Zipline Alumni News

Wherever you are, we’re with you! We invite you to join us for DiscoveryBound Outreach virtual game nights, Adventure Unlimited’s Virtual Fundraiser, Youth Camp 2021 and lots more!

My fellow graduates and I exchanged looks of joy and surprise, and it didn’t take long for the bittersweet mixture of gratitude and nostalgia to bring tears to some of us.

“In these strange times where we all feel isolated, I was so grateful for this bubble of joy and laughter, where we could come together and express the dominion of Love,” says one 20s/30s participant.

Regardless of changes made to the structure of residential Youth Camp, what’s most important about camp will stay the same – growing closer to God, spending time with friends and participating in awesome activities.

Our passion for working with kids was reinvigorated by our unique summer, and those of us whose lives had been upended by the pandemic found jobs and housing at the A/U Ranches and beyond.

Material delays and increased costs, design changes and new ideas have all surfaced, and every challenge has been patiently met with the understanding that God’s creation is already complete.

Zipline catches up with alumni of the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound: Cameron Douglas, Rich Ling, Courtlyn Reekstin and Trace Schmeltz.

In the last several years, Adventure Unlimited has prioritized valuing 20s/30s adults through opportunities in participation, employment and volunteering. As a result, these adults have been engaging in new and meaningful ways that are helping nurture their spiritual, personal and professional growth. Two of them share their story.

What looked like daunting times for Leadville/Lake County families beginning in March 2020 was made easier by the love and joy of those who serve others at 100 Elk. Quickly springing into gear, the 100 Elk staff created a summer adventure day camp and reached out to us at the Lake County Department of Human Services, asking, “What would it take to bring kids to this program?”

Wherever you are, we’re with you! We invite you to join us for virtual events or Christmas Camp, shop in our new A/U Ranches online store, and take advantage of an unlimited match to be twice as generous on #GivingTuesday (December 1).