Remembrances of Camp: ‘Lasting Impressions’
A poem by Jennifer Franklin, A/U Ranches camper, staff alumna and National Alumni Board member
Friendships formed and nurtured through the years
The majesty of the mountains
The smell of the pines, the water, the cabins
The first day of camp and the sight of the first bus arriving from the airport
Bus arriving with campers from the airport ~1980
Comforting a young camper who was feeling “homesick” on her first night at RUR
The awesome quiet when “Alone With Your Thoughts” and the pure power of those moments as you commune with God on the hillside
The supportive staff who guide and give of their time and youthful vigor each summer
Overcoming limitations on the ropes course, rock climbs, mountain climbs, endurance rides, testimony meetings, river raft trips
The sincere desire of the founders, Cap and Marianne Andrews, who persevered in bringing forth their vision for A/U and for sharing it with all of us
The sound of music ringing forth from Valerie and Wyly lodges out into the cool, Colorado evening air, and the songs of Fogelberg, Denver, Newton-John, Elton John
Starting a fire in Crow’s Nest fireplace and spending the day reading the Bible lesson and sharing this love with fellow staff and campers
Healing of sickness while climbing Yale in ’76 and the testimony published
Freedom from fear and learning to trust God to guide my footsteps on the many nights I travelled the Wyly path, sometimes running the distance to Pinebrook
Healing homesickness, loneliness, unworthiness, impatience, self-righteousness, ineptitude, jealousy, possessiveness, anger, sleep deprivation, ankle sprains, food poisoning, altitude sickness and many other situations
Conquering a feeling of separation at the end of the summer when the camp staff left to go home.
Opening Windows to God, pp. 293-294, ©1999 and 2006
Jennifer Franklin
Do you have an alumni story you want to share? Email us at alumni@adventureunlimited.org.
Share:
Categories:
Related Articles
Boyman Center Dedicated
With deep gratitude for Summit Society members Heidy and John Boyman, an enthusiastic group consisting of family members, Adventure Unlimited staff and Service Weekend participants celebrated the dedication of the
Kitchen Talk: What’s New with Food at the A/U Ranches?
Matthew Leon and Mike Kilborn, who are in charge of food operations at the A/U Ranches, have made improvements in food management and planted gardens that bring fresh vegetables to
Update for Alumni: Celebrating the Good from Summer
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