Alumni Memories
I thought back to my experience as a camper and realized that time I spent at the A/U Ranches had a huge impact on my perception of Christian Science. I had realized there were so many young Christian Scientists like me who came to camp to experience what it was like to be surrounded by other like-minded people.
“What would I do if this were a camper or a staff member and we were midway up the mountain? Of course, we would pray.” At that moment, I pulled out my phone where I had downloaded the audio version of that week’s Bible Lesson. I turned the volume up, put it back in my pocket and began climbing. I listened, and with each step I began to feel the fulfillment of spiritual joy that began rushing through me. Every step became steadier. Every rock became firm.
Zipline catches up with three new members of Adventure Unlimited’s Board of Trustees – Amanda Weitman, Lisa Hambrick Graff and Lissa Murphy – and two new National Alumni Board members, Lisle Stigler and Nate Haase.
A poem by Jennifer Franklin, A/U Ranches camper, staff alumna and National Alumni Board member
Have you ever taken a trip, and although you expected it to be fun, it actually changed the trajectory of your life? This happened for my aunt, Anabeth Cox. In this interview, Aunt A.B. (my name for her) shares how her first visit to the A/U Ranches in the summer of 1990 changed her life, not to mention her engagement with the organization.
It was on horseback at Chico Basin and at the A/U Ranches that I had some of my most formative moments – learning that through hard work, trustworthiness, prayer and reliance on God, I could make a positive difference in the world.
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.
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!
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.
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?