“Life-changing spiritual growth through joyful adventures in an environment where Christian Science is lived.” Adventure Unlimited’s new vision statement has prompted us to think about the adventures participants have at camp. While the word conjures images of endeavors that stretch us to our limits, is it possible to see adventure more broadly? To expand our understanding of it beyond a sense of daring to a more allencompassing view?
One definition of “adventure” from Merriam-Webster is “an exciting or remarkable experience.” How awesome to think about camp through this lens and to see that so much of what we do at camp is an adventure!
Campers adventure in the mountains when they peak a fourteener; they also adventure spiritually when they learn more about prayer during daily Christian Science Bible Lesson study. Or maybe a camper’s favorite adventure from the summer happens during one of our silliest free choice activities – dressing in aerobic wear and prancing around property, leaving behind limiting self-consciousness to giggle, shriek, and play. From the arts and crafts room to high mountain lakes, camp-wide games to Sunday School classes, adventures full of joy abound at camp!
In the spirit of this expanded sense of joyful adventures, we’re offering two new opportunities for Youth Camp 2025. In addition to registering for a major as usual, campers will have the opportunity to add a free choice theme: Acting & Theater (for 6th- to 12th-graders during Camp United) or Artist’s Workshop (offered at both camps during second session). In Acting & Theater, campers will learn acting techniques and perform short scenes. In Artist’s Workshop, campers will receive instruction in a variety of art media and display their work in an art show. We will still offer a selection of standalone free choice activities, too, so everyone can choose their own adventure.
Camp’s Precious Purpose
A
note from
Aaron & K.C. Morris, Ranch Co-directors
Since the close of another wonderful summer, we’ve been reflecting on camp’s purpose in the world and in the lives of those who spend time here. This instruction from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians (6:17) keeps coming to thought:
“[C]ome out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…”
If we were teaching a Christian Science Sunday School class exploring this passage, we’d talk with students about how it directs us to separate from worldly beliefs – about health, relationships, pressures, etc. – and to turn instead toward the allness of God and His power in our lives. And we’d acknowledge that it doesn’t always feel like an easy directive to follow, especially for a young person navigating today’s society. We’d also consider how learning to do so leads to tremendous blessings, and this is where we see the connection from this passage to camp’s purpose.
Camp provides precious opportunities for campers to live this passage. It’s a space to separate from human opinions and limitations, to put off the suggestion that prayer is not effective, to experience healing that is not “the norm” in their communities at home. Every day at camp, as they demonstrate Christian Science on horseback, on winding mountain trails, and on lakes and rivers, campers put into practice the radical idea that they can rely fully on God at every moment. And at camp, doing this doesn’t feel so “separate” because of the joyful, loving community of spiritual thinkers that surrounds them.
What an awesome purpose for camp to fulfill – readying youth to return home with the courage to maintain their “separateness” and so bless their communities and the world!
Boyman Center Dedicated
With deep gratitude for Heidy and John Boyman, an enthusiastic group celebrated the dedication of the Boyman Center at the A/U Ranches on May 25, 2024.
John (former chairman of the board of trustees, executive director, and A/U Ranches director) and his wife, Heidy (former Round-Up Ranch director and DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council mentor), received the honor in front of the new center, which was originally the Hub.
“In the fall of 1964, Heidy and I received a phone call from John ‘Cap’ Andrews,” John said in his remarks at the dedication. To their surprise, Cap asked them to consider becoming the directors of the Adventure Unlimited camps. “After prayerfully thinking about it... we gratefully accepted this unique opportunity.”
“We were blessed with a very dedicated, experienced, and strong staff at both camps!” Heidy shared. “This was such an important component in providing an atmosphere where campers would be encouraged to demonstrate the teaching of Christian Science.”
After four years at the A/U Ranches, John and Heidy left for other adventures.
Then, in 1997, John returned as executive director for a two-year term and then a seven-year term as chairman of the board, shepherding changes that contributed to the thriving organization Adventure Unlimited is today.
The Boyman Center has been renovated to be a much-needed space for seasonal staff during time off, as well as a meeting space for groups. The beauty of the space perfectly captures gratitude for the contributions seasonal staff members make to camp each year – and John and Heidy’s deep love for Adventure Unlimited.
Omnipresent Truth Heals at Camp
I got back from rafting, and my back was covered in rashes. By the end of the day, it was on my legs and arms, and it really itched. I decided to know that “I am the reflection of God, so when I look in the mirror tomorrow, I am going to see spiritual reflection.” When I woke up in the morning, I saw that all the rashes were gone, and that was really awesome. – Sky Valley camper, age 12
Mom’s perspective:
I received a call from camp that my son had rashes on his body and he felt like his lips were swelling. I let the camp director know they had my permission to do whatever they felt would be necessary in an emergency, but that I was expecting quick progress with prayer. When I spoke to my son on the phone, he sounded scared and was crying. I assured him he was safe and in God’s loving care, and that no matter what the material picture looks or feels like, we can refuse to accept anything but God’s creating, which is good, and refuse to believe there could be any allergic reactions in God’s harmonious government.
I spoke to the Christian Science nurse who was with my son, and she said she would read to him until he fell asleep. And maybe after he fell asleep, too. She said we would see this disappear into its “native nothingness” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 365).
I turned to the Christian Science Bible Lesson, which was full of so many wonderful truths that I wondered which citation I should work with to bring healing. Then I thought, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (ibid., p. 494), so the healing truths were right there with my son in the nursing building, adjusting thought to the reality of peace, health, harmony, and perfection. I didn’t need to do anything to make the truth more present or more true than it already was! With that idea, I felt at peace and was able to fall asleep.
In the morning, my son called me to say he felt great. The rashes were completely gone, and he was looking forward to playing flag football and the afternoon barbecue!
Now unscramble the circled letters and print your answer below!
answers on back cover
ELYSLAVKY
COFECERIEH
New Head Chef
Caramel apple french toast. Green chile fries. Homemade biscuits. Food at camp is an integral part of nourishing campers’ sense of home each day. This fall, we are thrilled to welcome Jules Ryan to our full-time A/U Ranches team as head chef.
New to the A/U Ranches, Jules joins us from Abilene, Texas, as an experienced chef. Round-Up campers will already know Jules as this summer’s dynamic head cook, who started each meal with a random fact or cheerful joke (sometimes while in costume).
After a recent DiscoveryBound Outreach 20s/30s trip to Iceland, Jules left wanting more opportunities to engage with the Christian Science community. She says, “It’s so wonderful to be surrounded by so much love, joy, and unconditional support.” Welcome, Jules!
100 Elk: Secular Clients, Scientific Foundation
While primarily serving secular groups, 100 Elk Outdoor Center’s foundation is Christian Science. Our staff of young adults have the opportunity to grow in the practice and demonstration of their faith during their work with the 2,000 students and 500 chaperones from 35 schools each year. Additionally, adult chaperones learn about Adventure Unlimited’s founding in 1955 as a Christian Science summer camp for youth and the later addition of 100 Elk in 2001.
Our recent fall season opened with a Christian Science practitioner talk entitled, “Health and Harmony,” which helped set the tone for our staff to “Become conscious for a single moment that Life and intelligence are purely spiritual, – neither in nor of matter…” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 14). During 100 Elk programs, we strive to see each student as unlimited, despite any apparent physical or emotional challenges.
On program days, our staff meet at 6:30 a.m. to share inspiration and spiritual insights. One morning, a new staff member played the audio of Lona Ingwerson’s poem, “What’s it all about anyway?” (Christian Science Sentinel, March 15, 2024). It was a wonderful way to begin our season with Lona’s reminder, “it’s about being alert… and practicing.”
We are proud of the feedback we receive that often mentions appreciation for the kindness, professionalism, and respect shown by our staff and for the connections made with students.
Do you know of a school that would benefit from 100 Elk’s outdoor education program? Share our website with them – and thank you! 100Elk.org
Jules in Iceland
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.
Nathan Bowen
Challengers & Challengers Outcamp
Program Head
The light Nathan radiates at camp raises the bar because it is so genuine and inclusive. Whether leading mountain programs, teaching Sunday School, serving as bunkhouse head, or supporting other camp activities, he fills whatever role is needed with strength, love, and good humor. Nathan acts through integrity and love with campers and staff alike, letting his actions speak louder than his words. Nathan lives and prioritizes Christian Science, creating a community of belonging through interactions with campers and developing programs that campers and staff are excited to be a part of.
Zemma Kitchen
Explorers Program Head
Zemma loves unconditionally and without judgment, exemplifying the way of life Christ Jesus modeled and overcoming challenges with grace and compassion. Her leadership is gentle, yet powerful; and when she isn’t leading, she models the perfect image of an attentive and trustworthy follower. Zemma does not possess an ego, but her personality could not be larger. Her excitement for being at camp outweighed any fear or doubt her young campers might have faced – and she touched the hearts of her toughest campers and inspired them to be great.
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.
Jonathan Keller Wrangler Ranch Hand
Jonathan’s work embodied the idea of translating prayer into action, and he was committed to the values of Christian Science in all his endeavors. Jonathan answered every call with a good heart and a touch of sass, meeting any seeming limitation with a laugh. Three-day trips, evening programs, eleventh-hour missions, airport runs, and the need to convince a cow about the fundamental error of being in its current location were all accomplished with grace and an immediate “can do” attitude. The phrase “giving does not impoverish us”* was truly expressed in Jonathan’s work.
Katherine Peticolas Floating Wrangler
Stepping into a new role this summer, Katherine put aside all ego and approached every situation with the attitude, “How can I help?” She was driven toward doing the right thing in every moment, often putting aside her own desires or comforts to accomplish a given task. Katherine went above and beyond the call of duty, taking impromptu airport runs, teaching Sunday School, joining a corral trip at the last minute, and much more. Her willingness to quietly serve was never limited to the program she joined or the role she signed up for. She was willing, humble, and brave.
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.
Erin Demaree – Floating Wrangler
Erin’s presence was an incredible force of support for the corral as she worked with both campers and staff – selflessly giving, teaching, guiding, and sharing her knowledge. When circumstances changed with her staff horse, her ethos held with a maturity well beyond her years, expecting and witnessing an incredible healing. And if Erin’s high-minded nature wasn’t enough, the way she celebrated and embodied the Western way of life seeped into the fabric of the corral. Her western shirts, unquestionable integrity, caring treatment of others, and cherishing of her staff horse, Ruby, made a tremendous mark on the summer. *
2025 PROGRAM DATES
Service Weekend May 23–26
Youth Camp Session 1: June 19 – July 3 Camp United Session 2: July 5–19
