Hello from 8,912 feet!

By K.C. Morris, Ranch Co-director

Welcome to your first edition of the new Mountain Memo, an A/U Ranches newsletter that will land in your inbox each month to share news, stories, and upcoming events. We're excited to be in touch with you more regularly about everything happening at 8,912 feet. 

As the new year begins, we're cherishing our 2026 metaphysical theme, "On the rock," from Matthew 7:24 (NIV). It comes from one of Jesus' parables – a reminder to consider the strong spiritual foundation that brings many blessings. You're invited to consider this idea with us!

Welcome our new staff members!

Announcing the new Sky Valley camp director: Matthew Rice!

Matthew is a familiar face at the A/U Ranches, having spent summers serving as a counselor, program head, and assistant camp director. He'll bring a deep love for camp and a commitment to what camp is all about to his new role.

Welcome Amy Kelley, administrative coordinator for 100 Elk! 

Amy is also a familiar face at the A/U Ranches, having supported office work part time over the past year and during several summers. She joined the year-round staff in November with a focus on the 100 Elk Outdoor Center's administrative needs.

Host your own camp show

Attention A/U Ranches super fans: we made something for you! You can now gather friends together and host your own “Off the Beaten Path” Ranches on the Road event. 

Host a meal, play games, and share about our programs. You'll receive swag for yourself and to share, as well as a step-by-step outline of how to host the event. Reach out to Christine Bailey at cbailey@adventureunlimited.org to get a host packet in the mail.

Watch our new Youth Camp video

Every adventure has a story. Start yours here.

January 23

Bainbridge Island, WA, Joint Camp Show
Join the A/U Ranches and Camp Bow-Isle for dinner, games, and to learn about programming offered at both camps.

January 24

Olympia, WA, Joint Camp Show
Join the A/U Ranches and Camp Bow-Isle for lunch, games, and to learn about programming offered at both camps.

January 25

Seattle, WA, Joint Camp Show

Join the A/U Ranches and Camp Bow-Isle for lunch and to learn about programming offered at both camps.

February 8

Denver, Co Joint Camp Show

Join the A/U Ranches and Camp Bow-Isle for lunch and to learn about programming offered at both camps.

February 20

Austin, TX, All Camps Show

Join us for dinner and to learn about adult and family programs. Details to follow.

February 21

San Diego, CA, All Camps & DiscoveryBound Show

Come learn about programming for all ages offered by the six camps for Christian Scientists in North America and DiscoveryBound.

February 22

Los Angeles, CA, All Camps & DiscoveryBound Show

Come learn about programming for all ages offered by the six camps for Christian Scientists in North America and DiscoveryBound.

February 22

Dallas, TX, Camp Show

Join us in Dallas for an afternoon of lunch, cookie decorating, and info on our programming for all ages.

February 22

St. Louis, MO, Camp Show

Join us in St. Louis for an afternoon of lunch, games, and info on our programming for all ages.

March 8

Anchorage, AK, Joint Camp Show

Join the A/U Ranches and Camp Bow-Isle for games and information about camp programs.

March 21

Tempe, AZ, Joint Camp Gathering

Join the A/U Ranches and Crystal Lake Camps for some ice cream and camp fun! Details to follow.

March 22

Scottsdale, AZ, Joint Camp Show

Join the A/U Ranches and Crystal Lake Camps after church at Second Church, Scottsdale, for food, fellowship, and information about adult and family programs. Details to follow.

April 11

Denver, CO, Camp Party

We're having a camp party in Denver! Details to follow.

June – August

Summer Camp!

Check out our lineup of summer programs for youth, families, and adults. There's something for everyone!

It's time: Apply for summer positions

Are you ready for an exciting summer gig, full of love? Counselors, program heads, assistant camp directors, ranch hands, photographers, kitchen staff, bus drivers, interns, and more – we need you!

Apply now

Bunkhouse parents play a special role as volunteers at Youth Camp. You will provide comfort and a sense of home to young campers, support bunkhouse staff, and have free time to experience your own summer camp adventures! 

Apply now


Rusty is already planning the mountain staff training trip for June. Can you guess where?




Jules cooked up a new gorgonzola sauce served with Christmas Eve dinner (mmm).

Camp is made possible by the generosity of donors. Thank you!

P.O. Box 2036 | 18325 County Road #366 | Buena Vista, CO 81211

 888.543.4849 | Email

NOTE: If you’d like to change which emails you receive from the A/U Ranches and/or DiscoveryBound, please contact us and we’d be happy to update your email preferences. Thank you.