Safe During a Wildfire

The call came just after lunchtime: There was a growing wildfire about 6 miles north of camp. Dry conditions and strong winds meant a fire could move quickly, endangering camp’s property and the nearby town. Campers were in the midst of a program day – riding horses, paddling on the lake, navigating the ropes course, and hiking or riding on backcountry trips.

We practice a fire drill every session, gathering to test our emergency procedures, but we were now faced with the unprecedented possibility of needing to evacuate.

We knew this was another opportunity to demonstrate our 2025 metaphysical theme: “Love’s work and Love must fit” (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 51). It was clear right away that Love was in control then and there – Love was the still, small voice guiding each step and meeting “every human need” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 494).

The summer management team met to discuss first steps. We gathered staff and campers on the lawn, made contact with trips in the backcountry, staged camp vehicles in a central location, and prepared an evacuation plan for campers, staff, and horses. Adventure Unlimited staff based in Denver facilitated communication with camper families to keep them informed and to request their prayerful support.

The first verse of a well-loved hymn at camp, No. 148, includes these lines: 

The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?

One of the clearest signs of Love’s work as we waited for updates was how campers and staff stayed calm, peaceful, and patient. Everyone responded quickly to directives – leaving program activities to return to cabins and gather supplies for a “go bag” – and then waited together on the lawn.

As the afternoon progressed, we were grateful to learn that early firefighting efforts were effective, stalling the growth of the fire. And as prayerful ideas were shared during a late-afternoon meeting of our summer management team, the strength of the wind noticeably subsided. The team kept watch throughout the night, supported by our prayer.

In just two days, the fire was fully contained, and there was no need to evacuate our property. In fact, memory of the entire incident was quickly supplanted by joyful adventures of all the wonderful moments that define camp. Not even the “smell of fire” lingered on our experience that session. Love’s work stayed with us all.