A/U Ranches
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.
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?”
Struggling to find peace in the unknown, I realized that I needed to hand this over to God. I stopped fearing and started trusting. I experienced the epitome of “letting go and letting God” and wow, was that a good choice!
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.
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?
In addition to welcoming everyone who loves participating in all aspects of Mini Camp, the A/U Ranches is inviting to the reunion past and present alumni (campers and staff) who hiked, peaked, backpacked, rock climbed, navigated the ropes course, caved, mountain biked and more.
This summer, I did an internship as the forestry program head with the A/U Ranches. One of the requirements of my degree, a Master of Environmental Management from Western Colorado University, requires that graduate students actually “get something done” and assist with a project that benefits an organization working towards improving environmental health. Over the summer, this is exactly what I got to do at the A/U Ranches!
Four summers ago, I was a CIT (counselor-in-training) at the A/U Ranches. After attending Youth Camp since I was seven years old, I was pretty excited to continue going to camp, in a new role. I started off strong, ready to tackle this new job and have fun at my favorite place on earth. But throughout the summer, challenges arose that I wasn’t ready for.