2023 Spring Mountain Memo Newsletter

Mountain Memo

The Continuity of Good at Camp

By Christine Bailey, Sky Valley Camp Director, and Summer Wright, Round-Up Camp Director

Alone with Your Thoughts… rodeos… kayaking… inspirationals… bunkhouse nights… When you picture camp, what first comes to mind? As we gear up for the summer, we have been thinking about all those big and little moments that make summer at the A/U Ranches so special.

It might feel like there’s a lot of “new” at camp this year — new directors, new Hub — but that newness is building on continuing goodness! We are excited to jump into camp this summer and fold ourselves into the existing culture of joy, love and adventure. To set the stage for summer, we reached out to returning campers and staff to share what they love about the A/U Ranches.

For many respondents, it’s the friendships that keep them coming back — Aberlyn, Rowan, Hanna, Tristan and counselor Syd all highlighted the friendships they have

built and new friends they know they will meet. Holden appreciates the counselors, too!

Some can’t wait for the fun challenges, like 3-day horse trips (Gigi), 14er peak climbs (Zachary, Afton and Assistant Camp Director Katie), Polocrosse (Tristan) and the ropes course (Afton). One Sky Valley camper also mentioned they love the free choice activities, where they have a chance to mix with other campers. Cabin activities hold a special place for others (Josh, Micah). And even little (but important!) things stand out – one camper is excited for the food! Matthew and Mike have been experimenting with new recipes, like grilled burritos (yum!), and you can also expect old favorites, like grilled cheese.

Of course, opportunities for spiritual growth keep us all coming back. As one camper shared, “I love the morning Christian Science meeting when we read together and talk about God.” And Matthew, a returning Program Head, is excited to serve the community he says has given so much to him!

As the new camp directors, we are ready to share our unique qualities with camp, too. Christine is excited to deepen the loving, supportive community at Sky Valley, witnessing God’s grace in each camper, staff member and

Welcome Home to Camp

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

Since stepping into our roles, we’ve been so grateful to hear from a wide array of people who love the A/U Ranches – people who have reached out to share their ideas about camp and all the possibilities for the continuous unfolding of good that camp holds. It is clear to us that support for camp runs wide and deep. We have loved connecting with people who have been connected to camp for many, many years and from others who attended camp for only one session, yet still identify the lasting impact that camp had on them.

In Science and Health (p. 58), Mrs. Eddy writes, “Home is the dearest spot on earth, and it should be the centre, though not the boundary, of the affections.” What a wonderful thought to consider in anticipation of the summer, when camp becomes “home away from home” for each camper, staff member and program participant joining together for God-centered, growthfilled opportunities and experiences.

This thought is especially precious to us at this particular moment as new Ranch Co-directors preparing for our first summer. Our home and family are dear to us. We are intentional about raising our young boys in a home filled with joy, kindness, good humor, principle and unconditional love (and some needed boundaries, too!). Already, camp is dear to us also, a place that lies within the expanded boundaries of our affections. Each day, we are embracing camp within our sense of family – and thinking deeply about how to ensure that your camp experience is anchored by a sense of belonging to this camp family, a family united by one Father-Mother God and His great love for all His children.

We are ready to welcome you home to camp. We can’t wait to see you!

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bunkhouse parent. Summer looks forward to the continued grounding in spiritual goodness and making that even more apparent in camp life while learning about God together through all that camp offers.

Whether it’s program activities, the Christian Science community, friends or the beautiful surroundings, the ongoing good of camp is summed up by Clayton, who writes he is excited to “meet new people and try new things and activities. I have been going to [the A/U Ranches] for 5 years and I cannot wait to begin my 6th year. I am so excited for camp!!!!” So are we, Clayton, so are we.

Welcome Christine Bailey!

Our New Sky Valley Camp Director

I am so happy to be joining the A/U Ranches team as the Sky Valley Camp Director. I have lived in Buena Vista for the past 12 years with my family (husband Dave and sons Josh and Micah), spending my time working at the Link School and at the alternative high school in town. I have developed a deep respect for camp as I have gotten to know its staff at church and as I have watched my own boys spend time here as campers the past few summers.

As an alternative school teacher and principal, I loved witnessing kids deepen their understanding of their true nature as they let go of labels and preconceived notions of themselves. This growth came through caring relationships, through atypical learning environments and through opportunities to engage with nature. At camp, I see opportunities for this same type of growth, with the added depth that comes from blossoming as students of Christian Science.

I am excited to witness all the good that happens at Sky Valley Ranch, to support campers and staff in their spiritual and adventurous growth and to be part of the love and joy that permeate the A/U Ranches!

Aaron and K.C.

Awakening to the Highest Sense of Love

My recent experience at Family Camp was fun: great outdoor activities, supportive staff and new friendships with fellow campers. But the most valuable part was the spiritual lessons I learned.

Being in a new chapter of my life — single and retired — I was listening for God’s purpose for me. Throughout camp, I cherished helping others feel God’s love for them. I included others in genuine conversations and in activities to ensure no one was left out.

My efforts felt nice, but something was missing in these human attempts. It seemed the effort was all on my side, and I didn’t really belong.

Through prayer and conversations with the camp practitioner, it became clear to me that I had been tricked into thinking others were needy, and I had to bring something to make them feel loved. I also was feeling sorry for widows, like myself, who seemed to be lacking without our loved ones.

A Bible story describes a widow who sustained Elijah during a drought, when the common assumption of the day would be that Elijah needed to support her (I Kings 17). Another widow found her needs met through oil that continued to pour when she trusted the prophet, Elisha (II Kings 4).

Jesus was able to heal the so-called needy because he “beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals” (Science and Health 476—477). This right view of others freed them from a limited view of themselves. Jesus gave more than a shoulder to cry on. He saw others’ completeness, which resulted in healing.

2023 Summer Management Team

By Truth Johnston

Chris

Linda

Kris

Joy

I realized the highest and most helpful form of love was to see others as complete, perfect children of God, instead of lacking mortals needing my sympathy. That clear view needed to be the motive behind every act of kindness.

With this new insight, I was flooded with an impersonal love toward each individual at camp — and I belonged in that love. The rest of my session was packed with ways to love without pity, and I felt loved, too. In fact, there had never been a lack — now I could see my completeness clearly.

Christine

Katie

Sean Thornton

Steve

Nathan Gregory

Andrew Lambert-Cole

Philip

Ranch Co-directors

Aaron Morris

K.C. Morris

Horsemanship Director TBD

Round-Up Camp Directors

Summer Wright

Spencer Christensen

Rice

Sky Valley Camp Directors

Bailey

Wood

Office Team

Clarke

Proctor

Strickland

Facilities Team

Murray

LePoidevin

Food Service Team

Matthew Leon

Mike Kilborn

100 Elk Directors

Brett Grimmer

Rachael LePoidevin

Truth sharing gratitude during Family Camp.

2023 Metaphysical Theme

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

– 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Love Reflected in Love

By Brett Grimmer, 100 Elk Outdoor Center Director

The 100 Elk Outdoor Center engages young Christian Science staff members in metaphysical preparation as part of our pre-program training and at the beginning of each program day during an inspirational meeting. We lovingly meet and support each member of our staff “where they are” in their faith journey and offer opportunities for them to demonstrate and grow spiritually. During staff training, we reinforce our mission of “Revealing the Possibilities Within” and see each of our participants as “unlimited.”

As one of the final guests of the fall season, we were blessed to again host the Rainbow Valley Resource Network (RVRN), an organization that “builds community

Spot the Difference:

and provides support to Christian Scientists with developmental and special needs and their families.” It was a joy to work with the RVRN leads, Julie Finnin Day and Rebecca Creighton, as well as their wonderful campers and families!

100 Elk staff often receive high marks from our clients on their evaluation forms. However, the RVRN week was even more inspiring as we witnessed our entire team turn it up a notch while engaging with and loving each guest and family member, going above and beyond their usual duties. After dinner, when they are normally off work, many staff joined in the evening activities — having conversations, playing games, painting, singing and even helping families with laundry.

As we prepare for 2023, we look forward to more opportunities to express the Christ in our work with all of our programs, and to hosting our RVRN friends again in October!

To learn more about RVRN, visit rvrnetwork.org

There are 9 differences between the 2 images below. Have fun!

Camp is Unlimited!

Camp isn’t just for kids. Regardless of your age, you can experience the healing atmosphere of camp at the A/U Ranches. Our adult and family programs for every interest and ability embrace Christian Scientists and their families and friends of all faiths.

FAMILY CAMP

Week 1 | June 22–28

Week 2 | June 30 – July 6

Week 3 | August 12–18

Spend an unforgettable week with other adults and families exploring the activities offered at the A/U Ranches or just relaxing in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

ADULT MINI CAMP

Full session | August 20–26

Half session | August 20–23 or 23-26

Youth Camp fun – for adults! Enjoy horseback riding, cycling, hiking, kayaking, the ropes course and more in a spiritually nurturing atmosphere.

SERVICE PROGRAMS

May 26–29 | October 14

Help us get the A/U Ranches ready for camp or cleaned up for the off-season at either of our mostly work, partly play and always fun service programs.

Adult & Family Camperships

BIBLE STUDY

November 2–6

Topic: The Apocalypse, the Book of Revelation Dive into the Bible with instructor Helen Mathis and other spiritual thinkers and explore the scriptures with time for study and recreation.

CHRISTMAS CAMP

December 21–27

Bring your family or join ours for skiing, sledding, horseback riding, tree trimming, reading by the fire and so much more. Come celebrate the Christ with us.

Camperships are now available for adult and family programs! Apply on the website of our partner, The Campership Fund, at CampershipFund.org.

Enjoy All of Our Programs!

2023 Program Dates

Spring Service Weekend May 26–29

Summer Youth Camp

First Session (Camp United)

2 weeks: June 22 – July 6 1 week: June 22–29

Second Session

2 weeks: July 8–22

Third Session

2 weeks: July 24 – August 7 1 week: July 24–31

Youth Adventure Day Camp

Week 1: July 24–28

Week 2: July 31 – August 4

Family Camp

Week 1: June 22–28

Week 2: June 30 – July 6

Week 3: August 12–18

Adult Mini Camp August 20–26

Fall Service Day October 14

Bible Study

Christmas Camp

November 2–6

December 21–27

Seasonal Support: Work or Volunteer From college students to grandparents, there are opportunities for adults of all ages to work and volunteer at the A/U Ranches - for a few days or a whole season. We’re currently looking for:

• Summer camp counselors

• Program heads

• Bunkhouse parents

• Kitchen crew

• Photographer

• Christmas Camp staff

Learn more at AURanches.org/seasonal