2024 A/U Ranches Spring Mountain Memo Newsletter

Mountain Memo

Fresh Ideas and Connections

By Christine Bailey, Rusty Rohde, K.C. Morris and Aaron Morris

As a leadership team, we have spent the winter giving gratitude for all the good that came from camp last summer and eagerly planning for the summer to come! Last year, with three of us settling into our new roles here at the A/U Ranches, we loved focusing on the “continuity of good” in the camp community we were joining. We certainly saw that in action throughout the year: meeting long-time camp families and welcoming new ones, learning from returning staff and coaching new staff, growing into well-loved camp traditions and bringing fresh ideas to the table. As we look ahead to summer camp 2024, we are excited to build on this momentum and also embrace perpetual newness.

One fresh idea was our approach to camp shows this spring. We hear time and again about how much people

love the community at camp, and we decided to bring that sense of community with us as we traveled around the country. These “A/U Ranches on the Road” events included nature walks, scavenger hunts, hands-on crafts, bowling, campfires with s’mores, games - and of course, good food. It was so fun thinking through how to translate what we love most about camp into mini form on the road!

For us, a favorite new element of these events was incorporating our metaphysical theme. During youth camp sessions, each camper and staff member is given a waterproof card with our metaphysical theme printed on it. The card is attached to a ring so the campers and staff can carry this spiritual idea with them. For our camp shows, we made a mini version of these cards so everyone we met can join us in our theme for the year, whether or not they make it to Buena Vista for a program.

We invite you to join us in cherishing our 2024 theme, too! It’s from Science and Health: “When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible” (p. 180:25-27). On the road, we talked about how this theme provides space for

God’s Care at Camp

A Note from

Aaron and K.C. Morris, Ranch Co-directors

Mary Baker Eddy’s spiritual interpretation of the first line of the Lord’s Prayer recently came to mind when praying about this summer:

“ Our Father which art in heaven, Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious…”

(Science and Health, 16: 26-27)

The Christian Science concept of God as FatherMother is beautifully expansive. It reassures each of us that we are never apart from our divine Parent, never without the spiritual qualities of fatherhood and motherhood, and certainly never missing the safety that comes from a caregiver’s love-filled shepherding.

At camp, there are unique opportunities every day to experience God as Father-Mother and gain fresh views of God’s care in action. Camp directors nurture staff members’ many talents, setting the foundation for a happy summer. Counselors express Principle and Love through their care for campers, encouraging them to overcome fears through growing closer to God. Campers lean on one another, too, sharing inspiration to meet the needs that arise. And even our horses seem to know when a young rider needs steadiness and calm.

Certainly, leaving home can require trust and courage on the part of campers and their families. What a blessing to know that the omnipresence of Father-Mother Love continues right on at camp - expressed by each one of us in fresh ways as we come together for joyful adventures!

Aaron and K.C.

continued from pg. 1

recognizing that we are, in fact, always governed by God, and every experience is an opportunity to see that governance in action… and to know, as a result, that all things are possible!

As the four of us head into our next summer at the A/U Ranches, we are so excited to see good continue through fresh perspectives, ideas, connections, and experiences.

Welcome Rusty Rohde!

Our New Round-Up Camp Director

I am so excited to be joining the full-time A/U Ranches staff as the new Round-Up Camp Director! I have always looked for ways to help and support camp more each year, jumping at opportunities to serve when the need arose. Camp is and has been a very special place to me. And now I have the opportunity to be actively involved on a yearround basis!

I have been a part of A/U for many years in different capacities. Highlights include serving as the Sky Valley Camp Director for over a decade when it was a seasonal position, training staff in backcountry skills, and leading trips.

I am a teacher by profession and have been in education for over 35 years in private, charter, and public schools. I started a high school mountain bike team and was head coach for many years. I also started a middle school program where students learn math, science, history, reading, and writing through a working bike shop, coffee shop, and snack bar in the classroom.

I like to have fun in whatever I am doing, and I love to think “outside the box”. I look forward to continuing this line of thinking at camp. Mind has no limits, and I can’t wait to tap into that limitless pool of ideas to benefit the A/U Ranches all year long!

All of God’s Creatures Play a Role in Healing

All of God’s creatures are helpful and beautiful in their purpose in God’s creation. I experienced this awareness at Adult Mini Camp last summer when I collapsed and had minor seizures due to a panic attack at the end of the testimony meeting. I could hear a staff member’s dogs barking to alert her to a need, and she immediately responded, reaching out to the Christian Science practitioner and nurse on duty to come help.

While I do not remember what exactly the nurse and practitioner said to me, the feeling is something I can’t forget. It was a warm embrace that melted away the fear and anxiety that had seemed to overwhelm me. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health, “The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt” (323:28–29). Something else that came to thought following this experience was Paul’s declaration to Timothy in his second letter: “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).

The love and care that all involved showed me was God’s precious way of caring for me as His beloved child, and I am truly grateful the fear, anxiety, and physical symptoms disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. Many thanks to the wonderful staff, practitioners, and nurses at camp who work diligently to be transparencies for Godlike grace to flow effortlessly in the camp atmosphere.

2024 Summer Management Team

Ranch Co-directors Aaron Morris

K.C. Morris

Round-Up Camp Directors

Office Team

By Nathan Hey

After this wonderful demonstration, I was privileged to give back to the A/U Ranches through seasonal work as an outdoor education staff member at the 100 Elk Outdoor Center. God certainly has ways above mine to make gifts come full circle, as He “is at once” our “centre and circumference” (Science and Health 203:32–1).

Food Service Team

Rusty Rohde

Lane Brown

Shelby Mehring

Linda Kellogg-Clarke

Kris Proctor

Joy Strickland

Matthew Leon

Mike Kilborn

Horsemanship Director Asst. Horsemanship Director

Sky Valley Camp Directors

Facilities Team

100 Elk Directors

Rachael LePoidevin

Meghan Moss

Christine Bailey

TBD

Steve Murray

Nathan Gregory

Andrew Lambert-Cole

Philip LePoidevin

Brett Grimmer

David Bailey

Nathan enjoying the high ropes course during Mini Camp.

“When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible.”

– Science and Health 180:25–27

New Programming Models

The 100 Elk Outdoor Center is excited to announce new programming models for local and regional youth in 2024. We are moving away from the Adventure Day Camp program (two weeks each summer) and expanding our offerings via local youth organizations.

By Brett Grimmer, 100 Elk Director

100 Elk will be partnering with Chaffee County Boys and Girls Clubs (both BV and Salida), the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), and two Leadville summer programs – Get Outdoors Leadville and Rockies Rock – to provide a range of outdoor education and activities: canoeing, archery, high and low ropes challenge courses, hiking, etc.

In addition, we are adding new elements to our outdoor and character education programs. 100 Elk has partnered with Colorado State University and will be receiving soil sampling kits that contain both online classroom

Word Search:

learning and a field measurement/recording kit to enhance our ecohike programs. The soil kits will allow students to measure/record moisture and microbes in the soil and witness the change that takes place with hydration.

Aerospace engineering will also be offered with a program teaching the science behind rockets and allowing each student to build and launch their own rocket during their program visit! During the recent DiscoveryBound Winter Weekend, participants enjoyed being the first to experience the new aerospace program and launch more than 30 rockets.

We are excited to expand and enhance our 100 Elk Outdoor Center programming, and look forward to broadening our reach in the valley!

Locate the list of words in the grid, running in directions horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Not all letters in the grid will be used.

Camp is Unlimited!

CAMP ISN’T JUST FOR KIDS. Regardless of 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 11–17

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.

SERVICE PROGRAM

MAY 24–27

Help us get the A/U Ranches cleaned up and ready for camp at our mostly work, partly play and always fun service program.

Adult & Family Camperships

ADULT MINI CAMP

Full session | August 19–25

Half session | August 19–22 or 22–25

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

BIBLE STUDY

October 31 – November 4

Topic: The Maverick Gospel of John 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 available for adult and family programs! Apply on the website of our partner, The Campership Fund, at CampershipFund.org.

2024 Program Dates

Spring Service Weekend May 24–27

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

Family Camp

Week 1

June 22–28

Week 2 June 30 – July 6

Week 3 August 11–17

Adult Mini Camp August 19–25

Bible Study October 31 – November 4

Christmas Camp December 21–27 Enjoy All

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

• Mountain program head

• Bunkhouse parents