What exactly is Adventure Unlimited?
Is Adventure Unlimited the same as the A/U Ranches?
Is DiscoveryBound affiliated with the A/U Ranches?
What type of events does DiscoveryBound offer?
What are Adventure Unlimited’s Community Atmosphere and Code of Conduct?


What exactly is Adventure Unlimited?

Adventure Unlimited is a non-profit Christian Science organization that was founded by John “Cap” and Marianne Andrews in the 1950s. The organization was founded as a way to ready young men physically, mentally and spiritually for the world they were entering as adults. It quickly expanded to include young women as well. Because of a growing interest in year-round activities, Adventure Unlimited expanded again in the 1960s to include a field program with chapters around the world that offered young Christian Scientists and their families a way to stay connected and engaged year round. This program is now called DiscoveryBound. Today Adventure Unlimited continues to offer its two distinct program areas – A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound – through which are provided a variety of activities, events, and programming.

Learn more what Adventure Unlimited is all about by reading our Strategic Plan and our history.
View our Org Chart for a clear overview of the way the organization is structured.

Is Adventure Unlimited the same as the A/U Ranches?

Adventure Unlimited is the parent name for the entire organization. Its two main program areas include the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound. The A/U Ranches, located in Buena Vista, Colorado, are a cornerstone of our programming. The supportive and inspiring atmosphere cultivates confidence and develops moral courage for Christian Science youth, adults and families. Activities are offered year-round, including a community outreach program, the 100 Elk Outdoor Center, which serves those of all faiths and economic diversity. The A/U Ranches’ staff lives on property in the Rocky Mountains.

Is DiscoveryBound affiliated with the A/U Ranches?

No. DiscoveryBound is one of two distinct program areas Adventure Unlimited offers. The other program area is the A/U Ranches. While all of the Adventure Unlimited programs ultimately operate under the Adventure Unlimited Mission, Vision and Purpose statements, each program area operates independently of the others. DiscoveryBound has its own staff and holds events around the country and abroad from its offices in the Greenwood Village, Colorado headquarters, just outside of Denver.

What type of events does DiscoveryBound offer?

DiscoveryBound is a year-round program for adults, families and friends of all faiths that provides inspiring recreational, leadership and service activities on local, regional, national and international levels. It creates an atmosphere where individuals experience Christian Science in action. It is composed of DB Outreach, DB National Leadership Council (NLC) and DB Compass.

  • DB Outreach – “reaches out” beyond camp and church to invite those of all faiths to attend local, regional and national events where participants experience Christian Science in action.
  • DB National Leadership Council (NLC) – a four-year servant leadership program for Christian Science high school students, dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, leadership qualities and a service approach to life.
  • Compass – a one-year opportunity for Christian Science teens in high school, focused on spiritual exploration and connection with Christian Science peers.

What are Adventure Unlimited’s Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct?

Community Atmosphere
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30,31

At Adventure Unlimited, we strive to create a loving and inclusive healing atmosphere, grounded in Christian Science principles, that is respectful of each individual.  It is each community member’s responsibility to strive for elevated thought, speech and action while upholding and supporting others through the expression of divine Love.

Code of Conduct
As an organization that serves the broader Christian Science community, Adventure Unlimited (inclusive of the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound) expects its community members to strive to follow a code of conduct that supports an environment focused on spiritual growth and healing. The following outlines a code of conduct to observe during a program:

  1. I will strive to be spiritually centered.
  2. I will strive to support and uphold others in the spirit of the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12).
  3. I will be free from the use or possession of tobacco, vape pens, marijuana, alcohol and illegal drugs.
  4. I will refrain from sharing explicit pictures, materials and stories, as well as excessive public displays of affection and sexual activity outside of marriage.
  5. I will not use offensive language.
  6. I will not intimidate, harass or foster an unsafe environment through any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
  7. I will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, economic status, social group or ethnic origin.

I understand, if I should violate the trust inherent in this Code of Conduct, I will be held accountable for my choices and actions.

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Youth Camp at the A/U Ranches

Our experiences change lives. At the A/U Ranches you’ll find a Christian Science atmosphere with staff dedicated to helping you see the role God plays in your life. Each program and activity is designed to help you break through limitations, reach your goals, and see God in action.

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