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).

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!

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

Ranch Co-directors Aaron Morris

K.C. Morris

By Truth Johnston

Round-Up Camp Directors

Summer Wright

Spencer Christensen

Chris Rice

Office Team Linda Clarke

Kris Proctor

Joy Strickland

Food Service Team Matthew Leon

Mike Kilborn

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.

Horsemanship Director TBD

Sky Valley Camp Directors

Facilities Team

Christine Bailey

Katie Wood

Sean Thornton

Steve Murray

Nathan Gregory

Andrew Lambert-Cole

Philip LePoidevin

100 Elk Directors

Brett Grimmer

Rachael LePoidevin

2023 Metaphysical Theme

“As

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

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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

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