Zipline Alumni News

Our programs and other opportunities to get involved look a little different this year, but they’re still focused on “Opening Windows to God”! We’d love for you to connect with us in one or more of these ways this summer and beyond, starting with our metaphysical theme from Miscellaneous Writings.

This year has been like no other for Adventure Unlimited, but one thing is clear: While the format looks different, we are still finding new opportunities to open windows to God. We are grateful for the ways in which prayer has enriched our experiences both in serving new communities, like nearby Leadville, and serving our traditional constituency in new ways.

The National Alumni Board (NAB) and your fellow mountaineering alumni are sending you a virtual care package this summer! It’s been a treat to connect with alumni from multiple decades in preparation for the Mountaineering Reunion, which will now take place August 22-28, 2021.

She climbed Colorado’s 58 14,000-ft peaks in a year and a half while running 50-mile races and carrying a full college course load. This is Annie Hughes, a remarkable mountaineer, ultra-athlete and alumna of A/U Ranches Family Camp and Camp Kohahna, who has taken her love of the outdoors to extremes. Literally.

The things I learned during my youthful association with Adventure Unlimited, and one healing day in particular that I had at camp, have been important landmarks on my spiritual journey that motivated me to continue to support these programs financially in some small way throughout the intervening years.

Zipline catches up with alumni of the A/U Ranches, including the 100 Elk Outdoor Center:  Lydia (Perez-Carpenter) Feldman, Sam Hopple and Karlin Krishnaswami.

While everyone is staying at home, we’re still planning activities for when we can come together again. There’s something here for every alum to do. Join us!

In the last few months, our world has changed substantially. The Adventure Unlimited staff, like so many of you, has been working remotely, finding new ways to execute our mission of Opening Windows to God. We’ve also been making decisions on a daily basis about the future of Adventure Unlimited programs in the coming months.

We are getting very excited to see all of you back at the A/U Ranches this August for what is sure to be the ultimate reunion. Whether you were on staff as a guide or a camper that majored in mountaineering like me, or someone who came to enjoy hiking as an adult, this is an event not to miss. The mountains are calling. Will you answer?

I scaled my first mountain at A/U’s College Stampede. Those not wishing to ascend Collegiate peaks such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, or Princeton, were given the option to go on so-called cake walks to Harvard Lakes or Brown’s cabin. I reluctantly signed up the night before the climb to abuse my big, fine body climbing Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak.