joy that embodied what Cap Andrews set out to accomplish at the A/U Ranches.

He led by prayer, holding high standards for himself and for his campers. Nathan genuinely listened to others, learned from them and applied what he learned to the relationships he built. He engaged in thoughtful conversations with campers, always responding with love.

In cabin and program alike, Nathan handled his responsibilities with maturity and equanimity. Nathan’s example of love, grace and patience will ripple through the years, as the impact he makes blesses both campers and staff.

The Marianne Andrews Award for Selfless Service values staff who graciously serve campers and fellow staff members with the dedication, compassion and good cheer exemplified by Marianne Andrews, cofounder of the A/U Ranches.

Jay Bliss

Corral Staff Jay worked tirelessly and graciously throughout the summer and was always sincerely happy to support all parts of camp, working Family Camp, Round-Up Corral and Sky Valley Corral, and often serving meals for the kitchen. Her unassuming, kind nature and quiet humbleness made those who worked with Jay feel supported, knowing she would jump in at the drop of a hat when needed – even when that meant changing camps and programs at the last minute. Jay is a model of patience, perseverance and unwavering commitment to camp.

Angel Burr

Round-Up and Day Camp Staff Angel’s dedication to the A/U Ranches has included working for youth camp, family camp, day camp and 100 Elk. In every role he takes on, Angel expresses dedication, compassion and good cheer. This summer, Angel went above and beyond in all his responsibilities, including washing towels for day campers, supporting playful pranks between cabins at Round-Up and doing the dishes on backcountry outtrips.

It can be challenging to switch between programs each session, but Angel responded to camp’s various needs with grace and love. He is a friend and a support to all.

The Leroy Williams Horsemanship Award honors corral staff who have consistently demonstrated the highest degree of dedication, courage and commitment in advancing their own horsemanship skills while enriching the experience of campers in their charge through their love of horses.

Sophia Green – Camp United Corral and Round-Up Polocrosse Staff Throughout the summer, Sophia typified the cowboy grit, intuition, discipline and patience lived by Leroy Williams and by Lachlan Clarke, who initiated this award. Sophia worked tirelessly to refine the horses she rode, helped fellow staff members improve their riding and took on tasks without being asked – including going down to the corral early and staying late. On horseback, she perfectly balances fearlessness and compassion, and that radiates out to both her horses and her campers. Sophia shows consistent desire to improve as a leader and a horsewoman through hard work, discipline and respect for others.

Adventure Unlimited A/U Ranches P.O. Box 2036 Buena Vista, CO 81211-2036

Enjoy All of Our Programs!

2024 PROGRAM DATES

December 21–27

Spring Service Weekend

May 24–27

Youth Camp

Session 1: June 22 – July 6 Session 2: July 8 – July 22 Session 3: July 24 – August 7

Family Camp

CHRISTMAS CAMP CELEBRATE THE CHRIST – Observe the true meaning of the holiday with us

AURanches.org/christmas

Week 1: June 22–28 Week 2: June 30 – July 6 Week 3: August 11–17

Mini Camp

August 19–25

Fall Service Day

TBD

Bible Study

TBD

Christmas Camp

December 21–27

AURanches.org 888.543.4849 auinfo@adventureunlimited.org Adventure Unlimited provides recreational adventure, leadership, service, education and community activities that foster spiritual growth and healing in an environment where Christian Science is lived.

– The A/U Ranches is a Division of Adventure Unlimited – All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under Special Recreation Permits from the Dept. of the Interior’s BLM, Colorado State Parks AHRA, and Dept. of Ag. USFS.