Frequently Asked Questions

So your friend told you about DiscoveryBound, huh? You probably have some questions about it, and hopefully this page will answer a few. At these events, everyone accepts you for who you are. You can be yourself and have an amazing time!

Overall Program Information

1. What is DiscoveryBound?
2. What is DiscoveryBound’s Inclusivity Policy?
3. How do Adventure Unlimited’s mission and community standards apply today?
4. What is DiscoveryBound Outreach?
5. What is Christian Science?
6. How is Christian Science Incorporated in DiscoveryBound Outreach events?
7. Is medication allowed at DiscoveryBound Outreach events
8. How much do DiscoveryBound Outreach events cost?
9. Is DiscoveryBound affiliated with the A/U Ranches?
10. What are DiscoveryBound’s Staff/Volunteer Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct?

ANSWERS:

What is DiscoveryBound?

DiscoveryBound serves Christian Scientists and the greater community through fellowship in a dynamic, loving, healing and inspiring atmosphere, which encourages growth in an understanding of Christian Science and service to the world. DiscoveryBound (DB) is comprised of three program areas:

• DB Outreach comes to you in your community with events for youth, your friends and families, as well as adults. Activities support an inspirational environment where everyone relates, based on the shared values of Christian Science.
• DB’s National Leadership Council (NLC) offers teen leadership training based on a Biblical model of service to God and mankind. In NLC, teens belong to a community of like-minded thinkers that support global issues.
• DB Compass offers 10th-12th graders year-long spiritual exploration through monthly video web-chats, three retreats, and great friendships.

What is DiscoveryBound’s Inclusivity Policy?

We invite you to join our staff and board in supporting the unfoldment of good at Adventure Unlimited programming, including DiscoveryBound and the A/U Ranches. Every year the organization chooses a metaphysical theme that encompasses our programming. For 2021 the theme is: “Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals. It is the open fount which cries, ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.’” (SH 13:2) It speaks to the Love and embrace we want all to feel as part of our programs.

The core of our prayers has been cherishing each person’s individual spiritual identity as a child of God, and that has been the springboard for our discussions. While the world has been exploring what it means to be more accepting, we have been asking ourselves the same question and embracing our entire constituency. Our non-discrimination policy includes that we “do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, economic status, social group or ethnic origin.” Our desire is to be welcoming of all campers, participants, volunteers and staff who sincerely desire to deepen their relationship with God, consistent with our mission of Opening Windows to God.

This year, we are bringing an increased focus to several elements:

Bullying – Addressing bullying continues to be a priority. We do specific training with staff/volunteers on bullying prevention and intervention, including outside resources and role playing responses, in line with our anti-bullying policy. We introduce the standard of no tolerance for bullying and share the steps every individual should take if they experience or observe bullying.

Modesty and Privacy – We are establishing and supporting modesty and privacy in our accommodations by more clearly articulating to all that anyone is welcome to use a private space in the bathroom to change. This is a normal and acceptable part of respecting each person’s privacy and comfort level.

Names and Pronouns – We recognize some people may prefer to be called a different name or use a different pronoun than what we have known them by. Therefore, we are making the space for anyone to introduce themselves using their desired pronouns, should they wish to do so. It will be an option for everyone, but not required of anyone. As a community, we will respect these individual choices and call people by the names and pronouns they request. This year participants and staff/volunteers will continue to be housed according to birth gender.

Listening with Care – As we embrace the diversity of all, we are also doing additional training on how to respect differences and how to listen to each other with care. We recognize polarization is a challenge in the world today and we have an opportunity to practice listening to and loving each other. This training returns us to our focus on spiritual identity. When we see each other as the perfect child of God, it allows us to talk with them with love and understanding.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and prayer about these focus areas, and your loving embrace of each participant, camper, volunteer and staff member drawn to the refreshing waters of Adventure Unlimited’s programming. We’re eager to universally and impartially embrace each one, and look forward to welcoming all to our events and activities. Please let our executive director, Gina Lindquist-Bailey, know if you have any questions.

How do Adventure Unlimited’s mission and community standards apply today?

Our staff and board of trustees think and pray about this question on an ongoing basis. The link below will take you to an in-depth response to questions raised by stakeholders.

What is Outreach?

DiscoveryBound (DB) Outreach is a program that hosts events in a Christian Science environment for kids, teens, adults, families – as well as their friends of other faiths. They have everything from small local events to large national annual programs! DB Outreach usually has a theme or central activity, like a sleepover at a theme park or a road rally across a big city. There are activities at the beginning of an event to help everyone get to know each other. Some participants are techy, others are artsy, others are sporty… but everyone is real! It’s not okay for people to be rude or exclusive at the events, so we leave those attitudes at the door! Everyone accepts you for who you are. You can be yourself and have an amazing time!

What is Christian Science?

Christian Science is a Bible-based protestant Christian religion, not to be confused with Scientology. It follows Jesus’ example of how to rely on God for health and happiness. Christian Science is all about living love and expressing God’s goodness, including treating other people with unconditional empathy and forgiveness. Christian Scientists pray to God for guidance and healing for a variety of challenges – emotional, financial, physical, etc. – and they find that it works. A common misunderstanding about Christian Science is that Christian Scientists are not allowed to go to doctors. Actually, the church does not set rules like that, and each person is encouraged to make their own decisions. It is a religion of Biblical examples, critical thinking, and effective prayer. It may be helpful for you to go to a Christian Science Sunday School before you go on a weekend activity so you have a better idea of how we turn to God. Ask someone to take you or go on your own. You are always welcome at a CS church. For more information on Christian Science, you can visit ChristianScience.com.

How is Christian Science incorporated in DiscoveryBound Outreach events?

DB Outreach events are not church, and it certainly doesn’t try to convert anyone to Christian Science. Instead, it creates an atmosphere of friendship, helpfulness, inclusiveness, and inspiration that gives everyone a chance to feel free to be their selves and to feel close to God. Outreach events typically include an inspirational talk filled with new, helpful ideas, and usually there is a Christian Science practitioner available to offer answers and support when people have questions or challenges. A practitioner is someone who devotes their profession to helping people find solutions to all of life’s challenges through prayer. Above all, the thing to remember is that DB is all about experiencing God’s love in action, not about putting anyone on the spot.

Is medication allowed at DiscoveryBound Outreach events?

If you are on medication or would like to bring medicine with you to an event, please give the DiscoveryBound Outreach Director a call. They can walk you through our policies and procedures to make sure you feel comfortable at the event! Don’t let this stop you from attending the activity.

How much Do DiscoveryBound Outreach events cost?

The cost of Outreach events varies, depending on the activities involved, but as a non-profit DiscoveryBound works very hard to keep programs affordable. Teens, we are willing to work with you and your family to make sure money doesn’t stop you from being a part of these fun events.

Is DiscoveryBound affiliated with the A/U Ranches?

No. DiscoveryBound is one of two distinct program areas of the Adventure Unlimited organization. The other program area is the A/U Ranches. While all of the Adventure Unlimited programs ultimately operate under the Adventure Unlimited mission statement, each program area operates independently of the others. DiscoveryBound, has its own staff and holds events around the country and abroad from its offices in the Greenwood Village, CO headquarters, just outside of Denver.

What are DiscoveryBound’s Staff/Volunteer Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct?

DiscoveryBound’s Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct can be found here.

Compass Program Information

1. What is the time commitment of Compass?
2. Where are the Compass retreats held?
3. What is the registration process for Compass?
4. How much financial aid is available for Compass, and how does the application process work?
5. Are Compass participants required to attend Christian Science Sunday School?
6. How does the Compass Program differ from the National Leadership Council?

ANSWERS:

What is the time commitment of Compass?

When you join the Compass program, you are committing to a full school year, so be sure the retreat dates work with your family’s schedule before committing. You will also be expected to attend the web hangouts every month and to put some thought into brief assignments that deepen your look into each monthly theme. Plan to dedicate approximately 2-3 hours per month to your Compass participation.

Where are the retreats held?

Retreat locations change each season. The group typically stays together with chaperones in a home or youth hostel. The groups will be formed geographically to enable teens to potentially drive to the retreat locations. If there is a need to fly to the retreats, the Compass participants will be greeted at the airport and provided with ground transportation.

What is the registration process for Compass?

Registration for Compass is on a first come, first served basis and space is limited. Register online, but first prepare your application responses (the online form will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and we wouldn’t want you to have to start over after you pause to gather your thoughts!).

How much financial aid is available, and how does the application process work?

Financial aid is granted on a case by case basis, and each family’s situation is taken into account. To apply for aid, begin by registering online for the program. Once you have made that commitment and paid the $300 deposit, look for a link to the financial aid application in the confirmation email and complete the form. Next, you will receive an email with the amount you’ve been granted. All we ask in return is that you keep your grant confidential and that your teen write a thoughtful gratitude letter to DiscoveryBound’s donors at the end of the program.

If the amount of aid you’ve been granted does not meet your needs and you decide to withdraw from the program, you can get a refund of your $300 deposit by contacting the DiscoveryBound office within 48 hours of receiving your financial aid grant. If you have questions about finances prior to committing to the program, please call our office at the number below.

Are Compass participants required to attend Christian Science Sunday School?

Compass is a program for teens who have a genuine desire to study and practice Christian Science, and to support this desire, we do require participants to attend Sunday School at least 50% of the time. Participants may be new to Christian Science and may not have a history of attending Sunday School, but we ask for their commitment going forward.

How does the Compass Program differ from the National Leadership Council?

National Leadership Council (NLC) Program Information

1. Who can join the NLC program?
2. When can a teen join the program? Can they join later?
3. Should participants keep the same Mentor through their four years in the program?
4. What are the requirement elements of NLC?
5. How much does it cost to participate in NLC?
6. What are NLC’s Participant Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct?

ANSWERS

Who can apply for the NLC program?

Applicants must regularly attend a Christian Science Sunday School.

When can a teen apply for NLC? Can they join later?

Students apply only in the fall of their 8th grade year. Classes form at the same time and stay together for four years. If they miss this window, they may want to consider registering for DiscoveryBound’s Compass program, which is a one-year program for students in 10th – 12th grades.

Should participants keep the same Mentor through their four years in the program?

We expect students and mentors to stay together through the program. Each year they recommit to the mentor/mentee relationship.

What are the requirements of NLC?

• Monthly class calls and assignments
• Regular interaction with their NLC Mentor
• Annual All Class Retreat
• Summer Experiences – Orientation, Adventure Expedition, Service Trip, Internship
• Participation in Congressional Award – Bronze Medal minimum
• Submission to the Christian Science Publishing Society
• Capstone Project

How much does it cost to participate in NLC?

The cost to the family of the program over four years for each participant is approx. $10,500 (includes the All Class Retreat and Summer Experiences, plus estimated travel. Financial aid in the form of scholarships is available for those in need.

What are NLC’s Participant Community Atmosphere & Code of Conduct?

Community Atmosphere
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30,31

At Adventure Unlimited, we strive to create a loving and inclusive healing atmosphere, grounded in Christian Science principles, that is respectful of each individual.  It is each community member’s responsibility to strive for elevated thought, speech and action while upholding and supporting others through the expression of divine Love.

Code of Conduct
As an organization that serves the broader Christian Science community, Adventure Unlimited (inclusive of the A/U Ranches and DiscoveryBound) expects its community members to strive to follow a code of conduct that supports an environment focused on spiritual growth and healing. The following outlines a code of conduct to observe while preparing for and during program:

1. I am an active student of Christian Science. I will strive daily to live in accordance with its teachings, to demonstrate its principles and to be metaphysically prepared.
2. I will strive to support and uphold others in the spirit of the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12).
3. I will be free from the use or possession of tobacco, vape pens, marijuana, alcohol and illegal drugs.
4. I will refrain from sharing explicit pictures, materials and stories, as well as excessive public displays of affection and sexual activity outside of marriage.
5. I will not use offensive language.
6. I will not intimidate, harass or foster an unsafe environment through any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse.
7. I will not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political opinion, economic status, social group or ethnic origin.

I understand, if I should violate the trust inherent in this Code of Conduct, I will be held accountable for my choices and actions.

Still have questions? Email or call 888.416.7348 x138