Zipline Alumni News

Sometimes it takes courage to step up and speak Truth in the face of fear or contagion. But if DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council holds to one of its main principles, “encourage the heart,” then encouraging each other as leaders and healers is the very thing we’re here to do.

We heard more this year from parents about the solid foundation of Christian Science being present in programs. And like every year, we are grateful for the opportunities to see so many significant healings through the transformation of thought. Here’s what’s currently underway at Adventure Unlimited.

On a day-off adventure this past summer, a group of bunkhouse parents ended up right where they needed to be to provide help and care to campers and staff.

In this episode of A Thousand Windows, alumnus Garrett Barner tells his story of how the A/U Ranches – which included mentors like Lachlan Clarke – helped him understand the practicality of Christian Science, and that he could do anything he set his mind to.

With five summers of experimenting with program activities and overnight trips, Cap Andrews, I think, was looking for something new to challenge those campers who had already “done it all.” Thus came into being The Four Peaks Trip, an overnight at Kite Lake above Alma, CO, and a one-day ascent of four 14,000-foot peaks.

Photographic proof of my first peak climb was captured on a roll of Kodak 110 film taken by a camera that looked more like a block of cheese than the sleek phones in our pockets these days. 

I have been so fortunate that my Sunday School teacher – a father of four A/U Ranches campers – took enough interest in my spiritual and personal development that he co-sponsored my first trip as a camper to Sky Valley Ranch in 1966. In that spirit of helping others better themselves – by embracing them in a loving atmosphere that promotes personal development and confidence – my wife, Linda, and I made a 10-year pledge from my 401(k) to benefit campers at the A/U Ranches, which will continue from our estate in the event of our passing.

The first six months of 2022 were marked by levels of market volatility and inflation that haven’t been seen for decades. This double-whammy of investment threats, coupled with international instability, has created stress for investors large and small and for individuals who remain committed to supporting the work of Adventure Unlimited. What are the best ways to continue this support in the face of turbulent markets? Here are three strategies that might be worth considering.

Joshua was hired as part of a strategy to take Adventure Unlimited’s fundraising work to a new level to best serve our constituents. As a result, the Adventure Unlimited Foundation is now the Development department, in alignment with common practices in other nonprofit organizations.

This fun-filled week will include mountain activities like hiking, swimming, ropes course, archery, rock climbing and more. Don’t miss this special opportunity to reunite with your fellow alumni in the Rocky Mountains.