Zipline Alumni News

It’s tempting to focus on the amount of change that’s occurred over these last few months at Adventure Unlimited. But while freshness of thought and new ideas are certainly worth celebrating, I’ve also been struck by the steady and persistent continuity of good that defines this organization through all its activities.

Witnessing our children shape their own camp memories this summer while remembering our journey as a family brought into sharp focus our growth in faith, building community and embracing adventure. All those qualities are paramount in the Adventure Unlimited experience.

Zipline catches up with alumni of the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound – Dane Iwata, Steve Ledbetter, Kathy Linehan, Grant and Mandy-kay Pécheck – as well as Adventure Unlimited’s newest National Alumni Board (NAB) member, Allison Abdelnour.

I wanted to give the budding students of Christian Science something they could easily remember and apply before they began their three-day trips. It came in the form of this instruction Jesus gave his followers: “… let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay…”

Have you ever wondered what strategies you can use to invest in Adventure Unlimited? There are a variety of ways you can plan a gift to Adventure Unlimited in addition to naming us in your will or trust – gifts that, with the right planning, can benefit you, your loved ones and Adventure Unlimited in your lifetime.

One of the first healings I experienced as a child occurred on arrival at my first camp session at the A/U Ranches. My friend and I had planned to be at camp together. The week leading up to our arrival, we were skateboarding in our branch church parking lot, where we grew up. I hit some gravel and took a tumble, breaking my arm in the process.

It’s hard to believe we’re well into 2023! All of us are excited about what’s ahead: new staff in place, new programs on the horizon and, as always, new opportunities to see God’s unfoldment of every idea.

Zipline catches up with alumni of the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound – Andrew James Bowen, Kevin Valentine and Mary Jane Winquest – as well as Adventure Unlimited’s newest trustee, China Gorman.

How can you support Adventure Unlimited right now? If you’re coming to camp, shout it from the rooftops! DB events are happening online and in-person, across the country, all year around, for all ages; check out the DB event calendar to find something near you. And don’t forget to let the teens in your life know about applying for DB National Leadership Council and Compass later this summer. 

Fifteen years ago I had the privilege to be a camper in the whitewater kayaking program at Round-Up Ranch. At inspiration before our first day on the river, the counselor who was the program head shared that he always strives to approach the river with “peace and joy and power.”