Alumni Memories
Two graduates of the DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council who were also campers and counselors are serving the organization that supported them, now as impactful staff members.
MoreWe serve alumni to make sure the inspiration, fellowship and life lessons from DiscoveryBound and A/U Ranches programs never fade, regardless of where you live or even how long it’s been since you’ve been involved.
MoreFour 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.
More“The inspiration for the Denver area alumni event came from the organization’s focus on living generously,” says National Alumni Board member Jennifer Franklin. “And, with my work on the NAB’s Program Outreach committee, I’m committed to being in touch with alumni in the area to give them a sense of belonging with the organization, whether or not they are still practicing Christian Science.”
MoreNever let distance define us, at least when it comes to friendships. That’s what DiscoveryBound National Leadership Council (DB NLC) graduates Emily Swanson and Catherine Smith say about their globetrotting friendship that began worlds apart but has become a worldwide adventure.
MoreWhen I went off to college right out of high school, I was pretty naive about the world. I’d grown up in a large family and we all attended a Christian Science Sunday School. Looking back, I don’t think I had a very clear idea of God or what my relationship was to Him/Her.
MoreIt was a fruitful few days for the board, where major themes of discussion included how to connect with as many alumni as possible in the coming year and develop or support existing programs that encourage regular connections to Adventure Unlimited, through either the A/U Ranches or DiscoveryBound.
MoreMy first time on a horse was at a state fair when I was around two or three years old. The horse’s name was Mister Ed, and I insisted on riding him all by myself without my mom holding me. I was immediately hooked!
MoreI remember seeing the A/U Ranches for the first time as a 12-year-old attending Family Camp. I was so impressed with its beauty and the warmth of the counselors. My siblings were college age, but both they and the counselors went out of their way to make me feel like one of the gang – a heady experience for a 7th-grader!
MoreCamp has been my way of measuring growth over the years, the various horses I rode acting as trail markers throughout my life. My most significant friendships have been formed at camp, important lessons have been learned at camp, and the best parts of myself were discovered and established while at camp.
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